Plasma gasification of waste

Plasma gasification is an innovative technology for converting waste streams into a valuable synthesis gas, hereby valorising the energetic content of the waste (Waste-to-Energy).  This research fits within the framework of the Enhanced Landfill Mining (ELFM) concept which focuses on integrated waste management with maximum material and energy valorisation. The conventional approach for energetic valorisation of waste is direct combustion or incineration. Plasma gasification offers a cleaner and more efficient alternative since it converts the solid waste into a gaseous secondary energy carrier which can be burnt in a gas turbine or gas engine to generate electricity. This research focuses on the development of a simulation model describing the entire gasplasma system. Available test data from a pilot plant installation allow to verify the simulation results. The verified simulation model of the plasma gasification process can assist in simulation-based design and optimisation in future projects.

Contact persons

Anouk Bosmans
Lieve Helsen

Collaborations

Group Machiels
K.U.Leuven - Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
K.U.Leuven - Department of Chemical Engineering
UHasselt
VITO