(87c) Economics of An Emission-Free Alternative to Waste Incineration (Supercritical Water Oxidation / C.L.E.A.N. Tech)

Supercritical Water Oxidation Technology established itself in the 1980's as an emission-free method to destroy toxic wastes, especially the chlorinated organic toxins such as PCBs and Dioxins that resist destruction in conventional incinerators. The technology gained momentum as green initiatives escalated, including bans on building any more traditional incinerators in some locations.

This high temperature and high pressure process completely oxidizes a waste-sludge feed stream (>99.9% destruction efficiency), in the presence of supercritical water and oxygen. Since it is a closed system producing useful by-products and minimal (if any) waste, it is a green and clean technology deserving of an appropriate title:

C.L.E.A.N. Tech = Closed-cycle, Logical, Economical, And Non-polluting

This technology's main value lies in its indisputable green advantages: · It keeps the product/waste in the pipes (emission-free, closed system) · Destroys ALL toxins (including the most stable ?dioxins?) · Produces Useful by-products · No carbon footprint (liquid CO2 by-product)

This paper will present the costs of building/running a SCWO facility, recent economic improvements, and discuss available SCWO Process Design software.

(Note: A separate session by the same author will focus on recent improvements in SCWO process technology.)