Heartland HelioStorm™ is a novel ultra-high temperature ionic gasification technology that can be used as an environmentally friendly means to dispose of dried biosolids from wastewater treatment plants as well other waste feedstocks such as municipal solid waste [MSW] and refuse derived fuels [RDF]. The resulting renewable syngas can be used to provide heat, power, hydrogen, and/or chemical production. Electrically driven and combustion-free, the ultra-high temperature process destroys chemical contaminants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including destruction of perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS).

The HelioStorm™ ‘free-burning’ arc system is importantly different from other systems that all rely on a conventional plasma torch method. The arc generated between our electrodes is unconfined, extending through the entire diameter of the reaction cylinder inside. This type of arc is live, it has a measurable voltage and carries current. The ultra-high temperature is created by the arc itself, bringing feedstock into direct contact with the hybrid plasma.

Key Features

• Scalable modular design accommodates any residuals capacity

• Each unit processes approximately four dt/d

• Operates between 3,000-10,000C

• Flexible: can accept a range of feedstocks and generate multiple materials eligible for beneficial reuse

• Processing zone contains hyper-energetic gaseous ions, accelerating conversion process

• Molecular disassociation: waste completely breaks down to individual atoms and ions generating a consistent tar-free syngas with no by-products or toxin production

The process

1. Carrier gas (N2) enters the gasifier and electrode pairs are initiated creating a uniform high temperature plasma field.

2. Biosolids enter the top of the gasifier for preconditioning.

3. Ionic gasification proceeds at ultra-high temperature (avg. 5,000 °C) in a low-oxygen environment. Particles breakdown into atomic species H, C, O and then rapidly cool into their lowest energy state: H2 and CO gas.

4. A clean “tar-free” syngas (H2 & CO) is produced, free of long chain carbon-containing compounds requiring further polishing. Syngas is directed to a genset to produce renewable electricity and thermal energy to support the preceding biosolid drying process.

5. PFAS-free char is eligible for local beneficial reuse or a wide range of other disposal outlets.