The Plasma Thermal Destruction & Recovery (PTDR) waste-to-energy technology uses the heat

generated by plasma arcs in an oxygen starved (pyrolytic) environment to first, pull apart (dissociate)

the molecules that make-up the organic portions of the waste, then, depending on the composition of

the waste stream, a controlled (stoichiometric) amount of oxygen (either in the form of steam or pure

oxygen) can be added to reform the dissociated elements of the waste into a synthesis gas ("syngas"),

consisting mainly of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrogen (H2). This process is commonly referred to as

plasma gasification. The syngas can then be used in a variety of ways: as a fuel for thermal and/or

electric energy production or as a feedstock for the production of liquid fuels, such as ethanol (i.e. waste

to energy). The inorganic constituents of the waste are melted (vitrified) into an environmentally safe,

leach resistant, glass matrix. The system derives its energy from plasma arcs, thus wastes with little or

no calorific value can be effectively and efficiently treated.

Waste, when heated to a very high temperature using plasma arc in the controlled atmosphere of the

reducing plasma gasification reactor undergoes predictable physical and chemical changes. This high

temperature generated by the heat from the plasma arc, over 1,000ｰC (1,800ｰF) prevents the formation

of complex organic molecules and breaks down organics into a gas. These primary molecules are stable

above 965ｰC (1,770ｰF). The formation of dioxins or furans is impossible inside the plasma gasification

reactor due to the unique process features, including high uniform temperatures generated by the heat

from the plasma arc and a lack of excess oxygen within the system.

This hot gas is then fed through a gas cleaning and conditioning system, where it is rapidly

cooled and cleaned to remove any entrained particulate and/or acid gases prior to potential re-

use.

Plasma Thermal Destruction & Recovery (PTDR) plasma gasification reactors are designed to

collect the molten metal and glass. The glass and metal layers are removed through controllable

tap ports into a slag/metal collection system. The taps are connected to the slag handling system

to allow automated removal of the slag upon operator command. Removal of the molten glass

presents no hazards of any kind to personnel, requires no special tools and does not disrupt the

operating process. The metal layer, which settles on the bottom of the basin in the processing

reactor, below the molten glass, is tapped as necessary, depending on the metal content of the

waste stream.

Plasma Thermal Destruction & Recovery (PTDR) waste-to-energy systems are driven by

proprietary, state-of-the-art instrumentation and computerized control systems

In addition to the benefits associated with the recovery of useful products, the Plasma Thermal

Destruction & Recovery (PTDR) waste-to-energy process results in the highest levels of volume

and weight reductions of any treatment process.

The Plasma Thermal Destruction & Recovery (PTDR) waste-to-energy process is a unique, cost-

effective and virtually emissions-free technology that is superior to other mainstream methods of

waste treatment:

The PTDR waste-to-energy process can utilize virtually any type of feedstock containing

combinations of organic, inorganic and/or heavy-metal constituents.

The PTDR waste-to-energy process brings inherent synergies whereby the treatment of

inorganic and organic feedstocks can be processed together, thus the pre-processing,

staging and management costs are minimized thereby reducing processing costs.

Unlike most other treatment methods, the PTDR plasma gasification process does not

create any secondary wastes that will require further treatment or landfilling. For

example, incinerators produce large quantities of bottom and fly ash which are toxic in

nature, require further treatment (with stabilization agents) and the resulting post-treated

materials (with increased volume) will require final disposal, usually in specially

designed landfills.

For PTDR plasma gasification systems that are installed at the site where the waste

feedstocks are produced (such as the PTDR-100 systems), there will be GHG reductions

associated with the avoidance of transportation to the disposal sites.

Carbon credits are measured in units of certified emission reductions (CERs). Each CER is equivalent to

one tonne of carbon dioxide reduction. Depending on the 'business as usual scenario', the waste

stream(s) processed and the PTDR plasma gasification system type, hundreds to thousands of CERs can

be generated in a given year.