A Techno-Economic Study of the Disposal of Polyurethane Foam Waste by Incineration and Heat Recovery

The paper reports on an investigation into procedures for the disposal of waste from a firm manufacturing polyurethane thermal insulation products. The procedures analysed are disposal by tipping, in-house incineration and incineration with waste heat recovery. The factors considered included the nature and amounts of scrap arisings, the combustion characteristics of PUR foams, environmental legislation and incineration technology. A detailed investment appraisal was made and it was concluded that for the specific manufacturing situation investigated incineration is technologically feasible and would be of economic benefit to the firm. Little economic advantage would result, however, from implementing a waste heat recovery system.