The patent-pending PWR process uses high-temperature thermal plasma to convert MSW to syngas, molten metal and vitreous slag – there is no ash. Air emissions are lower than the combustion of natural gas, and are easily within US EPA standards. The syngas is used to generate electricity which is sold to the power grid. The molten metal is cast as scrap steel and the slag is cast as building material aggregate or spun into mineral wool. Both are sold as byproducts, generating additional revenue.
MSW is moved directly from the tipping floor pit into a hopper which gravity feeds PWR’s proprietary feeder. The reaction is controlled by the feed rate of the MSW into the reactor. The reaction is continuously monitored by sensing the temperature and composition of the syngas exiting the reactor, and the level of molten metal and slag in the reactor.
In addition to syngas the process also produces molten metal and a viscous inorganic slag, both of which are tapped from the reactor and sold as byproducts. The chemistries of these byproducts are well established and consistent. Because the process involves extremely high temperatures in a sealed vessel under negative pressure, the process is non-combustive and there is no ash residue.
The reactor itself is a refractory-lined steel vessel. The plasma creates the extremely high temperature that converts the organic molecules of the entering MSW by dissociation into syngas composed mainly of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) through endothermic reactions. The reactor interior is under negative pressure which prevents hot gases from escaping to the atmosphere. Since the atmosphere in the reactor is reducing, metals in their metallic state are tapped into ingots as in a foundry. The slag is tapped separately.
The hot syngas exits the reactor and passes through a heat recovery boiler to lower its temperature producing steam for use in generating electricity. The gas is kept at a sufficient temperature to prevent the formation of dioxins or furans. From there it passes through a scrubbing process. The syngas may then be used to generate electricity in either a gas turbine combined cycle or a boiler and steam turbine. The renewable green electricity is sold to the grid and powers the entire plasma gasification plant.
The Benefits for Your Community
The PWR process uses high-temperature thermal plasma to convert MSW to syngas, molten metal, and vitreous slag. Because there is no ash, the need for landfills is reduced. Air emissions are less than the combustion of natural gas, and are easily within EPA standards. The syngas is used to generate electricity which is sold to the power grid. The molten metal is cast as scrap steel and sold to steel mills. The slag is cast as building material aggregate or spun into mineral wool. Unlike an incinerator that burns MSW creating pollutants and ash, the PWR process involves extremely high temperatures in a sealed vessel under negative pressure with no combustion and no ash.
Intelligent resource recovery goes hand-in-hand with environmental awareness. Is your community seeking environment-friendly alternatives to MSW disposal? PWR has the solution you need.
A green power source of renewable energy
Reduces the need for landfill space
Lowers the cost of handling MSW
Recycles metals and vitreous byproducts
The ultimate recycling solution
