THE PLASMA ARC WASTE DESTRUCTION SYSTEM – ONE YEAR OF MARITIME EXPERIENCE

摘要

The Plasma Arc Waste Destruction System (PAWDS) uses plasma energy, with temperatures between 5000 °C to 10000 °C to rapidly and efficiently destroy combustible waste aboard ships. With over six years of development under the support of the US Navy and after 18 months of operation aboard a commercial cruise ship, PAWDS has proven itself to be a viable alternative to traditional incinerators. In September 2003, Carnival Cruise Lines were the first to install the PAWDS aboard their 2056 passenger (plus crew) capacity M/S Fantasy cruise ship. This system is able to treat ship waste such as paper, cardboard, plastics, textiles, wood, and food. Since its commissioning in October 2003, the capability and maintainability of the system has been evaluated in this real shipboard operating environment. As of the end of July 2004, it is being operated and maintained solely by Carnival Cruise Line personnel. The Plasma system aboard the Fantasy typically operates at a rate of 400 to 450 lbs/hr, 7 days a week. Based on the shipboard operating experience, several process improvements in the areas of material handling, maintenance, automation, instrumentation and training have been made. These modifications have resulted in improved system stability and reduced down-time. Source emission testing by an independent laboratory has demonstrated that the PAWDS easily meets IMO MARPOL requirements for the destruction of solid waste.