Waste disposal methods and systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method comprising the steps of receiving a gas containing at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen, separating the carbon monoxide from the hydrogen, converting at least a portion of the carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, and supplying carbon dioxide to a greenhouse containing plants.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This application is related to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023900784, filed on March 21, 2023, and Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023903210, filed on October 6, 2023, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to methods and systems for waste treatment, methods for generating electricity, methods for generating methanol, and methods for growing plants including food. Preferably, one or more of these methods are integrated. In particular, this disclosure relates to methods and systems that can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere from waste treatment and / or generate electricity from waste treatment.

Background Art

[0003] It is known that greenhouse gases are generated by waste treatment. For example, organic waste generates methane when it decomposes, and incinerating inorganic waste can generate several different greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Gasification, which is a non - combustion conversion of waste to gas, generates greenhouse gases including carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2), which can be harmful to the environment or contribute to global warming. It will be appreciated that a significant amount of waste is processed daily around the world and a significant amount of greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere, which can contribute to climate change. Therefore, there is a need for methods and systems that can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere from waste treatment.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention comprises - receiving a gas comprising at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen; - separating carbon monoxide from hydrogen; - converting at least a portion of the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide; - Steps of supplying carbon dioxide to a greenhouse containing plants and / or using carbon dioxide to generate electricity Regarding methods including

[0005] In some embodiments, the gas is supplied from a plasma reactor, preferably a plasma arc reactor. Optionally, the reactor is not a bioreactor. Optionally, the reactor is not an incinerator. Optionally, the reactor is not for pyrolysis.

[0006] In some embodiments, the gas is supplied from the waste treatment. Alternatively, the present invention relates to a method for treating waste, - A step of processing waste to produce a gas containing at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen, - The step of separating carbon monoxide from hydrogen, - A step of converting at least a portion of carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, - A step of supplying carbon dioxide to a greenhouse containing plants. This provides a method that includes [something].

[0007] Optionally, the waste is one or more of the following: municipal waste, industrial waste, hazardous waste, medical waste, construction waste, demolition waste, and biomass. Optionally, the waste is municipal waste, preferably solid municipal waste. Optionally, the municipal waste is shredded. Optionally, the solid waste is crushed. Optionally, the waste is a mixture of waste sources. Optionally, the waste is either non-renewable or from a renewable source.

[0008] Optionally, general waste may include asbestos, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) or related substances.

[0009] Optionally, general waste or shredded general waste is processed in a gas production process. Optionally, the gas production process takes place in a reactor. Optionally, the gas production process is gasification, incineration, or a thermal reaction. Optionally, the gas production process takes place in the presence of oxygen. Optionally, the gas production process is not a biosynthesis process, i.e., a process that uses one or more microorganisms (e.g., one or more bacteria) to convert waste into gas. Optionally, the gas production process is not pyrolysis, i.e., it is not produced by heating in the absence of oxygen. Optionally, the gas production process is not combustion. Optionally, the gas production process is gasification or a thermal reaction. Optionally, the gas production process is gasification. Optionally, the gas production process is not incineration. Optionally, the reactor is not an incinerator. Optionally, the reactor is a plasma reactor. Optionally, the reactor is not a bioreactor, i.e., a biodigestor or other reactor that uses one or more microorganisms (e.g., one or more bacteria) to convert waste into gas. Optionally, the reactor is not a pyrolysis reactor, i.e., it is not for heating waste in the absence of oxygen. Optionally, the reactor is not a combustion reactor.

[0010] The present invention - The step of receiving a gas containing at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen, - The step of separating carbon monoxide from hydrogen, - A step of converting at least a first portion of carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, wherein the aforementioned conversion process results in a second portion of carbon monoxide remaining as carbon monoxide, -Optionally, a step of using a second portion of carbon monoxide in a heat exchange process that generates steam, a gas combustion process that generates electricity, or a heat exchange process that generates steam followed by a gas combustion process that generates electricity. - A step of supplying carbon dioxide to a greenhouse containing plants. This provides a method that includes [something].

[0011] Optionally, the gas is synthesis gas. Optionally, the gas is not combustion exhaust. Optionally, the gas further contains one or more of methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. Optionally, the gas is 25-50% (v / v), 30-45% (v / v), or 35-40% (v / v) carbon monoxide. Optionally, the gas is 10-50% (v / v), 15-45% (v / v), or 20-40% (v / v) hydrogen. Optionally, the gas further contains 15-45% (v / v), 20-40% (v / v), or 25-35% (v / v) carbon dioxide. Optionally, the gas contains 0-20% (v / v), 0-15% (v / v), or 1-15% (v / v) methane. Optionally, the gas may further contain 0-10% (v / v), 1-8% (v / v), or 2-5% (v / v) of nitrogen.

