Forward curved centrifugal fans are key to the combustion process inside incinerators, boilers, ovens, furnaces, kilns and dryers. Providing a precise airflow under a reliable and constant pressure, speeds up the combustion process and ensures maximum efficiency. Process manufacturers and power plants are amongst the many industries that require combustion to burn oil, natural gases and several types of waste.
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.
Within complete combustion reactions the fuel and the oxygen, otherwise referred to as the oxidizer produce new chemical substances called exhaust. For example, soot is a solid exhaust found in many combustion processes. Due to such high temperatures in combustion, exhausts can be released in the form of gases.
Burning hydrogen and carbon based fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other chemical combinations can be released from oxidizer reactions depending on the content of the air supply. However this is believed to be more of an issue where combustion temperatures fall below 850C.
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.
Wood Waste Disposal
Waste pellet wood from industry or waste wood from land can be used as fuel for biomass boilers to produce heating and hot water on the premises. Biomass boilers are connected to an existing heating system and can provide warm air, underfloor heating and heat via existing radiators.
Industrial Fans for Maximum Combustion in Waste Wood Renewable Energy Systems |
Medical Waste Management
High temperature medical waste incinerators are key to the destruction of hazardous, pharmaceutical and hospital waste. Combustion is the most effective process to fully destroy waste that poses a health and environmental threat. Any materials that contain toxic substances or potentially carry fatal infectious diseases must be safely destroyed with immediate effect to prevent further breakout.
Centrifugal Blower Fans for Combustion Burning of Medical Waste |
Municipal Waste Management
Household waste is recycled where possible, but after it’s been filtered any non-recyclable waste left over is often burnt. Non-recyclable waste can be contaminated or has no end use, so burning it is often the preferred option as opposed to contributing to landfill. Combustion technology for municipal waste provides sustainable waste management and contributes to UK energy generation.
Residual Waste to Energy Incineration |
Agriculture and Farming Operations
Incinerators for agriculture ensure that fallen stock and animal waste is effectively disposed of on site. It is a cost-effective and much more manageable method for helping to reduce all types of farming waste. Trailer mounted incinerators are ideal for agriculture and farming due to easy mobility which means they can be moved to areas most needed at the time.
Human Cremation
The combustion of deceased bodies requires a fully contained system to prevent the release of any toxic or germane compounds being released to atmosphere. An efficient combustion system reaching a very high temperature can break down and fully destroy any harmful toxins present. Therefore specifying the correct fan for a cremation oven is vital for achieving sufficient combustion. Incomplete combustion poses the risk of the hazardous compounds being released. It is also important that emissions are at a minimum throughout the process to comply with legislation.
Pet Cremation
Pet cremation furnaces are becoming increasingly popular with a number of pet owners wanting to reclaim their pets’ ashes. Machines are well developed and cater for a wide range of different sized pets. They are commonly used in veterinary practices , pet cremators, pet cemeteries, open funeral providers, catteries, boarding kennels, horse stables and animal rescue centres.
Mobile Incinerators
Mobile incinerators are commonly used for emergency and disaster zone clean ups, such as sudden outbreaks of disease or mass pollution that requires a fast disposal process on a temporary basis. Remote locations facing low waste management resources can also benefit from on site waste disposal technology. It solves the problem of built up waste and hard to reach, costly removal services.
It is important to select the correct combustion fan for this type of application to ensure the system is operating at its full potential. Airflow and pressure requirements for combustion system depends on the type of fuel used and the size and design of the system. Centrifugal blower fans such as our GRE range manufactured by Ecofit, are robust and reliable making them the preferred choice for combustion applications.
Combustion fans play a key role inside various incineration systems and biomass boilers by vacuuming air from the atmosphere and blowing it into the chamber to speed up the burning process. They provide stability and ease of control, ensuring a constant circulation of air for maximum combustion. This provides an efficient heat generation system whilst also reducing costs. Specifying the correct combustion fan for your application will depend on the environment, airflow and pressure requirements.
Key Features:
Axair work with contractors, installers and system designers to ensure the industrial fan is suitable to achieve the required airflow, pressure and system performance required for individual specifications. Axair’s engineers have extensive knowledge in combustion technologies and continue to supply a number of fans for incineration systems across a variety of industries.