Waste and Wastewater Industries
Exploring toxic gas and fire risks in the waste and wastewater industries.
Exploring toxic gas and fire risks in the waste and wastewater industries.
The treatment of waste and wastewater involved numerous substances, many of which are flammable and/or toxic. Waste dumps, procressing plants and incinerators all create their own risks. Many types of waste are combustible, necessitating constant fire detection and suppression to stop fires from spreading.
In the wastewater treatment process, toxic chemicals such as H2S are produced, which can be lethal and must be monitored. Flammable methane gas may also be produced.
The increasing world population, and its resultant effect on the environment, has led to a proliferation of wastewater treatment plants across the globe. Wastewater treatment processes use and produce a variety of highly toxic and combustible gases. Using close monitoring ensures the safety of equipment, personnel, and the general environment.
H2S is a toxic gas that is naturally present and produced in the wastewater treatment process. It is found in raw sewage and during the processing of sludge. Therefore, monitoring is essential in sewers, sludge de-watering systems, anaerobic digesters, and wet/dry wells. Highly flammable methane gas is also produced during wastewater processing, especially during sludge decomposition. Ammonia (NH3), ozone (O3), and chlorine (Cl2) are used during the decontamination stage.
Fire is a constant possibility at waste management sites, as many types of waste are readily combustible. Operators must ensure that fire detector and suppression systems are in place to prevent these fires from spreading.
At waste management locations, there are several areas that create a fire risk, and require continues monitoring:
Many types of waste material are flammable, and even minor fires can result in the ignition of the methane present around decomposing materials. According to the UK Environment Agency, between 2001 and 2013, there were a total of 4,321 recorded waste fires at regulated and unregulated sites, an average of 332 fires per year. To prevent fires from happening in recycling facilities, an effective flame detection must be used.
Most commonly, fires in recycling facilities are a result of the spontaneous combustion of solid waste. This is challenging to monitor, requiring both expertise and the correct technology. Vehicles that collect municipal waste produce hot particles that combine and ignite, setting the waste site alight, with the high volume of methane present acting as a catalyst. Waste fire damage often extends across the site and into the surrounding environment. Flame detection systems must be located in every recycling facility, to quickly detect and suppress flames before a large fire occurs.
As a leader in Flame and Gas detection we are dedicated to protecting personnel, property and the environment.