[0012] After separating carbon monoxide from the gas, the carbon monoxide has a purity of 90%-100% (v / v), >90-100% (v / v), 95-100% (v / v), or 98-100% (v / v) as optional.

[0013] Optionally, the gas contains carbon dioxide, which is separated from carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Optionally, the carbon dioxide separated from the gas is supplied to a greenhouse containing plants. Optionally, the carbon dioxide separated from the gas is combined with a mixture of carbon dioxide prepared from carbon monoxide and supplied to a greenhouse containing plants. Optionally, the carbon dioxide separated from the gas has a purity of 90%-100% (v / v), >90-100% (v / v), 95-100% (v / v), or 98-100% (v / v). Optionally, the carbon dioxide is supplied to the greenhouse in gaseous form. Optionally, the carbon dioxide gas contributes to heating the greenhouse.

[0014] Optionally, carbon monoxide is converted to carbon dioxide by catalytic conversion. Optionally, the carbon dioxide prepared from carbon monoxide has a purity of 90%-100% (v / v), >90-100% (v / v), 95-100% (v / v), or 98-100% (v / v). Optionally, the carbon dioxide is cooled by a water quench before being supplied to the greenhouse. Optionally, the carbon dioxide is cooled to below 80°C before being supplied to the greenhouse. Optionally, the heat from the carbon dioxide maintains the greenhouse temperature, at least partially.

[0015] Optionally, in a heat exchange process, the second part of carbon monoxide provides the heat to convert water into steam. Optionally, the heat exchange process takes place in a heat exchanger.

[0016] Optionally, the steam produced by the heat exchange process is used to generate electricity. Optionally, the steam produced by the heat exchange process is supplied to a steam generator and used to generate electricity. Optionally, the steam produced by the heat exchange process is connected to a generator and drives a steam turbine that drives the generator to generate electricity.

[0017] Optionally, the gas combustion process takes place within a gas combustion generator. Optionally, emissions from the gas combustion process or gas combustion generator are supplied to a reactor that produces gas. Optionally, if harmful gases are present in the gas, these harmful gases are separated from carbon monoxide, hydrogen, optionally nitrogen, and other gases. Optionally, the separated harmful gases are returned to the reactor.

[0018] Optionally, electricity generated from a gas combustion process / gas combustion generator and / or a steam generation process / steam generator is supplied to a substation. Optionally, the substation supplies electricity to the grid.

[0019] Water from the water reservoir is supplied to the heat exchanger on an optional basis.

[0020] Optionally, the steam generator generates water / steam, and the water / steam is stored in a water storage tank.

[0021] Optionally, there is a control system for controlling one or more of waste treatment such as shredding, greenhouse operations, and a substation.

[0022] Optionally, at least a portion of the hydrogen and / or nitrogen separated from the gas in the gas separation process is supplied back to the reactor.

[0023] Optionally, the reactor is an argon plasma reactor, and argon is supplied to the argon plasma reactor.

[0024] Optionally, the plant is a photosynthetic plant. Optionally, the photosynthetic plant is an edible source or a food source.

[0025] Optionally, the method is performed at a single location controlled by a single control system.

[0026] Optionally, the power received at the substation is used to supply power to one or more of (i) waste shredding; (ii) argon production; and (ii) greenhouse; and the grid.

[0027] Optionally, carbon dioxide separated from the gas or converted from carbon monoxide not supplied to the greenhouse is converted to methanol and / or supplied to a fuel gas generator.

[0028] In another aspect, the present invention is A gas separator configured to receive a gas containing carbon monoxide and other gases, the gas separator being configured to separate carbon monoxide and other gases, and [[ID=3,6]]A carbon dioxide production unit configured to receive a first portion of the separated carbon monoxide and convert the first portion of the separated carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, A greenhouse configured to receive carbon dioxide, in which plants are grown, and We provide a waste treatment system equipped with the following features.

[0029] In some embodiments, the waste treatment system further comprises a heat exchanger configured to receive a second portion of the separated carbon monoxide, the heat exchanger configured to use the second portion of the separated carbon monoxide to produce steam.

