FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for thermal decomposition of solid waste. In particular, the present invention provides an apparatus and a method that performs thermal decomposition of waste into reusable ash by molecular decomposition that is energy efficient and cost effective.

BACKGROUND ART

Statistics indicate that the world generates 1 .3 billion tons of waste per year. By year 2050, the amount is expected to reach a staggering 3.5 billion tons per year. The percentage of untreated waste is 67% and the remaining 33% will be disposed of in landfills or processed at incineration plants.

Landfills are common in their use as a waste site wherein waste that has been dumped is allowed to naturally decompose resulting in high emissions of toxic waste and gases released into the environment. Besides landfills, underground dumpsites are commonly used to contain toxic waste. This toxic waste decomposes over time and creates high toxic liquids and gases which contaminate ground water and nearby farmlands. Therefore, landfills and dumpsites, although being a common solution for waste management in the past, does not seem a viable waste management solution in the future.

Numerous technologies have been applied and invented for treating waste so that there is continual development without being harmful to the environment. Some common technologies as disclosed in prior arts are incineration technology and more recently, a technology using a plasma torch to treat gases generated in combustion. The disadvantage of using the incineration technology is that incineration using flammable gases and electricity happens at a lower temperature causing the generation of toxic gases, which thereafter is released into the environment.

One example of thermal decomposition using plasma technology is disclosed in United States Patent No. US 4479443 (hereinafter referred to as US 443) entitled “Method and Apparatus for thermal decomposition of stable compounds” having a filing date of 28 May 1982; (Applicant: Inge Faldt et al). US 443 relates to a method and apparatus for thermally decomposing hazardous waste particularly chemical hazardous waste. A plasma burner subjects the waste, either in solid, liquid or gaseous form, to high temperature plasma. Gas is heated by the plasma burner at extremely high temperatures in the range of 3000°C to 10000°C at which temperature the gas is ionized and converted into plasma. The method mainly involves inducing plasma to the waste where the plasma creates extremely high temperature under redox conditions for the decomposition of the waste. The high temperature conditions cause oxidative decomposition of the waste by subjecting the waste to plasma for heating and oxidizing agents. US 443 further suggests pre-treating the hazardous waste before subjecting the waste to plasma. The decomposed gases with high toxicity after reaction in the reaction chamber will require exposure to high temperatures to prevent the formation of toxic gases. The gases after being exposed to a high temperature is subjected to super cooling, which has to be at a rapid rate to avoid formation of toxic gases during the cooling process.

Another example of the use of plasma technology in waste management is disclosed in United States Patent No. US 5798496 (hereinafter referred to as US 496) entitled “Plasma- based Waste Disposal System’ having a filing date of 8 April 1996 (Applicant: Paul S. Eckhoff et al). US 496 discloses a method and apparatus for disposal of waste that is portable. The invention includes plasma torch guns to achieve temperatures greater than 10000°C for pyrolysis treatment of hazardous waste. Further, at least two plasma guns mounted on a movable breech are included to double the amount of heat, which can be supplied to the waste being disposed. The invention of US 496 comprises a cooler and a compressor, which provides the option of using diesel exhaust as the plasma gas. The invention further discloses that as the waste material is fed into the plasma arc, molten glass can be formed which may build up during peak operation and enhance waste destruction. A further procedure of spraying water to the molten glass causes the glass to shatter into shards and then is crushed to the size of sand. This glass may be used as a component of concrete or landfill as it is not leachable and does not threaten the environment.

A further example of the use of plasma technology in waste management is disclosed in United States Patent No. US 9759423 B2 (hereinafter referred to as US 423) entitled “Method and Device for Thermal Destruction of Organic Compounds by an Induction Plasma” having a filing date of 25 November 2010 (Applicant: Commissariat A L’Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives). US 423 discloses a method and a device for thermal destruction of organic compounds by induction plasma. The waste feed is introduced to a plasma environment before a first operation for thermal destruction where decomposition of waste into atomic elements is induced in the presence of oxygen. A second operation for thermal destruction is carried out by mixing the gases with air and/or oxygen. Recombination is achieved by cooling and the gases are discharged. The plasma forming gases are said to be composed of pure oxygen. The invention also provides for a means of introducing oxygen gas where oxygen gas is lacking in the system. The plasma torch that initiates plasma is supplied with oxygen and causes burning of the feed in a reaction enclosure. The reaction enclosure is said to confine the heat released from the plasma torch to allow complete destruction of the waste. Oxidation of the waste is promoted by a mixing device such as a venture. The invention of US 423 also discloses a filtration step to treat liquids and gases that may contain mineral fillers.

