Waste-to-Energy Fundamentals

Lesson 1: Introduction to Waste Combustion

Topics

History of Waste Management; Benefits of Converting Waste to Energy; Environmental Regulations; The Clean Air Act; Current Guidelines; Permit Program; Reporting Procedures

Objectives

• Summarize the history of waste handling.
• List some problems associated with landfills and the benefits of waste-to-energy conversion.
• Name the federal regulations that apply to MWCs.
• Explain how NSPS regulations affect the operation of MWCs.
• Explain the permitting program.

Lesson 2: Characteristics of MSW Fuel

Topics

MSW Definitions; MSW Classification and Composition; MSW Handling Safety; MSW and Refuse-Derived Fuel; MSW Compared to Fossil Fuels

Objectives

• State the definition of MSW and list some kinds of waste excluded from MSW.
• Explain the various methods of classifying MSW.
• Discuss safety concerns related to the handling of MSW.
• Explain the differences between mass-burn MSW and RDF.
• Compare and contrast MSW and fossil fuels.

Lesson 3: MSW Handling

Topics

Solid Materials Flow Path; Weight Scale Operation; Tipping Floor and Refuse Pit; Receiving and Feeding Equipment; Front-End Conveyor Systems; Feed Systems; Ash Removal

Objectives

• Describe the MSW flow in a mass-burn and an RDF facility.
• Explain the responsibilities of the weight scale operator.
• Describe the tipping floor and refuse pit.
• Explain how odors are managed is an MSW facility.
• List typical receiving and feeding equipment and explain its functions.
• Describe how conveyors are used in a typical RDF facility.

Lesson 4: Furnace Designs

Topics

History of MWCs; MWC Designs; Mass-Burn Designs; Rotary Combustors; RDF Designs

Objectives

• Explain the impact of corrosion on MWC design.
• Describe mass-burn and RDF feed systems.
• Explain the operation of the following types of stokers: reciprocating grate, reversed reciprocating grate, oscillating grate, roller grate, and traveling grate.
• Define and contrast overfire air and underfire air and explain why the control of combustion air is important.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a rotary combustor.

Lesson 5: Municipal Waste Combustion

Topics

The Combustion Process; Municipal Solid Waste as Fuel; Theoretical Air and Excess Air; Heating Value; Charging Rate; MSW Combustor Capacity; Combustion Temperatures; Reaction Rates; Air Pollution Control Equipment; Slag and Soot

Objectives

• Explain the combustion process as it occurs in a municipal waste combustor.
• Name the two main factors that determine feed rate.
• Define the terms theoretical air and excess air and tell why they are important.
• Explain the use of common air pollution control equipment and processes.
• Tell how soot and slag are formed and how they are removed.

Lesson 6: Ash Handling and Material Recovery

Topics

Characteristics of MSW Ash; Ash Safety and Handling Requirements; Ash Treatment and Testing Programs; Ash Transport and Loading Systems; Material Recovery

Objectives

• Describe the characteristics of MSW ash.
• Explain the safety considerations when handling MSW ash.
• List the major ash handling equipment.
• Describe the ash treatment and testing program.
• List the materials recovered from ash.
• List some potential uses for ash.

Lesson 7: Integrated Plant Operations

Topics

Principles of Plant Operation; Operator Training; Upset Conditions; Operating Procedures; Troubleshooting Concepts; Basic Plant Economics

Objectives

• State the main responsibilities of an MWC operator.
• Define the terms turnover, parameter, and walkdown as they relate to MSW operations.
• Explain the importance of operator training.
• Describe the three upset conditions in an MWC that can be dangerous to personnel and property.
• List the causes and symptoms of common MWC process problems.
• List the three sources of profit in a typical MWC.