p-ISSN: 0972-6268

Nature Environment and Pollution Technology (Print copies up to 2016)

2022
An International Quarterly Scientific Journal Vol. 21 No. 4 pp. 1933-1942
e-ISSN: 2395-3454

Original Research Paper https://doi.org/10.46488/NEPT.2022.v21i04.048

Original Research Paper Open Access Journal

Medical Waste Management and Design of a Low-Cost Incinerator for Reduction

of Environmental Pollution in a Multi-System Hospital
O. J. Oyebode† and J. A. Otoko
Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti Ekiti State, Nigeria
†Corresponding author: O. J. Oyebode; oyebodedare@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
Nat. Env. & Poll. Tech.
Website: www.neptjournal.com Pollution of the environment and inappropriate management of medical wastes are major
challenges facing developing countries and this must be tackled with recent technology for
Received: 29-04-2022 public health, enhanced natural ecosystems, and a better environment. This research is a
Revised: 27-05-2022 two-step process that involves the assessment of the existing Hospital waste management
Accepted: 30-05-2022
practices in a multi-system Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Excess air, kerosene (auxiliary
Key Words: fuel), single chamber, Batch-fed (Manual feeding), and controlled air incinerator were
Pollution designed. Wastes were loaded once at the beginning of the combustion cycle followed by
Incinerator combustion, ash burnout, cool down, and ash removal to assist medical waste management.
Public health Findings revealed that personnel involved in handling medical waste were equipped with
Environment inadequate protective gear. Medical waste was handled together with municipal waste and
Medical waste management both wastes were incinerated in an open dumpsite without engineered sanitary landfill at
disposal locations constituting a nuisance with a high risk of pollution to the surrounding
environment. The incinerator was designed for a waste load of 269 kg.day-1. It consists of
four zones; the waste and combustion zone (2.7 m × 1.8 m × 1 m), the ash zone (0.23 m
height), the combustion fumes and one-second retention zone (0.43 m height) as well as
the excess air zone (0.46 m height). This low-cost medical waste incinerator has a lot of
improvement, operational effectiveness, and efficiency to the currently available techniques.
Viable recommendations made will improve the state of environmental health and reduce the
harmful effects of medical waste.

INTRODUCTION ment system, percentage of reusable items, and percentage of

In developing countries such as Nigeria, waste incineration
is the primary method for managing hospital waste, with the
economic advantages of destroying pathogens in the waste
stream and reducing waste volume and reactivity. However, if
handled improperly, incineration has a significant impact on
the environment, releasing pollutants in the form of gaseous
emissions and ash, which have environmental and public
health implications (Adama et al. 2016). HWM has been
regarded as minimal in studies undertaken in impoverished
nations, with generators and handlers lacking in general
awareness of relevant issues (Manyele et al. 2003). Although
healthcare waste is classified as hazardous because it consti-
tutes a serious direct threat to human health (WHO 1999),
inadequate HWM is still prevalent in developing nations such
as South Africa, Nigeria, Swaziland, Mozambique, Kenya,
and Tanzania (Manyele 2004).
Past Studies
Hospital waste generation varies not just between nations, but
also within countries, depending on infrastructure, manage-
waste generated on an outpatient basis (WHO 2002). In de-
veloping countries like Nigeria, undeveloped open lands are
often converted into waste disposal sites, even within planned
residential areas; indiscriminate dumping of waste causes
environmental and health hazards. Despite the controlled
burning that is supposed to occur when using an incinerator,
air pollution still occurs (Akpe et al. 2016). This is primarily
due to insufficient design and the absence of air pollution
control devices, which is a feature of most incinerators used
in Nigeria for managing hospital waste. People migrated in
substantial numbers to developed cities as a result of rapid
industrial development, job opportunities, and urbanization
(Lin et al. 2022, Patel & Burkle 2012, Muthukannan et al.
2019). Huff & Angeles (2011) and Cassidy et al. (2014) found
that migration and industrial development had a negative
influence on the environment, particularly on water, air,
and soil. All kinds of life on Earth depend on clean air and
water, and polluting any or both will be a severe problem.
Human activities affect the regional ecological environment,
climate, hydrology, vegetation, biogeochemical cycles, and
biodiversity on a variety of temporal and spatial dimensions,
1934 O. J. Oyebode and J. A. Otoko

