State institute works with companies on plasma reactor to break down plastic waste

SEOUL -- A state research body will collaborate with private companies to develop a commercial plasma reactor that will use the pyrolysis technique to break down plastic waste and create gasified fuel. The reactor can also generate high-purity hydrogen.

The pyrolysis technique uses extreme heat and pressure to break down materials such as plastics to extract oil and other gases. Some pyrolysis equipment can reach temperatures high enough to generate plasma that contains a significant portion of charged particles including ions. Extracted fuel can be gasified to increase efficiency.
 
The National Fusion Research Institute (NFRI) partnered with GS Engineering & Construction and Hyundai Heavy Industries to develop a commercial high-temperature plasma gas reactor that will be used for the creation of gasified fuel including hydrogen. The end product of the recycled fuel will differ by its source material.
 
"By combining our accumulated technology and partner enterprises' eco-friendly boiler production capabilities and their experience in plants, we will do our best to commercialize a reliable plasma waste recycling technique," NFRI head researcher Yoo Seok-jae said in a statement on April 12.