Space-age incineration technology

April 2005 News Products & Solutions

While the Russian space programme and the disposal of South Africa's hazardous waste may seem to be worlds apart, these two very diverse activities have been brought together in a technology that is available locally, courtesy of Gauteng-based engineering company, Thuthuka Project Managers.

A remnant of the Russian space programme, rocket booster incineration technology is the result of research and development by the Russians that has made it possible to convert rocket booster technology into a commercially viable incineration technology. One of the biggest advantages of this technology is that it can safely incinerate toxic and previously troublesome compounds in both liquid and gaseous phases (eg, transformer oils containing PCBs), as well as other organic compounds that would typically lead to toxic and carcinogenic off-gases containing dioxins and furans. This is at much less cost than conventional methods.

The technology works at an extremely high temperature and uses high-velocity acceleration to break the compounds down into their elemental building blocks before oxidation to safe compounds. This so-called thermo kinetic incineration is of particular interest to industries that generate a waste stream in liquid and gaseous phases containing troublesome compounds. These include petrochemical applications, hazardous waste facilities, power stations, the plastics industry and all hazardous waste treatment facilities. Thuthuka Project Managers hold the licence to fabricate and distribute this technology in southern Africa.

For more information contact Bill Pullen, Thuthuka Project Managers, 011 466 9788, [email protected]

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