Plasma Torch Recycling Outline

Plasma Torch Recycling

What is plasma?
  - the fourth state of matter (others being solid, liquid and gas)
  - an ionized gas w free-roaming electrons that carries a current and generates a magnetic field (ie. lightning)

So, what's a plasma torch?
  - aka a plasma arc, plasma gun or plasma cutter
  - a device for generating the flow of plasma
  - torch temperatures ranges from 4,000 to 25,000 °F (2,200 to 13,900 °C)
  - not combustion - it doesn't burn

What happens when you plasma torch something?
  - molecular dissociation
  - the energy from the plasma arc is so intense is breaks the molecular bonds
  - leaves only the elemental compounds of the molecules

What does that mean?
  - example: cyanide => atoms of carbon and nitrogen
  - organic molecules are turned into gases or syngas
  - inorganic => vitrified - turned into a obsidian like substance
  - metals => molten slag

How is that recycling?
  - syngas can be used to heat water to power a steam turbine and create elec.
  - solidified slag can then be used in concrete and asphalt
  - molten slag can be used to create to rock-wool

Does anyone actually do this?
 Yes, since 2002
  1	Existing facilities
    - National Cheng Kung University - Tainan City, Taiwan (PEAT International)
    - Yoshii, Utashinai, and Mihama-Mikata, Japan (Hitachi Metals Ltd.)
    - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Plasco Energy Group Inc.)
    - Swindon, Wiltshire, England, UK, (Advanced Plasma Power)
    - Vero Beach, Florida, USA (INEOS Bio)
    - USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Supercarrier – US Navy (PyroGenesis Canada Inc.)
    - Pune, Maharashtra, India (Maharashtra Enviro Power Limited)
    - Wuhan, China (Wuhan Kaidi/Alter NRG)
    - aboard US Miltary ships
  2	Planned facilities
   - Energy Park Peterborough, England, UK (Tetronics)
   - Tees Valley Renewable Energy Center (Air Products/AlterNRG)
   - East Luther / Grand Valley, Ontario, Canada (Navitus Plasma Inc)
   - Hirwaun, Wales, UK (EnviroParks Limited)

Re-invent the Toilet - really, Bill Gates wants to make plasma toilets

Why doesn't everyone do this?
  - 'spensive
  - 'The plasma flame reduces the diameter of the sampler orifice over time, necessitating occasional maintenance.'