Development and adaptation of plasma arc technology (NEP and thermal torch systems) for gasification, waste utilization and green applications
Applied Plasma Energy and Chemistry Corporation
Ottawa, Ontario (Canada)New on Amplifa
About APEC
Applied Plasma Energy and Chemistry Corporation (APEC), headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, develops and adapts plasma arc technology for industrial applications of the green economy. The technology has its origins in NASA spaceflight, where heat shields of re-entry capsules were tested on the ground. The team has more than 40 years of experience with plasma arc torches and has transferred the technology from aerospace into metal refining, melting and large-scale plasma-assisted gasification. Core products are proprietary Non-Equilibrium Plasma (NEP) torches for increasing the efficiency of raw syngas refining as well as thermal plasma torches, complemented by engineering services for the construction and upgrading of gasification plants. Initial projects are underway in Canada, the USA and Europe; commercialization of the NEP technology is supported by Canadian federal funding and a European partnership. The proprietary technology is available for licensing.
- Site
- Ottawa
- Processes
- Plasma-assisted gasification, Syngas refining (Non-Equilibrium Plasma, tar conversion), Plasma melting / vitrification of waste residuals, Thermal plasma torch systems, Hazardous waste destruction via plasma, Chemical synthesis (hydrogen, ammonia), Precious metals extraction (plasma smelting), Powder spray coating (plasma spray)
- Materials
- Ceramic powders, Metallic powders, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Silica (vitrification matrix), Non-Equilibrium Plasma Torch, Thermal Plasma Torch
- Industries
- Waste management (municipal, industrial, hazardous waste, biomass), Green energy / hydrogen / ammonia / sustainable fuels, Metal refining and melting, Aerospace, Nuclear waste disposal, Chemical industry
- 01
Feedstock preparation (drying, shredding, separation, homogenization)
- 02
Plasma-assisted gasification
- 03
Plasma melting/vitrification of the residues
- 04
Syngas refining (NEP, tar conversion)
- 05
Syngas Cooling, Cleaning and Conditioning (S3CS)
- 06
Downstream syngas utilization (hydrogen, ammonia, fuels, electricity)
- 07
Engineering, commissioning and training
Materials and Processes
Non-Equilibrium Plasma Torch
Proprietary torch system for the efficient refining of raw syngas, in particular tar conversion.
Thermal Plasma Torch
Traditional thermal plasma torch system with over four decades of application experience.
Plasma Processing Development & Demonstration System
Commercial-scale facility for the development and validation of plasma process applications.
Chemical synthesis
Plasma and thermal processes for the production of hydrogen and ammonia.
Ceramic and metallic powders
Feedstock for plasma spray coatings against wear, corrosion and thermal stress.
Silica (vitrification matrix)
Matrix that encapsulates heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and chromium in a dense, inert slag.
Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium)
Are immobilized through vitrification in a dense silica matrix that inhibits leaching.
Precious metals and platinum-group metals
Are recovered from spent catalysts and electronic scrap through high-temperature plasma smelting.
Locations
Ottawa, Ontario
CAHeadquarters and technology development
- Materials
- Ceramic and metallic powders, heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr), silica, precious metals, raw syngas, diverse waste and
- NEP torch system (APEC)
- Thermal Plasma Torch system (APEC)
- Plasma Processing Development & Demonstration System (commercial test rig, APEC)
Industries
Processes & technical limits
| Processes | Tolerance | Max. part | Weight | Lot size | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma-assisted gasificationEngineering | – | – | – | – | Municipal Solid Waste, BioMedical Waste, Recycling reject material, Industrial waste, Hazardous waste, Biomass feedstocks |
| Syngas refining (Non-Equilibrium Plasma, tar conversion)Engineering | – | – | – | – | Raw syngas |
| Plasma melting / vitrification of waste residualsEngineering | – | – | – | – | Inorganic waste residues, Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium), Radioactive waste |
| Thermal plasma torch systemsEngineering | – | – | – | – | – |
| Hazardous waste destruction via plasmaEngineering | – | – | – | – | Hazardous organic compounds |
| Chemical synthesis (hydrogen, ammonia)Engineering | – | – | – | – | – |
| Precious metals extraction (plasma smelting)Engineering | – | – | – | – | Precious metals, Platinum-group metals, Spent catalysts, Electronic scrap |
| Powder spray coating (plasma spray)Surface | – | – | – | – | Ceramic powders, Metallic powders |
| Plasma arc weldingJoining | – | – | – | – | Metals |
| Metal refining and melting (plasma)Engineering | – | – | – | – | Metals |
| Reactor design and refractory selectionEngineering | – | – | – | – | Refractory linings |
| Plasma processing development and demonstration (commercial-scale rig)Testing | – | – | – | – | – |
| Engineering services in gasification applications (plant design, commissioning, training)Engineering | – | – | – | – | – |
3 Anlagen & Maschinen
| Machine | Manufacturer / model | Quantity | Working area | Year built | Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEP torch system (Non-Equilibrium Plasma Torch) | APEC | – | – | – | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Thermal Plasma Torch system | APEC | – | – | – | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Plasma Processing Development & Demonstration System (commercial-scale rig) | APEC | – | – | – | – |
Additional services
History
Origin of the technology in NASA spaceflight: ground testing of heat shields for re-entry capsules
Team accumulates over 40 years of experience with plasma arc torches; transition from aerospace into metal refining, melting and large-scale plasma-assisted gasification
Development of four patent concepts with funding (Grants 1–4)
Incorporation of APEC
Projects in the USA: thermal torch deployment and high-temperature refractory selection in a plasma-equipped reactor
Canadian federal funding for commercialization of the NEP technology; first projects underway in Canada, the USA and Europe; European partnership