all of which contribute to environmental pollution (Collier percent of HCEs do not use suitable waste disposal meth-
et al. 2013). ods (WHO 2002). In developing countries like Nigeria,
The rapid rise of hospitals in both the commercial and the most common difficulties associated with HWM are
public sectors has helped to rebuild the community‘s health a lack of understanding of health risks, poor management
(Agunwamba et al. 2013). Although not all hospital wastes practices, insufficient financial and human resources, and
are susceptible to disease transmission, biomedical waste poor waste disposal control (David et al. 2014). Although
makes up about 1-2 percent of the entire municipal solid considerable research has been done on waste creation,
waste (MSW) stream. 80-85% of hospital trash is non-infec- segregation, and disposal, there has been minimal focus on
tious, 10% is contagious, and 5% is harmful (Gupta & Boojh public knowledge of the possible dangers connected with
2006). Although hospitals‘ primary goal is to restore human medical waste and the need for staff protection in rural
mayhospital
health, arise aswaste
a result of isthe
disposal release
a major of harmful
concern. Bio-med- pollutants into theareas.
and semi-urban environment during atreatment
There is currently knowledgeor and
disposal;
ical waste has improper handling
recently become ofsource
a major medical waste
of worry for can have negative consequences and reduce thebe
practice gap among health professionals, which must
filled not only in the study area but also across the country
overall benefits
environmental of health-care
law enforcement (David
agencies, et al.and2014).
the media, According to a 2002 assessment of HWM
(David et al. 2014). Poverty was identified by developed
theprocedures
general public,
in not only in hospitals
22 developing and nursing
nations, 18 tohomes
64 percent of HCEs do not use suitable waste disposal
(Ramesh et al. 2008). Bio-medical waste is generated in a countries as a fundamental factor impeding African efforts
methods (WHO 2002). In developing countriestolike Nigeria,
manage thewaste
hazardous mostin common difficulties
an environmentally sound
variety of settings, including hospitals, laboratories, clinics,
associated with HWM are a lack of understanding
nursing homes, and medical, dental, and veterinary clinics. of
manner health
(Walterrisks,
2010,poor
Davidmanagement
et al. 2014). practices,
insufficient
Some financial
of these wastes and human
pose major resources,
health and and poor waste disposal control (David et al. 2014).
environmental
Although considerable MATERIALS AND METHODS
dangers to people (Ramesh et research
al. 2008). has been done
Biomedical wasteon waste creation, segregation, and disposal, there
has been minimal
management focus
has recently becomeon apublic
seriousknowledge of theAfe
concern for hos- possible dangers
Babalola connected
University withHospital,
Multi-System medicalAdo waste
-Ekiti
and the need for staff protection in rural and semi-urban areas. There is currently a knowledge and
pitals, nursing homes, and the environment. The consequenc- was used as a case study as presented in Fig. 1. It is a 400-bed
es practice
of improper
gapbiomedical
among waste
healthmanagement have sparked
professionals, which must multi-system
be filledhospital that in
not only offers
the services such but
study area as Accident
also
global alarm, especially given its far-reaching implications and Emergency, Surgery, Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics,
across the country (David et al. 2014). Poverty was identified by developed countries as a
(Mathur et al. 2012, Vasistha et al. 2018). Gynaecology, Community Healthcare, Physiotherapy, Dental
fundamental factor impeding African efforts to manage hazardous waste in an environmentally
Medical waste has continued to pique public interest care, Fluoroscopy, Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy,
sound manner (Walter 2010, David et al. 2014).
due to the health risks connected with human exposure to Bronchoscopy, Arthroscopy, Bone Densitometer, Pet-Scan,
potentially hazardous wastes produced by HCEs (Adeg- Nuclear Medicine, Echocardiography, ECG, and Treadmill
MATERIALS AND METHODS
bite et al. 2010). Although the treatment and disposal of Test, among others.
Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital, AdoTo
hospital waste are intended to reduce hazards, secondary effectively carry out this study, a field investigation
-Ekiti was used as a case study as presented
health risks may arise as a result of the release of harmful was conducted in Afe Babalola University multi-system
in Fig.into
pollutants 1. the
It environment
is a 400-bedduringmulti-system hospital
treatment or dispos- that offers
Hospital, services
Ado -Ekiti to obtainsuch as Accident
information and
such as the type
Emergency, Surgery, Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Community Healthcare,
al; improper handling of medical waste can have negative of waste generated from each ward, the type of disposal, the
Physiotherapy,
consequences Dentalthecare,
and reduce Fluoroscopy,
overall Endoscopy,
benefits of health- time Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy,
of disposal, the quantity Bronchoscopy,
of disposal, and so on. This
Arthroscopy,
care BoneAccording
(David et al. 2014). Densitometer,
to a 2002Pet-Scan,
assessmentNuclear Medicine,
information was usedEchocardiography, ECG,
to analyze and characterize the and
profile
of Treadmill Test, among others.
HWM procedures in 22 developing nations, 18 to 64 of the HWM program adopted by the selected hospital for

Fig. 1: Afe Babalola University

Fig. 1: Afe Babalola Multi-System
University Hospital
multi-system hospital (Field
(Field Study 2021). Study 2021).

Vol. 21, No. 4, 2022 • Nature Environment and Pollution Technology

To effectively carry out this study, a field investigation was conducted in Afe Babalola University
 MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AND DESIGN OF A LOW-COST INCINERATOR 1935

their medical waste through site visits, and to complement 1. No segregation and absence of color coding for HWM,
the field investigation, a questionnaire will be administered. all hospital waste is dumped into a special container at
Fig. 2: De Montfort medical the waste
point of creation. schematic diagram.
incinerator
Low-Cost Medical Waste Incinerator Design
2. The hospital cleaners carry the waste containers daily to
The Low-Cost Medical Waste Incinerator is primarily the much larger bins outside the premises of the hospital.
based on modifications to the De Montfort Medical Waste 3. The cleaning personnel with inadequate protective gear
Incinerator, Mark 9 designed by Professor D.J. Picken of
3. The cleaning
De Montfort University, Leicester University, the United
personnel with
offloadinadequate
these largerprotective
bins onto an gear
open offload these larger bi
truck together

Kingdom over a period of about 8 years truck

fromtogether with municipal wastes collected at different points toto be tra
1996 to pro-
with municipal wastes collected at different points
be transported to the dumpsite.
dumpsite.
vide a low-cost and effective incinerator that could be built
4. has
in almost any developing country and Thebeen
cleaning 4. The
personnel
successfully cleaning
offloads thepersonnel
open truckoffloads
intotheanopen truck into anditch for
already-dug
already-dug ditch for treatment with open fire.
open
applied in several African countries such fire. Faso,
as Burkina
Kefalonia, and Kenya (Picken 2019, 5. As seen
Picken in 2012).
et al. 5. As seen inthere
the questionnaires, the questionnaires,
has been some there has been of
form some form given
training
The incinerator to be developed is a single chamber, Batch- of training given to staff (Both principal and non-prin-
principal and non-principal) on hospital waste management.
fed (Manual feeding), Controlled air incinerator with waste cipal) on hospital waste management.
loaded once at the start of theThe
combustion cycle, followed
following are limitations of theThe existing
following areHWM practices
limitations in theHWM
of the existing unnamed
prac- hospita
by combustion, ash burnout, cooldown, and ash removal as tices in the unnamed hospital (Figs. 5, 6, 7 and 8).
shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4.
and 8). Fig. 3: De Montfort medical waste incinerator top steel frame.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1. The lack of color coding and segregation is a poor practice that does not adh
Standards for hospital waste management because all wastes are treated almos
is not
The following is a summary of the existing the case.
HWM practices
from point of creation to the dumpsite:
2. The inadequacy of protective gear of the cleaning personnel is also of great
could easily be injured and get infected during the handling process
3. The use of an open truck used for handling both hospital and municipal was
practiced. Trucks should be covered to prevent disease vectors such as flie
accessing such wastes and transmitting it directly or indirectly to humans
4. While using an open fire to treat wastes could help in some cases, d
environmentally or ecologically friendly because the dump site is hidden beh
smoke emissions can be harmful to people and pose concerns to both occupat
health. Fig. Montfort
Fig. 4: De 4: De Montfort medicalwaste
medical waste incinerator
incineratorash ash
doordoor
and support.
and support.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Fig. 2: De Montfort medical waste incinerator schematic diagram.
Montfort medical waste incinerator schematic diagram.
ort medical waste incinerator schematic diagram. The following is a summary of the existing HWM practices from point of creation to the
1. No segregation and absence of color coding for HWM, all hospital waste is du
special container at the point of creation.
2. The hospital cleaners carry the waste containers daily to the much larger bins
premises of the hospital.