[0030] In some embodiments, the waste treatment system further comprises a gas combustion generator configured to receive a portion of a second portion of separated carbon monoxide flowing out of a heat exchanger, the gas combustion generator configured to generate electricity by burning a first portion of the second portion of separated carbon monoxide.

[0031] In some embodiments, the waste treatment system further comprises a steam generator configured to generate electricity using steam produced by a heat exchanger.

[0032] In some embodiments, the waste treatment system further comprises a methanol production plant configured to receive a second portion of the separated carbon monoxide flowing out of a heat exchanger, the methanol production plant configured to produce methanol using the second portion of the separated carbon monoxide.

[0033] In some embodiments, the waste treatment system further comprises a waste conversion unit configured to receive waste material and generate gas from the waste material. In some embodiments, the waste conversion unit is a plasma arc reactor.

[0034] In some embodiments, the waste treatment system further comprises an argon source configured to supply argon to a plasma arc reactor.

[0035] In some embodiments, the gas combustion generator is in fluid communication with a waste conversion unit, and the gas emissions from the gas combustion generator are configured to flow from the gas combustion generator to the waste conversion unit.

[0036] In some embodiments, the gas separator is in fluid communication with the waste conversion unit, and the separated gas is configured to flow from the gas separator to the waste conversion unit.

[0037] In some embodiments, the waste treatment system further comprises a waste shredder configured to shred solid waste to produce waste material. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described only as examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a waste treatment system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a waste treatment system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a waste treatment system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a waste treatment system according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0043] [Figure 5] This is a system for processing synthesis gas according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] [Figure 6] This is a system for processing synthesis gas according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] [Figure 7] This is a system for processing synthesis gas according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] [Figure 8] This figure shows a system for processing synthesis gas according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] definition For the purposes of interpreting this specification, terms used in the singular form also include their plural forms, and vice versa.

[0048] As used herein when referring to measurable values ​​such as quantity and duration, “about” means to include variations of ±20% or ±10%, possibly ±5%, possibly ±1%, and possibly ±0.1% from a given value, such variations being suitable for performing the disclosed method.

[0049] Scope: Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of this disclosure can be presented in scope form. It should be understood that scope descriptions are for convenience and brevity only and should not be interpreted as inflexible limitations on the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, scope descriptions should be considered to specifically disclose all possible sub-ranges and the individual numbers within those ranges. For example, a scope description such as 1-6 should be considered to specifically disclose sub-ranges such as 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-4, 2-6, 3-6, and the individual numbers within those ranges, e.g., 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the width of the range.

[0050] waste Waste streams can be selected based on their suitability for this process. Suitable waste streams may include one or more of the following: general solid waste, hazardous industrial waste, medical waste, biomass, and combinations thereof.

[0051] General solid waste can also be defined as scrap or garbage and consists of everyday items that are disposed of after use. This may include items such as product packaging, grass clippings, furniture, clothing, bottles, food waste, newspapers, electrical appliances, paints, and batteries. This waste stream can come from homes, schools, and businesses.

[0052] Hazardous industrial waste is waste generated by industrial activities that include materials that are wasted during manufacturing processes, such as in factories, businesses, mills, and mining operations. This waste can be harmful to the environment or to humans. It may include items such as plastics, glass, asbestos, chemical waste, and untreated used cooking oils. This waste can be in solid or liquid form.

[0053] Medical waste is waste generated from medical facilities, such as hospitals, dental clinics, veterinary clinics, and laboratories. This waste may include items such as sharp objects (syringes and needles), biological specimens or cultures, and waste from patients with infectious diseases.

[0054] Biomass is renewable organic material derived from plants and / or animals. This waste may include wood, wood residue, energy crops, agricultural residues, and organic waste from industry or households.

[0055] By choice, waste is biomass. By alternative choice, waste is not biomass.

[0056] By choice, waste is not recyclable.

[0057] Plasma gasification Plasma gasification is a thermal process that uses plasma to convert organic matter into syngas (synthesis gas) primarily composed of hydrogen and carbon monoxide (CO). Typically, a plasma torch driven by an electric arc is used to ionize the gas and catalyst the organic matter into syngas and slag. This process is usually carried out in the presence of oxygen-containing air. Those skilled in the art will recognize the various methods by which plasma gasification can be performed. In particular, those skilled in the art will recognize the various inert gases that can be used (e.g., argon or nitrogen), as well as the various electrodes that can be used (e.g., copper, tungsten, hafnium or zirconium). Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the temperature of the plasma reaction determines the structure of the plasma and the resulting gas.

