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© First Power Group 2009

First London Power - A better solution for our energy needs

Gas quality control

The even temperatures applied to the retort produce constant temperatures within it to deliver consistent gas quality. The consistent gas quality allows it to be used in both reciprocating engines (used in smaller applications) and in gas turbines.

Secondary converter

The char (charcoal) is burned in the secondary converter to generate heat. The hot gases are forced into a cyclonic downward action causing the heavy ash to melt and fly outward onto the walls where it flows down and out of the secondary converter in the form of a vitrified slag. Upon reaching the bottom of the refractory-lined vessel, the hot gases turn upwards and out of the converter.

The Stein Pyrolysis’s range of unique features enhances its capabilities and efficiency
  • Modular (standard modules of 0.5 & 3.0 tonnes per hour of dried fuel. A 6.0 tonne model is currently at the design stage)
  • Compact size
  • No high stacks
  • Minimal moving parts
  • Low capital cost
  • Long life (at least 15 years), high reliability
  • Unattended (automatic) operation, with minimal labour needs
  • Low emissions (even composting, like landfill, produces methane) predominantly clean emissions comprising nitrogen gas and small amounts of water vapour, oxygen and C02, SOx, NOx, CO and VOCs easily comply with strict environmental standards worldwide
  • High efficiency
  • Minimal ash, in contrast with high ash residues from incineration plants, which forms a vitrified slag used in construction
Performance specifications and impact of the Stein Pyrolysis Unit

The plant is capable of continuous operation i.e. 24/7 for 365 days with a maximum of 6% down time.

The pyrolysis process takes any carbonaceous material, wood, plastic etc with a size less than 15mm.

The gas is fed into a gas engine or gas turbine, which drives an alternator to generate electrical power for export into the local grid network. The exhaust heat from the gas engine or turbine is added to the system to support the process.

One unit is designed to handle 3.0 tonnes of dry fuel input to the Pyrolysis Unit per hour with an average calorific value of 18Mj/kg, to produce 2.5MW of power. This is approximately equivalent to 6.0 tonnes per hour of unsorted wet municipal waste. The drying process also sanitises the waste so as to avoid health risks in the down-stream sorting and Pyrolysis processes. A steam turbine can be added to increase electrical output.

Odour Control
The processing areas of the plant are designed to eliminate any odours.

Noise
The major noise sources from the site will be delivery vehicles and frontend loaders that will comply with relevant noise levels. The shredder units require noise attenuation to achieve a noise level of 85 dBa at 1 metre.

The gas compressors, down-stream from the gas storage, require acoustic enclosures in order to meet a noise level of 80 dBa at 1 metre.

The gas engine units or gas turbines are housed in acoustic enclosures to meet a noise level of 80 dBa at 1 metre.

Visual Pollution
The plant and equipment is unobtrusive with the combined pyrolysis and gas engine exhausts being the only sources of emissions during normal operation with a short chimney on the flare stack.

Process Monitoring
The emissions from the engine's exhausts are monitored to ensure they stay within the statutory regulations.