In the bustling city of Baghdad, a pressing issue has been quietly gaining traction: the treatment of biomedical wastes. These wastes, generated daily by local hospitals, pose significant environmental and health risks if not managed properly. However, a recent theoretical study led by Ahmed H. Hadi, a researcher from the Directorate of Treatment and Disposal of Hazardous Wastes, offers a promising solution. The study, published in the Journal of Engineering, delves into the intricacies of incineration as a viable method for treating biomedical wastes, and the findings could reshape how we approach waste management, especially in the energy sector.
The research focuses on the biomedical wastes generated by two major hospitals in Baghdad: the Medical City and Al-Yarmouk Hospital. According to survey data, these facilities produce approximately 700 kg of biomedical waste daily. Hadi’s study proposes a multi-chamber incinerator with a capacity of 100 kg/h, designed to burn these wastes using diesel fuel to reach a burning temperature of 1100°C. This high temperature ensures complete combustion, significantly reducing the volume and mass of the waste.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its potential to generate thermal energy. The study computes the resulting thermal energy to be approximately 0.7178565 MW, which is emitted directly with flue gases to the ambient without any off-gas system. This presents an intriguing opportunity for the energy sector. “The thermal energy generated from the incineration process could be harnessed and utilized for various applications, such as heating or power generation,” Hadi explains. This not only addresses the waste management issue but also opens up new avenues for sustainable energy production.
The study also considers the environmental impact of the incineration process. The mass of flue gases produced is found to be 1895.8175 kg/h, with specific emissions of 193.20872 kg/h for CO2 and 1.6352 kg/h for HCl. These emissions are managed through the use of excess air ratios at 150% for solid waste burning and 20% for liquid fuel burning. The resulting ash from the incineration process is then used to produce concrete suitable for hot weather countries, further reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
The research highlights that incineration has lower construction and operational costs compared to other modern technologies, with a significant reduction in waste mass by 91.5%. This cost-effectiveness, combined with the potential for energy generation, makes incineration a compelling option for waste management in Baghdad and beyond. “The findings of this study could pave the way for more efficient and sustainable waste management practices, not just in Baghdad but in other regions facing similar challenges,” Hadi notes.
The implications of this research extend beyond waste management. The energy sector could benefit significantly from the thermal energy generated during the incineration process. By harnessing this energy, hospitals and other healthcare facilities could reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources, leading to cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint. Furthermore, the use of the resulting ash in concrete production promotes circular economy principles, where waste is transformed into valuable resources.
As the world continues to grapple with waste management and energy sustainability, Hadi’s research offers a glimmer of hope. The multi-chamber incinerator design, with its potential for energy generation and cost-effectiveness, could revolutionize how we approach biomedical waste treatment. The study, published in the Journal of Engineering, provides a solid foundation for future developments in the field, inspiring further research and innovation. The energy sector, in particular, stands to gain from this breakthrough, as the potential for harnessing thermal energy from waste incineration opens up new possibilities for sustainable energy production.
