Methods and apparatus for treating waste
AssigneeIntegrated Environmental Technologies, LLC
InventorJeffrey E. Surma
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for treating waste are provided. Waste is converted in an arc plasma-joule heated melter system utilizing one or more arc plasma electrodes and a plurality of joule heating electrodes. The arc plasma electrode(s) can be configured for operation utilizing AC or DC power, or for switching between AC and DC power. The arc plasma electrodes can also be configured for independent arc voltage and arc current control. The joule heating circuits are configured for simultaneous operation with the arcing electrodes, but without detrimental interaction with the arcing electrodes. The systems provide stable, non-leachable products and a gaseous fuel. The gaseous fuel can be utilized in a combustion or non-combustion process to generate electricity.
Claims25
A system for treating waste, the system comprising:
- a waste conversion unit that produces gases and comprises an arc plasma electrode and means for generating volumetric joule heating, wherein the arc plasma electrode and the means for generating volumetric joule heating are adapted and constructed to be operated simultaneously without detrimental electrical interaction with one another;
- and
- a fuel cell connected to the waste conversion unit, wherein gases from the waste conversion unit are introduced into the fuel cell for producing electrical energy.
A system for treating waste, the system comprising:
- a waste conversion unit which produces gases and comprises an arc plasma electrode and means for generating volumetric joule heating, wherein the arc plasma electrode and the means for generating volumetric joule heating are adapted and constructed to be operated simultaneously without detrimental electrical interaction with one another;
- a gas cleanup unit connected to the waste conversion unit for cleaning gases from the waste conversion unit;
- and
- a fuel cell connected to the gas cleanup unit, wherein gases from the gas cleanup unit are introduced into the fuel cell for producing electrical energy.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.