Thermal Plasma Solution for Environmental Waste Management and Power Generation

Abstract

The twin problems of environmental wastes and power shortages in fast growing economies of developing countries are real. The cities are littered with municipal solid waste and other wastes in open dumps dangerous to health and environment. In addition, there is insufficient electricenergy to power the ever expanding cities and industries. One solution to these problems, which will not harm the environment, lies in the use of thermal plasma physics and associated technologies. Application of thermal Plasma to waste treatment isone of the novel methods of waste management and sustainable power generation to meet the needs of developing economies and guarantee safe environment. The thermal plasma process ensures gasification of the carbon-containing materials in the waste to produce synthesis gas (syngas) composed primarily of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which is used to produce energy through reciprocating engine generators - gas turbines and steam boilers in integrated plasma gasification combine circle (IPGCC). Inorganic components get converted to glassy slag safe for use as a construction aggregate. The double benefits of waste treatment and energy production are realized from this plasma process.The results show the process is environmentally responsible creating a product gas with very low quantities of NOx, SOx, dioxins and furans.Thermal Plasma Processes for waste management and power generation from abundant waste is viable and sustainable. Keyword: Plasma gasification, Environmental Waste, Power generation, Syngas