OPSC 2016 Solved Paper

A plasma arc operates on principles similar to an arc-welding machine, where an electrical arc is struck between two electrodes. The high-energy arc creates high temperatures ranging from 3,000 degrees to 7,000 degrees Celsius. The Plasma is a highly ionized gas. The plasma arc is enclosed in a chamber and the waste material is fed into the chamber and the intense heat of the plasma breaks down organic molecules (such as oil, solvents, and paint) into their elemental atoms. Plasma arc melters have a very high destruction efficiency. Plasma arc systems are developed and commercial applications exist for both hazardous and radioactive waste.
The high temperature and lack of oxygen prevents the formation of many toxic compounds such as furans, dioxins, nitrogen oxides, or Sulphur dioxide in the flame itself. However, dioxins are formed during cooling of the syngas.
This technology has been in use in many of the plants in India based in Pune to convert waste into useful substances.