Plasma Technology for Treatment of Waste
Summary
Meeting goals for waste cleanup will require new technology with improved environmental attractiveness and reduced cost. Plasma technology appears promising because of the high degree of controllability; capability to process waste without the adverse effects of combustion; and a very wide temperature range of operation. At the Plasma Fusion Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, we are investigating a range of plasma technologies. "Hot" thermal plasmas produced by DC arc technology are being investigated for treatment of solid waste. In conjunction with this activity, new diagnostics are being developed for monitoring arc furnace operating parameters and gaseous emissions. Electron-beam generated plasma technology is being investigated as a means of producing non-thermal "cold" plasmas for selective processing of dilute concentrations of gaseous waste. INTRODUCTION Plasma technology is showing promise for a variety of waste processing applications. Conventional approaches for high throughput waste processing have significant drawbacks. Landfilling raises concerns about release of hazardous materials to water, the ground, and air. There is also a shortage of acceptable space for landfilling in many areas of the world. Incineration raises concerns about undesirable air emissions and toxic ash. Plasma technology has the potential to remove these concerns and to reduce cost. The attractiveness of plasmas results from the capability to provide high temperatures, a high degree of controllability, and the use of electricity for heating rather than heat from combustion. The temperature range of interest for plasma applications extends from approximately
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- (published by the American Nuclear Society, Inc., La Grange Park, 1L 60525) (1994)
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