The disadvantage of using plasma torch or plasma burners that converts gases into plasma is that high energy is required in the form of electricity. Extremely flammable gases such as LPG, acetylene and CNG are required when using plasma torch technologies, which have a very high conversion costs per ton. Although these plasma technologies are comparatively less threatening to the environment compared to options like landfills and incineration, they are not per say 100% environmentally friendly as they still release albeit fewer threatening gases into the environment. Hence, there is a need for a technology that enables complete decomposition of waste or recycling the decomposed waste into recyclable by-products ensuring zero release of toxic or threatening gases to the environment. Further, a technology that is energy efficient and cost effective would in the long-run make for an effective and resourceful method for waste management in the future.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for thermal decomposition of solid waste. In particular, the present invention provides an apparatus and a method that performs thermal decomposition of waste into reusable ash by molecular decomposition that is energy efficient and cost effective.

One aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus (100) for thermal decomposition of solid waste into reusable ash comprising at least one waste input door (106) for feeding of a plurality of waste; a plurality of air blowers (103a, 103b, 121) for transferring and controlling a plurality of air; at least one water circulation pump (117) for circulating a plurality of ionic liquid; at least one flow control valve (110, 111 , 112, 113, 114, 115, 116); an exhaust chimney (123); at least one maintenance door (104, 108, 118); a soot filter access door (109); a loading system (600) for loading waste into the apparatus; an enclosure (500) comprising an opening (501) for housing the apparatus; a reactor chamber (101 ) having a plurality of electrets to create vibration in oxygen and nitrogen molecules to produce a plurality of indirect plasma of oxygen and nitrogen; a thermal decomposition chamber (105) contained in a housing or body (107) for receiving the solid waste to initiate ignition of the solid waste, the thermal decomposition chamber (105) further receiving the plurality of indirect plasma of oxygen and nitrogen from the reactor for molecular decomposition of the solid waste to produce a plurality of charged waste molecules; an ionic chamber (119) for treatment of a plurality of ionized gases by a series of liquid media and filter media producing a plurality of treated gases; and a gas filter chamber (120) for receiving the plurality of treated gases to further remove toxins and improve characterisation of the plurality of treated gases. The reactor chamber (101) having a plurality of electrets to create vibration in oxygen and nitrogen molecules to produce a plurality of indirect plasma of oxygen and nitrogen, each of the plurality of electrets are spaced at a distance in the range of 0.1mm to 1000mm.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the thermal decomposition chamber (105) comprises a soot filter (200) having a plurality of solid block arrangement (201) for restricting and ensuring soot remains in the thermal decomposition chamber (105) for complete disintegration and minimizing soot from passing into the ionic chamber (119); an aeras circulator (300) for enabling complete disintegration of the solid waste by providing circulation and for transferring ionized air from the reactor chamber (101); and a plurality of sensors (126) for sensing at least temperature, emission monitoring, and airflow monitoring. Yet another aspect of the present invention provides that the housing (107) or body (107) of the thermal decomposition chamber (105) further comprising a door on at least one side of the housing (107) or body (107) for feeding of waste into the decomposition chamber (105); a screen on a bottom side above an outlet of the reactor chamber (101) to filter ash from decomposed waste; and a bottom tray (127 ) for collecting filtered ash.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the soot filter (200) is preferably made of heat withstanding type material including concrete, silicon and steel for withstanding high temperature in the thermal decomposition chamber (105).

A further aspect of the present invention provides that the aeras circulator (300) is preferably made of heat withstanding type material including steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron steel for withstanding high temperature in the thermal decomposition chamber (105).

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the ionic chamber (119) comprises an ionic scrubber (129).

