GRC Demos Microwave Technology for Waste Conversion
Global Resource Corp. of Mount Laurel, N.J., a developer of a patent-pending microwave technology and machinery, has demonstrated a commercially viable use of energy-efficient microwave technology to convert industrial waste and difficult-to-process natural resources into diesel, methane, carbon ash, and other reusable hydrocarbons in an eco-friendly process. The commercial prototype, Patriot-1, is patent-pending microwave technology that has an automated engineering process.
The demonstration, conducted on May 4, in the company's Rockford, Ill., research facility, transformed scrap tires into diesel fuel, methane, pentane, butane, propane as well as combustible gases, and carbon ash. Because the process takes place in an enclosed environment, it is emission-free. Patriot-1's technology can process other materials for the purpose of unlocking energy including; shale rock, tar sands, bituminous coal, heavy oil as well as the environmental hazards associated with municipal waste, tanker sludge, waste oil, and dredged materials. GRC recently signed a joint development agreement with a large oilfield services company for the utilization of the technology with heavy oil.
"The ultimate goal is for this technology to make such a significant contribution that it motivates the world's business and political leaders to embrace it as the de facto standard for processing waste materials," says Eric Swain, chair and chief executive officer of Global Resource Corp.
To address the economic viability for waste treatment, the technology will maintain an energy efficiency of 1:50, a ratio at which a wide range of materials become commercially viable to convert to energy regardless of commodity costs.
"The Patriot-1 establishes a new standard for waste management and alternative energy development by placing the efficient processing of hydrocarbons within the grasp of a range of industries," says Swain. "The recycling of tires is important for the health and environment of America and is the first step in utilizing our microwave technology to derive energy from waste."
"Our teams in Rockford and Mount Laurel, N.J. have worked tirelessly to unlock the potential of this technology. Our demonstration today is a tribute to our team's vision and ability to develop and commercialize a solution that has the ability to revolutionize the recycling and waste-to-energy sectors."