Fig. 5: A hospital
Fig. 3: De Montfort medical waste incinerator top steel frame.
bed which is a point of creation of medical wast
Fig. 5: A hospital bed which is a point of creation of medical waste
(Field Study 2020).
Fig. 3: De Montfort medical waste incinerator top steel frame.
(Field Study 2020).
Nature Environment and Pollution Technology • Vol. 21, No. 4, 2022

Fig. 3: De Montfort medical waste incinerator top steel frame.

 1936 O. J. Oyebode and J. A. Otoko

1. The lack of color coding and segregation is a poor
practice that does not adhere to the WHO Standards
for hospital waste management because all wastes are
treated almost equally, which is not the case.
2. The inadequacy of protective gear of the cleaning per-
sonnel is also of great concern as they could easily be
injured and get infected during the handling process
3. The use of an open truck used for handling both hospital
and municipal waste shouldn’t be practiced. Trucks
should be covered to prevent disease vectors such as flies
and rats from accessing such wastes and transmitting it
directly or indirectly to humans
4. While using an open fire to treat wastes could help in
some cases, doing so is not environmentally or ecolog-
ically friendly because the dump site is hidden behind
homes, and smoke emissions can be harmful to people
and pose concerns to both occupational and public
health.

Design of the Single Chamber Batch-Fed Controlled

Air Incinerator
The capacity of the incinerator and burning time is esti-
mated from the quantity of waste load generated by the
hospital using the equations developed by Walter (2010).
No information was obtained on the quantity of waste
generated per day by the Study Hospital because the study
Fig. 6: Waste bins beside the hospital beds for temporary waste storage hospital is relatively new and is not operating at full capac-
Fig. Fig. 6:Fig.
6: Waste Waste bins
6:bins
Waste beside
beside
bins thethe
beside hospital
hospital
the hospital beds
beds
beds for temporary
forfor temporary
temporary waste storage
waste
waste storage ity. It would be reasonable to infer that the hospital‘s daily
storage
(Field
(FieldStudy 2021).
Study 2021). waste generation is underestimated, therefore an assumed
(Field Study 2021).
(Field Study 2021). value of 269 kg.day-1.

Determination of Incinerator Chamber Capacity

The volume of waste at an optimum incinerator of 120
kg.hr-1 is dumped in the incinerator as a heap with a parabolic
shape and assumed to be 5m3 and the following formulas
are used to estimate the volume of the combustion chamber.
Volume of Combustion Chamber (V) = L × B × H
V = 5m3
Length (L) to breadth (B) ratio = 1.5: 1
i.e. L = 1.5B
Fig. 7: Temporary storage bins for medical waste outside the hospital premises
7: Temporary
Fig. 7:storage
Temporarybins forbins
storage medical waste
for medical waste outside
outside thethe hospital premises
hospital
Height (H) = 1m (assumed for easy Incinerator operation
7: Temporary storage bins forpremisesmedical
Studywaste
(Field
(Field 2021).outside the hospital and
Study 2021). premises
maintenance)
(Field Study 2021).
(Field Study 2021). 3
\ 5m = 1.5B × B × 1m
5m2 = 1.5B2
B ª 1.8m
L ª 2.7m
Combustion Chamber dimensions (L × B × H) = 2.7 m
× 1.8 m × 1 m

Determination of Heating Value Of Material Input

The Design Incinerator capacity was estimated at 120 kg.hr-1.
g. 8: PersonnelFig.
offloading
8: Personnelboth medical
offloading both and hospital
medical waste
and hospital Based
unto the dump
waste siteon a 30% waste load, it is assumed to have the follow-
unto the dump site(Field Study 2020). ing compositions (Olanrewaju et al. 2019).
Personnel offloading both(Field medicalStudy
and2020).
hospital waste unto the dump site
Personnel offloading both medical and hospital waste unto the dump site
he Single Chamber Batch-Fed Controlled Air Incinerator
(Field
Vol. 21, No. 4, 2022 Study
• Nature 2020).
Environment
(Field Study 2020). and Pollution Technology
y of the incinerator and burning time is estimated from the quantity of waste load
ngle
y theChamber Batch-Fed
hospital using Controlled
the equations Air Incinerator
developed by Walter (2010). No information was
 MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AND DESIGN OF A LOW-COST INCINERATOR 1937

1. Dry Tissue: 6% calculated as follows:

-1 H2O -1
2. Moisture: 21% = 152.12
Total kg.hr
H2O Mass + 36.35
= Totalkg.hr Mass Output from Com-
3. Ash: 3% bustion of Hospital Waste + H2O from Combustion of Ker-
osene kg.hr-1
= 188.47
Table 1 gives the total heat value per hour
-1 for 30% of the -1= 152.12 kg.hr-1-1+ 36.35 kg.hr -1
= 152.12 kg.hr + 36.35 kg.hr
waste load of 120 kg.hr-1 (36 kg.hr-1). = 152.12 kg.hr + 36.35 kg.hr -1
Molar Masskg.hr
= 152.12 of H2+-1O36.35
-1
kg.hr) = 18 g.mol-1
(g.mol -1 -1
-1 = 188.47 kg.hr
= 188.47 kg.hr -1
Based on a 70% waste = 188.47 kg.hr
load, it is assumed to have the
following compositions (John & Swamy 2011). = 188.47
Molar kg.hr-1of H2O (g.mol-1) = 18 g.mol
Mass -1 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 (𝑔𝑔)
𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀
Amount of substance, n (mol) -1 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 -1
1. Polyethylene: 21% Molar Mass of H2O (g.mol-1) = Molar Mass
18 Amount
g.mol -1 of H2O (g.mol ) =𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀
of substance, n (mol)
-1 = 18 g.mol
-1
𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 (𝑔𝑔/𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
Molar Mass of H2O (g.mol ) = 18 g.mol
2. Polyvinylchloride: 2.1% 188.47 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘/ℎ𝑟𝑟 ×1000)
Amount
Amount
Amount of
ofofH
𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 O (mol)n=(mol)
substance,
𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜2𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆
n (mol)
(𝑔𝑔) 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀
= 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 (𝑔𝑔)
3. Cellulose: 36.4% Amount of substance, n (mol) = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 (𝑔𝑔)
substance, = 18
𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 (𝑔𝑔/𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚)𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆
𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 (𝑔𝑔/𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚) (𝑔𝑔/𝑚𝑚

