Biomedical waste management
    The segregated biomedical waste generated from the health care facility in different color coded bags viz. Yellow, Red, Blue and White Translucent box is collected and transported through the specially designed vehicles to the treatment facility. Waste inside the yellow bags are treated in a specially designed Incinerator at the temperature of 800±50°C and 1000±50°C. The waste collected inside the red color bags are sent to specially designed gravity flow autoclave having temperature 135°C and a pressure of 31 psi for an autoclave residence time of 45 minutes and then finally its shredded in a powerful shredder to small pieces. This shredded material is then sent to authorize recyclers.
Online Continuous Monitoring of Stack Emission:

Online Continuous Stack Emission Monitoring System (CSEMS) are being installed in Wise Ecocare plant as per the rules of Pollution Control Board authorities for the measurement of pollutants within the stack emission. Monitoring within the stack presents a number of problems due to extremes of temperature, velocity of sample and pressure. OCEMS is used for continuous emissions monitoring in biomedical waste incinerators. Presently the emission parameters like CO, CO2, Temperatures of Primary & Secondary Chambers are uploaded in real time to the servers of MPCB & CPCB, Typically, concentrations of SO2, NO, NO2, N2O, NH3, O2 and TOC (Total Organic Carbon) can also be continuously measured.
Continuous Stack Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) accumulates data on a pre-determined time schedule. The Pollution Control Board can monitor the stack emission online in real-time and it is self-reporting to the authorities when permit limits are exceeded.



Incinerator:

A bio-medical waste incinerator is a specialized facility designed to safely dispose of bio-medical waste, such as medical sharps, infectious materials, chemicals, and other hazardous materials generated from healthcare facilities, research laboratories, and similar settings. The incineration process is used to destroy these potentially infectious and hazardous materials, reducing the risk of contamination and spread of diseases. Here's an overview of the bio-medical waste incinerator process:
Waste Collection and Segregation:
Bio-medical waste is collected from various sources, such as hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other healthcare facilities. It is important to segregate the waste into different categories based on its type and potential hazard level. This segregation ensures that different types of waste are treated appropriately and reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

Loading and Preheating:
The segregated waste is loaded into the incinerator chamber. Before the combustion process begins, the chamber is preheated to a certain temperature. Preheating helps in achieving efficient and complete combustion of the waste.

Combustion:
The waste is subjected to high temperatures within the incinerator chamber. In the presence of sufficient oxygen, the waste undergoes combustion, a chemical reaction that involves the rapid oxidation of organic materials. This process breaks down complex organic molecules into simpler compounds, primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Secondary Combustion Chamber:
Some bio-medical waste incinerators use a secondary combustion chamber to ensure complete destruction of any remaining organic materials and to further reduce emissions. The secondary chamber provides additional residence time at high temperatures to ensure thorough combustion.

Exhaust Treatment:
The combustion process produces exhaust gases containing various pollutants and potentially harmful substances. These gases are directed through a series of pollution control devices to minimize their environmental impact. Common exhaust treatment components include:

  • Scrubbers: These remove acidic gases and particulate matter from the exhaust stream.

  • Baghouse Filters: These capture fine particulate matter that might still be present after the combustion process.

  • Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) or Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR): These technologies are used to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.



Monitoring and Control:
Throughout the incineration process, various parameters such as temperature, oxygen levels, and emissions are closely monitored and controlled to ensure optimal combustion and environmental compliance. Advanced control systems help maintain safe and efficient operations.

Ash Management:
After the combustion process is complete, the remaining solid residue is called ash. This ash may contain non-combustible materials, metals, and other inert substances. Proper disposal or management of the ash is crucial to prevent potential environmental contamination.
Disposal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxDz5WCxz6A&ab_channel=YSENMED



Brief information about Autoclave

  1. The autoclaving process is commonly used for the treatment of infectious or potentially hazardous waste materials. Autoclaving is highly effective and safe method of sterilization that utilizes high-pressure steam to kill microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. The combination of high temperature and steam under pressure ensures thorough sterilization, making it a reliable method for decontamination.
  2. Versatility: Autoclaving is suitable for a wide range of materials, including glassware, surgical instruments, and media, liquids, and biohazard waste. It can sterilize both solid and liquid items without causing damage or degradation to most heat-resistant materials.
  3. The system operates at a temperature of 121 degrees Celsius and a steam pressure of 15 pounds per square inch (psi) for a duration of 60-90 minutes. In the pre-vaccum type, vacuum pumps are employed to evacuate air, reducing the time cycle to 30-60 minutes.
  4. Environmentally friendly: Autoclaving is an environmentally friendly sterilization method. It does not involve the use of harsh chemicals or generate toxic byproducts. Steam produced during the process is typically condensed and collected for reuse, minimizing water consumption.



Autoclave-