Updated: July 2002

1. Objective

Ebara's Plasma Torch Type Incineration Ash Melting System has been developed for detoxifying (Dioxin decomposition and elimination), reducing, treating, and reusing (as resources and for recycling) incineration ash produced by municipal waste incinerators. This system not only solves the problem of incineration ash disposal site availability, but also constitutes an effective measure against heavy metal and dioxin constituents in incineration ash. High temperature melting by the system's plasma torch significantly reduces ash volume and renders harmless hazardous constituents in the ash.

2. Specifications

a) Plasma gas: Air or N2 gas
b) Electrode: Reverse type anodes
c) Temperature: 12000K at plasma generating point
Operation temperature: 2000ºC at ash surface
d) Plasma torch cooling: Rapid water circulation
e) Power consumption: 800 to 1000kWh/ton of ash
f) Reduction in ash volume: Almost 50%
g) Usability of slag: An ingredient of asphalt and lower roadbed material

3. Features *5

a) High Temperature Heat Source by High Energy Density.
Advantageous for melting. High reaction speed with a compact melting furnace.
b) Quick Control and Stable Output.
Precise and quick control through the plasma acting as a conductor (better control than that for arc furnace), stable output without flickering loss, and minimized noise such as electrical discharge.
c) Minimized Flue Gas
Only a small-scale flue gas treatment system is necessary as the amount of flue gas produced is much less than the amount produced by fossil fuel melting systems.

4. Application

Municipal waste incineration facilities
Potable water and sewage sludge treatment facilities
Waste treatment facilities (industrial waste, medical waste, etc.)
Radioactive waste treatment facilities, etc.

5. Flow chart

6. Location where Systems are Scheduled to be Employed

The locations where Ebara Plasma Torch Type Incineration Ash melting systems will be used, including one already in operation, are as follows.