Fire-resistant doors for waste incineration plants and cement works: thermal utilisation as a global growth market

Not all waste is the same. What was once regarded as an unwelcome by-product of our society is increasingly becoming a valuable resource – especially with regard to energy production. The thermal utilisation of waste is rapidly gaining in importance worldwide and has grown into a large market that makes a significant contribution to energy transition and the sustainable use of our resources.

What is thermal utilisation, and what materials can be used?

Thermal utilisation can be described as a process in which waste is incinerated under controlled conditions in order to release the energy it contains. ‘But it's more than just “waste incineration” in the traditional sense. Modern plants are high-tech power stations designed to minimise emissions and ensure maximum energy efficiency. The main aim is to convert waste into usable energy – be it in the form of electricity, heat or steam,’ says Karsten Vogt, who, as joint Managing Director of Langen Feuerungsbau with his wife Anja Vogt, supplies fire-resistant doors to precisely those plants around the world that are dedicated to the thermal utilisation of waste materials.

The range of waste that can be thermally recycled is broad and mainly includes materials that cannot be recycled, or can only be recycled at great expense, or the recycling of which is not ecologically or economically viable. These typically include:

• residual waste: unsorted household waste that remains after separation from recyclable materials;
• commercial and industrial waste: miscellaneous waste from trade and industry that cannot be recycled;
• bulky waste: large-sized waste that does not fit in the rubbish bin;
• pre-dried sewage sludge: a by-product of wastewater treatment;
• hazardous waste: certain types of special waste whose safe disposal is of a high priority.

Thermal utilisation is important because it is advantageous for energy generation and climate protection. It reduces the space required for landfill, because incineration considerably reduces the volume of waste, which in turn massively reduces the need for landfill space. Landfills are not only space-intensive, but can also lead to environmental problems such as the release of methane (a powerful greenhouse gas). What is more, waste-to-energy plants can supply electricity and heat through the thermal utilisation process, regardless of weather conditions. This makes them a stable and reliable addition to the energy mix.

The energy generated from waste also replaces fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. This contributes directly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving resources. Many systems are also designed as combined heat and power plants which produce both electricity and heat at the same time. This heat can be fed efficiently into district heating networks to heat buildings and industrial processes. And there is another important point: after thermal recycling, metals such as iron, copper and aluminium can be recovered from the ash produced through incineration.

The global market for thermal utilisation continues to grow

‘Given these benefits, it’s not surprising that the market for thermal waste utilisation is expanding worldwide. We at Langen Feuerungsbau have also noticed the increased demand from this sector for fire-resistant access doors, manholes and cleaning doors,’ says Anja Vogt. Particularly in densely populated regions and countries with limited landfill space and growing energy requirements, there is heavy investment in new plants. ‘Technological advances in filter technology and increased efficiency generated by cutting-edge modular hatches and openings, such as those we manufacture, help to increase acceptance and further improve the environmental balance,’ adds Karsten Vogt.

Thermal utilisation is therefore an integral part of a modern and sustainable circular economy. Not only does it solve the problem of waste disposal, it also actively contributes to the energy supply and conserves valuable resources. ‘With our products in furnace construction, we are happy to contribute to the continued growth of this sector of the economy,’ says Anja Vogt.