Modified burn barrels could be built using commonly available substances. They could either be pre-built independently or hauled to the site for meeting. Detailed construction programs are given in Appendix 2.
Although modified burn barrels are designed to make an edge over open burning off the ground, burn boxes and unmodified burn barrels through reaching higher burn temperatures and increased turbulence and controlling time, incomplete combustion of waste and the release of pollutants to the atmosphere continue to be likely. In fact, emissions testing by Environment Canada on a modified burn barrel in April 2011 imply that these devices don’t offer any improvement over open burning off the ground in terms of
Figure 4 — Modified Burn Barrel
increases caliber, particularly if wet food waste is added to the waste mixture. Other common problems include easily overfilling the device and loading waste that shouldn’t be burned (refer to section 3.2). Wet or suspended masses of waste are particularly hard to burn along with the resulting partly burned food waste could still bring in animals. The proper functioning of modified burn barrels is essential to achieving the best burn possible. Basic operating instructions are offered in section 4.1.
Burn barrels are effective at burning only small quantities of waste. Like burn boxes, they reduce the danger of fire spreading to plant and tundra by containing the burning waste to a specific site.
The burning and incineration procedure used is a major factor in determining what kind of waste could be safely and efficiently disposed of. The methods widely utilized in Nunavut include open burning off the ground, unmodified burn barrels and assorted mechanical incineration systems. Other helpful methods include the use of burnt boxes and modified burn barrels. Each procedure is discussed separately in the subsequent sections.
2.1.1 Open Burning
Open burning means the burning of waste at which limited or no control over the combustion process can be solved by the operator. This technique includes burning solid waste directly on the open ground or in burn boxes or burn barrels and frequently does not achieve the temperatures or holding period required for complete combustion of the waste to occur. This causes the creation of potentially hazardous pollutants and ash, which are likely to affect nearby land and water. Food waste that is not entirely burnt through open burning may also be a potent attractant for creatures.
The various open burning approaches may also present a danger of uncontrolled plant and tundra fires through the release of hot sparks or embers. The level of fire risk is contingent on the sort of open burning utilized, its place, the skill of the operator and the environmental conditions that exist in the time (i.e. dryness of the surrounding plant , wind). It is the policy of this Department of Environment to eliminate or minimize open burning of mixed solid waste to the extent practicable and to encourage more suitable procedures of disposal and incineration.
Open Burning on the Earth
Open burning the ground involves burning solid waste that has been piled directly on the surface of the ground or put in a small open pit. Many large and small communities and camp operators in Nunavut continue to practice open burning on the ground as a
These devices typically operate in a very low temperature resulting in incomplete combustion of the waste and production of large quantities of smoke and fly ash.
A modified burn barrel is a 45 gallon metal fuel or oil drum that has been affixed with apparatus or features which result in greater burn temperatures, better mixing of the atmosphere and an extended holding time. These alterations include a’metal mesh basket’ insert or grate designed to suspend the burning waste.
Means of decreasing the
volume of waste that has to finally be disposed of. Generally,
Figure 1 — Open Burning on the Earth
Harmful pollutants to the atmosphere, can cause vegetation or tundra fires through the uncontrolled release of hot sparks and embers, and is frustrated by the Nunavut Department of Environment as a way of disposing of unsegregated or mixed solid waste. The enclosed burnt box is assembled with heavy sheets of metal or other alloy while the open burn box has been assembled with expanded metal grating. The latter kind is often referred to as a burn cage. These devices are not commercially-available in Nunavut, but may be built using locally available materials. By way of instance, the enclosed metal burn box displayed in Figure 2 is created from a dump truck mattress and steel plating.
Photo courtesy of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Burn boxes are regarded as a modification of burning. Combustion air is provided passively with a natural draft making electricity unnecessary. Burn boxes are only chambered units. Waste is raised off the bottom of the box by placing it on grates inside the device. Unburned bottom ash falls through the grate during burning off making removal easier once a sufficient amount has accumulated. Combustion air in enclosed burnt boxes is typically provided by cutting holes near the base of the box allowing for better mixing with all the burning waste.
Open burn boxes, or burn off cages, are an improvement over enclosed burnt boxes because the waste is exposed to natural drafts through the metal grating on all surfaces including the bottom. This permits air to better blend with burning waste and promotes more efficient combustion throughout the burning interval.
Constructed with hinged tops to enable easier loading and cleaning.
Unlike open burning off the ground, burn boxes help to contain the burning waste within a specific place lowering the possibility of fire spreading to other disposal areas or surrounding tundra, while enabling moderate amounts of waste to be burned.
Figure 3 – Open Metal Burn Box
Photo courtesy of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
The unmodified burn barrel is normally a 45 gallon, or 205 litre, metal fuel or oil drum with the top removed. These devices typically operate at a low temperature resulting in incomplete combustion of the waste and production of large volumes of smoke and fly ash.
A modified burn barrel is a 45 gallon metal fuel or oil drum that has been affixed with devices or features which result in higher burn temperatures, better mixing of the air and a longer holding time. These modifications include a ‘metal mesh basket’ insert or grate designed to suspend the burning waste.
Evenly spaced vents or holes cut above the bottom of the barrel supply combustion air. These features provide for enhanced passive under-fire ventilation and promote better contact between the waste being burned and incoming air. The basket insert is topped with a hinged lid and a chimney port for attachment of an exhaust pipe or stack. The lid helps to increase heat retention and holding time inside the barrel while also allowing for easier loading and mixing of the waste. The removable mesh basket enables access to the unburned bottom ash.
Modified burn barrels can be built using commonly available materials. They can either be pre-built locally or transported to the site for assembly. Detailed construction plans are provided in Appendix 2.
Although modified burn barrels are designed to create an advantage over open burning on the ground, burn boxes and unmodified burn barrels through achieving higher burn temperatures and increased turbulence and holding time, incomplete combustion of waste and the release of pollutants to the atmosphere are still likely. In fact, emissions testing by Environment Canada on a modified burn barrel in April 2011 suggest that these devices do not provide any improvement over open burning on the ground in terms of
Figure 4 – Modified Burn Barrel
emissions quality, particularly if wet food waste is added to the waste mixture. Other common problems include easily overfilling the unit and loading waste that should not be burned (refer to section 3.2). Wet or frozen masses of waste are particularly difficult to burn and the resulting partly burned food waste may still attract animals. The proper operation of modified burn barrels is critical to achieving the most efficient burn possible. Basic operating instructions are provided in section 4.1.
Burn barrels are capable of burning only small volumes of solid waste. Like burn boxes, they reduce the risk of fire spreading to vegetation and tundra by containing the burning waste to a specific location.
