European Pupils
Magazine
Plasma Converter System
Energy from Waste
Plasma Converter
Over the last 20 years,
environmental pollution has
been not only the result of
natural causes such as vol-
canic eruptions, but mostly
derived from human activi-
ties noxious wastes.
They are of two types of
pollutants: biodegradable -
which can be degraded by
biological factors, but can become a problem as factori biologici, dar si acestia devin o problema
gathering solutions faster than the decay; capacity doarece se aduna mai repede decat se descompun;
speed; non-degradable
- which cannot be de- [Fig. 2]
graded by natural fac-
tors or their degrada-
tion process covers a
very long time.
Plasma Conver-
sion System, trans-
forms (doesn’t burn)
any waste, liquid, solid
or gas into a gas called
Plasma Converted
Gas (PCG). The sys-
tem follows all Euro-
pean standards on pol-
lution and in terms of
maintenance the costs
are much lower than
any presently existing
technology of waste
incineration.
The fourth state of
matter, Plasma, is a
gas which has been
ionized so that the gas
is actually a power
driver.
Plasma converter runs in a continuous arc that care a fost ionizat, pentru ca gazul sa fie o sursa de
generates luminescent energy that can produce
Mihai-Adrian Sopronyi
Politehnica University, Bucharest, Romania
robertcristian.paduretu@gmail.com
Sistem de conversie prin plasma
Energie din deseuri
Convertorul cu plasma
In ultimii 20 de ani, polua-
[Fig. 1]
re mediului nu mai este
doar rezultatul unor cauze
naturale, cum ar fi eruptiile
volcanic, dar majoritatea
provin din deseuri nocive
ale activitatii umane.
Exista doua tipuri de
Plasma poluanti: biodegradabili -
care poate fi degradati de
non-degradabili -
care nu pot fi
degradati de factori
naturali sau procesul
de degradare se
desfasoara pe o
perioda indelungata
de timp.
Sistemul de
conversie cu plasma,
transforma (nu arde)
orice tip de deseu,
lichid,solid sau gaz,
intr-un gaz numit
Plasma Converted
Gas (PCG).
Sistemul respecta
toate normele
Europene privind
poluarea si in
termeni de
intretinere, costurile
sunt mult mai mici
fata de orice tip de
Basic elements of a plasma converter
Elementele de baza ale convertorului cu plasma tehnologie existena
care arde deseuri.
Plasma, a patra forma a materiei, este un gaz
energie. Plasma se descarcă în convertor printr-
50
 European Pupils
Magazine
Plasma Converter System
temperatures up to 16648.8 °C. When this energy
waste is subject to intense thermal energy inside the
converter, excitation at the molecular level is so high
that the material dissociates into elementary compo-
nents, into atoms, which is the effect of pyrolysis.
The converter is an extremely robust system,
computerized, easy to use operating at normal pres-
sures, very safe and quiet. It is very important to
know that the waste is not incinerated but decom-
posed, and dissociated at the molecular level (fig.3)
The converter is an extremely robust system,
computerized, easy to use operating at normal pres-
sures, very safe and quiet. It is very important to
know that the waste is not incinerated but decom-
posed, and dissociated at the molecular level (fig.3)
The basic system of a plasma converter are:
 input of waste (Pre-treatment)
 cylinder where the pyrolysis occurs
(Plasma furnace)
 filtration system (Syngas)
 computer control station,
 power supply (energy production) (fig.2).
Molecular Dissociation
Molecular dissociation is beyond vaporization. cu vaporizarea, ci seamana mai mult cu
Being something as disintegration.
When a substance undergoes molecular
dissociation, it does not merely change
state; it disintegrates. At that point, it is no
longer it; component atoms and decimated
molecules are all that remain.
Molecules break down in a process
called molecular dissociation. When mole-
cules are exposed to intense energy
(plasma torch), the molecular bonds hold-
ing them together become excited and break
apart. Leftovers are the elemental compo-
nents of the molecules. Hazardous sub-
stances like cyanide, for example, end up
with atoms of carbon and nitrogen. (fig.3)
Organic compounds are volatilized and
transformed into a synthetic gas (syngas), if
properly cleaned. can be used as fuel
source.
Inorganic compounds are melted Molecular
Disociere moleculara
down and converted into a glassy-
like substance (vitrified), that can contain metal
un arc continuu luminişcent care generează energii
ce pot produce temperaturi de pană la 16648,8 °C.
Când deşeurile sunt supuse acestei energii
intense din interiorul convertorului, excitaţia la nivel
molecular este atât de mare incat produce
temperaturi de pană la 16648,8 °C.
Când deşeurile.
