Arc Reactor Plasma gasification
Plasma gasification is a process to convert organic matter into syngas by using plasma processing. Plasma gasification technologies use an electric arc gasifier (plasma torch) to create a high-temperature ionized gas which breaks organic matter primarily into syngas and solid waste (slag) in a controlled vessel (plasma convertereither furnace or reactor). Its main use is as a waste treatment technology as it allows full decomposition and disintegration of organic components; however, it is also tested for the biomass and solid hydrocarbons, such as coal, oil sands, and oil shale, gasification. The process is intended to be a net generator of electricity, depending upon the composition of input wastes, and to reduce the volumes of waste being sent to landfill sites.[citation needed]
Contents
1 Principle of operation 2 Commercialization 3 Concerns 4 See also 5 References 6 External links
Principle of operation
A plasma torch uses inert gases (steam) and metal electrodes (copper, tungsten, hafnium, zirconium, etc.) Relatively high voltage, high current electricity is passed between two electrodes, spaced apart, creating an electrical arc. Pressurized inert gas is ionized when passing through the arc creating plasma. The temperature of the plasma torch can be in the range 400025000 F (220413871 C) ; at these temperatures molecular bonds break down into basic elemental components in a gaseous form, and complex molecules are separated into individual atoms. This process is called molecular dissociation and molecular dissociation using plasma is called plasma pyrolysis The reactor operates at a slightly negative pressure, meaning that the feed system is complemented by a gaseous removal system, and later a solid removal system. Depending on the input waste (plastics tend to be high in hydrogen and carbon), gas from the plasma containment can be removed as syngas, and may be refined into various fuels at a later stage or fired on site to provide power. The process produces pure high-calorific syngas (CO, H2, CH, etc.). Syngas produced from organic materials by using plasma gasification, has a conversion rate of greater than 99%.A correctly selected temperature of plasma reaction and structure plasma of forming gas allow
to achieve the minimal content ballast products of oxidation (CO2, N, H2O, etc.). Other non-flammable inorganic components in the waste stream that are not broken down but only go through a phase change (solid to liquid) add to the volume of slag (including various metals) with minimal energy recovery and increased cost for refining. The metals obtained through plasma pyrolysis can be recovered from slag and used as commodity products in various applications. Inert slag could be granulated and subsequently used in construction. For efficient operation of the plant, a portion of the syngas may be used to run on site turbines to power the plasma torches and feed system.] The latest independent review of plasma technology providers was undertaken by Juniper Consulting in 2008, as well as a separate independent review on Alter NRG /Westinghouse technology
Commercialization
Main article: Plasma gasification commercialization Plasma gasification is in commercial use for waste disposal. Municipal-scale waste disposal plasma arc facilities have been constructed in numerous worldwide locations, including for landfill mining that will return landfills to their original state. Plasma arc is favored as a means to destroy medical and hazardous waste.[citation needed] Plasma processing of waste is an ecologically clean process. The lack of oxygen and high temperature in a reactor prevent the main elements of gas from forming toxic compounds, such as furans, dioxins, NOX, or sulfur dioxide. Extensive filtration removes inorganic residue (ash) and gaseous pollutants (NO, HCl, H2S, etc) and allows the production of ecologically clean synthetic gas. The gaseous compounds do not contain any phenols or complex hydrocarbons. The circulating water in these filtering systems has removed the hazardous substances and must be cleaned.] The main advantages of plasma technologies for waste treatment are:
Clean destruction of hazardous waste streams; Prevents hazardous waste from reaching landfills; Environmentally-friendly; No harmful emissions or toxic waste; Production of clean alloyed slag which could be used as construction material; Processing of organic waste allows production of combustible syngas which can be used in various applications, e.g. electric power and thermal energy generation; Production of value-added products (metals) from slag.
Concerns
A minor issue regarding plasma systems that rely on high temperatures for processing is in the life of their liners. The refractory brick liner is an important aspect of separating the
high interior temperatures of the plasma system from the [metal] shell of the plasma container. Liners are highly susceptible to both chlorine attack and to local variabilities in [high] temperatures, both of which would be found with typical municipal waste systems, and are not likely to last more than a year in service (but they are quickly refitted). One way to address this concern is by using the method demonstrated at the Trail Road Plant in Ottawa, Canada, which requires lower temperatures and a more robust material (fire brick) for a liner instead of the expensive and fragile metal.[citation needed] The content and the consistency of the waste has a direct impact on performance of a plasma facility. Pre-sorting and recycling useful material before gasification provides a more consistent waste stream. A waste stream that is high in inorganic (metals and construction waste) materials increase slag production and decrease the more valuable syngas production. Secondly, shredding the waste before entering the main chamber creates an efficient transfer of energy ensuring all materials are broken down. Main disadvantages of plasma technologies for waste treatment are:
Waste gasification and combustion ultimately releases carbon dioxide to the atmosphere instead of sequestering a large fraction of the carbon in a landfill; Large capital costs relative to current landfills; Requires large electrical energy input if the waste stream does not contains a large fraction of unoxidized hydrocarbons; The highly corrosive plasma flame may lead to frequent maintenance and component replacement with associated facility down time; The filters and gas treatment systems are themselves sources of toxic waste, some of which (e.g. acidified water) are poor candidates for plasma processing.
