The purchase price of a small medical waste incinerator is a one-time cost. Fuel, power and labour are paid every day. Before you buy, it is worth estimating what the unit will cost to run – and how to keep that cost low.
Burner Fuel Ratings
| Model | Primary burner | Secondary burner | Fan |
|---|---|---|---|
| MWI-20 | 0.11 kW, 4–6 kg/h | 0.11 kW, 6–10 kg/h | 0.25 kW |
| MWI-30 | 0.11 kW, 4–6 kg/h | 0.11 kW, 6–10 kg/h | 0.37 kW |
| MWI-50 | 0.11 kW, 6–10 kg/h | 0.18 kW, 7–14 kg/h | 0.55 kW |
These are estimated burner ratings when firing. Burners do not necessarily run at full rate for the whole cycle: once dry waste is burning well, the primary burner often runs less. Wet waste, cold starts and short cycles increase consumption.
Worked Example: MWI-20 at a Health Centre
Assumptions (adjust to your own figures):
- 4 hours of operation per day
- Secondary burner firing for most of the cycle; primary burner for about half
- Diesel price in your country
Estimated fuel per day ≈ (secondary ~6–10 kg/h × 4 h) + (primary ~4–6 kg/h × 2 h) ≈ 32–52 kg of diesel per day, before savings from good practice. Multiply by your local diesel price.
Electricity is small: burners and fan together draw well under 1 kW on the MWI-20.
Other Running Costs
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Labour | One trained operator for the burning period |
| Spare parts | Burner nozzles, fuel filters, door gaskets, thermocouples – see warranty and spare parts |
| Refractory repair | Small repairs during routine maintenance |
| Ash disposal | Small volume; follow local rules – see ash disposal |
6 Ways to Cut Running Cost
- Burn once a day in one continuous session – avoid several short cold starts.
- Keep waste dry and covered before burning.
- Load steadily at the rated capacity – no overloading.
- Mix wet and dry waste in each load.
- Maintain burners – a dirty nozzle wastes fuel. See our maintenance checklist.
- Choose the right size – an oversized unit heats empty space; an undersized one runs longer.
Read incinerator total cost of ownership for the full five-year picture.
Get a Running Cost Estimate for Your Facility
Tell us your daily waste, operating hours and fuel price – we’ll recommend a model and estimate daily fuel use.
FAQ
How much fuel does the MWI-20 use?
Its burners are rated at about 4–6 kg/h (primary) and 6–10 kg/h (secondary) when firing. Daily use depends on operating hours and waste moisture.
Does a small medical incinerator use much electricity?
No. On the MWI-20 the burners and fan together draw well under 1 kW.
Can it run on natural gas or LPG to reduce cost?
Both fuel-oil (diesel) and gas-fired versions are available – choose gas if it is cheaper at your site.
What is the biggest running cost?
Usually fuel. Operating in one continuous session per day and keeping waste dry make the biggest difference.