jätteenpolttotoiminto

Jätteenpolttotoiminto, also known as waste incineration, is a thermal treatment process for managing municipal and industrial solid waste. The primary goal of this process is to reduce the volume of waste and to recover energy in the form of heat or electricity. Modern waste incineration facilities are designed to control emissions and handle the resulting byproducts safely.

The combustion process takes place in a specialized furnace at high temperatures, typically between 850 and 1100 degrees Celsius. This high temperature ensures that organic materials are destroyed, effectively sterilizing the waste. The heat generated during combustion can be used to produce steam, which then drives turbines to generate electricity, or it can be used directly for heating purposes in district heating systems.

Ash and slag are the main solid residues from the incineration process. Bottom ash, which remains in the furnace, can often be further processed and recycled as construction material. Fly ash, which is captured from the flue gases, contains higher concentrations of pollutants and requires special treatment and disposal, often in designated hazardous waste landfills.

Emissions from incineration are carefully monitored and treated. Flue gas cleaning systems are employed to remove pollutants such as particulate matter, acid gases (like sulfur dioxide and hydrogen chloride), nitrogen oxides, and heavy metals before the gases are released into the atmosphere. These systems typically include scrubbers, filters, and catalytic converters.

Waste incineration is a component of integrated waste management strategies, often used in conjunction with recycling and composting programs. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to significantly reduce the amount of waste requiring landfill disposal while also providing a source of renewable energy.