The Combustion Process

The combustion process is also referred to as "thermal treatment." Waste is fed into the combustion chamber of the combustion device (for example, a boiler or furnace). The chamber is heated to high temperatures. As the waste burns, it is converted to gases. The intense heat in the chamber causes the gases to break down to their elemental atoms. These atoms combine with oxygen to form stable gases, which flow up the stack of the combustion device and pass through an air pollution control device.

Along with gases, some solid materials are left over from burning. This material is called "ash." There are two main types of ash:

• Particles of ash that are small enough to exit the combustion chamber and enter the atmosphere, called "fly ash"
• Solid material in the combustion chamber, called "bottom ash"

To learn more about RCRA safety standards visit our RCRA Refresher Online Training web page.