How It Works
The MaxWest System integrates five main components to convert waste to energy and residual, inert ash. The system is modular, engineered to fit the scale of each particular application, expandable to meet future growth, reliable and durable. It's designed to be installed at wastewater treatment plant sites on less than 1 acre, eliminating the costs and environmental negatives of off-site transportation. The five main components are:
(1) Waste Handling System
The Waste Handling System is designed to deliver waste at nominal 50 percent moisture to the gasifier. Delivery is accomplished by hydraulic rams, one for each cell of the gasifier. Extraction of residual ash is accomplished by a continuous transport belt.
(2) Sludge Drying System
The Drying System receives waste and utilizes steam from the Energy Recovery and Power Generation System to dry the waste to approximately 50 percent moisture. In some instances, mixing the primary waste with drier waste material will reduce the drying requirements and boost the overall performance of the gasifier.
(3) Gasifier
Our Gasifier was developed from early wood waste gasification models in the 1990's. The proprietary gasifier is manufactured by Westwood Energy Systems in British Columbia, Canada. Gasifiers are available in one, two, three or four cell models, handling up to 30 mmBtu/Hr. Additional gasifiers can be installed for larger quantities of feedstock. The gasification process takes place in a refractory line Primary Gasification Chamber and an Oxidation/Temperature Control Chamber, both designed to maximize energy and environmental performance.
(4) Thermal Oxidizer
Another proprietary component, the Thermal Oxidizer receives the gases produced by the gasifier and serves three functions. It (1) converts the syngas produced by the gasifier to usable heat for energy recovery, (2) controls and eliminates potential pollutants and (3) eliminates odors. The Thermal Oxidizer reduces Nox and particulate emissions to low levels.
(5) Energy Recovery and Power Generation System
The Energy Recovery and Power Generation System utilizes hot gas from the Thermal Oxidizer in a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) to produce steam. The steam can be used directly or be used as power generation. In the case of a wastewater treatment plant, steam can be used to generate electric power, dry the incoming sludge and to heat digester tanks.
The MaxWest system also includes various auxiliary systems for operating controls, safety features and maintenance.
