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Pyrolysis Process

Honua's proprietary Pyrolytic Destructor systems have sealed pyrolysis chambers with small ducts to allow the transfer of volatile organic compounds ("VOCs" or hydrocarbons). No external air (oxygen) can enter the chamber once it has been sealed. As the pyrolysis cycle begins, heat is transferred through the pyrolytic chamber hearth (floor) from the hot gases produced by a standard industrial burner. Temperature in the pyrolysis chamber is gradually increased until the chamber reaches operating temperature.

As the temperature in the pyrolysis chamber increases, air trapped in the chamber expands and is transferred through the small venting duct. Pyrolysis begins at approximately 232°C (450°F), when the more volatile components of the waste begin to gasify. Heat continues to be applied at a controlled rate until the internal temperature of the pyrolysis chamber has reached the set point of 760°C (1,400°F). Heat transfer is controlled to maintain the set temperature for a sufficient period of time, in order to completely gasify all organic components of the waste. When gasified in the absence of oxygen, the VOCs are not combusted as they would be in an incinerator - where the violence and agitation of the combustion process yields particulate and chemical air pollution. Instead, they are gently transferred in their gaseous state to the oxidization chambers, where the controlled application of heat and air completely oxidizes them - virtually eliminating any toxic or hazardous by-products.

After contributing significant energy content to the continuous heating of the pyrolysis chambers, hot gases from the oxidation chambers are then discharged through the exhaust ducts or captured by the heat recovery system for use in heating the Heat Recovery Boiler. All that is left of the waste is a totally inert, non-toxic carbon residue that is virtually undisturbed.

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