Basically, you put tons of any kind of trash in one end of a plasma melter, and a superheated plasma arc obliterates the trash into its molecular components. The process is called plasma gasification. There are two byproducts. The first byproduct is Syngas a gas composed mostly of hydrogen and carbon monoxide which can be converted into 3 different types of fuel. The second byproduct is molten glass, called slag, which can be sold for use in household tiles and in road asphalt.
Syngas, a versatile fuel, can be converted into 3 kinds of fuel.
- Syngas can be run through converters to make hydrogen for uses in hydrogen fuel cell technology. The main use on the horizon for this fuel is hydrogen fuel cell cars.
- A second use of syngas is to burn it as a clean fuel like natural gas. This use has a number of applications, since many homes and commercial buildings use natural gas for heating, cooking, and hot water.
- A third use is to convert the syngas to ethanol (E85), a significant fuel for use in vehicles. An increasing number of vehicles are being manufactured every day which will run on higher ethanol fuel mixes.
PEMs can safely convert the most difficult types of waste disposal:
- Chemical waste
- Medical waste
- Asbestos
- Radioactive waste
PEMs can reduce182 cu ft. (1 ton) of solid waste, into 44 kg/ton of hydrogen (H2) and 2 cu. ft. of usable residual solid waste -slag.
PEMs can generate all of their own power and can actually contribute excess power back to the power grid.
PEMs can melt waste while producing their own energy AND actually generating a profit of $15 - $36 per ton of waste.
PEMs are an excellent waste management/alternative power solution in areas of high population density and limited landfill space.
Plasma melters are not incinerators, therefore air quality is not negatively impacted.
- Where are some Plasma Melters currently in operation?
- Taiwan
- 3 in Japan
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Honolulu, HI
- Ottawa, Canada
- In process in New Orleans, LA ? can be operational in 2010
- 6 are being constructed on Long Island, NY
We cannot get a reliable estimated figure directly from IET, although, data within an IET presentation indicated a unit for as little as $5 million. Other larger melters referenced from other sources online ranged from $250 million, to $500 million. To sell the idea you would need to emphasize the melter?s ability to generate a positive cash flow once in operation.
Per William P. Quapp, PE, VP of Product Development, IET:
Regarding costs, we do not really share that information for competitive reasons. However, I can say that if we get paid the typical country average for landfill disposal, we can compete. As the landfill reach their capacity, then our technology (or one like ours) because most people do not like them and new ones have to be located where some will be offended. I predict, over you lifetime, we will completely eliminate landfills.
For any project, the capital cost must be justified by a suitable rate of return for the investors. If the return is not adequate, no loan and no project. That is why to process waste, it typically requires an up front tipping fee and some type of product sales revenue.
The general public is slow to accept new technologies like this. They will be skeptical regarding disposal of hazardous waste anywhere near where they live.
Plasma Enhanced Melters are a likely garbage/alternative energy solution in the very near future. While they can obliterate all kinds of garbage, including hazardous waste, they are innovative in that they produce all of their own energy and can even contribute excess energy back to the power grid. Garbage volume is reduced to 1% - 10% of its original volume. The versatile byproduct, Syngas, has multiple applications as an alternative clean fuel. It can turn a profit of $15 to $36 per ton of garbage.
Arlington Hights, IL could be recognized as a forward thinking, responsible municipality with innovative leaders and progressive citizens ? a shining example of creative waste/alternative energy solutions. An appropriate application for this solution would be a waste management company!
We looked on the Integrated Environmental Technologies website for a contact. We found William Quapp, PE, VP of Project Development. David sent the following e-mail:
Dear Mr. Quapp:
My name is David Andrew and I am on a Lego Robotics team with 9 other boys ranging in age from 9 ? 13 years old. Lego hosts a competition each year in every state. This year?s theme is utilizing alternative forms of energy. For part of our research project, I am responsible to learn about how energy can be produced out of garbage.
In my research I found your website and think the PEM is an exciting product. I would like to get a price range for a system that would service a large community in suburban Chicago (approx. 120,000 residents).
Do you have any time to assist me by providing information that would help me with my research and with price estimates?
I appreciate your assistance and thank you for your consideration. My dad will send this message from his e-mail and if you would reply to him or call me at home I would appreciate it.
Sincerely,
David Andrew
Mr. Quapp promptly replied:
I do not have much material for your age group but maybe with you dad?s help, you can stretch. Regarding costs, we don?t really share that information for competitive reasons. However, I can say that if we get paid the typical country average for landfill disposal, we can compete. As the landfill reach their capacity, then our technology (or one like ours) because most people do not like them and new ones have to be located where some will be offended. I predict, over you lifetime, we will completely eliminate landfills. Enjoy reading and if you like this stuff, you will want to study chemical engineering when you go to college.
Best Regards
William Quapp, PE
David sent a follow up message:
One follow up question ? how do you respond to the objections of justifying the ?up front? costs of equipment and installation? One focus of the competition is feasibility and it will be helpful to know how to address concerns of initial investments and payback timeframes.
The response was:
For any project, the capital cost must be justified by a suitable rate of return for the investors. If the return is not adequate, no loan and no project. That is why to process waste, it typically requires an up front tipping fee and some type of product sales revenue.
Best Regards
William Quapp, PE
VP of Project Development
Integrated Environmental Technologies, LLC