A further aspect of the present invention provides that the ionic scrubber comprises an inlet (130) for receiving a plurality of contaminated gas that enters the ionic scrubber (129); a collector (131) for containing and collecting a plurality of reacted fluid for recirculation in the ionic scrubber; a plurality of atomizers (132) containing a plurality of scrubbing fluid for spraying on the plurality of contaminated gas to produce a plurality of treated gas; a mist eliminator (133) that captures and entrains a plurality of fine sprays; and an outlet (134) where a plurality of treated gas exits the ionic scrubber.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides that the plurality of atomizers (132) are a series of aqua-atomizers that maximizes a surface area of a fluid particle producing a plurality of high surface area fluid particles that attaches to the plurality of charged waste molecules forming a combination of the plurality of high surface area fluid particles and the plurality of charged waste molecules.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the control panel (400) comprises relays or inputs and output modules to enable multiple operations; relays or digital and analog inputs and output cards for operating the apparatus (100) at extended temperature ranges; and remote monitoring capabilities to remotely monitor the operation of the apparatus (100) at multiple locations simultaneously. Another aspect of the present invention provides a method (700) for thermal decomposition of solid waste into reusable ash. The method (700) comprising steps of introducing a plurality of normal air molecules through a reactor chamber (702); positioning a plurality of electrets in the reactor chamber to excite oxygen and nitrogen present in the plurality of normal air molecules (704); producing a plurality of indirect plasma of oxygen and nitrogen (706); introducing waste into a thermal decomposition chamber for manually starting ignition (708); feeding the plurality of indirect plasma of oxygen and nitrogen into the thermal decomposition chamber for molecular decomposition of the solid waste to produce a plurality of charged waste molecules (710); forming a combination of a plurality of high surface area fluid particles and a plurality of charged waste molecules (712); passing the combination of a plurality of high surface area fluid particles and a plurality of charged waste molecules through a plurality of liquid and solid filtration medias to produce a plurality of treated gases (714); and passing the plurality of treated gases through gas filters having a special filter media to improve characteristics (716). The step of positioning a plurality of electrets in the reactor chamber to excite oxygen and nitrogen present in the plurality of normal air molecules (704) further comprises steps of producing an electretizing force by an electret field gradient to attract a plurality of oxygen molecules and repel a plurality of nitrogen molecules (902); intercepting the electret field gradient on the plurality of normal air molecules (904); forming an electret space from the positioning of the plurality of electrets (906); injecting the plurality of normal air molecules into the electret space to achieve a continuous supply of the plurality of oxygen and nitrogen molecules (908); and supplying the continuous supply of the plurality of oxygen and nitrogen molecules causing ionization of the plurality of normal air (910).

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides that the step of positioning of the plurality of electrets in the reactor chamber comprises steps of (800) configuring the plurality of electrets in the reactor chamber (802); spacing the plurality of electrets in the reactor chamber in a number of formed spaced structures (804); placing the plurality of electrets adjacent to each other to form a continuous double link channel (806); and spacing the plurality of electrets at a distance from at least 0.1 mm to 1000mm (808).

The present invention consists of features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by references to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1.0 illustrates a front view of an apparatus of a solid waste management of the present invention.

Figure 1.1 illustrates a back view of an apparatus of a solid waste management of the present invention.

Figure 1.1a illustrates a removable bottom tray of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 1.0a illustrates a thermal decomposition chamber of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 1.0b illustrates a reactor of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 1.0c illustrates an ionic scrubber of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 1.0d illustrates an ionic chamber of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 1.0e illustrates a gas filter of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 2.0 illustrates a soot filter in the thermal decomposition chamber of the present invention.

Figure 3.0 illustrates an aeras circulator in the thermal decomposition chamber of the present invention.

Figure 4.0 illustrates a control panel of the solid waste management system of the present invention. Figure 5.0 illustrates an enclosure of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 6.0 illustrates a loading system of the apparatus of the present invention. Figure 7.0 is a flowchart of a method of thermal decomposition using indirect plasma technology of the present invention.

Figure 8.0 is a flowchart of a method of positioning a plurality of electrets in the reactor chamber of the present invention.

Figure 9.0 is a flowchart of a method of producing a plurality of indirect plasma of oxygen and nitrogen of the present invention.

