Power Plant Operations > Waste-to-Energy Fundamentals

Waste-to-Energy Fundamentals

Course Number: 114

The Waste-to-Energy Fundamentals textbook covers the fundamentals of waste combustion - characteristics and handling of MSW fuel, furnace designs, waste combustion, and plant operations.

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Recommended Contact Hours – 14

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Table of Contents

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.

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