Abstract:
Refuse containing combustible components of variable caloric content is completely burned in a furnace having a vertical shaft for a combustion zone and a grate through which molten incombustibles and gaseous products of combustion are discharged downward into a pit. Annular streams of preheated air are injected inwardly and downwardly into the mass of refuse on the grate. Gaseous combustion products in the pit are continuously analyzed for the presence of free oxygen or incompletely burned combustibles. Combustion air is caused to travel through a thinner layer of refuse by injecting it at a lower point if combustion is not complete, or through a thicker layer of refuse by injection at a higher level if excess free oxygen is present. Regulation of the level of injection is achieved by control means connected to the analyzer and to valves in the air inlet lines.