Microwave Plasma: An Innovative Eco-friendly Technology for Gasification of Solid Waste

Microwave, MCw, plasma gasification is an innovative technology. It provides an eco-friendly solution for solid waste disposal with the obvious advantages. The ongoing research using MCw plasma for an extensive range of applications with a diversity in focuses, methodology, and particularly operational restrictions is a fact. In reference to the covered operational test cases of a microscale system, MCw GASIFIER, the possibility of future large-scale implementations of the particular technology is discussed. The emphasis is devoted to the critical points concerned for the purpose. MCw plasma results in almost a complete biomass gasification with minute amounts of ash by using starving amounts of air at atmospheric conditions. A high temperature syngas is produced as an alternative biofuel. MCw process is rather fast in comparison with conventional burning. Furthermore, a rather easy process control is possible through operational inputs and required syngas characteristics. Therefore, an effective waste to energy (WtE) conversion and controlled gasification performance are the major advantages of technology for zero waste concept in disposal of plastics, municipal solid waste (MSW), coal and even harmful toxic waste.