188.47Amount ofofHH2O (mol) ====10,468.9 mol/hr

4. Ash: 10.5% 188.47 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘/ℎ𝑟𝑟
188.47 ×1000)
𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘/ℎ𝑟𝑟 ×1000)
Amount of H2O (mol) = Amount
Amount
𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘/ℎ𝑟𝑟 ×1000)
Amount ofofH2H 2OO (mol)
2O(mol)
(mol) 18
Table 2 gives the total heat value per hour for 70% of the 18 18
10,468.9 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚/ℎ𝑟𝑟 × 8.20573 × 10−5 𝑚𝑚3 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝐾𝐾 −1 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1 × 1373 °𝐾𝐾
waste load of 120 kg.hr-1 (84 kg.hr-1). Amount
𝑉𝑉𝐻𝐻2 𝑂𝑂 =
Amount of of
H2H O2O (mol)
(mol) = 10,468.9
= 10,468.9mol/hr
mol/hr
Amountmol/hrof H2O (mol) = 10,468.9 mol/hr
Total heat per hour ofAmount of H=2O (mol) =KJ.hr 10,468.9
-1
1
the waste load 147,391.2 10,468.9 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚/ℎ𝑟𝑟 × 8.20573 × 10−5 𝑚𝑚3 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝐾𝐾 −1 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1 × 1373 °𝐾𝐾
𝑉𝑉𝐻𝐻(m 3 -1 3 -1
2 𝑂𝑂3 .hr
-1 = ) 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
= 1,179.48 m .hr1× 10−5𝑚𝑚3 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝐾𝐾−1𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚−1 × 1373 °𝐾𝐾
10,468.9 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚/ℎ𝑟𝑟 × 8.20573 ×𝑉𝑉10
+ 2,091,416.88 KJ.hr 𝐻𝐻 −5
𝑂𝑂 𝑚𝑚 10,468.9
𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝐾𝐾 −1 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚/ℎ𝑟𝑟
−1 × 1373× 8.20573
°𝐾𝐾
𝑉𝑉2𝐻𝐻2 𝑂𝑂 =
= 2,238,808.08 KJ.hr𝑉𝑉-1𝐻𝐻2 𝑂𝑂 = 1𝑉𝑉 VH O 3(m 3
.hr-1) = 1,179.48
-1
3
3m -1.hr-1 1
𝐻𝐻2 𝑂𝑂 3(m
2 -1.hr ) = 1,179.483 -1m .hr
𝑉𝑉 (m .s ) = 0.33 m .s
𝐻𝐻2 𝑂𝑂 V 3 -1 3 -1
H2O 3(m .s -1 ) = 0.33 m .s 3 -1
3 to-1Achieve One
𝐻𝐻2 𝑂𝑂 (m .hr ) = 1,179.48
Volume of Combustion𝑉𝑉Chamber m3.hr 𝑉𝑉 (m .hr ) = 1,179.48 m .hr
-1
𝐻𝐻 𝑂𝑂 3 -1
𝑉𝑉𝐻𝐻2 𝑂𝑂 (m .s ) = 0.33 m .s
2 3 -1
Second Residence Time at 1100°C TotalTotal Volume Volume Requirement
Requirement = = 𝑉𝑉𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 + 𝑉𝑉𝑁𝑁 + 𝑉𝑉𝐻𝐻 𝑂𝑂
3 -1 3 -1
𝑉𝑉
Incinerators are required to𝐻𝐻2operate
𝑂𝑂 (m 3 -1
.s ) = 0.33 m 3 -1
.s
at a minimum residence
𝑉𝑉 Total
𝐻𝐻2 𝑂𝑂 (m .s
Volume )
3 = 0.33 m
Requirement
-1 .s
3 =
-1
2
𝑉𝑉𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶2 + 𝑉𝑉3𝑁𝑁2 +
2
-1 𝑉𝑉𝐻𝐻2 𝑂𝑂
2