Figure 10.0 is a table showing magnetic susceptibilities of oxygen, nitrogen, argon, nitric acid and carbon dioxide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method that thermally decomposes solid waste. In particular, the present invention provides an apparatus and a method that performs thermal decomposition of waste into reusable ash by molecular decomposition that is energy efficient and cost effective. Hereinafter, this specification will describe the present invention according to the preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

The present invention provides a solid waste management system that thermally decomposes waste into reusable ash in an energy efficient and cost effective manner. The present invention treats solid waste generated from environments such as households, industries, medical facilities and other avenues. Solid waste is loaded and decomposed thermally using a unique plasma technology and is not limited to any garbage, waste or discarded solid matter from and in landfills, rivers, cities, ports, farms, slums, religious sites, schools, hotels, malls, industries, hospitals, electronic factories and households by thermal decomposition.

The waste of the present invention include organic waste such as kitchen waste, vegetables, flowers, leaves, fruits or meat, toxic waste such as paint containers, chemical containers, spray cans, fertilizer and pesticide containers, tannery, medical waste such as old medication, soiled cloth, gauze and syringes, recyclable waste such as paper, plastic and packaging materials and e-waste such as mobile phones, laptops and electronic devices.

The method of the present invention increases the efficiency of waste decomposition with low energy requirements. The efficiency of an apparatus of the solid waste management system depends on the moisture content of the solid waste being fed into the apparatus and works at its optimum design capacity when operated with waste that has moisture content of 20% and below. The present invention converts all forms of waste streams into reusable by product. The present invention is an environmentally friendly option of solid waste management not requiring combustion of fuel for operation. Further, the present invention is able to work at source and in a decentralized manner creating a mobile solution to enable waste disposal at remote and isolated locations. Reference is first made to Figure 1 .0. Figure 1 .0 illustrates a front view of an apparatus (100) for thermal decomposition of solid waste into reusable ash which comprises at least one waste input door (106) for feeding of a plurality of waste; a plurality of air blowers (103a, 103b, 121) for transferring and controlling a plurality of air; at least one water circulation pump (117) for circulating a plurality of ionic liquid; at least one flow control valve (110, 111 , 112, 113, 114, 115, 116); an exhaust chimney (123); at least one maintenance door (104, 108, 118); a soot filter access door (109) positioned on top of the thermal decomposition chamber (105); a loading system (600) for loading waste into the apparatus (100); an enclosure (500) as further illustrated in Figure 5.0 comprising an opening (501) for housing the apparatus (100); a reactor chamber (101) having a plurality of electrets to create vibration in oxygen and nitrogen molecules to produce a plurality of indirect plasma of oxygen and nitrogen; a thermal decomposition chamber (105) contained in a housing or body (107) for receiving the solid waste to initiate ignition of the solid waste, the thermal decomposition chamber (105) further receiving the plurality of indirect plasma of oxygen and nitrogen from the reactor for molecular decomposition of the solid waste to produce a plurality of charged waste molecules; an ionic chamber (119) for treatment of a plurality of ionized gases by a series of liquid media and filter media producing a plurality of treated gases; and a gas filter chamber (120) for receiving the plurality of treated gases to further remove toxins and improve characterisation of the plurality of treated gases. The reactor chamber (101) having a plurality of electrets to create vibration in oxygen and nitrogen molecules to produce a plurality of indirect plasma of oxygen and nitrogen, each of the plurality of electrets are spaced at a distance in the range of 0.1 mm to 1000mm.

The flow control valves are arranged at different positions in the apparatus (100), There are at least four filtered water branch inlet valve (110, 111 , 112, 113), at least one filtered water main branch inlet valve (114), at least one services water bypass valve (115) and at least one services water main inlet valve (116) in the apparatus (100). At least one inline blower (121 ) is included in the apparatus (100).

