 |
| |
|
Plasma Arc Flow Technology
The Company's BigSpark™ plasma based technology splits
apart the complex molecular bonds of water and hydrocarbon wastes to
produce the clean burning, hydrogen-based fuel. BigSpark™ compares
favorably with conventional combustion technologies used in the
disposal of liquid wastes in
several significant areas. First, the waste is subjected to higher temperatures for longer periods of time (7,000 degree temperature of the plasma arc; and materials spend minutes, not seconds, in the reaction zone). Second, BigSpark™ has a second stage combustion in a very high temperature oxygen flame. Third, BigSpark™ converters are compact and can be moved to the source of contaminated waste. One application of the plasma arc technology that the Company has been investigating involves the destruction of Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyls, commonly referred to as "PCBs". PCBs have many stable qualities that led to its use in various industrial applications before it was learned that long-term exposure to PCBs may increase the risk of cancer in humans. Preliminary tests have indicated that passing PCB laden liquids through a plasma arc similar to that found in the BigSpark™ converters results in the destruction of the PCB molecules. While the results of such tests are encouraging, in order to be commercially successful, the technology will need to be adapted to destroy PCBs in surroundings where such elements are commonly found and on a sufficient scale to economically address the problems faced in PCB disposal. The Company is also considering commercial adaptations for the plasma arc converters to develop solutions to issues involving the disposal and / or remediation of other liquid wastes including waste oils and antifreeze. |
