How does gasification turn waste into energy?

Gasification is a unique process that transforms a carbon-based material, such as MSW or biomass, into other forms of energy without actually burning it. Instead, gasification converts the solid and liquid waste materials into a gas through a chemical reaction.

What are main products from waste gasification process?

This is comprised of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane. Typically, the gas generated from gasification will have a net calorific value (NCV) of 4 – 10 MJ/Nm3. The other main product produced by gasification is a solid residue of noncombustible materials (ash) which contains a relatively low level of carbon.

What is the byproduct of gasification?

Coal gasification processes can produce three types of ash: fly ash (including char or unreacted fuel), bottom ash, and slag, with most of the solid byproduct ending in form of slag for high-temperature gasifiers. Non-slagging gasification produces a coarse bottom ash and fine fly ash.

How might a waste gasification facility be useful?

Waste gasification can be used to enhance recycling programs. One ton of MSW can produce up to 1,000 kW of electricity. The gasification of waste reduces the need for landfill space, decreases methane emissions and reduces the use of fossil fuels.

How does gasification work in a waste to energy plant?

In a waste-to-energy plant that uses incineration, these hot gases are used to make steam, which is then used to generate electricity. Gasification converts MSW to a usable synthesis gas, or syngas. It is the production of this syngas which makes gasification so different from incineration.

What can be done with waste to energy?

These can include the production of cooking gas in household digesters from organic waste, collection of methane gas from landfills, thermal treatment of waste in utility size incineration plants, co-processing of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) in cement plants or gasification.

Why are gasification plants bad for the environment?

Gasification plants also have historically sought public subsidies to be profitable. In particular, vendors seek renewable energy subsidies, however, such facilities would emit carbon dioxide from fossil fuel-sourced material including waste plastic and coal, contradicting the purpose of ?renewable energy.?

What kind of waste is burned in a waste to energy plant?

Most waste-to-energy plants burn municipal solid waste, but some burn industrial waste or hazardous waste. A modern, properly run waste-to-energy plant sorts material before burning it and can co-exist with recycling. The only items heh are burned are not recyclable, by design or economically, and are not hazardous.