FORMING CARBON DIOXIDE IN MULTI-PHASE MOLTEN BATH

摘要

A method and a system for converting carbon-containing feed to atomic carbon and for oxidizing atomic carbon to carbon dioxide is disclosed. Carbon-containing feed, such as municipal garbage, low grade fuel oil and organic or inorganic sludge is introduced to a molten metal bath. The molten metal bath includes a first molten metal phase having a significant solubility of atomic carbon and a second molten metal phase, substantially immiscible in the first molten metal phase and having a solubility of atomic carbon less than that of the first molten metal phase. Carbon in the carbon-containing feed is catalytically converted to atomic carbon. The atomic carbon are oxidized in the first molten metal phase to carbon monoxide which is then directed to the second molten metal phase. Carbon monoxide in the second molten metal phase is oxidized to form carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is released to the atmosphere. Other atomic free radicals formed in the molten metal both are substantially converted to oxides and other stable compounds.