Spark arresting incinerator

Abstract

A spark arresting incinerator apparatus for burning combustible solid materials without the release of hot embers or ash capable of igniting materials outside the incinerator includes a firebox to contain the combustion, a grate disposed across the bottom of the firebox to support materials to be burned, an ash box disposed below the firebox and grate and connected to the firebox, the ash box having at least one screened and shielded combustion air inlet, a generally pyramidal cupola disposed above and connected to the firebox, and a chimney disposed above and connected to the cupola for the exit of combustion gases from the incinerator. The chimney includes a plurality of baffle plates each extending partially across the interior of the chimney, with the baffle plates disposed in staggered offset relation to each other, and also preferably includes a spark arrestor connected to the top of the chimney.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 809,091, filed May 30, 2006, by the same applicant.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to incinerators, and in its preferred embodiments more specifically relates to an incinerator structure that protects against the release of sparks or embers from the incinerator.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Residents of rural areas often do not have access to garbage and trash disposal services or to landfills for disposal of their household garbage and trash. It is very common, therefore, for such residents to burn their household trash. During periods of drought or other periods when the surrounding vegetation is dry, fugitive sparks and embers from the burning of trash can pose a heightened risk of igniting surrounding vegetation. It is common for governmental authorities to impose restrictions on burning during such periods as a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention provides an incinerator apparatus designed for use at rural households and small business operations for the safe burning of trash and other combustible materials. It is an object of the invention to contain and control the combustion of such materials within the incinerator. It is also an object of the invention to prevent the emission of sparks or embers that could ignite vegetation or other combustible materials outside the incinerator. It is still further an object of the invention to provide an incinerator that is appropriately sized for use by a single household, and that may be effectively and safely operated by a single person. It is still another object of the invention to provide an incinerator that is relatively inexpensive and affordable to those who have a need for such an apparatus.

Problems solved by technology

Residents of rural areas often do not have access to garbage and trash disposal services or to landfills for disposal of their household garbage and trash.

During periods of drought or other periods when the surrounding vegetation is dry, fugitive sparks and embers from the burning of trash can pose a heightened risk of igniting surrounding vegetation.

Although burning restrictions are effective in limiting fires, they do create hardships for rural residents because of the accumulation of trash.

Accumulated trash is not only visually unsightly but can also create health hazards and attract pests that can, themselves, create health hazards.

Conventional incinerators cannot be safely used to burn trash and the like during periods of high fire risk, because conventional incinerators are not sufficiently effective in preventing the release of embers and other solid combustion products that are the primary cause of accidental fires.

The entrainment of embers and the like in the combustion gases that flow from a conventional incinerator through a chimney at relatively high velocity pose the primary risk, and conventional spark arrestors disposed at the chimney outlet are not sufficiently effective to eliminate that risk.

The problems with accumulated trash can prompt some rural residents to dispose of trash improperly and illegally, such as by dumping trash and / or garbage along roadsides and / or on unoccupied land.

Residents may also ignore an imposed burning ban and burn trash anyway, exacerbating the fire risk.

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