Lithuanian researchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and the Lithuanian Energy Institute have developed a groundbreaking solution for the management of surgical mask waste. In a time when thousands of tons of used surgical masks were being discarded without an effective plan for disposal, the researchers sought to explore eco-friendly methods of converting this waste into clean energy products.
The team conducted a series of experiments using plasma gasification, an innovative energy technique, to convert the surgical mask waste into synthetic gas (syngas) with a high concentration of hydrogen. Their findings have been published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.
There are two main methods of converting waste into energy: transforming solid waste into liquid products or gases. Gasification offers the ability to convert large quantities of waste into syngas, a composition of various gases including hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane. The researchers focused on increasing the concentration of hydrogen in the syngas, thereby increasing its heating value.
For the conversion process, defective FFP2 face masks were shredded and converted into granules of uniform size. Using plasma gasification, the researchers found that the highest yield of hydrogen was obtained at a specific steam-to-carbon ratio of 1.45. Overall, the syngas produced from the surgical mask waste showed a 42% higher heating value than that produced from biomass.
The research team, consisting of scientists from KTU and the Lithuanian Energy Institute, specializes in recycling and waste management. They have previously conducted experiments on various waste materials such as cigarette butts, used wind turbine blades, and textile waste. This time, the team utilized a different method specifically for the recycling of surgical masks.
Compared to other waste management techniques, plasma gasification offers several advantages. Unlike pyrolysis, which is a newer and developing method, plasma gasification does not require significant investment in infrastructure development. The process involves decomposing face masks into gas within seconds, as opposed to the lengthier hour-long process of pyrolysis. Additionally, plasma gasification yields a higher concentration of hydrogen within the syngas and reduces the amount of tar, resulting in a higher quality product.
According to the researchers, plasma gasification is one of the most effective methods for producing synthetic gas rich in hydrogen. Hydrogen plays a crucial role in increasing the heating value of the syngas. The researchers humorously refer to their synthetic gas as “black hydrogen” due to its creation from waste materials.
The yield of syngas from the surgical mask waste was approximately 95% of the total amount of feedstock. The remaining byproducts were soot and tar. The analysis revealed that the collected tar contained compounds such as benzene, toluene, naphthalene, and acenaphthylene, which can be utilized as a clean fuel with low carbon emissions in various industries.
The soot obtained from plasma gasification consists mainly of black carbon, which has multiple applications in energy, wastewater treatment, agriculture, and as a filler material in composites.
The researchers believe that their method for recycling surgical mask waste has significant potential for commercialization. The focus on obtaining syngas rich in hydrogen not only allows for the separation of hydrogen for individual use but also presents the option of using the syngas as a mixture of gases with a heating value already higher than that produced from biomass.
This innovative solution to the management of surgical mask waste showcases the commitment of Lithuanian researchers to finding sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to the challenges of waste management. With the potential for commercialization, this method could have a significant impact on reducing waste and contributing to clean energy production.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.