Helpful Hints Which Model Should I Use?   Deciding between a Trench Burner and a Firebox   The primary purpose of an Air Curtain Burner is pollution control, in particular, the reduction of smoke from open burning. The high velocity air curtain traps the smoke particles momentarily causing them to re-burn and be further reduced. The air then continues in to the firebox or trench to agitate and oxygenate the fire. The result is a burn that is cleaner and faster than open burning. With a Trench Burner, the burning is done in-ground level in an earthen pit that is dug on site. Some operators “berm” the dirt up to make an above ground trench. This will work well, if the air curtain manifold is in the correct position (angle) and the walls of the trench are vertical. If either of these is compromised the pollution control capabilities will be less effective. With a Firebox the burning is done above-ground. The firebox burn area is open to the ground on the bottom and lined on all four sides with castable thermo-ceramic walls. The firebox comes completely assembled and requires no set-up. The burning operations are typically more efficient (faster and cleaner) in a firebox compared with a trench burner, as the burn chamber does not rely on the accuracy of an earthen trench. Here are some points to consider: Trench Burner (i.e. Models T-400 and T-200) Standard Features (1 Page) PDF Format View   PDF Format Print Positive Highly mobile, can be towed with a Heavy Duty pickup truck, even at higher speeds on highway Lowest cost Air Curtain Burner Ash from burning is usually left in trench and buried Quick and easy set-up and tear down; one person can set up the unit in a few minutes without the use of machinery; no pipes or tubes to assemble Negative A trench 10’-13' Deep x 10’ Wide x 40’ Long  must be dug for T-400 Rocks and roots can be a problem Trench walls must be “vertical” for pollution control benefits to be effective Trench must be dry, no water run-off or high water table The open trench can be very dangerous and must be fenced securely or guarded   Firebox (i.e. Models S-327, S-220 & S-100) Standard Features (1 Page) PDF Format View   PDF Format Print Positive No assembly or set-up required, deliver the unit to the site and it is ready to be loaded and burn immediately Firebox is above ground so ground water, rocks and roots are not a problem Machine can be “dragged” around the site for positioning or relocation Burn area is safer and more secure than a trench burner Vertical walls of firebox are castable thermo-ceramic Long useful life Negative Heavy machines (i.e. Model S-327 = 50,000 lbs. & Model S- 220 = 33,000 lbs.) Large size; Model S-327, 12’ High x 12’ Wide x 40’ Long, oversize load on most roads. Model S-220, 8’ High x 8’ Wide x 30’ Long, a legal load on US roads Previous Page Top of Page