OCETA ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY PROFILES CATALOGUE

OCETA ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY PROFILES

MICROWAVE REDUCTION OF MEDICAL WASTE AND TIRES

CAT. #06-008 / 08-023 / 09-028

CONTACT:
Environmental Waste International
283 Station Street, Ajax, Ontario, Canada L1S 1S3
Tel. (905) 686-8689
Toll Free: 1-800-399-2366
Fax (905) 428-8730
sales@ewmc.com

PROCESS/ PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

reverse polymerization
microwave reduction
medical waste
scrap tires
combustion-free
volume reduction
sterilization
recycled byproducts
carbon production

Material recovery, mass/volume reduction, and pathogen sterilization of organic wastes are achieved using Environmental Waste International's (EWI) unique microwave technology. EWI has developed waste reduction systems using the patented Reverse Polymerization technology, which reduces organic waste to carbon residue in a combustion-free environment. Microwaves break down chemical bonds in an inert nitrogen atmosphere. The process involves 4 main steps: 1) Oxygen purging via nitrogen flush, 2) Microwave reduction, 3) Environmental control, and 4) Discharge material handling.

Figure 1 is a generalized process schematic for the medical waste and tire reduction processes. EWI has designed microwave reduction systems for medical waste and scrap tire reduction applications. The market potential is significant -- North American hospitals generate over 4 million tonnes of waste

annually, and annual scrap tire production in North America is approximately 300 million. There are currently between 600 and 850 million scrap tires in Canada and the US and the stockpiles are growing by 100 million tires annually. New York State alone has an estimated 25 million scrap tires.

Figure 1: Reverse Polymerization Process Schematic

Click to View Reverse Polymerization System Schematic

PROCESS/ PRODUCT APPLICATION:

organic waste

rubber

medical waste

biomedical waste

tires

power generation

carbon black

carbon credits (GHG credits)

return on investment

Figure 2: Carbon Residue from the MD-1000 Medical Waste Reduction System

Figure 3: Tire Reduction Chamber
Reverse Polymerization can be applied to various types of organic wastes; however, economies of scale and the environmental hazards associated with medical waste and scrap tires has made these two waste streams the initial focus of system development.

MEDICAL WASTE

EWI's Model MD-1000 reduces medical waste to carbon residue (See Figure 2) with approximately 25% of the original mass/volume. The waste is sterilized (6 log ₁₀ inactivation of spores) and rendered unrecognizable and safe for landfill disposal. Reverse Polymerization is an economically viable and safe alternative to the high-energy demand and emission levels associated with incineration. Alternative technologies for medical waste treatment include microwave-generated steam disinfection, steam disinfection, pyrolysis and chemical disinfection. Note that Reverse Polymerization should NOT be confused with steam disinfection. Medical waste processed with the MD-1000 does not require pre-processing or post processing prior to landfill disposal. The MD-1000 destroys and sterilizes all infectious biological and anatomical waste, along with needles and sharps, at a rate of 1230 kg per day, using 2000 kWh of electrical energy.

TIRE REDUCTION

Tire reduction via Reverse Polymerization yields hydrocarbons (gas/oil), high quality carbon black and steel. EWI has identified several target locations for plants. These include: existing or decommissioned landfills where power and heat are already being generated through landfill gas recovery; rubber manufacturing facilities; and facilities that require supplemental fuel sources such as cement kilns.

The Model TR-6000 is designed to process 6,000 tires per day (2,000,000 per year). The system is capable of 5.5 MW gross power generation. Approximately 50% of the power generated is required to operate the plant while the other 50% is available for sale. The potential return on investment is attractive and is realized from the five revenue streams: (1) scrap tire tipping fees, (2) power generation, (3) sale of carbon black for production of new rubber, (4) scrap steel sale, and (5) carbon credits.

Figure 4: MD-1000 Medical Waste Reduction System
Click to View MD-1000 System Schematic

PROCESS/ PRODUCT OPERATION:

magnetrons

process control

inert atmosphere

low temperature

infrared photons

reverse polymerization

carbonization

reusable material recovery

power generation

alternative fuel

carbon black

In general, Reverse Polymerization operates as follows. Oxygen is purged and the organic waste enters the microwave reduction chamber. Microwave energy causes molecular excitation that ultimately breaks inter-molecular bonds to cause Reverse Polymerization. Magnetrons used to generate microwave energy are individually monitored by the central process control system, which ensures optimal operation and safety. The end products of the Reverse Polymerization process are sterilized carbon residue for medical waste, or carbon black, vapor/hydrocarbons and inorganic content (i.e. recoverable and recyclable metals). Note that Reverse Polymerization, which is a highly controllable process, conducted at a chamber temperature of 150-350^oC, should not be confused with pyrolysis. Table 1 summarizes the specifications for both the medical waste and tire reduction systems.

