How do Plasma arc waste disposal systems work?

Answer 1

Plasma arc waste disposal is a method of waste management that uses high electrical energy/high temperature created by an electrical arc to break down human waste primarily into elemental gas and solid waste (slag). The process has been intended to be a net generator of electricity (depending upon input wastes) and to reduce the requirments for redirecting waste to landfill sites. This technology has been used primarily to reduce small scale industrial waste, military, and medical/biological wastes, because of the high input electrical energy.

Principle of Operation: Relatively High voltage, High Amerage Electricity is passed between two electrodes, spaced apart, creating an electrical arc. Inert gas (Air under pressure) is passed through the arc into a sealed containment containing waste material, temperatures as high as 13,000 °C (25,000 °F) are reached. The temperature a metre from the torch is as high as ~4000 °C (~8,000 °F). At these high temperatures all types of waste (anything imaginable) is broken into its basic elemental components in a gaseous form (Complex molecules - containing two or more dissimilar atoms are atomized i.e. sepparated into the gaseous mix).

The reactor operates at a slightly negative pressure, meaning that the feed system is complemented by a gaseous removal system, and further-on in the process, a solid removal system. Depending on input waste, (Plastics tend to be high in Hydrogen and Carbon) Gas from the plasma containment can be removed as "Syn Gas", and may be refined into various fuels at a later stage.

The first plasma based waste disposal system in the USA is scheduled to come into operation in St. Lucie County, Florida

Hope this helps!!

Answer 2

Plasma Torches were developed to provide an effective method to test the effectiveness and durability of heat shields required for space vehicle re-entry. PEAT's plasma heating systems convert electrical energy into thermal energy.