Plasma
RenewableEnergy
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Plasma RenewableEnergy
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Introduction to PGV TechnologyPlasma is the 4th state of matter. It is an ionized gas that exists in nature, for example, as lightning or in the aurora borealis, and it is industrially produced and harnessed through a plasma torch. Plasma technology produces extremely high temperatures that cannot be otherwise created except with nuclear fusion/fission. A Plasma Gasification Vitrification (PGV) system is the most effective way to completely dissociate all components (organic and inorganic) into their elemental compounds for recovery and recycling. The major item of equipment in a PGV system is the plasma reactor, which can house one or more plasma arc torches. By passing a DC current between the cathode and the anode of the plasma arc torch and simultaneously passing of air in the annular space of the torch, an extremely high temperature environment is created ranging in temperature from 5,000°C to 10,000°C. The plasma reactor operates under sub-stoichiometric condition, which by definition means there is an oxygen-starved environment existing in the reactor. Therefore, there is no combustion. The plasma gasification/vitrification reactor, hence, is not an incinerator or a combustion system. With core temperature of up to 10,000°C, plasma is able to break down toxic compounds within milliseconds, avoiding the formation of secondary combustion products and the production of polluting flue gas. Extreme temperatures such as these can only be generated safely using a plasma torch system, which are necessary for completely dissociating molecules in organic material in order to transform them into basic gases. Similarly, inorganic materials are simultaneously melted into molten slag (which upon cooling becomes a vitrified, non-leachable inert material).
The molecular dissociation zone starts from 2,700°C. Any temperature below this will produce incomplete dissociation. As a result of this, one part will remain in the ashes and another will volatise as volatile organic compounds (VOC) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC). This confirms that with the temperatures achieved in a PGV system all the molecules are totally dissociated; as an example, the benzoic rings get totally broken, guaranteeing the absence of SVOC, dioxins, furans and their precursors. Maximum recovery of energy by: · The transformation of the feedstock’s energy to fuel and energy, to provide a renewable and clean source of energy. · Minimum and strictly controlled amounts of oxygen thus avoiding organic compound oxidation reaction. The Synthesis Gas (SynGas) obtained from gasification of the organic material mainly contains carbon monoxide and hydrogen monoxide. The halogenous and sulphuric products contained in the feed are transformed respectively to HCl (Hydrochloric acid), HF (Hydrofluoric acid), and H2S (Hydrogen Sulphide). The neutralization techniques for these three products employ proven methods. After depuration, the SynGas is often cleaner than produced natural gas. Its heating value depends on the type of feed treated but typically; The SynGas produced has a Lower Heating Value (LHV) of 10 - 15 MJ/kg. A Process Description of a typical PGV plant can be found in the following page. Benefits of utilizing PGV is also further explained. |
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