Renewable Blended Natural Gas and Rock Wool Production from a Plasma-Based System

Abstract

A method and system for cost effectively converting a feedstock using thermal plasma or other styles of gassifiers, into an energy transfer medium using a blended gaseous fuel. The feedstock can be any organic material or inorganic combination to generate a syngas. The syngas is blended with any fuel of a higher thermal content (BTU) than the syngas. The resulting blended high thermal content fuel is used on site or reinjected into the fuel supply pipe line. Rock wool and accessory heat are produced to increase the efficiency of the plant.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates generally to processes and systems for generating a blended Natural Gas of a BTU content high enough to be reinjected into the gas main. This is also combined with the production of rock wool to develop a high efficiency renewable energy plant at a low capital cost when the feedstock is renewable such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). This design of plant is becoming more desirable as high tipping fees and high transportation costs demand small, distributed, cost effective, MSW / renewable energy facilities.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]There is significant interest in renewable energy projects. Thermal plasma has consistently distinguished itself as a high efficiency, low emissions gasification process for just about any feedstock, and has been identified as one of the most desirable processes for use in producing energy from renewable fuels.[0005]If an analysis of plasma MSW (or other...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a method of producing blended natural gas using a plasma gassifier and a pre-gassifier. The plasma gassifier reduces the work load of the primary heat source and increases system efficiency by re-injecting the gas product. The gas is produced using a pyrolysis method combined with plasma generated heat, which consistently holds the thermal content to about 300 BTU / Cu ft. This low quality fuel can be blended with other fuels to produce a consistently high quality fuel. The method reduces costs and allows for renewable feedstock gasification.

Problems solved by technology

If an analysis of plasma MSW (or other renewable fuels) relative to other energy facilities is conducted, it becomes apparent that the lack of existing plasma projects is not exclusively the result of technological challenges, but also results from the relatively poor economics associated with this technology.

Plasma technology is not inexpensive when compared to disposition of waste using landfill, incineration, or conventional gasification.

Many plasma projects fail at the onset, notwithstanding extensive initial marketing efforts, usually as a result of inadequate financing and low or nonexistent profitability.

Unfortunately, it is expected that this modest boon to plasma usage will be short lived, as it represents an artificial market that is a poor model on which to build a business.

This is particularly problematical when one considers that these facilities are expected to operate cost effectively for at least thirty years.

Many plasma projects in the past have pinned false hopes on high tipping fees for hazardous waste without fully understanding the complications that are associated with such materials.

The handling of these materials are not only complex and expensive, but also potentially dangerous if not properly engineered.

The entire process and the facility itself thus becomes unduly expensive.

However, large quantities of such waste must be generated if the facility is to achieve profitability.

The production and delivery of the hazardous waste have to be carefully coordinated since it is dangerous to store biological and other hazardous waste feedstock.

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