What is the main working principle of a solid waste incinerator?

Main Working Principle of a Solid Waste Incinerator

Solid waste incineration furnaces and Lv Quan Environmental Protection Engineering Technology Co., Ltd. have formed a complete technology chain in the field of solid waste treatment.
1. Feeding and Uniform Supply

A dedicated feeding system (screw conveyor, vibrating feeder, or robotic arm) ensures that solid waste enters the combustion zone continuously and evenly within the furnace.

The feeding system is equipped with an automatic weighing and monitoring device, which adjusts the feed rate in real time to prevent accumulation or insufficient feed that can lead to unstable combustion.
2. High-Temperature Combustion and Oxidation Reaction

A burner (gas, oil nozzle, or plasma ignition) is installed within the furnace to ignite the waste at high temperatures of 800°C–1200°C.

With an ample supply of oxygen, the organic components in the waste are completely oxidized, releasing a large amount of heat energy. Simultaneously, non-combustible components are converted to ash.
3. Heat Energy Release and Flue Gas Formation

The high-temperature flue gas generated by combustion carries heat upward, transferring heat through the furnace walls to form a high-temperature airflow. Flue gas contains CO₂, H₂O, NOₓ, SO₂, particulate matter, and potentially harmful organic matter, requiring subsequent purification.
4. Ash Separation and Discharge

An ash collection trough or automatic slag discharge device is installed at the furnace bottom. Solid residue is promptly discharged by gravity or mechanical conveying to prevent secondary combustion and slagging within the furnace.

How is the heat energy generated during the incineration process of solid waste incineration furnaces converted into steam or electricity?

1. Heat Exchange in Waste Heat Recovery Systems

High-temperature flue gas exchanges heat directly or indirectly with water/steam through a heat exchanger (boiler tube bundle or plate heat exchanger).
The heat exchanger design utilizes high-efficiency heat transfer materials and a multi-channel structure, allowing the flue gas to boil at temperatures between 150°C and 200°C.
2. Steam Generation and Circulation

The heated water is converted into high-pressure steam (typically 1.0–2.5 MPa) within the heat exchanger and then enters the steam network. Steam can be used to produce hot water for process needs or fed into a steam turbine for mechanical energy conversion.
3. Steam Turbine-Driven Power Generation

High-pressure steam drives the turbine rotor, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy through a generator.

The power generation system is equipped with a speed regulator and a grid-connected inverter to ensure stable power output or self-use.
4. Secondary Utilization of Waste Heat and Pressure

Waste heat can also be used in waste heat boilers, absorption cooling, or heating systems, improving overall energy efficiency.

Using waste pressure recovery devices (such as waste pressure expanders) further reduces energy loss, achieving cogeneration of heat and power.