Plasma gasification
| Process type | Chemical |
|---|---|
| Industrial sector(s) | Waste management Energy |
| Main technologies or sub-processes | Plasma arc Plasma electrolysis |
| Feedstock | Municipal and industrial waste Biomass Solid hydrocarbons |
| Product(s) | Syngas Slag Separated metal scrap |
Plasma gasification is a thermal process that converts organic matter into a syngas (synthesis gas) which is primarily made up of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A plasma torch powered by an electric arc ionizes gas and transforms organic matter into syngas, producing slag as a byproduct. It is used commercially as a form of waste treatment. It has been tested for the gasification of refuse-derived fuel, biomass, industrial waste, hazardous waste, and solid hydrocarbons, such as coal, oil sands, petcoke, and oil shale.