The vast quantities of waste produced around the world are a large and growing problem. Incineration is no longer a practical solution, the days of cheap and abundant fossil fuel are over, and attention is increasingly turning to renewable energy. Waste-to-Energy technology based on pyrolysis is a solution. This non-burn technology eliminates the emissions associated with combustion and provides a clean, efficient alternative. Due to the absence of oxygen during thermal decomposition, pyrolysis is a cleaner process than incineration, with fewer harmful by-products,
Pyrolysis generates continuous renewable green energy that is not dependent on wind or sun. It reduces the need for new landfills, helps rehabilitate existing ones, and avoids the need for incineration of non-recyclable waste. Pyrolysis of organic substances produces syngas, which can be refined into liquid fuels, and serves as a base for other high-revenue fractions such as synthetic natural gas, hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel.
Advanced recycling plants based on pyrolysis have two pollution control steps: one after pyrolysis, and the other after gas firing. This ensures that the output exhaust meets the strictest emission limits worldwide. In contrast to burning raw waste on a grating, controlled combustion of syngas in a gas flame reduces the extent and complexity of final exhaust cleaning. It can be applied to a wide range of waste types including tyres, plastics, municipal solid waste, abattoir waste, sewage sludge, hospital waste and biomass. Once processed, these diverse feedstocks become homogenous gas or liquid fuels that can be used in high-pressure boilers, gas turbines or engines. This results in a higher energy output per ton of waste.
DirectLogic Automation is a local distributor for the USA company AutomationDirect, and supplies a wide range of PLC, HMI and networking solutions, process sensors and field mounted electrical and process control instrumentation throughout Africa and the Emirates. One of its clients is Technotherm, a world leader in Waste-to-Energy technology. As a value-added reseller for DirectLogic Automation, Technotherm uses the company’s PLCs extensively in its renewable energy solutions.
Technotherm has rolled out plant solutions of varying capacities to more than 1100 companies in South Africa and around the world, with its experience and knowledge base in renewable energy and its thermal engineering expertise giving it a significant competitive edge. Its equipment is designed for multiple applications and is tailored to suit individual customer needs. Technotherm’s local value propositions ensure a rapid return on investment for South African clients, and the country’s currency makes its solutions attractive to international markets seeking affordable, high-performance technology.
André Van Der Westhuizen, resident electrical engineering manager at Technotherm, outlines the reasons why the company has standardised on DirectLogic Automation’s BRX PLC (Do-more series) and Weintek HMI. This combination leverages the strengths of both products and has several advantages:
Seamless communication: The BRX PLC and Weintek HMI work together seamlessly. Weintek supports Do-more PLCs, enabling straightforward setup and fast, reliable communication via Modbus TCP/IP, Modbus RTU or EtherNet/IP. Their Ethernet connectivity ensures high-speed data exchange between devices, which is essential for real-time control.
Cost-effective solution: Both components are competitively priced and the associated software, Do-more Designer for BRX PLCs and EasyBuilder Pro for Weintek HMIs, is free.
User-friendly software: The tools have intuitive interfaces for both PLC programming and HMI configuration. Do-more Designer supports ladder logic, structured text and function blocks, while EasyBuilder Pro offers a drag-and-drop interface for designing screens, managing alarms, logging data and remote monitoring.
Advanced features: Weintek HMIs come in multiple screen sizes and support remote access via WebView and cMT Viewer. Alarms and data logging can be managed directly from the HMI, reducing the PLC’s processing load. The Weintek HMI can be remotely accessed through mobile apps or a web browser, providing easy control.
High-speed control: BRX PLCs deliver high-speed control with fast scan times, making them ideal for motion control applications. They offer built-in high-speed I/O, including pulse and PWM, as well as analogue, digital, RTD and thermocouple support.
Durability and reliability: Both the BRX PLC and Weintek HMI are built for industrial environments and can withstand wide temperature ranges. The BRX PLC includes a lifetime warranty, while Weintek’s proven HMI performance in industrial automation is a result of its robust build and software features.
Scalable system: BRX PLCs allow for expandable I/O modules, and Weintek HMIs offer flexible options from basic units to the advanced cMT series. This flexibility ensures that Technotherm can meet the diverse needs of clients across industries and project sizes.
By combining cutting-edge pyrolysis technology with advanced, reliable automation, Technotherm delivers efficient, scalable and environmentally sound Waste-to- Energy solutions tailored to the needs of modern industry.
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