Waste Processing by Plasma Arc Electrolytic Centrifugal Conversion

The plasma-arc electrolytic centrifugal conversion process was developed for processing of crude ore materials and hydrocarbons to end products with simultaneous generation of energy carriers and energy [1]. The developed process may be used with a similar purpose for processing of various wastes. Industrial and household wastes have identical chemistry with common ore and hydrocarbons. Waste ore called “tailings” is comparable to payable ore and, just as in base ore, oxygen comprises about half of its composition. Household wastes for the most part contain organic compounds, including plastic, wood, paper, and form hydrocarbon mixtures containing various metals and nonmetals. Melted waste mixture contains almost every elements of the periodic table with various chemical elements acting as reaction catalysts. The wastes are processed under electric energy generated by hydrogen burning in oxygen. Hydrogen is recovered from hydrocarbon materials contained in household wastes and water contained in the feed. Oxygen is recovered from waste ore. Hydrogen and oxygen are stored in a methanol compound obtained from synthesis gas generated in the course of waste plasma melting.