Reference is now made to Figure 1.1. Figure 1.1 illustrates a back view of the apparatus (100) and is a further illustration of Figure 1.0. The back view of the apparatus is mainly where the plurality of sensors (124, 125, 126) are positioned. At least two sensors (124, 125) known as a temperature transmitter is positioned at the ionic chamber (119) and at least one sensor (126) is positioned at the thermal decomposition chamber. A right rotation blower (103b) is placed at the back part of the apparatus. A control panel (400) is included in the apparatus and is further illustrated in Figure. 4.0. Reference is now made to Figure 1.0a. Figure 1.0a illustrates the thermal decomposition chamber (105) as also illustrated in Figure 1.0, of the apparatus of the solid waste management system. The thermal decomposition chamber (105) is contained in a housing (107) wherein the housing (107) or body (107) of the thermal decomposition chamber (105) further comprises a door on at least one side of the housing (107) or body (107) for feeding of waste into the decomposition chamber (105); a screen on a bottom side above an outlet of the reactor chamber (101) to filter ash from decomposed waste; and a bottom tray (127) as illustrated in Figure 1.1a for collecting filtered ash. The removable bottom tray (127) is removed and emptied manually by the opening (102) just below the reactor (101 ). The thermal decomposition chamber further includes an air suction unit that is placed at an end of the decomposition chamber for generation of airflow. The housing (107) of the thermal decomposition chamber (105) is designed using mild steel, carbon steel, stainless steel and cast iron with lining of concrete or prefabricated concrete modules or furnace bricks or furnace lining materials. The thick lining material is silicone based or epoxy based that helps retain heat and reduce transfer of heat to the outer body.

In describing further on the thermal decomposition chamber (105), reference is also made to Figure 2.0 where the thermal decomposition chamber (105) comprises a soot filter (200) having a plurality of solid block arrangement (201 ) for restricting and ensuring soot remains in the thermal decomposition chamber (105) for complete disintegration and minimizing soot from passing into the ionic chamber (119). The soot filter (200) is preferably made of heat withstanding type material including concrete, silicon and steel for withstanding high temperature in the thermal decomposition chamber (105). Flowever, the soot filter (200) is not limited to these materials and may include any material that is able to withstand temperature in the decomposition chamber (105). Further, reference is also made to Figure 3.0 where the thermal decomposition chamber (105) comprises an aeras circulator (300) for enabling complete disintegration of the solid waste by providing circulation and for transferring ionized air from the reactor chamber (101 ); and a plurality of sensors (126) for sensing at least temperature, emission monitoring, and airflow monitoring. The aeras circulator (300) is preferably made of heat withstanding type material including steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron steel for withstanding high temperature in the thermal decomposition chamber (105). However, the aeras circulator (300) is not limited to these materials and may include any material that is able to withstand temperature in the decomposition chamber (105). Reference is now made to Figure 1.0b. Figure 1.0b illustrates a reactor chamber (101). The reactor chamber (101) as also illustrated in Figure 1 .0 and Figure 1.0a comprises of an array of electrets that are uniquely placed and positioned to excite nitrogen and oxygen molecules to achieve an ionized plasma state needed in the decomposition of waste. In the reactor chamber (101), the separation of the air and oxygen molecules occurs by supplying the air into the reactor chamber (101) using an air supply device. The reactor chamber (101) comprises an inner wall (128) where electrets are sequentially arranged.

Reference is now made to Figure 1.0c. Figure 1.0c illustrates an ionic scrubber (129). The ionic scrubber (129) comprises an inlet (130) for receiving a plurality of contaminated gas that enters the ionic scrubber (129); a collector (131) for containing and collecting a plurality of reacted fluid for recirculation in the ionic scrubber (129); a plurality of atomizers (132) containing a plurality of scrubbing fluid for spraying on the plurality of contaminated gas to produce a plurality of treated gas; a mist eliminator (133) that captures and entrains a plurality of fine sprays; and an outlet (134) where a plurality of treated gas exits the ionic scrubber (129).

The ionic scrubbers (129) present in the ionic chamber (119) utilize a liquid to remove pollutants, carbon dioxide (C0 ₂ ) or sulfur dioxide (S0 ₂ ) from flue gas emissions. The ionic scrubbers (129) remove the pollutants by absorption. The ionic scrubbers’ (129) designs used in the present invention are spray tower, tray-type and packed-bed wet scrubbers. Flowever, the scrubber designs are not limited to these scrubbers (129) and may include any low-energy scrubbers.

