Gasification of municipal solid waste

by
Plasma Gasification Melting process
Introduction
Plasma Gasification Melting is relatively new
technology for the disposal of wastes.
A large number of organizations, the world over, are
developing plasma gasification systems for treating
various kinds of trash.
Generates useful by-products, while minimizing the
environmental pollution.


What is plasma?
Plasma is the fourth state
of matter.
Plasma is a hot ionized gas
created by an electrical
discharge.
Lightning is an example
from nature.


What is Plasma Gasification Melting?
Plasma gasification is a high-temperature pyrolysis
process.
Temperature of 7,200 and 12,600
o
F generated by
using plasma torch.
Organic waste (carbon-based materials) are converted
into syngas (CO+H
2
).
Inorganic waste are converted into a rocklike glassy
by-product called vitrified slag.
How Plasma Torch Works?
Plasma Gasification Melting Plant
Process diagram of PGM Plant
Components of Plasma Gasification system
Pre-treatment & Conveyor system
Plasma Gasification Reactor
Afterburner
Heat recovery steam generator system
Syngas cleaning
Emission Scrubbing
Pre-treatment & Conveyor system
Plasma Gasification Reactor
Afterburner
Afterburner is a
secondary chamber.
Natural gas flames
combust any remaining
organic material in the
gases.
Heat Recovery Steam Generator system
Extremely hot gases from
afterburner pass through a
Heat Recovery Steam
Generator system.
Water is heated to form
steam.
Steam then turns a steam
turbine to create electricity.
Syngas cleaning
Spray of water scrubs
the gases of pollutants
and particulates.
A base filter
neutralizes acid gases
to form inert salts.
Cooled and clean
gases passes through a
gas turbine connected
to an electricity
generator.

Emissions Scrubbing
In dry scrubber system ,
powdered carbon is
injected into the gases to
strip away mercury.
Fabric or bag filter to
remove any other
dangerous particulates,
like lead.
Cleaned gases are
released to atmosphere
through stack.
By-products of the Process
Syngas
Vitrified slag
Metals
HCl


Advantages
Accept all solid and liquid wastes
No pre-processing
Can include hazardous/toxic materials, medical
wastes ,asbestos, tires, etc.
Closed loop system
No direct gaseous emissions to the atmosphere
No landfill requirements
Total waste reclamation
Recover fuel value of wastes
Produce salable residues (e.g., metals and aggregates)
Comparison Between Incineration and
PGM
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
Capital Investment (cr) Power Production (KWh)
Incineration
PGM
Pounds of CO2 Emissions per MWH of
Electricity Produced
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Pounds of CO2/MWh
Incineration
Coal
Oil
Plasma
Natural Gas
Pollution levels in PGM process
Disadvantages
Capital cost is high compared to landfill.
Tar formation is main form of energy loss.
Conclusion
Plasma gasification melting offers a novel solution to disposal
of wastes.
Reduces need for landfill and decreases greenhouse emissions.
Usage of high temperature steam helps in increasing syngas
yield and helps in tar steam reforming.
Even though capital cost may be high , in the long run PGM is
profitable owing to the sale of electricity and slag.
THANK YOU
Reference
Gasification of municipal solid waste in the Plasma Gasification Melting process [Journal]
Performance analysis of municipal solid waste gasification with steam in a Plasma
Gasification Melting reactor [Journal]
Properties and Optimizing Of a Plasma Gasification & Melting Process of Municipal Solid
Waste [Journal]
Mathematical modelling of municipal solid waste plasma gasification in a fixed-bed melting
reactor [Journal]
Plasma Arc Gasification of Municipal Solid Waste [ppt] ,Georgia Tech Research Institute
http://www.advancedplasmapower.com [site]
http://www.phoenixenergy.com.au [site]
http://www.westinghouse-plasma.com/ [site]
http://www.alternrg.ca/ [site]
Environmental Energy Resources Ltd [site]