[0058] One potential by-product of plasma gasification is slag, which may contain inorganic compounds in the waste stream that are not decomposed by plasma gasification. These compounds are melted and may include metals, glass, and ceramics. Metals may be further recovered from the slag.

[0059] Synthesis gas, or syngas, is primarily composed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the gas stream. Other trace components such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen may also be present in the gas stream.

[0060] Gas cleaning Those skilled in the art will be aware of the various techniques known in the art for cleaning gas streams and / or separating component gases. Techniques that can be used in conjunction with this disclosure may include any one or more of gas scrubbing, pressure swing adsorption, vacuum swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption, cryogenic distillation, and membrane separation. For example, hydrogen can be separated from generated CO2 by pressure swing adsorption, amine scrubbing, and membrane separation. Other gas cleaning techniques known in the art will be considered.

[0061] Further gas cleaning steps may include passing the gas through a secondary plasma arc.

[0062] heat exchanger A heat exchanger is a system used to transfer heat between a supply source and a working fluid, and can be used in both heating and cooling processes. Those skilled in the art will recognize the various configurations of heat exchangers known in the art, such as double-tube heat exchangers, shell-and-tube heat exchangers, plate heat exchangers, condensers, and boilers, as well as heat sinks. Other configurations known in the art will be considered.

[0063] Catalytic conversion Catalytic transformation is a process in which a product obtained by a process is converted into another product using a catalyst. Those skilled in the art will recognize many catalytic transformation processes known in the art, such as the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (for converting syngas to liquid hydrocarbons), methanol production, and ammonia production. Other potential catalytic transformation processes known in the art will be considered. Those skilled in the art will be able to determine suitable catalysts and conditions for producing various products from a syngas stream.

[0064] Conversion of CO to CO2 Methods for converting CO to CO2 are known in the art and are considered. Those skilled in the art will recognize methods suitable for use in the present invention. For example, the method includes catalytic conversion using a metal catalyst (e.g., platinum).

[0065] An additional method for converting CO to CO2 may be the water-gas shift reaction (see reaction equation below). This can also be used in the present invention to increase the proportion of hydrogen present in the syngas mixture. CO + H2O → CO2 + H2

[0066] methanol production from CO and CO2 Both carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gases from the gas stream of the present invention can be converted to methanol during the process. Those skilled in the art will be aware of various methods by which this is possible.

[0067] Conventional commercial processes use catalytic conversion to produce methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen gases. Examples of suitable catalysts include those based on copper, zinc oxide, and alumina (Cu / ZnO / Al2O3) systems, but those skilled in the art can determine other suitable catalysts. The catalyst can be heterogeneous or homogeneous.

[0068] Carbon dioxide can also produce methanol through catalytic conversion processes. Those skilled in the art will be aware of systems capable of achieving this conversion, such as solid metal catalysts or molecular catalysts (e.g., organometallic catalysts and / or organic catalysts). The catalyst may be heterogeneous or homogeneous.

[0069] The production of methanol can also be achieved using a mixture of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide with hydrogen gas. Those skilled in the art will be aware of various methods capable of achieving this, including catalysts based on, for example, copper, zinc oxide, and alumina (Cu / ZnO / Al2O3) systems.

[0070] Explanation of the diagram Figure 1 shows a waste treatment system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 has a waste shredder 102 configured to receive waste 10. The waste 10 may include one or more of general solid waste, hazardous industrial waste, medical waste, biomass, and combinations thereof. The waste shredder 102 is configured to shred the waste 10 to reduce its volume, which may enable more efficient processing of the shredded waste material produced by the waste shredder 102.

[0071] The shredded waste from the waste shredder 102 is fed to the plasma arc reactor 104. The plasma arc reactor 104 may have two chutes (not shown), one of which can introduce the solid component of the shredded waste into the plasma arc reactor 104, and the other of which can introduce the liquid component of the shredded waste into the plasma arc reactor 104. However, it should also be considered that the plasma arc reactor 104 may have a single chute (not shown) into which all of the shredded waste (including liquid and solid components) can be fed.

[0072] The plasma arc reactor 104 is configured to process shredded waste at high temperatures. The plasma arc reactor 104 is coupled in fluid communication to an argon generation and storage plant 106. The argon generation and storage plant 106 is configured to generate argon using any suitable method known in the art and to store the generated argon. The argon generation and storage plant 106 is also configured to supply argon to the plasma arc reactor 106 to generate argon plasma.

