Plastic and biomedical waste disposal is a serious concern in India. Plastic waste has a huge adverse impact on us and the environment as well. The development of various new technologies are running continuously to minimize their adverse effects. Incineration is the current most accepted technology for plastic and biomedical waste treatment. However, due to some shortcomings, it is strongly opposed by various organizations.

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In India, the FCIPT, Institute for Plasma Research develops a safer and cleaner technology i.e. plasma pyrolysis. Plasma pyrolysis is recommended for treating plastic waste because:

• Plastic has high calorific value.
• Surplus energy recovery is possible from the system.

As plasma pyrolysis is currently a new ray of hope for us for plastic and bio-medical waste treatment. Energy recovery makes it economically viable. This blog will explore plasma pyrolysis, its treatment process, and its advantages and disadvantages.

First of all, let us discuss the main components of this technology, namely plasma and pyrolysis. So, buckle up and let’s begin.

Plasma And Pyrolysis

Plasma is the fourth state of matter, following solid, liquid, and gas. Plasma’s core temperature reaches 20,000 K, which is utilized in this technology to dissociate bonds.

Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of organic materials at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen. The term originates from Greek, where 'pyro' means fire and 'lysis' means separation.

What is Plasma Pyrolysis

Emerging in the early years, plasma pyrolysis effectively destroys plastic, medical, and other hazardous waste safely. Plasma pyrolysis offers an extreme thermal process for breaking down organic compounds into gases and solid residues through oxygen-starved conditions, leading to the degradation of organic compounds into syngas.

Electric arc-driven plasma torches are employed for gas ionization, facilitating the transformation of organic matter into syngas and slag. Commercial applications of this technique have been tested on various types of waste, including:

• Biomass
• Medical waste
• Industrial waste
• Refuse-derived waste
• Plastic waste
• Hazardous waste
• Solid hydrocarbons such as coal, oil sand, oil shale, pet coke, etc.

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Plasma Pyrolysis of Plastic and Bio-medical Waste

Plasma torches and electric supply are key components in generating hot plasmas. Smaller torches use inert gases like argon, whereas larger versions utilize nitrogen. Non-transferred arc types are chosen for organic waste treatment, with graphite plasma torches being used for plastic treatment.

Plasma torches consist of three graphite electrodes: one anode and two cathodes, connected to a power supply. These torches convert electrical energy to heat energy, achieving temperatures ranging from 2,000 to 14,000 °C (3,600 to 25,200 °F). The temperature significantly influences plasma structure and gas production.

The primary chamber facilitates pyrolysis at high temperatures, exceeding 650 °C near the chamber wall and even higher in the pyrolysis zone. During preheating, waste degrades under an inert atmosphere, producing gases like methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen.

In the secondary chamber, an electrically-operated igniter ignites combustible gases from the primary chamber. This process amplifies the temperature up to 800 °C, with the resultant gas primarily consisting of carbon dioxide and water, which is expelled into the atmosphere via an induced draft fan.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Plasma Pyrolysis

There are more positives than negatives with this technology. Here are some noted points.

Advantages of Plasma Pyrolysis

The main advantages of this technology include:

• It prevents hazardous waste from entering landfills.
• There are no harmful emissions of toxic gases.
• The firm slag produced can be utilized in construction.
• Combustible syngas from biomass can generate electric and thermal energy.
• The slag results in value-added products like concentrated metals.
• Various types of waste, including hazardous, medical, and plastic, are safely destroyed.
• Facilities can be installed in tourist and hilly regions.
• Emissions consist of non-toxic gasses.
• Harmful gases like dioxins and furans do not form.
• This method is an eco-friendly and safe way for waste treatment.
• It has minimal harmful effects on the environment, except for carbon dioxide emissions.
• It serves as a superior alternative to incineration.
• This technology plays a vital role in waste minimization.

Disadvantages of Plasma Pyrolysis

However, there are some disadvantages:

• The high initial investment compared to alternatives like incineration and landfills.
• Operation costs are significantly higher than incinerators.
• Net energy production is minimal, though ongoing efforts aim for enhanced energy recovery.
• Limited plants are operational nationwide.
• Regular maintenance is necessary for effective functioning.
• Wet feedstocks should be avoided, as they yield less syngas and require more energy.

Conclusion

Plasma pyrolysis stands out as a leading technology for waste treatment, effectively destroying waste in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. It presents major advantages over incineration and plays a substantial role in waste minimization. This technique is crucial for tackling the issues surrounding non-recyclable and low-grade plastic waste. Continued developments in energy recovery are set to enhance the efficiency and impact of these reactors, signifying its importance in the Indian context. To combat the challenges of waste treatment, especially concerning complex plastics and disinfected medical waste, wise decisions must be made to safeguard both individuals and the planet.

Pyrolysis Machine details are available if you have any queries about the benefits and drawbacks of Plasma Pyrolysis.

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Author

Andleep Zahra is a distinguished biotechnologist with a master’s degree in biotechnology from V.B.S. Purvanchal University. Renowned for her research and prolific writing on environmental issues, she has carved a niche in environmental conservation, with a particular focus on waste management. Through her insightful articles and blogs, Andleep provides valuable information on addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices. Her commitment to the field is reflected in her active participation in numerous conferences, workshops, and webinars, where she continually seeks ways to make a tangible impact. Andleep's dedication to environmental advocacy is driven by her belief that increasing waste and its impact on ecosystems and biodiversity is a critical issue that humanity often overlooks. She emphasizes that this challenge will be one of the greatest hurdles for future generations, urging immediate and effective action to safeguard the planet.