Convertorul de plasma este un sistem extrem de
robust, computerizat integral, usor de folosit care
operează la presiuni atmosferice normale, foarte
sigur si fără zgomot. Este foarte important de ştiut
că nu este vorba despre incinerare ci de
descompunere si disociere, la nivel molecular.(fig.3)
Sistemul de bază al unui convertor cu plasmă
este format din:
 alimentarea cu deşeuri (pre-tratament),
 cilindrul în care se produce piroliza,
 sistemul de filtrare (Syngas),
 staţia de control computerizată,
 alimentarea cu energie (producerea de
energie)(fig.2).
Disociere moleculara
Disocierea moleculara nu este ceva asemanator
dezintegrarea.
Cand o substanta este supusa disocierii
moleculara, nu isi schimba doar starea ci se
dezintegreaza.
In acest moment, nu mai este ‘o
substanta`, tot ce a ramas fiind atomi
componenti si molecule decimate.
Moleculele se descompun intr-un
process numit disociere moleculara. Cand
moleculele sunt supuse la energii intense
(torta de plasma) legaturile care tin
[Fig. 3] moleculele intre ele devin excitate si se rup.
Ceea ce ramane sunt elementele componete
ale moleculelor. Din substante periculoase
precum cianura, de exemplu, ramai cu
atomi de carbon si nitrogen. (fig.3).
Compusii organici sunt volatilizati si
transformati intr-un gaz sintetic (syngas)
care daca este curatat cum trebuie
dissociation poate fi folosit ca o sursa de
combustibil.
Compusi anorganici sunt topiti si convertiti intr-
51
 European Pupils
Magazine
Plasma Converter System
among other inorganic matter (slag).
An important part of the plasma converter sys-
tem is the treatment of gas being composed of six
stages (fig.4, 5):
 Cyclone separator for the removal of parti-
cles at high temperatures: in the initial step
for gas treatment gas is cooled to about
1000 °C to 650 °C by direct injection of
water with a conventional spray system.
Cyclone removes particles which are then
collected and returned to the plasma cylin-
der.
 Quench (cooling gas with the recovery of
heat) - gas is sprayed through a dryer to
quickly reduce its temperature from 650 °C
to 120 °C. The importance of this reduc-
tion in temperature is not to form dioxides
Plasma convertor functional units
Unitatile functionale ale Convertorului de Plasma
and furans.
 Thimble collection to remove particles:
after passing the quench gas is breathed in
pulse cartridge dust collecting a gas heater
to prevent condensation. The unit is able to
blow back solid collected particles to be
reprocessed in plasma cylinder.
 Selective catalytic reduction to remove
NOx (NO, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen
dioxide NO2)-SCR (Selective Catalytic
Reduction). After exit from the dust, the
gas is reheated to about 310 °C passing
through catalytic filters, where present hy-
drogen gas reacts with NOx to form atmos-
pheric nitrogen and water.
52
o substanta precum sticla (vitrificata) care contine
metal pe langa alte substante anorganice (zgura).
Un pas important al sistemului de conversie cu
plasma este tratarea compusului gazos in
urmatoarele etape tehnologice (fig.4,5):
 Separatorul Cyclon la temperaturi mari
pentru indepărtarea particulelor: pasul
iniţial pentru tratarea gazului este racirea
gazului de la aproximativ 1000 °C pana la
650 °C prin injecţia directă a apei cu un
sistem de pulverizare conventional.
Ciclonul indeparteaza particulele solide
care sunt adunate si returnate in cilindrul
cu plasma
 Quench (racirea gazului cu recuperarea
căldurii): gazul este pulverizat printr-un
uscător pentru a-şi reduce rapid
temperatura de la 650 °C
[Fig. 4] la 120 °C.
Cartuşul de colectare
pentru eliminarea
particulelor: după ce a
trecut de Quench, gazul
este suflat în cartuşul
pulsator care adună
praful cu un sistem de
încălzire a gazului
pentru a preveni
condensarea. Aceasta
unitate este capabila sa
trimita inapoi particule
solidificare pentru a fi
reprocesate in cilindrul de plasma
 Reducerea catalitică selectivă pentru a
înlătura NOx (NO monoxidul de azot,
NO2 bioxidul de azot)-SCR (Reducere
Catalitica Selectiva): după iesirea din
colectorul de praf, gazul este reîncălzit la
aproximativ 310 °C pentru a fi filtrat
catalitic de NOx unde hidrogenul prezent
în gaz reacţionează cu NOx pentru a forma
nitrogen atmosferic si apă.
 Coloana de curăţare pentru a inlătura
acizii si metalele volatile (mercur, arsenic,
seleniu) dupa iesirea din reducerea
catalitica selectiva. Apa reziduală de cele
mai multe ori nu necesită alte filtrări şi
 European Pupils
Magazine
Plasma Converter System
 Cleaning column - to remove acids and
volatile metals (mercury, arsenic, sele-
nium) after leaving the selective catalytic
reduction. Waste water does not require
further filtering and treatment before it
runs to the collecting canal, except when
heavy metals are being processed. Ap-
proximately 75% of melted metal has to
come back after being filtered by the sys-
tem. Finally, an air turbine located at the
exit pulls gas treatment system (PCG) of
the entire system and keeps the slight
negative pressure in the cylinder of
plasma.
