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Figure B -10. Process Diagram of a Pyrolysis System 12 <br />1.2.3 Plasma Arc <br />Plasma arc technology is a gasification system that uses the intense heat generated <br />by a plasma torch to drive the process. Net energy generation is not established <br />based on Japanese and European experience. It is a pyrolysis - related process where <br />little or no oxygen is injected into a reactor. A typical unit is shown in Figure B -11. <br />Electric current is passed through a series of torches at the bottom of a reactor, <br />which heat a process gas (not shown) to a temperature in excess of 5,000 °F. This <br />hot gas stream heats waste within the reactor to over 3,500 °F and, as air is provided <br />to the system at a low controlled rate, some of the waste will burn to help maintain <br />reactor temperature. At this high temperature, organics within the waste will form <br />elemental compounds, such as hydrogen, oxygen and carbon, with some of this <br />carbon converting to carbon monoxide or methane. The gas flow will have a high <br />enough heat content to be able to sustain its own combustion and be used as a fuel <br />gas external to the system. <br />The inorganic portion of the waste will form a liquid slag which eventually drops from <br />the reactor into a water bath. As soon as it hits the water it will shatter into a <br />glassy - looking residue or frit that may be suitable for fill or use as a construction <br />material. <br />12 Source: Integrated Energy Systems, Inc., Romoland, CA. <br />GBB/C08027 -01 B -13 August 15, 2008 <br />