Grantee Research Project Results
Green plasma technology for siloxane removal and landfill gas upgrade
EPA Grant Number: SU839966Title: Green plasma technology for siloxane removal and landfill gas upgrade
Investigators: Hoque, Shamia , Berge, Nicole D , Farouk, Tanvir
Institution: University of South Carolina at Columbia
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 (Extended to December 31, 2021)
Project Amount: $24,992
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2019) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Description:
This proposal addresses the challenge of removing the trace contaminant, volatile methyl siloxanes (VMSs) in a sustainable and economic way through the design and fabrication of a non-thermal plasma (NTP) system, CLnERG (Clean, Renewed, upgraded LFG) for siloxane removal and landfill gas (LFG) upgrade to syngas (H2 + CO). It will design a non-thermal plasma (NTP) system for siloxane removal and landfill gas (LFG) upgrade to syngas (H2 + CO).
Objective:
The specific objectives are:
1.Determine the operating parameters for complete removal of siloxane and maximum conversion of CH4 to synthesis gas (CO + 2H2).
2.Detailed characterization of the properties and composition of the solids produced and assess influence of operating parameters.
3.Assess economic feasibility of upscaling the process for industrial application.
4.Educate future scientists and engineers on designing sustainable solutions emphasizing both economic feasibility and environmental health.
Approach:
The design parameters required for optimum system operation, i.e. removal of siloxane as a solid marketable and/or non-toxic product and maximum reformation of methane to syngas will be determined. Experiments will identify the optimum operating conditions for: gas flow rate, gas mixture ratio, humidity, residence time and duty cycle. Different volatile siloxanes will be tested separately and mixed. Aerosol concentrations and size distribution will be monitored. The exit gas stream will be passed through filters to capture particles produced while filter cassettes located on the floor of the experimental setup will capture deposits. The solids will be analyzed using powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. An economic feasibility study will be conducted assessing the potential of upscaling the process through building a complete picture of the energy and revenue flow of the proposed technology.
Expected Results:
Design parameters required for optimum system operation will be established, a prototype of the technology, CLnERG will be designed and fabricated, and and an economic feasibility study conducted. The technology will have a social impact through the improvement of human health and well-being by reducing greenhouse gases as well as having a positive influence on lowering nitrous, sulfur oxides and particulate emissions. This will also result in extended and sustained economic benefits. Current technologies in the market for siloxane removal do not have the potential of generating revenue or have any impact on current standards regarding emission control from LFG projects. The use of the CLnERG technology coupled with other air pollution control technologies will provide current (or new) landfill gas to energy (LFGTE) projects to be modified reducing other pollutant emissions. As a result, LFGTE projects having to comply with NSR (new source review) regulations will have a new technology that will ensure smoother operation of engines reducing emissions of other pollutants. CLnERG has the potential of influencing BACT (Best Available Control Technology) standards requirements and significantly expand the implementation of LFGTE resulting in environmental benefits. The current proposal provides the opportunity of removing siloxane completely from the waste cycle and reduce methane emissions producing syngas as a byproduct. Phase I results will provide the springboard to launch phase II of upscaling and implementing the technology onsite at an LFGTE project.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 5 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Waste to value, energy recovery, waste to energy, cost benefit assessment, emission control technologies, environmental justiceProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.