Plasma conversion process flow chart
Structura organizatorica a procesului de conversie cu plasma
The main product of the plasma converter is
PCG-Plasma Converted Gas, a synthetic gas that
can be used as a chemical resource to produce poly-
mers and other chemicals (fig.6). It also can be used
as fuel to produce clean energy for heating and cool-
ing systems, clean drinking water and to power fuel
cells thus reducing fossil fuel consumption.
The gas, after manufacture, can be packed and
transported by pipeline, as necessary.
The main aspects of the process (fig.5) that may
recommend waste plasma conversion toward energy
as a green system are:
 hazardous waste (solid, liquid, mixed with
mud deposits) can be processed cheaply
53
tratări înainte de a se scurge la canalul de
colectare. Aproape 75% din metalul topit
are se recicleza dupa ce a fost filtrat de
sistem.
Principalul produs al Convertorului cu Plasma
este PCG- Plasma Converted Gas; este un gaz sin-
tetic ce poate fi folosit ca resursă chimică pentru a
produce polimeri si alte produse chimice. Mai poate
fi folosit ca şi combustibil curat pentru a produce:
electricitate pentru sistemele de incălzire şi răcire,
apă potabilă curată şi pentru a alimenta pile de com-
bustie astfel scăzând consumul de combustibili fosi-
li. Gazul, după fabricare, poate fi îmbuteliat sau
transportat prin conducte, în funcţie de necesităţi.
[Fig. 5]
Principalele aspecte ale procesului care pot
recomanda conversia cu plasma a deseurilor catre
energie, ca un sistem verde, sunt:
 deseurile periculoase (solide, lichide, depu-
neri în amestec cu nămol), pot fi procesate
ieftin şi sigur, fără a elimina gaze poluante
şi reziduri
 sistemul poate genera o remediere a
terenurilor infestate cu diferite substanţe,
pentru a deveni locuri propice pentru
constructia de locuinţe
 reducerea volumetrică pentru majoritatea
deşeurilor solide este de aproximativ 300
la 1
 European Pupils
Magazine
Plasma Converter System
and safely, without polluting gases, thus  tot ce produce PCS este perfect biodegra-
eliminating waste; dabil
 the system can generate a corrective ap-  sistemul este controlat prin calculator,este
proach for areas infested with various uşor de utilizat şi funcţionează la o
agents transforming them as to become presiune atmosferică normală in condiţii de
suitable for housing, the solid waste vol- siguranţă şi fără zgomot.
ume reduction being approximately 300 to 1; În acest sistem este inclus şi filtrul de separare al
 everything that is produced by PCS is per- hidrogenului din PCG, sistemul Plasma Cell,
fectly biodegradable; hidrogen care poate fi folosit la producerea de
 the system is controlled by computer, it is energie electrică (fig.6), cu ajutorul unui generator
easy to use and operates at normal atmos- de maxim 1,5MW care va functiona doar la jumătate
pheric pressure in a safe and quiet environ- din capacitate pentru ai prelungi durata de viată.
ment. Deasemenea, gazul rezultat se poate folosi la
The filter system includes separation of hydro- producerea de Etanol.
gen from PCG, Plasma Cell system, hydrogen can Practic, Convertorul pe baza de Plasma
be used to produce electrical energy (fig.6), Even if transforma deseurile industriale si municipale in
the installed power has a maximum of 1.5 MW gen- Energie Verde, Apa Pura si Electricitate.
erators will operate [Fig. 6]
only at half capacity to
prolong their lifecycle.
Hydrogen can also be
used for fuel cells or
for future plant-based
fuel cell technology.
Also, gas result can be
used to produce etha-
nol.
Practically, Plasma
converter transforms
industrial and munici-
pal waste into Green
Energy, Pure Water
and Electricity.
Plasma converter system outputs
Rezultatele Sistemului de Conversie cu Plasma
Bibliography
Electronics For You (www.efymag.com), February Environmental Energy Resources, Ltd.
2009 www.eer-pgm.com
Circeo, Louis, Ph.d. The Pyrolysis of Municipal Geoplasma LLC Responses to Questionnaire for
Solid Waste as a Source of Renewable Energy Conversion Technology Suppliers. Los Angeles
Using Plasma Arc Technology. Presentation to County Solid Waste Management Committee;
the Renewable Energy Roundtable, Saint Peters-
burg Meeting of Nobel Prize Winners, Russian Iconography
Academy of Sciences. June 16-21, 2003; http://science.howstuffworks.com/plasma-
Circeo, Louis. Plasma Processing of MSW at Fossil converter.htm
Fuel Power Plants. Georgia Tech Research Insti- www.startech.net
tute. http://wapi.isu.edu

54