Plasma gasification
Gasification is a pyrolysis process with partial oxidation in which organic matter in the solid state is converted to the gaseous state at high temperatures. This gas is then used both as a fuel and as a raw material for the production of a wide range of substances. Plasma gasification is used as a waste-to-energy system, converting municipal solid waste, tires, hazardous waste, and sewage sludge into synthesis gas (syngas) containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which can be used to generate power. Gasification resunlts in a mass reduction of 70 – 80 % and a volume reduction of 80 – 90 % of solid waste.
Stage of Life Cycle
Products and Processes
GHG Reduction Potential
"To contributing to a circular economy, gasification offers a better possibility to remove waste feedstock from our society. Municipal solid waste, used paper and plastic, forest residues and many other types of waste all contain reusable molecules that can be further processed into useful syngas such as bio-gasoline, aviation fuel and hydrogen. It is estimated that only 2 - 5 % of the total energy input into your gasification system is consumed by the plasma torch, and up to 80 % of the total energy input in the feedstock can be recovered in the syngas produced. Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) reported in 2010 that the plasma gasification process produced the lowest greenhouse gas emissions for the same amount of energy, with approximately 31 million tonnes less CO2 equivalent/MWh compared to landfill with energy recovery and approximately 50,000 tonnes less CO2 equivalent/MWh compared to natural gas combustion."
Solution Maturity Status
Well established:
This technology has been operating for a number of years and is well-known/ successful in its industry or market.