Incinerator suppliers have received an increase in inquiries from poultry units who want to reduce disposal costs, and also reduce the biosecurity risk of farm–to–farm collection. Incinerators can be beneficial to any farm. Layer units, broilers or hatcheries are all suitable poultry holdings. We asked Alex Billingsley from Inciner8 about the advantages and pitfalls that come with setting up an on-farm unit.
The systems are powered with liquefied gas, diesel or gas. A single-phase or three-phase electrical connection is required. Models are available in a range of sizes, from small 10kg/hour models to large 700kg/hour models. The most common mistake is to buy the wrong size machine for a particular farm. To incinerate waste efficiently, larger is not always better.
The chamber can be clogged with air if the machine cannot meet its throughput requirements. It is important to understand how much waste needs to be placed in the primary chamber. Also, you should know the required burn time. The size of the farm, the number of deaths and the type of machine to use are all important factors to consider.
The right location can make all the difference in whether or not you need planning permission to install your incinerator. What about licences and planning permissions? It is important to notify the local authorities of any installation planned and follow their instructions. The machine must be of low capacity, or less than 50kg/hour. To obtain the necessary license, Defra requires that you submit a form along with its most recent guidelines animal incinerator.
A complex or disputed application may take even longer. To ensure that the planning process is smooth, it’s best to consult a local planner. The incinerators on farms are all compliant with Defra standards and adhere to the guidelines. The only places where opposition is likely to occur are in areas that are densely built up or that have high trees and other structures surrounding the site. Incinerator stacks may have to be extended to clear tall structures.
It is possible that extra height would require planning, but this depends on the authority. The most common reason for complaints is a lack of understanding. Incinerators have a bad reputation. They are associated with smoke. But, when you explain the advantages of an efficient, modern incinerator, your concerns will quickly disappear.
Incinerators must be located away from any combustible materials, such as natural watercourses, and accommodation. It must be enclosed in a sturdy shelter or a purpose-built, well-ventilated structure. This will protect it from the elements. A constant electrical supply must be available at the installation location. It varies depending on the site, as each machine has a different weight. Incinerators need to be mounted on concrete bases that are strong enough to support the incinerator model.
The concrete foundation should be at least 50cm thick with a 20cm base. What about the energy sources? Gas, electric, or renewable supply generation. When using gas, a qualified gas installer should make connections to the machine. It is also necessary to have continuous power at the location of the machine and an alternate source of power in case there is a power failure.