A plasma torch powered by an electric arc is used to ionize gas and catalyze organic matter into syngas, with slag[1][2][3] remaining as a byproduct.
However, a benefit is that the slag itself is chemically inert and safe to handle (certain materials may affect the content of the gas produced, however[7]).
Pure highly calorific synthesis gas consists predominantly of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2).
The high temperature and lack of oxygen prevents the formation of many toxic compounds such as furans, dioxins, nitrogen oxides, or sulfur dioxide in the flame itself.
[8] Some plasma gasification reactors operate at negative pressure,[1] but most attempt to recover [9] gaseous and/or solid resources.
The US Navy is employing Plasma Arc Waste Destruction System (PAWDS) on its latest generation Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier.
After having completed factory acceptance testing in Montreal, the system is scheduled to be shipped to the Huntington Ingalls shipyard for installation on the carrier.