The PARCON technology is an electro-thermal non-incineration process. High temperature plasma is generated by sending a powerful electrical charge into an inert gas, such as argon. Once the plasma field has been formed, it is sustained with a variable working gas. The field is contained in the upper section of a cylindrical reactor. See Figure 2. The temperature of the plasma field is well over 5000°C at the point of generation (and where the liquid or gaseous waste is injected). The temperature in the upper reactor is about 3500°C and descends through the reaction zone to 1300°C. (Note: the surface of the sun burns at approximately 5000°C, and "high temperature" incinerators for hazardous waste burn at approximately 1300°C.)

The PARCON technology destroys hazardous organic compounds through a three-step process of thermal decomposition, oxidation, and neutralization.

Step 1: Decomposition. The waste is injected into the PARCON plasma field. The extreme temperature and electrical instability instantaneously disintegrates the waste molecules, leaving only the constituent atoms.

Step 2: Oxidization. The atoms are then oxidized, creating new molecules with predicted and known elements.

Step 3: Neutralization. (This step is critical, and it is where other technologies have failed.) The gas comprised of the newly formed molecules is quickly and precisely cooled to prevent the atoms from re-organizing into dioxin or furan, which are commonly more toxic, and carcinogenic, than the original waste.

The exit gas is "cleaned" by conventional chemical scrubbing so that any emissions to the atmosphere are non-hazardous. Carbon dioxide may be recovered from the exit for use in the PARCON plasma process or collected as a commercial by-product

PARCON - FEATURES AND BENEFITS

The PARCON attains superior DRE (Destruction & Removal Efficiency) results with minimal emissions. It can be operated on a stand-alone basis, in parallel with other PARCON units for larger jobs, constructed as a permanent facility, or integrated with other mixed media treatment systems.

The PARCON is a safe, cost-effective, and reliable waste destruction technology that is mobile and environmentally friendly. The PARCON features:

* Consistent attainment of superior DRE¡¦s with minimal emissions. Dioxin, furan, and NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions are well below MOE and EPA regulations
* There is no secondary waste stream produced.
* Versatility. It can be operated on a stand-alone basis, in parallel with other PARCON units for larger jobs and multi-compound waste streams, or constructed as a permanent facility. It may be integrated with other mixed media treatment systems as part of a total system solution.
* Containment. A PARCON system can complete a project on site, without the need for off-site disposal of incompatible substances such as liquids or gases (that are beyond the capabilities of other systems).
* Minimal handling and preparation of feed material.
* Easily transported and operator-friendly.
* Mobile. The portability of the unit reduces the danger and inherent liabilities in transporting toxic and hazardous materials to a remote facility.
* Low capital, operating, and maintenance costs.