Incineration: Outdated and Dangerous

Incineration is difficult, expensive, and physically and environmentally dangerous to use for biohazard removal. The general public and government regulators are anti-incineration due to public perception and the clean air regulations based on State and Federal limits. Across the United States and Europe, STI units are serving as the replacement for outdated incineration technology.

The STI Waste Treatment System: An Alternative Treatment Technology

Incineration uses high temperatures to change the looks and characteristics of biohazardous waste and eliminate the infectious organisms found in biomedical waste.

The STI Waste Treatment System, designed by BioSAFE Engineering, uses shredding technology to change the looks of the waste and then steam treatment to eliminate the infectious organisms in waste.

Reduced Hazardous Gases

The high temperatures (1400-1800 degrees F) associated with incineration can cause a host of unique problems, including the release of acid gas and harmful particulates. To remove the harmful gases and particulate given off by the breakdown of biohazardous waste, modern incinerators are required to add “scrubbers” that cool the gases and collect the by-products of incineration in “bag houses” or in a wall of water in the case of a “wet scrubber.” These by-products contain high levels of heavy metals and various other carcinogenic materials that must be disposed of as biohazardous waste. Scrubbers also require the use of expensive CEMS (continuous emissions monitoring systems) to monitor the proper operation of the incinerator and scrubber.

The STI unit operates in the temperature range of boiling water, achieving the same pathogen-killing results as incineration, but does not release particulate or acid gases into the air.

Lower Operating and Capital Costs

The incinerator typically operates for costs ranging between $0.145 and $0.20 per pound if operated in the most efficient setting of a 24-hour per day operation at full capacity.

The STI unit, when operated in the same manner, has operating costs of $0.005 to $0.020 per pound when operated at peak efficiencies.

Capital costs for an incinerator with scrubber and CEMS are 4-6 times higher in price than the STI unit capital costs with the same rated capacity throughput for waste.

Lower Personnel Costs

Incinerators require highly trained individuals to operate. Their control systems are elaborate and difficult to understand. In almost every case, an engineer must be specially trained to operate an incinerator and be trained in reading opacity of the output of the incinerator.

The STI unit uses very simple controls that any person can be trained to use without difficulty due to its one-button operation.

Reduced Fire Risk

Incinerators operate at high temperatures to destroy all biohazardous waste, increasing the risk of fire.

The STI Waste Treatment System is a non-burn technology and does not have this potential.

Fast, Safe Maintenance

If users need to work on an incinerator, they must wait 1-2 days for the unit to cool down enough for the repairs to be made. During this time, what are you supposed to do with your biomedical waste?

With an STI system, you simply turn off a switch and perform the maintenance.

No Slag

Incinerators melt glass which turns into slag and covers the “under-fire air” that helps the waste to burn. These air passages must be re-opened by using jackhammers, chisels and people. This work is quite dangerous and often requires replacement of the refractory lining of the incinerator. When the glass is chipped away, the refractory lining breaks off and must be replaced because to protect the steel skin on the incinerator. Additionally, molten glass can seize the ram feeder and the ash hoe in the incinerator.

The STI unit simply loves glass!

Reduced Utility Costs

Incinerators must be operating constantly, burning expensive fuels like natural gas and oil.

The STI systems can be turned on or off as needed with no need to buy fuel. When you stop loading the system with biohazardous waste, you turn off your expenses…period.

For additional information on issues with incineration and regulated biomedical waste, visit at www.noharm.org.

Contact us today to learn more about the STI Waste Treatment System and the benefits it provides.