Pyrolysis and Gasification – State of the Art

Considering the worldwide number of installations as well as their capacity, the most dominating treatment method for waste is incineration. Currently, 225 million tons of waste are treated in 2,200 facilities.

by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Quicker

Besides this established and â€" concerning oxygen input â€" overall hyperstoichiometric treatment method (excess air conditions), the substoichiometric processes pyrolysis and gasification are also found in the market. These so-called alternative methods have been presented by different providers under varying names ever since the 1970ies. Their characteristic lies in comparably complex systems engineering and process equipment. According to suppliers, the advantage of substoichiometric processes lies in higher electrical efficiency and/or a higher quality of conversion products, for example vitrified slag of low leachability or non-fossil liquid fuels.

While alternative processes have gained no relevance in Germany due to experiences marked by setbacks, discussion abroad has intensified in recent times and some lobby groups and decision makers explicitly claim the use of these technologies for waste treatment. Supporters point out successful long-time operation of facilities in Asia, especially in Japan. Yet it must be considered that the general framework and waste treatment policy in this region differs significantly from that in Europe or North America.

Practical experiences mentioned above mainly refer to gasification and pyrolysis plants. Besides these classic thermochemical processes, other alternative processes have entered the market in the last few years.

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published: TK Verlag - Fachverlag für Kreislaufwirtschaft, Waste Management, Volume 5 (December 2015), 12|2015
Keywords: Energy Recovery, Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, United States of America