= 0.17 3 -1 m .s + 1.49 m
3 -1.s + 0.33 m .s
3 -1
time of 1s (residence time for gas Fumes) at operating = 0.17 m .s3 3-1+-11.49 m3 .s-1 + 0.33 3m-1 .s
Total Volume Requirement = 𝑉𝑉Total = 0.17
= m .s + 1.49 m .s + 0.33
Volume Requirement = 𝑉𝑉𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶2 + 𝑉𝑉𝑁𝑁2 + 𝑉𝑉𝐻𝐻2𝑂𝑂
1.99 m .s m .s
temperature. 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶2 + 𝑉𝑉𝑁𝑁2 + 𝑉𝑉𝐻𝐻2 𝑂𝑂
3 3 -1-1
= 1.99 ª
= 1.99 m
2 mm.s33.s.s-1-1 3 -1
Combustion of Kerosene 3 -1
= 0.17 m .s + 1.49 m .s + 0.33 3 -1 = 0.17 3
.sm .s the
-1
mTherefore, + 1.49
activemcombustion
.s + 0.33chamber m3.s-1 volume re-
3 3-1 -1
Moisture (H2O) at 1100ºC temperature 2≈m2 m
≈ quired .sto.s achieve one-second retention is 2m3. This active
3 -1would exist in vapor = 1.99 m3.s-1
= 1.99 m .s
(gaseous) form, hence the total quantity of vapor output is volume would be added to the calculated volume of the to ach
Therefore,
Therefore, thetheactive
active combustion
combustion chamber
chamber volume required
volume required
This
2 m active
3 -1 volume would be added to the calculated volume of the
.s
≈ 2 m3.s-1 ≈
This active volume would be added to the calculated volume
Table 1: Total heat value per hour for 30% of the waste load of 120 kg.hr-1. chamber dimensions (L × B × H) = 2.7m × 1.8m × 1m)
chamber dimensions (L × B × H) = 2.7m × 1.8m × 1m)
Component Therefore,
Empirical Formulathe active combustion
Input Therefore,
The length the
chamber andHHVactive
volumewidth ofcombustion
required
the
Totalcombustion
Heat chamber
to achieve chamber volume
one-second requir
are fixed,reten
and t
This active volume would be added [Kg.hr-1
This
Theheight
] active
to the
length of 1m volume
calculated
and [KJ.kg -1
is width ] would
calculatedvolume
of be
[KJ.hr
as
-1
added
thefollows.
combustion
] to
of the combustionthe calculated
chamberchamber volum
are fixe(
Dry Tissue Cchamber
5H10O3 dimensions (L ×7.2B ×height chamber
H) = 2.7m
of 1m dimensions
×is20,471
1.8m × 1m)
calculated (L147,391.2
×asBfollows.
× H) = 2.7m × 1.8m × 1m)
Moisture H2O 25.2
𝑉𝑉 = 𝐿𝐿 × 𝐵𝐵 × 𝐻𝐻 0 0
Ash - The length and width of3.6 𝑉𝑉 The
2 m𝐿𝐿length
the combustion
= and
3 × 𝐵𝐵 chamber
= 2.7m×0× 𝐻𝐻 width
1.8m H of
×are the combustion
0fixed, chamber
and the added heightare
to fix
the
Total (30%) - height of 1m is calculated height
36 as follows. of 1m is
20,471calculated as follows.
147,391.2
2 m23 m
=32.7m
= 4.86×m1.8m
2
×H ×H
HHV (Higher Heating Value) sourced from (John & Swamy 2011) 𝑉𝑉 = 𝐿𝐿 ×3 𝐵𝐵 × 𝐻𝐻2
𝑉𝑉 = 𝐿𝐿 × 𝐵𝐵 × 𝐻𝐻
2 mH3 == 2 m ÷ 4.86
4.86 m2 × m H
3 70% of the waste load of 120 kg.hr . 2 m3 = 2.7m × 1.8m × H
-1
Table 2: Total Heat value per hour for
2 m = 2.7m × 1.8m × H H = 0.4 m
Component Empirical Formula m3 ÷ 4.86 m2HHV
H = 2Input Total Heat
3
2 m3 = 4.86 m2 × H 2 ∴m[Kg.hr
= 4.86
Overall-1
m2 ×of[KJ.kg
] Height HCombustion
-1
] Chamber
[KJ.hr-1] = 1 m + 0.4m
Polyethylene (C2H4) x H = 0.4
25.2 m 37,820 953,064
3 2 H ==1.4m
2 m 3
÷ 4.86 m 2
Polyvinylchloride H = 2 m ÷ 4.86
(C2H3Cl) x m 2.52 38,154 96,148.08
∴ Overall
Minimum Height of23,860
Combustion
Combustion Chamber
Chamber Dimensions = 1 m + 0.4m
∴ 43.68 1,042,204.8 (L × B × H) = 2.7m
Cellulose
H = 0.4 m
C6H10O5
H = 0.4 m
Ash - = 1.4m12.6
Description 0
of Primary Components 0 of the Incinerator
Total (70%) ∴ Overall- Height of Combustion Overall
∴ Chamber
84 Height of
= 1 m99,834 Combustion2,091,416.88
+ 0.4m Chamber = 1 m + 0.4m
HHV (Higher Heating Value) sourced from John and Swamy (2011).
The designCombustion
∴ Minimum of the low-cost incinerator
Chamber is a modification
Dimensions (L × B ×ofHt
= 1.4m Incinerator,
= 1.4m Mark 9 where necessary upgrades and removals
comparative
Description analysis
ofand
Primary of both designs
Components would be shown in subseq
Naturefollowing
Environment are descriptions of key
Pollution Technology • Vol.of
components
the
21,of
Incinerator
No.the
4, incinerator.
2022
∴ Minimum Combustion Chamber ∴ Minimum
Dimensions Combustion
(L × B × Chamber
H) = 2.7mDimensions
× 1.8m × 1.4m (L × B × H
ThePlease
design of the low-cost incinerator is a
note that during construction, measurements may vary, al modificatio
 ≈ 2 m3.s-1
Waste Frame
1938 O. J. Oyebode and J. A. Otoko
Therefore, the active
Thecombustion
Waste framechamber
is designedvolume
to therequired
dimensions to achieve one-second
of the combustion retention
chamber (L × is
B 2×
This active volume would be added
1.8m ×dimensions
combustion chamber (combustion chamber to the
1m) which(Lis thethecalculated
active
wasteportion volume
of the
frame legs of the combustion
incinerator
allows for easychamber chamber
flow andthat (combus
housesofthe hospit
collection
chamber
× B × H) = 2.7m × 1.8m ×dimensions
1m) (L ×inBthe
placed × H) = 2.7m
Incinerator. ×The
ashes1.8m
waste
during ×combustion
1m)
frame is made of cooling
and after a steel frame covered with wire
down respectively
to facilitate
The length and width of the combustion chamberthe are
movement of ashes through the gauze after combustion and easy
The length and width of the combustion
legs chamber
Combustion
fixed, and the added height to the calculated height of 1m is of the
cooldown. The are fixed,
Fumes
waste frame and theRetention
areOne-second
constructed added
to height
Zone
a height to the(Fig.
