PLASMA ARC GASIFICATION- A WIN-WIN SOLUTION FOR HARNESSING ENERGY FROM VARIOUS SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTES

Environmental Engineering

technology that was introduced several decades ago by Dr. S. L. Camacho. In this application, plasma arc gasifies the carbon-based part of wide range of waste materials such as municipal solid waste, sludge, Hazardous wastes, used tires, agricultural waste, etc., and generates a synthetic gas which can be used to produce energy through reciprocating engine generators, gas turbines, and boilers. Syngas is a simple fuel gas comprised of carbon monoxide and hydrogen that can be combusted directly or refined into higher-grade fuels and chemicals. The non carbon- based part or inorganic part of the waste materials is being converted into vitrified glass and reusable metal. Slag is a glass-like substance which is the cooled remains of the melted waste; it is tightly bound, safe and suitable for use as a construction material. Plasma gasification technology has proven reliable at destroying hazardous waste and can help transform environmental liabilities into renewable energy assets. The aim of this study is to describe the basics of this technology, review the challenges and opportunities for implementation of plasma gas technology in WTE which can be useful to eliminate current barriers for developing such projects. In addition to this findings of several literatures are also discussed in this paper.

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