WHAT IS PLASMA ARC GASIFICATION?

  Plasma arc gasification is a high-temperature pyrolysis process whereby the organics of waste solids (carbon-based materials) are converted into syngas and inorganic materials and minerals of the waste solids produce a rocklike glassy by-product called vitrified slag. The high temperature during the process is created by an electric arc in a torch whereby a gas is converted into a plasma. The process containing a reactor with a plasma torch processing organics of waste solids (carbon-based materials) is called plasma arc gasification. The plasma arc gasification reactor is typically operated between 7,200 and 12,600F. 

 The inorganic minerals of the waste solids (MSW) produce a rocklike by-product. Since operating conditions are very high (7,200–12,600F), these minerals are converted into a vitrified slag typically comprising metals and silica glass. This vitrified slag is basically none leaching and exceeds EPA standards. Metals can be recovered from the slag and the slag can be used to produce other by- products such as rock wool, floor tiles, roof tiles, insulation, and landscaping blocks, to mention a few. The vitrified slag, being environmentally acceptable as a recyclable by-product, is one of the more positive attributes of plasma arc gasification process for the management of MSW.  

 Our population is still growing and we are producing more garbage, even with the recycling efforts in full operation. We have come to the “place in time” where the momentum of TECHNOLOGY can help “protect human health and welfare,” and thus the environment, by creating an infrastructure design, creation and building of sustainable MSW processes that can turn our WASTE PROBLEM into useful GREEN ENERGY for the betterment of ALL.

Current Thermal Process Technology(s)

Plasma Arc Gasification 7,200–12,600 F

 Conventional Gasification 1,400–2,800 F

Pyrolysis Gasification 1,400–2,800 F

Pyrolysis 1,200–2,200 F

Mass burn incineration 1,000–2,200 F