Refuse Incineration Plant, Geneva (Switzerland)

Abstract

Although the elimination of refuse by means of incineration, as opposed to conversion into fertilizer, is in the long run a bad policy, it was chosen in this case for economic reasons and the agricultural conditions of this area. Nevertheless, it will be possible to add the necessary means for fertilizer conversion whenever future agricultural developments dictate their usefulness. After a series of very complete comparative studies as to the best means of transport, highway or waterway, it was decided to build a canals connecting the plant with a lake. By means of an inclined wharf the unloading of trash from barges is easily accomplished. The plant is divided into three zones: 1) The principal building, which houses trash and slag bins, the loading chutes of the incinerator ovens, and, at right angles, the unloading bay for the barges. 2) The incinerator itself, which includes electromechanical fixtures, two ovens, two electrofilters, a turbo-generator, the control center, and the slag evacuation chain. 3) Administrative offices, which contain workshops, warehouse, lunchroom, staff entrance and dressing rooms, lecture rooms, rest rooms, infirmary, laboratory and business offices. The construction is of reinforced concrete, aimed at creating a unified, exciting architectural appearance outstanding for its sharp contrasts of volumes.