Loading/De-Ashing

A major benefit of the BOS is its ability to accept waste in many different forms. Unlike many systems, there is no requirement to shred the waste. Waste materials can be accepted loose, bagged, baled, or on pallets. Animal remains and even whole carcasses can be introduced into the system. The system can also accept a wide range of bulky items such as vehicle tires, mattresses, furniture, and construction debris.

The simplest method to load the BOS is to transfer waste from the storage area by using a front-end loader, then dropping the waste into the top of the Primary Gasification Chamber (PGC). Each standard sized PCG holds up to 15 tons of waste and can easily be de-ashed and loaded in an hour. The PGC can also be designed with a front-opening door for loading large or bulky items such as material stacked on pallets. Alternatively, a conveyor system such as the one illustrated in the photo can be used for loading.

Ash removal is also very simple using a front-end loader. The gasification process normally takes about 10-13 hours with an additional 10 hours to complete burn-out and allow for cool down. Thus, a full BOS cycle takes about 24 hours. The process produces close to 100% burn-out, leaving only a sanitized, nonhazardous ash as the residue. Large hydraulically operated ash doors are located at the base of each PGC. When operated, the ash door discharges the ash into an enclosed pit beneath the BOS. The front end loader can then be used to transfer the ash for disposal. The ash is of high quality and can be recycled into cinder blocks or road construction material.

Alternatively, a vitrification system can be used to convert the ash into a valuable glass by-product that has many potential commercial applications such as sand blasting grit, aggregate, floor and roof tiles, shingles, and patio bricks.