Waste to Energy Fundamentals

Course Number: 114

This course covers the fundamentals of waste combustion—characteristics and handling of MSW fuel, furnace designs, waste combustion, and plant operations.

Recommended Contact Hours - 14

Chapter 1: Introduction to Waste Combustion

Topics: Benefits of converting waste to energy; Environmental regulations; The Clean Air Act; Permit program; Reporting procedures

Learning 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

Chapter 2: Characteristics of MSW Fuel

Topics: MSW definitions, classification, and composition; MSW handling safety; MSW and refuse-derived fuel; MSW compared to fossil fuels

Learning 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.

Chapter 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

Learning 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 in an MSW facility.
• List typical receiving and feeding equipment and explain its functions.
• Describe how conveyors are used in a typical RDF facility.

Chapter 4: Furnace Designs

Topics: MWC designs; Mass-burn designs; Rotary combustors; RDF designs

Learning 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.

Chapter 5: Municipal Waste Combustion

Topics: The combustion process; Theoretical and excess air; Heating value; Charging rate; Combustor capacity; Combustion temperatures; Reaction rates; Air pollution control equipment; Slag and soot

Learning 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.

Chapter 6: Ash Handling and Material Recovery

Topics: Characteristics of MSW ash; Safety and handling requirements; Ash treatment and testing; Transport and loading systems; Material recovery

Learning Objectives:

• 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.

Chapter 7: Integrated Plant Operations

Topics: Principles of plant operation; Operator training; Upset conditions; Operating procedures; Troubleshooting; Basic plant economics

Learning Objectives:

• State the main responsibilities of an MWC operator.
• Define the terms turnover, parameter, and walkdown as they relate to MWC 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.