of 0.23m calcul
9)
height
calculated as follows. of 1m is calculated
removal as
of follows.
ashes after cooling down.
The height of this zone is 0.43m and was designed (section
3.2.8) to allow for a minimum of one-second retention time
𝑉𝑉 = 𝐿𝐿 × 𝐵𝐵 × 𝐻𝐻 of combustion fumes
2 m3 = 2.7m2×m1.8m
3 ×H ×
= 2.7m 1.8m × H Excess Air Zone
2 m3 = 4.86 m2 × H
3
m2 × H An additional spacing of 0.46 m is provided on all sides of
H = 2 m3 ÷ 24.86
m m=2 4.86
the waste and combustion zone to allow for excess airflow
H = 0.4 m Waste Frame from both the primary and secondary air inlets and would
3 2
H = 2 m ÷ 4.86 m
\ Overall Height of Combustion Chamber = 1 m + 0.4m also serve as an allowance for the maintenance of the incin-
The Waste frame is designed to the dimensions of the combustion chamber (L ×
= 1.4m H = 0.4 m erator (Fig. 10)
1.8m × 1m) which is the active portion of the incinerator chamber that houses the ho
\ Minimum Combustion Chamber
placedDimensions (L × B Base
in the Incinerator. The waste
Slab frame is made of a steel frame covered with w
× H) = 2.7m × ∴ Overall
1.8m × 1.4mHeight of Combustion Chamber = 1 m + 0.4m
to facilitate the movement of
The baseashes
slab isthrough the gauze
a 6.21m x 5.31m, 150 mmafter
thickcombustion
concrete slab and ea
Description of=Primary cooldown.
1.4m Components of theThe legs of thereinforced
Incinerator waste frame
with DPC arereinforcement
constructed(Fig.
to a11).
height of 0.23m (Fig
The purpose
removal of ashes after
The design of the low-cost incinerator is a modification of
cooling down.
Minimum
∴ Medical
the De Montfort Combustion
Waste Chamber
Incinerator, Mark Dimensions
9 where Fig. 9:(L3-D× Drawing
B × H) =of2.7m × 1.8mwaste
the hospital × 1.4m
frame.
necessary upgrades and removals wouldCombustion
be made afterChamber
which
Description
a comparative analysis of bothof Primary
designs wouldComponents
be shown in of the Incinerator
Thefollowing
subsequent sections of this chapter. The combustion chamber consists of four zones (Fig. 10) bounded by the internal wall
are de-
The
scriptions of key design ofofthethe
components low-cost incinerator is a modification of the De Montfort Medical W
incinerator.
Incinerator, Mark 9 where necessary upgrades and removals would be made after whic
1. Waste and
Please note that during construction, measurements maycombustion zone
comparative analysis of both designs would
vary, all measurements are to be verified and or modified zone
This is where thebe shownwaste
hospital in subsequent sections
occupies which of this for
was designed chapter.
in sect
B × H = 2.7m × 1.8m × 1m)
following are descriptions of key components of the incinerator.
during construction.
2. Ash zone
Waste Frame Please note that during construction,
The height ofmeasurements
this zone, 0.23 m may vary,
which all measurements
is also the height of theare to be
waste verile
frame
The Waste frame and or modified
is designed to theduring easy flow
construction.
dimensions of the com-and collection of ashes during combustion and after cooling down re
bustion chamber (L × B × H = 2.7m × 1.8m × 1m) which fumes one-second
3. Combustion
10
retention zone
The height
is the active portion of the incinerator chamber that houses of this zone is 0.43m and was designed (section 3.2.8) to allow for a
one-second
the hospital waste when placed in the Incinerator. The waste retention time of combustion fumes
4. Excess air
frame is made of a steel frame covered with wire gauze (Fig. zone
Angauze
9) to facilitate the movement of ashes through the additional
after spacing of 0.46 m is provided on all sides of the waste and comb
combustion and easy removal after cooldown. The allow
legsfor excessFig.
of the 9: 3-D
airflow from
Fig. Drawing
9: both
3-D ofof the
the primary
Drawing hospital
and waste
the hospital waste
secondary frame.
frame. air inlets and wo
waste frame are constructed to a height of 0.23m as (Fig.
an allowance
9) to for the maintenance of the incinerator (Fig. 10)
Combustion
allow easy removal of ashes after cooling down.Chamber
Combustion Chamber The combustion chamber consists of four zones (Fig. 10) bounded by the internal w
The combustion chamber consists of four zones (Fig. 10)
bounded by the internal walls. 1. Waste and combustion zone
This is where zone the hospital waste occupies which was designed for in
Waste and combustion zone B × H = 2.7m × 1.8m × 1m)
2. Ash zone
This is where zone the hospital waste occupies which was
The ×height
designed for in section 4.2.2 (L × B × H = 2.7m 1.8m × of
1m)this zone, 0.23 m which is also the height of the waste fram
easy flow and collection of ashes during combustion and after cooling dow
Ash zone
3. Combustion fumes one-second retention zone
The height of this zone, 0.23 m which isThe also height ofofthisFig.
the height zone10:is 0.43m
3-D
Fig. and of
10:Drawing was
3-D Drawing thedesigned
ofthe combustion (section
chamber
combustion chamber 3.2.8)
zones. to allow
zones.
one-second retention time of combustion fumes 11
4. and
Vol. 21, No. 4, 2022 • Nature Environment Excess airTechnology
Pollution zone
An additional spacing of 0.46 m is provided on all sides of the waste and co
 MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AND DESIGN OF A LOW-COST INCINERATOR 1939

