CO Detection in Waste Incineration: A Matter of Safety and Emissions Control
Waste-to-energy plants play a crucial role in reducing landfill use and generating energy from municipal and industrial waste. But running these facilities safely and efficiently means keeping a close eye on a dangerous byproduct: carbon monoxide (CO).
CO isn’t just a sign of incomplete combustion — in waste incineration, it’s also a key safety metric and a compliance requirement. This article covers why accurate CO monitoring is critical in incineration, and how laser-based technology offers a more reliable, maintenance-free solution.
Why Carbon Monoxide Forms in Waste Incineration
In a perfect burn, carbon in the waste combines with oxygen to form CO₂. But waste isn’t consistent — moisture levels, material composition, and load size vary constantly. These fluctuations cause incomplete combustion, which leads to spikes in CO levels.
High CO often indicates:
Low oxygen or poor air distribution in the furnace
Wet or unevenly fed waste streams
Flame instability or poor burner performance
Detecting these conditions in real time is critical — not just to keep the system running, but to prevent toxic emissions or explosive atmospheres from forming downstream.
CO as a Safety Indicator
One of the most dangerous properties of CO is that it’s colorless, odorless, and flammable. If high concentrations go undetected — especially in flue gas ducts or air-handling systems — they can create hazardous working environments or even explosion risks.
CO also has a role in protecting post-combustion equipment, such as:
Flue gas treatment systems (SCR, filters, scrubbers)
Heat exchangers
Stack monitoring systems
When CO is under control, these components operate safely and efficiently. When it’s not, they can be damaged or become unreliable — increasing both operating costs and risk.
CO and Emissions Compliance
In many regions, continuous carbon monoxide monitoring is part of CEMS (Continuous Emissions Monitoring System) requirements. Regulatory bodies often mandate specific CO thresholds to ensure:
Public safety
Environmental protection
Emission reporting accuracy
Failing to comply can result in penalties, plant shutdowns, or legal action. And with growing pressure to reduce emissions globally, accurate CO analysis isn’t optional — it’s a baseline.
Why TDLAS Is the Smarter Choice for CO Monitoring
Most traditional CO analyzers (electrochemical or NDIR sensors) struggle in incineration settings due to:
High dust loads
Elevated temperatures
Corrosive gases like HCl and SO₂
That’s where Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) stands out. Beamonics’ TDLAS-based CO analyzers offer:
✅ Fast, real-time measurements — sub-second response
✅ High reliability — immune to sensor drift and cross-sensitivity
✅ Low maintenance — no consumables or regular calibrations
✅ In-situ or cross-stack installation — ideal for ducts, furnaces, and flues
You get stable, continuous CO data — even in the most aggressive operating conditions.
Conclusion
In waste incineration, CO detection is about more than emissions — it’s about protecting people, equipment, and the environment. Accurate, real-time monitoring enables smarter combustion control, early fault detection, and peace of mind for operators.
With Beamonics’ TDLAS analyzers, you can reduce risk, meet compliance standards, and keep your plant running safely — 24/7.
Interested in upgrading your CO monitoring system?
Contact us to learn more or request a demo.
