MARINE INCINERATORS

Every operation produces some kind of waste. And if it is produced on a ship, it will be difficult to manage
it as ships do not have enough storage capacity and cannot dispose of them to the sea due to international
laws and regulations under MARPOL. This is where marine incinerator comes in handy which can burn
the solid and oil waste in accordance with the MARPOL requirements.

A marine incinerator is a specialized piece of equipment designed for the controlled combustion of
waste materials generated on board ships. Its primary purpose is to manage and dispose of various
types of shipboard waste in an environmentally responsible manner. Marine incinerators are subject to
international regulations, particularly those outlined in MARPOL (International Convention for the
Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Annex VI, which sets standards for the prevention of air pollution
from ships.

TYPES OF WASTES THAT CAN BE BURNED:

A. Solid Waste
a. Papers
b. Oily rags
c. Food waste
B. Oil Waste
a. Leakages
b. Machine cleaning
c. Oil change
d. Bilges
C. Sludge

BASIC OPERATING PRINCIPLE OF MARINE INCINERATOR

Loading and Pre-processing: Before waste materials are fed into the incinerator, they undergo pre-
processing to ensure proper combustion and prevent operational issues. This may involve sorting,
shredding, or grinding solid waste to achieve uniform particle size and facilitate efficient burning. Liquid
waste, such as oily sludge or contaminated fluids, may be separated and stored in designated tanks for
controlled incineration.

Combustion Chamber: The combustion chamber is the primary component of the incinerator where
waste materials are burned at high temperatures. It is typically lined with refractory materials to
withstand extreme heat and minimize heat loss. Combustion air is supplied to the chamber to support the
burning process, ensuring complete combustion of waste materials and minimizing the formation of
harmful emissions.
Ignition and Burner System: The ignition system initiates the combustion process by igniting the waste
materials inside the combustion chamber. This may involve the use of electric igniters, pilot lights, or
other ignition devices to start the combustion reaction. Once ignited, the burner system provides a
continuous supply of fuel and combustion air to sustain the burning process at the desired temperature.

Temperature Control and Monitoring: Temperature control is critical for maintaining optimal
combustion conditions and ensuring efficient waste incineration. Marine incinerators are equipped with
temperature sensors and control systems to monitor and regulate the temperature inside the combustion
chamber. This helps prevent overheating, optimize fuel consumption, and minimize emissions of harmful
pollutants.

Waste Combustion and Residue Formation: As waste materials are fed into the combustion chamber,
they undergo rapid combustion, releasing heat energy and combustion by-products, such as carbon
dioxide, water vapor, and ash. Organic materials are oxidized and converted into gaseous products, while
inorganic materials are transformed into solid ash residues. The combustion process is carefully
controlled to ensure complete oxidation of combustible materials and minimize the formation of
unburned residues.

Air Pollution Control Systems: To minimize air pollution and comply with environmental regulations,
marine incinerators are equipped with air pollution control systems, such as particulate filters,
scrubbers, and exhaust gas treatment devices. These systems remove particulate matter, sulfur oxides,
nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants from the flue gas before it is discharged into the atmosphere.
Additionally, advanced incinerator designs may incorporate technologies for the selective catalytic
reduction (SCR) or selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) of nitrogen oxides.

Ash Handling and Disposal: After combustion, the solid ash residues remaining in the combustion
chamber are periodically removed and discharged from the incinerator. Ash handling systems may
include ash removal augers, conveyors, or hydraulic systems to transport the ash to ash collection bins or
storage tanks. Depending on the type of ash and applicable regulations, ash disposal may involve onboard
storage, land-based disposal, or recycling.

Safety Systems and Shutdown Procedures: Marine incinerators are equipped with safety features, such
as flame detectors, temperature alarms, and emergency shutdown valves, to prevent accidents and
ensure safe operation. In the event of a malfunction or emergency, automated shutdown procedures may
be initiated to stop the combustion process and prevent hazards to personnel and equipment.

BASIC COMPONENTS OF A MARINE INCINERATOR

Sludge Oil Pump- sends waste oil from W.O. Tank to the Sludge Burner for combustion.

Primary Burner- before burning the waste oil, the primary burner is started to ensure that the primary
combustion chamber is heated. Diesel oil is usually the fuel that is connected to a supply line. A forced
draft fan is provided to supply oxygen for combustion inside the primary chamber.

Sludge Burner- once the desired temperature is reached, the sludge burner supplies the waste oil inside
the primary chamber and due to the heat of the chamber and the flames of the primary burner, the
waste oil ignites and burns.
Primary Blower- maintains a stable supply of air once the once the primary burner is off. And also, not
allow the temperature inside the chamber to increase beyond its limit.

Pressure Regulation Valve- the sludge burner or atomizer keeps on burning until the until the pump is
stopped or there is a change in pressure. The pressure regulation valve continuously monitors the oil
supply pressure to the burner. And if there is an increase in the pressure due to the atomizer not
working, it will recirculate the waste oil to the return line.

Secondary Combustion Chamber- the burned gases are the by products of the burned waste oil which
requires further burning. This is done in the secondary combustion chamber which is separated from the
primary combustion chamber using a ceramic wall.

Exhaust Manifold- the flue gases from the secondary combustion chamber will be burned out to the
exhaust manifold to the atmosphere.

Feeding/ Charging Door- it is where the solid wastes are charged. It is fitted with a safety switch which
cuts out the primary burner when the door is open. The heat inside the chamber will burn the solid
wastes.

Refractory Lining- serves as an insulator so that the heat generated inside the combustion chamber will
not emanate to the outside environment.

SHIPBOARD INCINERATION OF THE FOLLOWING SUBSTANCES SHALL BE PROHIBITED:

1. RESIDUES OF CARGOES subject to Annex I, II or III or related contaminated packing
materials;
2. POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBS);
PCBs are a group of synthetic organic chemicals composed of carbon, hydrogen, and
chlorine atoms. They were once commonly used in electrical equipment, hydraulic
fluids, and heat transfer fluids due to their excellent insulating and heat-resistant
properties.

PCBs were used in a wide range of applications, including:

 Electrical transformers and capacitors.
 Hydraulic fluids and lubricants.
 Heat transfer fluids in industrial processes.
 Sealants and caulks.
3. GARBAGE, as defined by Annex V, containing more than traces of heavy metals;
4. REFINED PETROLEUM PRODUCTS containing halogen compounds;
5. sewage sludge and sludge oil either of which are not generated onboard the ship; and
6. EXHAUST GAS CLEANING SYSTEM RESIDUES.

Shipboard incineration of POLYVINYL CHLORIDES (PVCS) shall be prohibited, except in shipboard

incinerator for which an IMO TYPE APPROVAL CERTIFICATES has been issued.

PVCs are a type of synthetic polymer made from vinyl chloride monomers. They are widely used in
construction, packaging, healthcare, and other industries due to their versatility, durability, and
cost-effectiveness.

PVCs are used in numerous applications, including:

 Construction materials such as pipes, window frames, flooring, and roofing.
 Packaging materials, including bottles, containers, and cling films.
 Medical devices such as tubing, blood bags, and IV containers.
 Consumer products such as toys, furniture, and vinyl records.