Exhaust gas cleaning technology in small incinerators (1990s, Kubota)

Exhaust gas cleaning technology in small incinerators (1990s, Kubota)
In the 1990s, Japan relied on incineration for much of its general waste disposal, but dioxin, acid gas, and soot emissions from small incinerators owned by small and medium-sized cities had become a serious problem. Low-temperature combustion and inadequate temperature control resulted in the generation of large amounts of toxic substances, and a 1997 survey by the Ministry of Health and Welfare indicated that the majority of dioxin emissions in Japan came from small incinerators, leading to increased public criticism. Municipalities were required to upgrade their facilities and strengthen exhaust gas treatment, and high-performance cleaning technology was needed that could be introduced even with limited space and budget.
Against this backdrop, Kubota developed an exhaust gas cleaning system that is space-saving and optimized for small incinerators, yet offers the same purification performance as larger facilities. The rapid cooling system prevents dioxin re-generation, and the bag filter collects dioxins along with dust, while the multi-stage treatment, which combines wet cleaning to neutralize acidic gases and dry adsorption, significantly reduces toxic substances. This has enabled safe incineration operations that meet environmental standards even in small and medium-sized cities.
In addition, the introduction of automatic control functions and an alarm system facilitated operation management and contributed to reducing the burden on local government sites. This equipment supported the environmental measures of small- and medium-sized municipalities amid the trend toward stricter dioxin regulations in the 1990s, and has become an important technology for the preservation of the local air quality.