Table 3: Stoichiometric oxygen requirement for combustion.

Component Combustion Equation Stoichiometric Air Requirement

Per kg of Waste
[kg.hr-1]
DryBase
Tissue Slab C5H10O3 + 6O2 à 5CO2 + 5H2O 11.7
Polyethylene (C2H4) x + 3O2 à 2CO2 + 2H2O 86.4
The base slab is a 2(C
Polyvinylchloride 6.21m x 5.31m, 150 mm thick concrete slab reinforced
2H3Cl) x + 5O2 à 4CO2 + 2H2O + 2HCl 3.22 with DPC reinforcement
(Fig.
Cellulose 11). The purpose of this base slab
C6H10O5 + 6O2 à 6CO2 + 5H2O is to carry the weight of
42.3 the walls and all of the other
components of the-incinerator.
Total 143.62

ab is a 6.21m
Internal Walls
x 5.31m,
of this base slab150 mm
is to thick
carry theconcrete
weight ofslab reinforced
the walls and allwith
of DPC reinforcement
process, and to house the hospital waste for combustion and
he purposethe of thiscomponents
base slab is to carry the weight of the walls andashes all of thethe
from other
combustion
other
of the incinerator.
of the incinerator.
The internal walls are constructed using heat-resistant bricks or blocks.process.
They are constructed over an
internal
Internal Wallsperimeter of 3.7m × 2.8m (Fig. 12) making provisions
External Walls for the primary and secondary air inlet,
alls the combustion
The internal chamber,
walls are constructed andheat-resistant
using the fume chamber,
bricks which would be explained in subsequent sections.
The external walls are also constructed using heat-resistant
The purpose
or blocks.
walls are constructed
They are of the internal
constructed
using heat-resistant brickswalls
over an internal is forThey
the are
perimeter
or blocks. combustion
of
constructed process, andoverall
over anto an
bricks or blocks
to house the hospital waste for
height of 1.63 m. They are
3.7mcombustion
× 2.8m (Fig. 12)andmaking
ashes provisions
from forcombustion
the the primary and process.
meter of 3.7m × 2.8m (Fig. 12) making provisions for the primary and secondary air inlet,
secondary air inlet, the combustion chamber, and the fume constructed over a perimeter of 4.91 m × 4.01m (Fig.12) also
ion chamber, and the fume chamber, which would be explained in subsequent making sections. for the Primary and secondary air Inlet,
provisions
chamber, which would be explained in subsequent sections.
e of the internal walls is for the combustion process, and to house the hospital waste for
and ashesThefrompurpose of the internal
the combustion process. walls is for the combustion the combustion chamber, and the fume chamber which would
be explained in subsequent sections. An air gap clearance
of 0.46 m (Fig.12) is provided to serve as heat insulation to
prevent direct human contact with the heat of the combustion
and heat of the internal walls.

Primary Air Inlet

The primary air inlet is a rectangular crosssection of 3.55m
× 0.7m (Fig. 13) The purpose of the primary air inlet is to
allow for air to enter into the combustion chamber to facilitate
the proper combustion of the Hospital waste.

Secondary Air Inlet

The secondary air inlet is a steel pipe of diameter 0.3m
Fig. 11: 3-D Drawing of The
(Fig.14). the steel
basepipe
slab.
passes through both the external and
Fig. Fig.
11:11:
3-D
3-DDrawing ofthethe
Drawing of base
base slab.slab.

Fig. 12: 3-D Drawing of the internal and external walls.

Nature Environment and Pollution Technology • Vol. 21, No. 4, 2022

Drawing of the internal and external walls.

 nlet is a rectangular crosssection of 3.55m × 0.7m (Fig. 13) The purpose of the
is to allow for air to enter into the combustion chamber to facilitate the proper
1940 O. J. Oyebode and J. A. Otoko
e Hospital waste.
Fume Pipe
The fume pipe is a metal pipe of diameter 0.45 m and a
standing height of 1.5 m (See Fig. 16) above the Top Slab.
The purpose of the fume pipe is for the upward displace-
ment of combustion fumes through a specific channel to the
atmosphere or pollution control device.

Particle Filter
The particle filter is placed along the length of the fume pipe
so that combustion fumes can pass through it and remove any
nd secondary air Inlet, the combustion chamber,
Fig. 13: 3-D Drawing of the Primary Air Inlet.
Fig. 13: 3-D Drawing of the Primary and
Air the
Inlet. fume tiny which
chamber particles that could
would be be hazardous to breathe in (Fig 16).
ubsequent sections. An air gap clearance of 0.46 m (Fig.12) is provided FumetoPIPE
serveand
as heat
Support Stand
let
prevent direct human
internal wallscontact withbethe
and would heatafter
placed of the combustion
both the externaland heat of the internal
and internal walls have been constructed. The purpose of They are constructed to hold the fume pipe firmly to prevent
r inlet isthe
a steel pipeair
secondary ofinlet
diameter 0.3m
is to allow for(Fig.14). The
additional air to steel
enter pipe passes
it from through both
swaying.
nlet
nternal the
walls and would be toplaced after
combustion chamber allow for the both
properthe external and Fig.
combustion internal
17, 18 walls
and 19 have
show the 3D and section drawings of
airThe
inletpurpose
of the of the secondary
waste.
is a rectangular crosssection airofinlet
3.55m is ×to0.7m
allow(Fig.
for 13)
additional
the whole
The purposeair toofenter
the the
incinerator.
ber
let istotoallow
allow
Top
for
forthe
Slab airproper
to entercombustion of the waste.
into the combustion chamber to facilitate the proper
CONCLUSIONS
the Hospital waste.
The top slab is a 4.31m × 5.21m, 150mm thick with openings This study shows a similar trend of HWM practices observed
for connecting the Incinerator Operation and Maintenance in Afe Babalola University multi-system hospital in develop-
door and the fume pipe (Fig. 15). The slab is precast and ing countries, particularly in Africa which is characterized
reinforced with DPC reinforcements after which it is placed by the Fig. 15:of3-D
absence Drawing
segregation of of the Top
medical wasteSlab.
from point
on top of the walls after being underlain with mortar for firm of generation. HWM practices in most developing countries
placement. Operation and Maintenance Door
do not meet WHO standards due to the lack of segregation
Operation and Maintenance Door
The operation and maintenance door on the top slab is constructed in a rectangula
The operation and maintenance × 2.8m
door (Fig.
on the 15).isThe
top slab con-operation and maintenance door is created to allow for the m
structed in a rectangular openingthe hospital waste into
of 2.7m × 2.8m (Fig. 15). the combustion chamber. The operation and maintenance d
The Fig.
operation and maintenance
13: 3-D Drawing of the door is
directlycreated
Primary over to
Airtheallow for frame in the combustion chamber to allow the hospital w
waste
Inlet.
the manual feeding of the hospital waste into the combustion
Fig. 14: 3-D Drawing of the Secondary
directly Airwaste
into the Inlet.frame.
r Inlet chamber. The operation and maintenance door is constructed
directly over the waste frame in the combustion chamber to
y air inletallow
is a steel pipe ofwaste
the hospital diameter Fume
to be 0.3m
Pipe Thethe
placed(Fig.14).
directly into steel pipe passes through both
waste
nd internal walls and would be placed after both the external and internal walls have
frame.
.31m × 5.21m, 150mm thick with openings
The fumefor connecting
pipe is a metalthepipe
Incinerator Operation
of diameter 0.45 m and a standing height of 1.5 m (S
ted. The purpose of the secondary air inlet is to allow for additional air to enter the
door and the fume pipe (Fig. 15). theThe
hamber to allow for the proper combustion Top slabwaste.
is precast
of theSlab.
and reinforced
The purpose of the fume with DPC
pipe is for the upward displacement of c
ter which it is placed on top of thethrough
walls after being underlain
a specific channel towith Fig.Fig.
15:15:
mortar for firm
the atmosphere 3-D Drawing
Drawing of thetop
or pollution control device.
3-D of the Top Slab.
slab.