The ionic scrubbers (129) remove the pollutants by way of absorption. The efficiency of absorption is related to an amount of soluble gas in the gas stream and the concentration of the solute gas in a liquid film that is in contact with the gas. Water is used as an absorbent. Flowever, the absorbent may be any non-aqueous liquids of low vapor pressure for gases with low water solubility such as hydrocarbons or hydrogen sulphide (H ₂ S). The ionic scrubbers rely on the creation of large surface areas for ease of contact between liquid and gas. By passing the liquid over a variety of media such as packing, meshing, grids and trays or by creating a spray of droplets surface area is maximized. Smaller droplets have a larger surface area to volume ratio and are able to capture more particles per volume of liquid injected. The ionic scrubbers (129) control the size of droplets using special impingement nozzles as these form the finest droplets of any direct pressure nozzles. For a finer and more reactive spray, an alternative nozzle is the atomizing nozzle. The high flow atomisers are effective for gas scrubbing applications. Air atomising nozzles are also classified as misting nozzles in terms of drop size. The addition of atomising air aids in forming different patterns and increasing projection distance. The small droplet size is ideal for complete evaporation. Further, misting nozzles provide a low flow rate that gives optimal results with small pumps capacities and thereby, reducing energy consumption. Besides that, misting nozzles produce a high flow rate with small drop size requirement. Atomizers that generate fine sprays with very large surface areas to volume ratios are installed to the ionic scrubbers to maximise contact and reaction speed.

When the waste gas has lower solubility, chemicals are added to the solution. These chemicals are carefully chosen to react with the compounds released in the exhaust stream, which are generally acidic gases. After the exhaust stream is treated, the gases, which are clear of the dangerous gases, volatile organic compounds (VOC), or other particles are released to the atmosphere.

The process of separation in the ionic scrubbers utilize mist eliminators such as chevrons, mesh pads and cyclones. Chevrons are zig-zag baffles that cause the gas stream to turn several times as it passes through the mist eliminator. The liquid droplets that contain the contaminants or particulate matter are collected on the blades of the chevron and are drained back into the ionic scrubber. Mesh pads are made from interlaced fibers that serve as the collection area. A cyclone is used for the small droplets generated in a venturi scrubber. The gas stream exiting the venturi enters the bottom of a vertical cylinder tangentially. The droplets are removed by a centrifugal force as the gas stream spirals upwards to the outlet.

Reference is now made to Figure 1.0d. Figure 1.0d illustrates an ionic chamber (119) of the apparatus of the solid waste management system. The ionic chamber (119) having a carbon access door (122) comprises an ionic scrubber. The ionic scrubber further comprising a plurality of atomizers (132). The plurality of atomizers (132) are a series of aqua-atomizers that maximizes a surface area of a fluid particle producing a plurality of high surface area fluid particles that attaches to the plurality of charged waste molecules forming a combination of the plurality of high surface area fluid particles and the plurality of charged waste molecules. This combination produces an ionic liquid. The ionic chamber further comprises a plurality of liquid filters. The plurality of liquid filters are mesh filters, bag filters or any other media filters which remove larger than 5 micro particles from the ionic liquid and enables its recirculation. The ionic chamber (119) also comprises centrifugal pumps, piston pumps, screw pumps but not limited to these pumps to convey or circulate the ionic liquid through the series of aqua atomizers. Gases treated with ions that passes through the plurality of liquid filters are filtered where negatively charged particles get attached and are eliminated. The remaining gases referred to as treated gases then passes through the gas filter (120).

Reference is now made to Figure 1.0e. Figure 1.0e illustrates the gas filter (120) of the apparatus of the solid waste management system. The gas filter (120) receives a plurality of the treated gases and is passed through special medias to further improve the characteristics of the treated gases. The gas filter (120) comprises the exhaust chimney (123) also known as a swirler air ventilator attached at the top of the gas filter (120). The gas filter (120) further comprises a series of gas scrubber systems that removes odour, colour and purifies the treated gases further. After going through the filters, the end product is a safe, odourless and colourless vapour. The body of the gas filter is made of mild steel, carbon steel, stainless steel and cast iron.

Figure 4.0 further illustrates a control panel (400) of the apparatus of the solid waste management. The control panel (400) comprises relays or inputs and output modules to enable multiple operations; relays or digital and analog inputs and output cards for operating the apparatus (100) at extended temperature ranges; and remote monitoring capabilities to remotely monitor the operation of the apparatus (100) at multiple locations simultaneously. The control panel (400) comprises a screen (401) for display of information on operating the solid waste management system and a plurality of keys (402) to control operation of the system. The control panel (400) further comprises relays or digital and analog inputs and output cards for operating the apparatus (100) at extended temperature ranges. The control panel (400) comprises remote monitoring capabilities to remotely monitor the operation of the apparatus (100) at multiple locations simultaneously. The control panel programming or operational sequence is ongoing or stored in battery back-up or non-volatile memory. The control panel is further equipped with sequence or program for operation and control of the apparatus (100) and is operated by manual or touch operation.

