The Exeter incinerator plant
Q.WHERE DOES THE WASTE COME FROM?
A.The plant will collect residual household rubbish, which is left over after recycling has taken place in the Exeter and East Devon area.
Q.HOW IS THE RUBBISH PROCESSED?
A.The waste goes into a bunker where it is then fed into a combustion chamber. An oscillating kiln, heated at 850 degrees celsius, moves the waste around and mixes it with oxygen to ensure a complete burn.
Q.HOW IS THE ELECTRICITY GENERATED?
A.The heat from the combustion chamber is used to raise steam that then drives a turbine which in turn produces the electricity. The steam is then cooled down and fed back through the system.
Q.WHAT IS AN AIR QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM?
A. Hot gases created by the combustion process have potential pollutants inside then, which are removed using activated lime and carbon. The cleaned gases are then released through a stack into the atmosphere.
Q.WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BOTTOM ASH?
A.The leftover product, bottom ash, will be recycled by a local aggregate company and turned into road building material and concrete.