Waste management using plasma treatment

Abstract Accumulation of municipal solid waste without proper treatment has become one of the most critical manmade problems of today. Current methods of treatment, such as open dumping and land filling, emit methane, which causes global warming, and incineration produces carcinogens, particulate matters, and acid gases. All the above mentioned processes involve segregation of waste. Further plastic produces toxins. Treatment of waste by plasma technology does not require segregation and does not produce toxins. The effectiveness of plasma treatment depends on the plasma torch efficiency. The performance of a plasma torch depends on various parameters like, electrode materials operational gap between electrodes, carrier gas and its flow rate, cooling of electrodes, and voltage and frequency of power supply. The composition of electrode material is important as it should have low threshold frequency, which will result in an efficient thermionic emission and in turn will increase the electron density on the surface. A magnetic field is used to shift the impact point on the anode, which will thus help in cooling the electrodes and prevent disintegration. An initiation of the torch discharge if followed by burning gaseous fuel at the tip of the cathode may help in establishment of arc without any physical contact of the electrodes. This will result in longer electrode life. Various aspects of enhancing torch efficiency are discussed along with challenges of treatment including high amount of daily generated waste.