I'm looking for information on a waste disposal process called
"Pyro-Molecular Transformation" (PMT), which is based on the
concept of pyrolyzing waste molecules using a thermal plasma
field. Environmental Pyrolysis Systems, acting as an agent for
National Energetics Co., has contracted with the Chehalis Indian
Tribe here in Washington State for the construction of a test
plant designed to turn municipal waste into a variety of resalable
chemical products (e.g. methane, ethane and carbon).
Proponents of the facility are making some pretty amazing claims,
including:
- zero atmospheric discharge of any kind
- handling of solid, sludge and aqueous waste streams (hazardous
and non-hazardous)
- three times the potential thermal energy realized than that
required to destroy the wastes
The Tribe refuses to discuss the facility, and the proponents will
provide only marketing literature to backup their claims. Given
the sorry history in this country of industrial devastation of
tribal lands, it's hard not to be a little suspicious.
My question is, has PMT been tried elsewhere in the country? To
what result? Is there a history of problems with related
technologies? Any information or referrals would be greatly
appreciated!
Peter Moulton <speech@igc.org>