Reference is now made to Figure 5.0 illustrating an enclosure (500) having an opening (501) that houses the apparatus (100). The enclosure (500) provides the apparatus (100) with protection to the operators. The enclosure (500) is made of mild steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron and fiberglass. The enclosure (500) is not limited to these materials and may include any suitable material that is able to contain the apparatus (100). Figure 6.0 illustrates a loading system (600) of the apparatus of the solid waste management. The loading system (600) having wheels (603) enabling mobility can be an automated conveyor system (601) or can be a manual loading system (602). The loading system (600) functions as a safe and secure way of loading waste into the thermal decomposition chamber (105). The loading system (600) is made of stainless steel and fiberglass. However, the loading system (600) is not limited to these materials and may include any material that is able to serve the purpose of loading waste into the thermal decomposition chamber (105).

The present invention provides a method as illustrated in Figure 7.0 for thermal decomposition of solid waste into reusable ash (700) comprising steps introducing a plurality of normal air molecules through a reactor chamber (702); positioning a plurality of electrets in the reactor chamber to excite oxygen and nitrogen present in the plurality of normal air molecules (704); producing a plurality of indirect plasma of oxygen and nitrogen (706); introducing waste into a thermal decomposition chamber for manually starting ignition (708); feeding the plurality of indirect plasma of oxygen and nitrogen into the thermal decomposition chamber for molecular decomposition of the solid waste to produce a plurality of charged waste molecules (710); forming a combination of a plurality of high surface area fluid particles and a plurality of charged waste molecules (712); passing the combination of a plurality of high surface area fluid particles and a plurality of charged waste molecules through a plurality of liquid and solid filtration medias to produce a plurality of treated gases (714); and passing the plurality of treated gases through gas filters having a special filter media to improve characteristics (716). The positioning a plurality of electrets in the reactor chamber to excite oxygen and nitrogen present in the plurality of normal air molecules (704) is further described in Figure 9.0 comprising steps of producing an electretizing force by an electret field gradient to attract a plurality of oxygen molecules and repel a plurality of nitrogen molecules (902); intercepting the electret field gradient on the plurality of normal air molecules (904); forming an electret space from the positioning of the plurality of electrets (906); injecting the plurality of normal air molecules into the electret space to achieve a continuous supply of the plurality of oxygen and nitrogen molecules (908); and supplying the continuous supply of the plurality of oxygen and nitrogen molecules causing ionization of the plurality of normal air (910).

Reference is made to Figure 8.0 that illustrates the positioning of the electrets in the reactor chamber (704, 800). The electrets are positioned (704, 800) in the reactor chamber to excite nitrogren and oxygen molecules to achieve an ionized plasma state that helps in thermal decomposition of waste. The technique of exciting oxygen and nitrogen employs an electret field gradient, which allows the different electret properties of nitrogen and oxygen molecules to separate or enrich a flowing air stream. The positioning of the plurality of electrets in the reactor chamber (704, 800) comprises steps of configurating the plurality of electrets in the reactor chamber (802); spacing the plurality of electrets in the reactor chamber in a number of formed spaced structures (804); placing the plurality of electrets adjacent to each other to form a continuous double link channel (806); and spacing the plurality of electrets at a distance from at least 0.1 mm to 1000mm (808).

The electrets are organised and spaced in number of formed spaced structures (804) like the rib structure groups, group fin like structure, wing like structure, cluster like structure, fence like structure or a layered structure, wherein adjacent electret mounting positions corresponding to each other constitute a continuous double link channel (806). Two electrets are spaced at a distance in the range of 0.1 mm to 1000mm (808). Sectional shape of the electrets can be round, square, triangular, circular, trapezoidal or polygonal. When a sectional shape of the magnetic field space forms, the inner wall corresponds accordingly, as long as the gradient magnetic field is present around the boundary of the electret field space. When the air flows through the reactor chamber, the molecular oxygen in the air is attracted to the magnetic field. As the electret configuration blocks the inner wall surface of the reactor chamber, the air within the reactor chamber becomes close to the axis of hypoxia nitrogen-enriched air and the inner wall of the reactor chamber becomes close to the oxygen-enriched air. Thus, oxygen-enriched air and nitrogen-enriched air is obtained at the same time in a smaller space.

