1-16. INCINERATOR TEMPERATURES
Efficient operation of an incinerator results in burning more refuse each day with
less labor and fewer repairs. High or low temperatures or rapid temperature fluctuations
should be avoided to prevent injury to operators and to reduce fire hazards.
a. Temperature Range. In full operation, the temperatures in the combustion
chamber range from 1,400F to a maximum of 2,000F. All combustible materials and
odorous gases are consumed at an optimum temperature of 1,600F. Prolonged higher
temperatures damage refractories and castings. Fluctuations in temperatures cause
the cement joints between the firebricks to break down, allowing sections of refractory to
fall out, especially in the arch and hanging walls.
b. Pyrometers.
Pyrometers are instruments for measure temperatures.
1-17. CLEANING SCHEDULE
A schedule showing the frequency for inspecting and cleaning each component
of the incinerator should be developed and posted in the incinerator building. General
cleaning includes:
a. Washing floors daily.
b. Removing grease with an approved cleaning compound.
c. Cleaning ashes from the base of the chimney and the flue connection, as well
as grease from all sumps and floor drains. Ashes and other refuse should be removed
from the incinerator daily, placed in cans or other suitable containers, and hauled to the
sanitary landfill for burial at least once a week after having been tested for heavy metals
content and determined to be nonhazardous waste.
1-18. RECORDS
A chronological log of inspection dates and descriptions of all repairs made
should be kept. The number of cubic yards of each kind of refuse incinerated should be
recorded daily.
1-19. OTHER REQUIREMENTS
a. The incinerator should be located at least 1,000 feet to 3 miles from inhabited
buildings. Again, the operation of an incinerator is a sophisticated, hazardous, and
expensive process requiring specially trained personnel. The environmental health
specialist will probably have more contact with the sanitary landfill.
b. A copy of installation recycling regulations should be posted where it is
accessible to incineration operation personnel, as well as collection crews, and
MD0162
1-27