MEDICAL WASTE The MD-1000 system for medical waste is a continuous batch process with three main steps: (1) weighing and purging, (2) microwave reduction, and (3) cooling, grinding, and bagging. Figure 4 shows the MD-1000, which employs fourteen magnetrons to produce a chamber temperature of 150-250^oC for a period of 50-60 minutes. After the bonds are broken and Reverse Polymerization is Table 1
Table 1: General Performance Specifications - MD-1000 & TR-6000

completed, the material cools for 10 minutes. The carbonized residue is ground and disposed as municipal solid waste. Off-gas consists of a low volume of hydrocarbons (30-130 cfm), which at ground level are below US EPA threshold limits. Addition of a thermal oxidizer or piping of the off-gas to a boiler eliminates any low-level hydrocarbon emissions.

TIRE REDUCTION Reverse Polymerization of scrap tires is achieved through a continuous process. The Model TR-6000 has a designed capacity of 6,000 tires/day, consisting of four 1,500 tire/day modules or processing lines. Scrap tires are loaded using a dry feed tower and air is replaced with nitrogen. The tires are moved on a conveyor through the reduction chambers where microwave energy is applied (See Figure 5 for the processing line configuration).

Hydrocarbon vapors are drawn off and passed through a condenser to remove the oil components. The remaining hydrocarbon vapor is directed to a scrubber, removing hydrogen sulfide before recovery as a gaseous fuel. The oil and gas can be used for power production via a steam turbine, gas turbine or by direct feed into other combustion equipment (e.g. cement kiln). The steel and carbon black are separated in a water bath. The carbon is ground to a suitable particle size for reuse in new rubber manufacturing or other processes. Steel is sold for reuse. A TR-6000 is greenhouse gas friendly as it fixes approximately 6,900 tonnes of carbon (25,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide) annually as compared to atmospheric emissions from an equivalent number of tires used directly as fuel. This does not include the benefit of replacing virgin carbon black with recycled carbon black, thereby eliminating greenhouse gas emissions generated during the production of virgin material.

Figure 5: Tire Reduction System - Single Processing Line

PRODUCT DEMONSTRATION:
FS 6000
EWI has recently commissioned the FS 6000 a biological liquid waste deactivation system that incorporates Direct Microwave Energy and the Reverse PolymerizationTM Principles (RPP). The FS6000 system was specifically designed for the Aphis Center in Maryland, a Level III AG laboratory operated by the United States Department of Agriculture. Its function is to perform pre-programmed thermal deactivation of aqueous biological waste containing suspended solids. This specialized institutional, pre-sanitary sewer, Biological Liquid Waste deactivation discharge treatment system is poised to become the industry standard for Level III AG and Level IV facilities world-wide. Responsibility to pre-treat potentially lethal biological liquid waste effluents is consistent with biological security measures being implemented globally.
The batch system incorporates user definable operating parameters and cycles at prescribed temperatures, pressures and batch retention times. Daily throughputs are variable.
System start-up, operation and shutdown are completely automatic. The system is designed to minimize heat loss through an enhanced energy recovery module.
The defined operating conditions and RPP serve to deactivate all pathogens in biological liquid waste streams including those attached to or forming the suspended solids.

Figure 6: FS6000 Level III Ag./ Level IV Biological Liquid Waste Sterilizer

VENDOR
INFORMATION:

www.ewi.ca
www.ewmc.com

Environmental Waste International manufactures and exports waste reduction technology based on the patented Emery Process (Reverse Polymerization Process.) Founded in 1992, the company is publicly traded on the TSX-Venture under the symbol "EWS.V". The company is focusing on the development, licensing, and sale of the technology for medical waste and tire reduction applications. The company is developing a network of sales agents throughout the world and is seeking additional alliances with well-established agents and distributors.

This document was originally published July, 2000.
It is best viewed with the font Times, size 12.
While OCETA has reviewed this product/process with the Vendor and
conducted limited independent investigation, OCETA assumes no responsibility
fo r the accuracy and completeness of the information.

O C E T A
ONTARIO CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT

2070 Hadwen Road, Unit 201A, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5K 2C9
TEL. (905) 822-4133 * FAX (905) 822-3558 * oceta@oceta.on.ca

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PROCESS/ PRODUCT APPLICATION: organic waste rubber medical waste biomedical waste tires power generation carbon black carbon credits (GHG credits) return on investment Figure 2: Carbon Residue from the MD-1000 Medical Waste Reduction System Figure 3: Tire Reduction Chamber	Reverse Polymerization can be applied to various types of organic wastes; however, economies of scale and the environmental hazards associated with medical waste and scrap tires has made these two waste streams the initial focus of system development. MEDICAL WASTE EWI's Model MD-1000 reduces medical waste to carbon residue (See Figure 2) with approximately 25% of the original mass/volume. The waste is sterilized (6 log ₁₀ inactivation of spores) and rendered unrecognizable and safe for landfill disposal. Reverse Polymerization is an economically viable and safe alternative to the high-energy demand and emission levels associated with incineration. Alternative technologies for medical waste treatment include microwave-generated steam disinfection, steam disinfection, pyrolysis and chemical disinfection. Note that Reverse Polymerization should NOT be confused with steam disinfection. Medical waste	processed with the MD-1000 does not require pre-processing or post processing prior to landfill disposal. The MD-1000 destroys and sterilizes all infectious biological and anatomical waste, along with needles and sharps, at a rate of 1230 kg per day, using 2000 kWh of electrical energy. TIRE REDUCTION Tire reduction via Reverse Polymerization yields hydrocarbons (gas/oil), high quality carbon black and steel. EWI has identified several target locations for plants. These include: existing or decommissioned landfills where power and heat are already being generated through landfill gas	recovery; rubber manufacturing facilities; and facilities that require supplemental fuel sources such as cement kilns. The Model TR-6000 is designed to process 6,000 tires per day (2,000,000 per year). The system is capable of 5.5 MW gross power generation. Approximately 50% of the power generated is required to operate the plant while the other 50% is available for sale. The potential return on investment is attractive and is realized from the five revenue streams: (1) scrap tire tipping fees, (2) power generation, (3) sale of carbon black for production of new rubber, (4) scrap steel sale, and (5) carbon credits.
		Figure 4: MD-1000 Medical Waste Reduction System Click to View MD-1000 System Schematic