[0073] The argon plasma generated in the plasma arc reactor 106 is used to transform the shredded waste in the plasma arc reactor 104. Depending on the composition of the shredded waste, some of it may melt and some may vaporize. Depending on the composition of the shredded waste, two layers can be produced by transforming the shredded waste with argon plasma: a first layer of glassy slag and a second layer of metallic slag. Depending on the composition of the glassy slag, it may be suitable for use as aggregate for concrete and / or asphalt. Depending on the composition of the shredded waste introduced into the plasma arc reactor 104, the metallic slag may include iron, aluminum, precious metals, and / or other metals.

[0074] The plasma arc reactor 104 has two ports (not shown) for drawing a first layer of glassy slag into a slag pit 108 and a second port for drawing a second layer of metal slag into a metal slag pit 110. The metal slag pit 110 can form the metal slag into a metal ingot.

[0075] High-temperature synthesis gas is also produced by converting the shredded waste with argon plasma in the plasma arc reactor 104. The synthesis gas may include carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), nitrogen, and other gases.

[0076] The plasma arc reactor 104 is coupled to the gas separator 112 in fluid communication. The high-temperature synthesis gas generated in the plasma arc reactor 104 is introduced into the gas separator 112, which is configured to separate the synthesis gas into its constituent gases. In particular, the gas separator 112 is configured to separate the synthesis gas into CO gas, H2 gas, N gas, and other gases. Any suitable gas separator known in the art can be used for the gas separator 112.

[0077] The gas separator 112 is fluidically connected to the hydrogen storage plant 114, the nitrogen storage plant 116, the catalytic converter 118, and the gas cooling / washing system 120. The H2 and N gases separated in the gas separator 112 are stored in the hydrogen storage plant 114 and the nitrogen storage plant 116, respectively. The hydrogen storage plant 114 and the nitrogen storage plant 116 are fluidly connected to the plasma arc reactor 104 and are configured to supply the H2 and N gases to the plasma arc reactor 104, respectively.

[0078] The CO gas separated in the gas separator 112 is supplied to the catalytic converter 118. The catalytic converter 118 is configured to convert the CO gas into carbon dioxide (CO2) gas.

[0079] The catalytic converter 118 is coupled to a water quencher 122 in fluid communication. The water quencher 122 is coupled to a water reservoir 124 in fluid communication and is configured to use water from the water reservoir 124 to lower the temperature of the CO2 gas from the catalytic converter 118.

[0080] The water quencher 122 is connected to the greenhouse 126 via fluid communication. The greenhouse 126 is configured to receive CO2 gas cooled by the water quencher 122. The water quencher 122 is configured to cool the CO2 gas to a temperature suitable for use in the greenhouse 126.

[0081] Depending on the size of greenhouse 126 and the plants growing inside it, specifically photosynthetic plants, an optimal amount of CO2 needs to be introduced into greenhouse 126. The amount of CO gas produced in the plasma arc reactor 104 may be greater than the amount needed to produce the optimal amount of CO2 for greenhouse 126. In this case, there will be excess CO gas that is not needed to produce CO2 for greenhouse 126. If there is excess CO gas produced in the plasma reactor 104, the CO gas is separated in the gas separator 112, and then the excess CO gas is sent from the gas separator 112 to the cooling / washing system 120.

[0082] The cooling / washing system 120 is configured to wash and cool the CO gas received from the gas separator 112. The cooling / washing system 120 may be a water quencher. The CO gas received from the gas separator 112 can pass through the chamber of the water quencher, where it can be cooled by spraying cold water onto it. This process can also remove any particulate matter that may be present in the CO gas. The particulate matter removed from the CO gas in the water quencher may be returned to the plasma arc reactor 104 for further processing.

[0083] It will be understood that the CO gas generated in the plasma arc reactor 104 will have a remarkably high temperature. By the time the excess CO gas passes through the gas separator 112 and the cooling / washing system 120, the temperature of the cooled CO gas leaving the cooling / washing system 120 may still be relatively high.

[0084] The cooling / washing system 120 is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger 128. The heat exchanger 128 is fluidly connected to the desalination plant 130, which is fluidly connected to the water reservoir 124. The desalination plant 130 is configured to desalinate the water from the water reservoir 124 before the water passes through the heat exchanger 128.

