Plasma based waste treatment and energy production

During the past centuries, industrial processes and energy conversion plants have shown no or little care for environmental quality. The result is a huge accumulation of pollution and hazardous by-products, left as a heritage for the present and future generations. Recuperation of by-products or thermal energy is not only motivated by cost saving, but also by resource saving considerations. Environmental awareness is more than staying within the lines of the existing regulations. By the application of a plasma based system to a wide range of possible feedstocks which are CO2 neutral, a clean syngas of high caloric value is produced from the organic substances simultaneously with a non-leachable vitrified lava from the inorganic substances. The results will provide the advanced technology for the environmentally friendly treatment of hazardous wastes, biomass and low grade fuel. The driving force behind the task is to give priority to environmental quality at affordable costs. Thus, the investigation of ways to increase the efficiency of the process is very important. A plasma based remediation system is the only technology that prevents undesired pollution in the by-products and end product (such as syngas or other gases). The problem to be solved is twofold: recuperate clean energy from waste and renewables without pollution at affordable costs. Such a technique fulfils the objectives of sustainable development. Today, one of the main reasons that restricts the use of plasma based methods is the cost of electrical energy. The crucial element is the plasma torch performance. Hence, the physics of modem plasma torches is addressed in detail. The optimistic scenario holds the promise to provide 10-15% of the energy needs for the European Union (EU). Thus, the investigation of ways to increase the efficiency of the process is very important.