Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol 26, Feb Suppl. Issue, 2020; Page No.(227-234)

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A BIOMEDICAL WASTE INCINERATOR ON THE BASIS OF MASS AND ENERGY BALANCE, FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CYCLE TIME (A CASE STUDY OF THE BIOMEDICAL WASTE INCINERATOR ETMADPUR, AGRA, INDIA)

Sandeep Kumar Verma, N. B. Singh and C.N. Tripathi

Abstract

In the present paper the performance evaluation of a biomedical waste incinerator on the basis of mass and energy balance, fuel consumption and the cycle time, is presented. Mass and energy balances are based on the principle of the conservation of mass and the conservation of energy. The conservation of mass means that if there is no accumulation inside the reaction chamber, what goes into the process, must come out. In the same way the energy balance means that whatever the energy goes into the process, must come out fully, if there has been no leakage in the pipes or in the incineration chambers. In case of the presence of any leakage, the air may enter and cause the excess consumption of fuel which would prolong the cycle time. For measuring the excess fuel consumption it is necessary to find the accurate amount of fuel which is essential for complete combustion. For determining the accurate amount of the fuel, the calculations have been performed on the basis of the method prescribed by the Ontario, Ministry of Environment, West Toronto, “Ontario, Canada, October 1986”. The experimental studies have been conducted on every weekend (Saturday). It was started from 4th Jan. 2019 and was continued up to 30th March 2019. The data of twelve experimental studies showed that the fuel consumption and the cycle time were nearly appropriate except one, in which higher fuel consumption and longer cycle time was found. In all twelve experimental studies it was seen that about 3% of waste remained half-burned which is caused due to the formation of cold pockets or inactive zone in the side corners and top portion corners of both chambers. This is a technical fault in the design which took place at the time of manufacturing the equipment. The operator of the common biomedical waste treatment facility (CBWTF) was advised to install the new plant with latest improved design in which the corners are rounded from inside.