[0085] The cooled CO gas exiting the cooling / washing system 120 is configured to pass through a heat exchanger 128, which heats the water passing through the heat exchanger 128 to generate steam.

[0086] The heat exchanger 128 is coupled in fluid communication to a steam generator 132 (e.g., a steam turbine generator). The steam generated by the heat exchanger 128 is supplied to the steam generator 132, which uses the steam to generate electricity. The steam generator 132 is electrically coupled to a substation 134, which is electrically connected to a power distribution network 136 (e.g., a mains power source). The substation 134 is configured to convert the electricity generated by the steam generator 132 into electricity suitable for the power distribution network 136. For example, if the substation 134 is electrically connected to a power distribution network, the substation 134 may be configured to convert the electricity generated by the steam generator 132 into electricity having a voltage of 415V or 66kV. Alternatively, if the substation 134 is electrically connected to a power transmission network, the substation 134 may be configured to convert the electricity generated by the steam generator 132 into electricity having a voltage of 132kV or 275kV.

[0087] The steam generator 132 is also fluidly connected to the reservoir 124 so that the steam / water flowing out of the steam generator 132 can be returned to the reservoir 124.

[0088] The heat exchanger 128 is also fluidly connected to a gas cooling system 138. CO gas flowing out of the heat exchanger 128 passes through the gas cooling system 138 to lower its temperature. The gas cooling system 128 is fluidly connected to a methanol production and storage plant 140 and a gas combustion generator 142. The cooled CO gas flowing out of the gas cooling system 138 can be sent to the methanol production and storage plant 140 or the gas combustion generator 142.

[0089] The methanol production and storage plant 140 is configured to produce methanol from cooled CO gas flowing out of the gas cooling system 138 using any suitable method known in the art.

[0090] The gas combustion generator 142 is configured to generate electricity by burning cooled CO gas flowing out of the gas cooling system 138. The gas combustion generator may be a gas turbine or a reciprocating gas engine. The gas combustion generator 142 is electrically connected to the substation 134 so that the electricity generated by the gas combustion generator 142 is supplied to the substation 134.

[0091] In one embodiment, the priority may be to send the cooled CO gas flowing out of the gas cooling system 138 to the combustion generator 142. In this example, the combustion generator 142 may need to produce a specific power output, which may require a specific amount / flow rate of CO gas supplied to the combustion generator 142. If the amount / flow rate of CO gas flowing out of the gas cooling system 138 is greater than the amount required for the combustion generator 142 to produce a specific power output, the excess CO gas may be sent to the methanol production and storage plant 140 to produce methanol.

[0092] The gas combustion generator 142 is coupled to the plasma arc reactor 104 in fluid communication so that combustion gas emissions from the gas combustion generator 142 are delivered to the plasma arc reactor 104.

[0093] System 100 also includes a controller 144 that operably communicates with the shredder 102, the argon generation and storage plant 106, the greenhouse 126, and the substation 134. The controller 144 may operably communicate with each of the shredder 102, the argon generation and storage plant 106, the greenhouse 126, and the substation 134 via physical wired and / or wireless connections (e.g., the Internet, a wide area network, or a local area network).

[0094] The controller 144 is configured to control the operation of one or more of the shredder 102, the argon generation and storage plant 106, the greenhouse 126, and the substation 134. For example, the controller 144 may be configured to supply power to the shredder 102 from the substation 134. In this example, the substation 134 would be electrically connected to the shredder 102. The controller 144 may also be configured to supply power to any of the other components of the system 100 from the substation 134, in which case it is assumed that those components are also electrically connected to the substation 134. It is also assumed that the controller 144 may be configured to communicate operably with the other components of the system 100 and to control the operation of one or more of those components.

[0095] Therefore, the waste treatment system 100 generates CO2 gas using the CO gas produced in the plasma arc reactor 104, which is absorbed by the flora growing in the greenhouse 126. If more CO gas is produced from the plasma arc reactor 104 than is needed to produce the optimal amount of CO2 gas for the greenhouse 126, the excess CO gas can be used to produce steam for power generation, to produce methanol, and / or to be burned in a gas combustion generator for power generation. Other gases produced in the plasma arc reactor 104 and gas emissions from the gas combustion generator 142 are recycled back into the plasma arc reactor 104 for further treatment. Thus, it will be understood that the waste treatment system 100 can reduce the amount of gas (including greenhouse gases) released into the atmosphere from treating the waste 10.

