Q. In the context of which one of the following arc the terms ‘pyrolysis and plasma gasification’ mentioned?

• Extraction of rare earth elements
• Natural gas extraction technologies
• Hydrogen fuel-based automobiles
• Waste-to-energy technologies

Answer: (d) Waste-to-energy technologies

Notes:

• Pyrolysis is a process of chemically decomposing organic materials at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen.
  • The process typically occurs at temperatures above 430 °C and under pressure.
  • It is commonly used to convert organic materials into a solid residue containing ash and carbon, small quantities of liquid and gases.
• Plasma gasification is an extreme thermal process using plasma which converts organic matter into a syngas (synthesis gas) which is primarily made up of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
  • It is used in commercial use as a waste-to-energy system that converts municipal solid waste, tires, hazardous waste, and sewage sludge into synthesis gas (syngas) containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide that can be used to generate power.