PROCESS/ PRODUCT OPERATION: magnetrons process control inert atmosphere low temperature infrared photons reverse polymerization carbonization reusable material recovery power generation alternative fuel carbon black	In general, Reverse Polymerization operates as follows. Oxygen is purged and the organic waste enters the microwave reduction chamber. Microwave energy causes molecular excitation that ultimately breaks inter-molecular bonds to cause Reverse Polymerization. Magnetrons used to generate microwave energy are individually monitored by the central process control system, which ensures optimal operation and safety. The end products of the Reverse Polymerization process are sterilized carbon residue for medical waste, or carbon black, vapor/hydrocarbons and inorganic content (i.e. recoverable and recyclable metals). Note that Reverse Polymerization, which is a highly controllable process, conducted at a chamber temperature of 150-350^oC, should not be confused with pyrolysis. Table 1 summarizes the specifications for both the medical waste and tire reduction systems. MEDICAL WASTE The MD-1000 system for medical waste is a continuous batch process with three main steps: (1) weighing and purging, (2) microwave reduction, and (3) cooling, grinding, and bagging. Figure 4 shows the MD-1000, which employs fourteen magnetrons to produce a chamber temperature of 150-250^oC for a period of 50-60 minutes. After the bonds are broken and Reverse Polymerization is	Table 1: General Performance Specifications - MD-1000 & TR-6000
		completed, the material cools for 10 minutes. The carbonized residue is ground and disposed as municipal solid waste. Off-gas consists of a low volume of hydrocarbons (30-130 cfm), which at ground level are below US EPA threshold limits. Addition of a thermal oxidizer or piping of the off-gas to a boiler eliminates any low-level hydrocarbon emissions. TIRE REDUCTION Reverse Polymerization of scrap tires is achieved through a continuous process. The Model TR-6000 has a designed capacity of 6,000 tires/day, consisting of four 1,500 tire/day modules or processing lines. Scrap tires are loaded using a dry feed tower and air is replaced with nitrogen. The tires are moved on a conveyor through the reduction chambers where microwave energy is applied (See Figure 5 for the processing line configuration). Hydrocarbon vapors are drawn off and passed through a condenser to remove the oil components.	The remaining hydrocarbon vapor is directed to a scrubber, removing hydrogen sulfide before recovery as a gaseous fuel. The oil and gas can be used for power production via a steam turbine, gas turbine or by direct feed into other combustion equipment (e.g. cement kiln). The steel and carbon black are separated in a water bath. The carbon is ground to a suitable particle size for reuse in new rubber manufacturing or other processes. Steel is sold for reuse. A TR-6000 is greenhouse gas friendly as it fixes approximately 6,900 tonnes of carbon (25,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide) annually as compared to atmospheric emissions from an equivalent number of tires used directly as fuel. This does not include the benefit of replacing virgin carbon black with recycled carbon black, thereby eliminating greenhouse gas emissions generated during the production of virgin material.

PRODUCT DEMONSTRATION: FS 6000	EWI has recently commissioned the FS 6000 a biological liquid waste deactivation system that incorporates Direct Microwave Energy and the Reverse PolymerizationTM Principles (RPP). The FS6000 system was specifically designed for the Aphis Center in Maryland, a Level III AG laboratory operated by the United States Department of Agriculture. Its function is to perform pre-programmed thermal deactivation of aqueous biological waste containing suspended solids. This specialized institutional, pre-sanitary sewer, Biological Liquid Waste deactivation discharge treatment system is poised to become the industry standard for Level III AG and Level IV facilities world-wide.	Responsibility to pre-treat potentially lethal biological liquid waste effluents is consistent with biological security measures being implemented globally. The batch system incorporates user definable operating parameters and cycles at prescribed temperatures, pressures and batch retention times. Daily throughputs are variable.	System start-up, operation and shutdown are completely automatic. The system is designed to minimize heat loss through an enhanced energy recovery module. The defined operating conditions and RPP serve to deactivate all pathogens in biological liquid waste streams including those attached to or forming the suspended solids.
		Figure 6: FS6000 Level III Ag./ Level IV Biological Liquid Waste Sterilizer