[0096] Although the waste treatment system 100 is described and illustrated as having a plasma arc reactor 104 configured to generate argon plasma, it will be understood that the plasma arc reactor 104 may be configured to generate argon plasma, hydrogen plasma, and / or nitrogen plasma. In such embodiments, the plasma arc reactor 104 can receive argon from the argon generation and storage plant 106 to generate argon plasma, receive hydrogen gas separated by the gas separator 112 to generate hydrogen plasma, and / or receive nitrogen gas separated by the gas separator 112 to generate nitrogen plasma. In embodiments in which the plasma arc reactor 104 is configured to generate hydrogen and / or nitrogen plasma but not argon plasma, the waste treatment system 100 may not include the argon generation and storage plant 106.

[0097] Figure 2 shows a waste treatment system 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Waste treatment system 200 is similar to waste treatment system 100, except that it does not include the hydrogen storage unit 114, the nitrogen storage unit 116, the glassy slag pit 108, the metal slag pit 110, the water quencher 122, the cooling / washing system 120, the desalination plant 130, and the gas cooling system 138 of waste treatment system 100. Features of waste treatment system 200 that are identical or equivalent to features of waste treatment system 100 are given reference numbers that are equivalent to those of waste treatment system 100 but incremented by 100. Thus, it will be understood that waste treatment system 200 operates in the same manner as described above with respect to waste treatment system 100.

[0098] Figure 3 shows a waste treatment system 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Waste treatment system 300 is similar to waste treatment system 200, except that the argon generation and storage plant 206, the reservoir 224, and the methanol generation and storage plant 240 of waste treatment system 200 are not included in waste treatment system 300. Features of waste treatment system 300 that are identical or equivalent to features of waste treatment system 100 are given reference numbers that are equivalent to those of waste treatment system 100 but incremented by 200. Thus, it will be understood that waste treatment system 300 operates in the same manner as described above with respect to waste treatment system 100.

[0099] Figure 4 shows a waste treatment system 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Waste treatment system 400 is similar to waste treatment system 300, except that the H2 and N gases generated in the plasma arc reactor 404 are not recirculated from the gas separator 412 to the plasma arc reactor 404, as in waste treatment system 300. Features of waste treatment system 400 that are identical or equivalent to features of waste treatment system 100 are given reference numbers that are equivalent to those of waste treatment system 100 but incremented by 300. Thus, it will be understood that waste treatment system 400 operates in the same manner as described above with respect to waste treatment system 100.

[0100] Figure 5 shows a system 500 for processing synthesis gas. Synthesis gas can be produced in a plasma arc reactor (e.g., plasma arc reactor 104) that burns general solid waste. Synthesis gas can be processed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to waste treatment system 100 to produce CO2 gas for greenhouses (e.g., greenhouse 126), to produce steam for power generation from the CO gas, and / or to burn the CO gas in a gas combustion generator for power generation (e.g., gas combustion generator 142). Features of waste treatment system 500 that are identical or equivalent to features of system 100 are given reference numbers that are equivalent to those of waste treatment system 100 but incremented by 400.

[0101] Figure 6 shows system 600 for processing synthesis gas. System 600 is similar to system 500, except that it does not include the steam generator 532 of system 500. Features of system 600 that are identical or equivalent to those of system 500 are given reference numbers that are equivalent to those of system 500 but incremented by 100. Therefore, it will be understood that system 600 operates in a similar manner to that of system 500.

[0102] Figure 7 shows system 700 for processing synthesis gas. System 700 is similar to system 600, except that it does not include the gas combustion generator 642 of system 600. Features of system 700 that are identical or equivalent to those of system 500 are given reference numbers that are equivalent to those of system 500 but incremented by 200. Therefore, it will be understood that system 700 operates in a similar manner to that of system 500.

[0103] Figure 8 shows system 800 for processing synthesis gas. System 800 is similar to system 700, but does not include the heat exchanger 728 of system 700. Features of system 500 that are identical or equivalent to those of system 800 are given reference numbers that are equivalent to those of system 500 but incremented by 300. Therefore, it will be understood that system 800 operates in a similar manner to system 500.

[0104] Any reference to prior art in this specification does not constitute an endorsement or implied that the prior art forms part of common general knowledge in any jurisdiction, or that the prior art can be reasonably expected to be understood, considered relevant, and / or combined with other prior art by those skilled in the art.