High-gradient electret separation (HGES) is possible because oxygen is paramagnetic and nitrogen is diamagnetic. Molecular oxygen has an electret susceptibility that is both several magnitudes higher than that of molecular nitrogen and flows in the opposite direction. An electretizing force is produced by an electret field gradient and this attracts oxygen molecules and slightly repels nitrogen. In Open Gradient Magnetic Separation (OGMS) systems, paramagnetic species are drawn toward a bore wall while diamagnetic species are repulsed from the filed toward the centre of the bore. The desired separation is achieved by physically splitting the process stream at the exit of the magnet bore. The separation is carried out in an OGMS system. Magnetic susceptibilities for oxygen, nitrogen, argon, nitrogen oxide, and carbon dioxide are presented in Table 1.0 illustrated in Figure 10.0. Oxygen and nitrogen oxide are known to be strongly paramagnetic. Hence, oxygen and nitrogen oxide by passing the mixture through a magnetic field that has a strong gradient is separated from gas mixtures such as air or flue gases. The paramagnetic component is drawn in the direction of the filed gradient and diffuses through the remainder of the gas, which is weakly repelled from the magnet.

In general, normal air comprising 78% nitrogen in the form of NO and N0 ₂ is passed through the reactor chamber where the electrets are positioned to excite oxygen and nitrogen causing strong electret fields from the electrets. This causes the nitrogen to deviate from the electret hold. The five electrons on the outer shell of a nitrogen are detracted from any electrical and electret hold and acts in both polarities depending on the electret field strength.

The method uses the opposite electrets at a certain distance, which forms an electret space that has a field intensity gradient near its borders. When air is injected into the electret space and outflows the electret space via its borders, oxygen molecules in the air will experience the interception effect of the gradient electret field, but nitrogen molecules will outflow without any hindrance to achieve continuous oxygen enrichment.

The continuous oxygen enrichment is supplied to the decomposition chamber enabling further ionization of the air by continuously heating it due to the presence of enriched oxygen and nitrogen. This creates indirect plasma of oxygen and nitrogen which results in the improvement of thermal decomposition of waste. The thermal decomposition chamber is where waste is introduced to a manually started ignition (708). The plurality of indirect plasma of oxygen is then fed into the thermal decomposition chamber (710) where the indirect plasma of nitrogen increases temperature for thermal decomposition whereas oxygen breaks down the waste by oxidation of waste molecules. This method is known as molecular decomposition of the solid waste. The oxidation of waste molecules produces charged waste molecules. The charged waste molecules along with ionized gases enter the ionic chamber where the charged waste molecules are attached with high surface area fluid particles forming a combination of the plurality of high surface area fluid particles and the plurality of charged waste molecules (712).

Reference is made to Figure 9.0 further describing the method of producing a plurality of indirect plasma of oxygen and nitrogen. In producing a plurality of indirect plasma of oxygen and nitrogen (706, 900), the electrons detach from the atoms and in the process, the atoms vibrate due to the passing of the photons. This interaction creates a vibration or electretizing force on the atoms that makes the photons collide with each other more often. The method for producing a plurality of indirect plasma of oxygen and nitrogen (706, 900) comprises steps of, producing an electretizing force by an electret field gradient to attract a plurality of oxygen molecules and repel a plurality of nitrogen molecules (902); intercepting the electret field gradient on the plurality of normal air molecules (904); forming an electret space from the positioning of the plurality of electrets (906); injecting the plurality of normal air molecules into the electret space to achieve a continuous supply of the plurality of oxygen and nitrogen molecules (908); and supplying the continuous supply of the plurality of oxygen and nitrogen molecules causing ionization of the plurality of normal air (910).

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or integer or group of steps or elements or integers, but not the exclusion of any other step or element or integer or group of steps, elements or integers. Thus, in the context of this specification, the term “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense and thus should be understood as meaning “including principally, but not necessarily solely”.