The key is not just following the maintenance manual but also knowing your equipment well enough to spot changes before they become problems. A daily visual and operational check, combined with routine maintenance, can make the difference between uninterrupted operation and costly downtime. In this article, we highlight the simple but crucial steps every crew can take to keep their incinerator performing reliably and in compliance.
The value of daily attention
While periodic maintenance tasks outlined in the manual should be part of your planned service schedule, Ole Bulien, Head of Sales for Incinerators at TeamTec, stresses that “a quick visual check inside and outside before each use can reveal a lot for those who know the process and equipment well.”
Changes in appearance, unusual noises from the fan, or slower-than-usual temperature build-up can all signal that maintenance from the weekly or monthly schedule may be needed sooner. This is why TeamTec recommends having the same crew members operate the incinerator daily. They are more likely to detect small deviations early.
Sludge burning vs. solid waste: what to watch for
For sludge-burning incinerators, reliable operation depends on proper atomization, similar to how a diesel engine functions, but with much less refined fuel. Key components include:
A clean sludge nozzle free of charred oil deposits.
A rubber stator and rotor in good condition in the sludge dosage pump.
Correct balance between sludge and steam/compressed air for atomizing.
For solid waste incinerators, fewer elements need constant adjustment compared to sludge-burning units, but some attention is still critical:
Corrosion in the flame shroud or blast tube.
Dirty photo resistor sensors.
Ash build-up around the flue gas exit or in combustion air holes.
Loose pipe fittings causing diesel leaks around the burner.
Ole notes, “If atomizing is not happening, you’ll end up with a stream of liquid sludge that simply cannot burn efficiently.” This can quickly cause damage or operational shutdown. Any sign of sludge leakage should result in immediate shutdown and corrective action before restarting.
Why it matters
A well-maintained incinerator doesn’t just prevent costly repairs; it ensures environmental compliance and efficient waste handling on board. By combining preventive maintenance with operator familiarity, crews can keep waste management smooth, safe, and environmentally responsible.