[0105] For clarity and to avoid misunderstanding, the term “comprise,” as used herein, and variations such as “comprising,” “comprises,” and “comprised,” unless the context should imply otherwise, are not intended to exclude further additions, components, integers, or steps.

[0106] The present invention, as disclosed and defined herein, will be understood to extend to all alternative combinations of two or more individual features mentioned or evident therefrom in the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. - A step of receiving a gas containing at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen, - The step of separating the carbon monoxide from the hydrogen, - A step of converting at least a portion of the carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, - The step of supplying carbon dioxide to a greenhouse containing plants Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the gas is supplied from a plasma reactor, preferably a plasma arc reactor.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gas is supplied from waste treatment.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the waste is one or more of general waste, industrial waste, hazardous waste, medical waste, construction waste, demolition waste, and biomass.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the waste is treated in a gas generation process.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the gas generation process is gasification, incineration, or thermal reaction.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the gas generation process is gasification.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the gas generation process is not selected from the group consisting of a biological synthesis process, pyrolysis, combustion, or a combination thereof.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the gas generation process is carried out in the presence of air and / or oxygen.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second portion of carbon monoxide is used in a heat exchange process that generates steam, a gas combustion process that generates electricity, or a heat exchange process that generates steam and a subsequent gas combustion process that generates electricity.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the steam generated by the heat exchange process is used to generate electricity.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the gas is a synthesis gas containing one or more of methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the gas comprises methane, and the method does not involve separating the methane from the carbon dioxide.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the gas is 25-50% (v / v) carbon monoxide, 20-40% (v / v) hydrogen, optionally 15-45% (v / v) carbon dioxide, 0-20% (v / v) methane, and 0-10% (v / v) nitrogen.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the second portion of the carbon dioxide is not supplied to the greenhouse, and the second portion of the carbon dioxide is converted to methanol and / or supplied to a fuel gas generator.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the plant is a plant having photosynthetic ability.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the reactor is not selected from the group consisting of a bioreactor, a pyrolysis reactor, a combustion reactor, or a combination thereof.

18. A gas separator configured to receive a gas containing carbon monoxide and other gases, wherein the gas separator is configured to separate the carbon monoxide from the other gases, A carbon dioxide generation unit configured to receive the first portion of the separated carbon monoxide and convert the first portion of the separated carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, A greenhouse configured to receive carbon dioxide, in which plants are grown, and A waste disposal system equipped with the following features.

19. The waste treatment system according to claim 18, further comprising a heat exchanger configured to receive a second portion of the separated carbon monoxide, the heat exchanger configured to generate steam using the second portion of the separated carbon monoxide.

20. The waste treatment system according to claim 19, further comprising a gas combustion generator configured to receive a portion of the second portion of the separated carbon monoxide flowing out of the heat exchanger, wherein the gas combustion generator is configured to generate electricity by burning the first portion of the second portion of the separated carbon monoxide.

21. The waste treatment system according to claim 19 or 20, further comprising a steam generator configured to generate electricity using the steam generated by the heat exchanger.

22. The waste treatment system according to any one of claims 19 to 21, further comprising a methanol production plant configured to receive a second portion of the second portion of the separated carbon monoxide flowing out of the heat exchanger, wherein the methanol production plant is configured to produce methanol using the second portion of the second portion of the separated carbon monoxide.

23. The waste treatment system according to any one of claims 18 to 22, further comprising a waste conversion unit configured to receive waste material and generate the gas from the waste material.

24. The waste treatment system according to claim 23, wherein the waste conversion unit is not selected from the group consisting of a bioreactor, a pyrolysis reactor, a combustion reactor, or a combination thereof.

25. The waste treatment system according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the waste conversion unit is a plasma arc reactor.

26. The waste treatment system according to claim 25, further comprising an argon source configured to supply argon to the plasma arc reactor.

27. A waste treatment system according to any one of claims 23 to 26, as dependent on claim 20, wherein the gas combustion generator is in fluid communication with the waste conversion unit, and gas emissions from the gas combustion generator are configured to flow from the gas combustion generator to the waste conversion unit.

28. The waste treatment system according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the gas separator is in fluid communication with the waste conversion unit, and the separated other gas is configured to flow from the gas separator to the waste conversion unit.

29. The waste treatment system according to any one of claims 23 to 28, further comprising a waste shredder configured to shred solid waste to produce the waste material.

30. The waste treatment system according to any one of claims 18 to 29, wherein the carbon dioxide generation unit is a catalytic converter.

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