Plasma arc waste disposal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Plasma arc waste disposal is a method of waste management which uses the extreme high temperature created by a plasma torch (or arc), to break down waste into steam and gas used for power generation, and hard solid rock-like waste (slag) which can be used in construction. The process is intended to be a net generator of electricity and to allow waste to be used completely, avoiding the need for landfill. This technology has been used primarily to treat industrial, military, and medical wastes.
An introduction to plasma decomposition in Russia states that the process works at around 1300 ºC and breaks down toxic compounds such as dioxins and other organochlorine waste to environmentally negligible levels.
The first plasma based waste disposal system in the USA is scheduled to come into operation in St. Lucie County, Florida[1]. The county states that they hope to not only avoid further landfill, but reprocess their historic landfills back to 1978 within 18 years as well. The plant is scheduled to come into operation in 2008-09, and to produce 600 tons (545,000 kg) of solid rubble from around 3000 tons (2.7 million kg) of waste per day at around 5500 ºC.
Two similar but smaller plants are in operation in the world, both located in Japan, and two similar facilities run by different companies in Australia and Germany closed after failing to meet emissions standards.
[edit] Concerns
It is unclear that these plants actually work. There is a history of dishonesty regarding plasma arc technology, specifically in proposals in Sierra Vista, SV and Cochise County, AZ.[citation needed]Dioxin emissions are possible from plasma arcs when chlorine is present.
In 2004, the city of Honolulu considered a plasma arc/torch proposal for processing municipal solid waste. The city's Department of Environmental Services evaluated the plasma process and found that using plasma arc/torch technology would significantly boost waste disposal costs without offering any environmental advantages to justify the cost.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ [1] USATODAY.com - Florida county plans to vaporize landfill trash
- ^ [2] City of Honolulu press release, March 30, 2004: CITY TO BRIEF COUNCIL ON PLASMA ARC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LANDFILL: Frank Doyle, the department’s director, led the team of engineers and consultants who evaluated the proposals for plasma arc/torch facilities submitted to the City. "After thorough evaluations, including intensive meetings with the proposers to review technical components of their plans, we concluded that utilizing plasma arc/torch would significantly increase the cost of waste disposal for Oahu and would not provide any environmental advantages to justify such cost."
