From Peanuts to Pyrolysis
The method of using incineration to generate power by burning material (or waste) and then converting the steam to power turbines easily brings up arguments for and against its use. When discussing costs per tonnage, incineration requires the least capital. However, the ash, emissions, and the clean-up required as a result of the incineration process is an environmental challenge. Pyrolysis involves the decomposition of organic material in the absence of oxygen, thereby reducing the amount of emissions. In addition, the process produces very little ash. This process can produce bio-fuel. In a recent article, " Donation Drives New Direction of Bioenergy Research at University of Idaho ", the University of Idaho received a donation from APT Advanced Trailer and Equipment LP to install a pyrolysis unit at the University's steam plant to research converting wood biomass to energy. Extracted from the article, "The process yields about 60 percent bio-o...