Combustion Systems & Processes

The Science of Combustion

Combustion is the scientific term for burning, and is essentially a high temperature, chemical chain reaction that produces fire and the release of energy. To achieve successful combustion the right amount of heat, oxygen and fuel are required, if one of these is removed the combustion can’t take place. Therefore, altering the amount of any one of the three can control the rate of combustion or completely stop the process all together. This is why air supply using an industrial fan is key to effective combustion.

Combustion in Disposal & Waste Management Processes

Combustion processes play a key role in waste management and meet the disposal needs of various applications. Efficient combustion processes can produce energy that can be reclaimed as heat or electricity and in return produce a sustainable and cost-effective waste management recycling system. Such technologies are often the preferred method of reducing waste that would otherwise add to the growing problem of landfill mass. It is often a more convenient and cost effective method to dispose of waste on site, especially in remote locations where it can be difficult and costly to rely on waste collections services.

Many power and manufacturing plants require combustion systems on site for convenience and to reduce costs. Businesses utilising combustible materials such as wood on a continuous production line may require constant waste disposal to maintain a safe working environment. For example the production of wood pallets creates large quantities of wood waste that needs to be disposed of quickly. Combustion waste engines allow for fast disposal and can help to reclaim a substantial amount of energy back into the business as heat. Combustion technology is widely used to safely destroy hazardous waste that poses a health or environmental risk such as medical waste. This type of waste is potentially contagious or containing toxic chemicals and needs to be fully destroyed to maintain biosafety.

Ensuring a system has the right amount of air input with a stable and consistent flow using forward curved fans will provide maximum combustion by providing one of the three components needed: oxygen. A lack of air flow makes for poor combustion, less energy production and potentially more emissions. Sooting and flame failures are clear signs of air issues as the flames will gradually go out without sufficient air intake which results in the production of soot.