OVERVIEW OF WASTEWATER SOLIDS INCINERATION

In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest and construction of incineration facilities as a preferred biosolids and residuals management method. This is due to the newer application for combustion and air pollution control technologies and a stable regulatory environment. The technology changes have included the emergence of fluid bed incineration as the preferred technology and the upgrade of multiple hearth incinerators with afterburner chambers or improved combustion controls. Innovations and improvements in gas scrubbing and cleaning methods and the requirement for continuous emission monitoring equipment have allowed reliable and effective operations. The Federal 503 regulations established the framework for the regulatory environment for incineration operation and these regulations have been largely unchanged for over a decade.This paper presents an overview of the wastewater solids incineration technologies and practices and presents capital and operating costs for typical operating facilities. This paper would be of interest to other professionals considering incineration as a biosolids management practice.