Maxwest Gasification Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the MaxWest System contribute to odors?
No, in fact it may improve existing odor problems. One of the components of the MaxWest System, the thermal oxidizer, is sometimes used to capture noxious odors caused by organic gases in sewage. In the MaxWest System, sludge handling and mixing is accomplished in enclosures from which fans continuously pull organic gases and air through ducts into the thermal oxidizer.
Does the MaxWest Gasification system create significant noise or produce dust/smoke?
No, it does not. The MaxWest System is quiet, produces very little dust, and no smoke.
Does the MaxWest System contribute to air pollution?
No. On the contrary, the conversion of biomass with the MaxWest system produces lower levels of emissions than burning or other systems of disposal.
Is "gasification" a fancy new word for "incineration?"
Not at all. Incineration refers to mass combustion, which is continuous burning at high temperatures. Incineration produces multiple uncontrolled chemical reactions, which produce high levels of air pollutants that must be captured by expensive and complex methods. Gasification, on the other hand, is a controlled, self-contained form of oxidizing organic material at stable, controlled temperatures.
Is Gasification a proven technology?
Yes. Gasification was widely used in the latter 1800's (most often with coal) to produce "town gas". Town gas was first used for street lighting and then for heating and lighting in commercial and residential buildings. Gasification technology was advanced by Germany in the 1930's, but after 1950, was largely ignored because of the abundance of oil and natural gas to generate low cost electricity. South Africa and China, having little oil or gas but abundant coal, continued to use gasification. In recent years, gasification has been actively developed for a wide range of applications. The Westwood gasifier has been developed specifically as a modular, multi-purpose unit for adaptation to specialty uses such as sludge.
How does the MaxWest System help the Global Warming problem?
The MaxWest System is carbon neutral and captures methane that otherwise would be released into the atmosphere. The global warming impact of methane per cubic foot is 23 times that of carbon dioxide. Utilization of the Maxwest System will yield renewable energy credits and carbon credits when such credits are available.
What happens to metals and non-organic substances?
The sand, soil, bits of glass and metals pass through the gasification system and exit as inert, mineralized residual ash. Pathogens and pharmaceuticals are completely destroyed.
Is the MaxWest System safe?
Yes. Each gasifier is tested at the factory before shipment. We conduct additional testing on site. Key portions of the MaxWest System operate under negative pressure, and compared to other systems, the system operates at relatively low temperatures. As syngas is produced, it is used in the thermal oxidizer, so there's no danger from gas storage.
Is the MaxWest System reliable and durable?
The MaxWest System is designed to be rugged, reliable, and durable. The systems in operation are performing exceptionally well. By standard industrial criteria, the expected life of the installed systems exceeds 30 years. Back-up pumps, motors, belts, and other mechanical parts are available at each site. Proprietary parts are maintained in inventory at the factory and at an in-state storage facility.
Is it necessary to mix sludge with yard trash or other green, woody waste?
For best results and maximum thermal power production, sludge will normally be mixed with other biomass in varying amounts. Biomass aids in drying the sludge to the optimum moisture content and allows full gasifier production from initial start-up. As the volume of sludge typically increases over time, the amount of non-sludge biomass will decrease.
Why is the energy produced by the system considered "renewable?"
To be considered "renewable energy," it must be produced from energy that is not stored in coal, natural gas, or oil. Renewable means that the energy is not mined or pumped out of the ground and used only once. Solar and wind power are examples of energy that can be harnessed to produce renewable energy. All plant and animal wastes are potentially energy rich renewable fuels. When sludge is utilized to produce energy instead of being buried or burned, residual energy from plants and animals is being reused to produce energy. Thus, the energy is renewed rather than wasted in a landfill.
How is the MaxWest System "carbon neutral?"
All conventional fossil fuels contain carbon that is trapped or sequestered within the coal, oil, or natural gas. When these fuels are used, the trapped carbon is released. Much of the carbon released is in the form of CO2, the most common greenhouse gas. All plants and animals contain carbon, which is released either through decomposition or eliminated as waste from living organisms. By using wastes as fuel, the carbon being used is not "new" stored carbon. It is recycled from living plants and animals to be used again by other plants and animals. In addition to being carbon neutral, the MaxWest system captures methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Methane's global warming impact is more than 23 times as great as CO2.
What are the financial benefits of the MaxWest System?
The MaxWest System will typically reduce the cost of treating and disposing of biosolids. In addition to lower operating costs, the MaxWest System eliminates the need for additional capital expenditures for plant expansion. Related costs, such as waste transportation to landfills or land application site, are eliminated or reduced. Potential future liability for land spreading is eliminated.
Is the MaxWest System challenging to operate? To maintain?
The MaxWest System is highly automated and easily operated by a combination of on-site operators and continuous monitoring at MaxWest headquarters. Fuel mixing and insertion will require continuing attention. Routine maintenance is accomplished during planned monthly shut downs of 8 - 12 hours, during which the interior gasification chambers and all other parts are visually inspected and tested as necessary.
What about local jobs? Will the MaxWest System eliminate or add local jobs?
The MaxWest System will typically add 2 - 4 local jobs for each installation. In many cases, MaxWest expects that the existing site operating staff will take over operation of the MaxWest system as the most cost effective solution to operations and management.
Will a MaxWest System Gasification System be significantly visible from a distance?
No, in relation to the size and layout of a typical wastewater treatment facility, the MaxWest gasifier will be difficult to notice.
What about the "residual ash?"
The ash that comes out of the MaxWest System is safe, useful, and easily handled. The ash may be used as an aggregate for mixing with asphalt, concrete, or commercial fertilizer. It may also be used to make pavers. The volume of ash produced typically ranges from 10-20% of the original waste material used.