Operation and Maintenance Door

The operation and maintenance door on the top slab is constructed in a rectangular openin
× 2.8m (Fig. 15). The operation and maintenance door is created to allow for the manual f
the hospital waste into the combustion chamber. The operation and maintenance door is co
directly over the waste frame in the combustion chamber to allow the hospital waste to
directly into the waste frame.
Fume Pipe
The fume pipe is a metal pipe of diameter 0.45 m and a standing height of 1.5 m (See Fig.
13 the Top Slab. The purpose of the fume pipe is for the upward displacement of combusti
Fig. 14: 3-D Drawing of the
Fig. 14: 3-D Drawing of the Secondary
Fig. 16: 3-D
secondary airthrough
Air a specific
Inlet.
Drawing
inlet.
of channel to the
the Fume atmosphere
pipe. or pollution
Fig. 16: 3-D Drawing control
of the fume device.
pipe.

Vol. 21, No. 4, 2022 • Nature Environment

ParticleandFilter
Pollution Technology

a 4.31m × 5.21m, 150mm thick with openings for connecting the Incinerator Operation
The particle filter is placed along the length of the fume pipe so that combustio
 MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AND DESIGN OF A LOW-COST INCINERATOR 1941

of medical waste at the point of generation, uncontrolled un-engineered dump sites, and poorly designed incinerators
or open-air combustion of medical waste, collection and if they exist for the collection, transport, and disintegration
management of medical waste alongside municipal waste, of medical wastes. There is a high risk of environmental pol-
use of inadequate protective equipment by the personnel in- lution particularly air and groundwater pollution as well as a
volved in waste handling, open dumping of medical waste in high public health risk as a result of these poor management
practices. Looking at De Montfort’s design of a Low-Cost
Medical Waste Incinerator, his design made no provisions
for the quantity of kerosene to be used for the combustion of
the medical waste. The combustion chamber‘s capacity was
determined primarily by the quantity of waste to be incin-
erated, essentially creating a controlled environment for the
combustion of medical waste while neglecting the reactions
of medical waste components with kerosene. Since it’s a ker-
osene-fueled incinerator, it’s the major cause of black smoke
from the chimney. However, the design of this study takes
into account the combustion interactions of kerosene with
various components of medical waste and is based on a daily
loading of waste. Hence it is significantly larger compared
to De Montfort’s design although it retained certain features
of his design such as the chimney/exhaust fume, access door
for cleaning and maintenance of the incinerator, a concrete
Fig.
Fig.17:
17:3-D
Fig. 3-D Drawing
Drawing
17: 3-D ofthethe
of
Drawing of the Incinerator.
Incinerator.
incinerator.
base, brick or sandcrete walls as well as openings/air inlets
Fig. 17: 3-D Drawing of the Incinerator.
to allow for access air during combustion.
On completion of the design of the incinerator with
an Incinerator capacity of 120 kg.hr-1, the optimum ker-
osene to a medical waste ratio of 1 L of Kerosene: 3.7
kg of medical waste was determined; aside from initial
construction cost, the cost of fueling daily to combust the
design daily waste load of 269 kg.day-1 would require
about 73 L which would sum up to N25,550 daily or
about N9.3 Million yearly which seems like a significant
amount. But compared to the financial implications of the
potential health risks on humans as well as pollution of the
environment, far more funds would be needed to rectify
such problems when they arise. The hospital would need
Fig. 18: 3-D Drawing of the Incinerator. to allocate a fixed amount of funds from income generated
towards the effective management of its medical waste to
Fig.18:
Fig. 18:
Fig.3-D
3-D Drawing
Drawing
18: 3-D of
ofthethe
Drawing of
the Incinerator.
Incinerator.
incinerator.
meet WHO criteria, avoid the negative impacts of poor
HWM procedures, and increase the international rating
of the Hospital. This design is untested, further research
would be required into the construction and quantitative
assessment of the effectiveness of this incinerator. Both
designs do not include air control devices for the fumes
produced from combustion. A low-cost design that can
be implemented is the design of wet scrubbers which is
effective towards this end.

: 3-D, X-Ray, section drawing of the incinerator showing the combustion zone.
RECOMMENDATIONS

ONS The state of HWM practices in developing countries especial-

3-D, X-Ray,
Fig.section drawing
19: 3-D, X-Ray, ofdrawing
section the incinerator showing
of the incinerator the combustion
showing the zone.
ly in Nigeria needs a lot of improvement and the following
D, X-Ray, section drawingcombustion
of the incinerator
zone.
showing the combustion zone.
ows a similar trend of HWM practices observed in Afe Babalola University multi-
NS
S in developing countries, particularly in Africa which is characterized
al by the absence
Nature Environment and Pollution Technology • Vol. 21, No. 4, 2022
nwsofa medical waste of
similar trend from
HWMpointpractices
of generation.
observedHWM practices
in Afe in most
Babalola developing
University multi-
ot meet WHO
ina developing standards
similar trend due
of HWM
countries, to the lack
practices
particularly of segregation
observed
in Africa of medical
in Afe
which waste at the
Babalola University
is characterized point ofmulti-
by the absence
1942 O. J. Oyebode and J. A. Otoko
are recommendations for achieving an improved state of
HWM practices in Nigeria.
1. The Nigerian Government should create and enforce
laws eradicating the dumping of medical as well as
municipal wastes in un-engineered dumpsites; specific
dumpsites should be made available and providing
fencing to ward off scavengers.
2. All waste-handling staff should and must be outfitted
with full safety gear.
3. Regulatory bodies must impose segregation practices
in all healthcare facilities from the point of creation to
the final disposal site.
4. Ensuring strict compliance with WHO standards on the
collection, transport, and disintegration of medical waste
5. Hospitals should adequately allocate both human and
financial resources in all HWM operations
6. Regular training and orientation of all staff involved in
HCEs on HWM practices
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