The FASTOX™ Process

How does FASTOX™ work?

A FASTOX™ gasifier operates in much the same way as a conventional iron-making blast furnace. FASTOX™ simply replaces the ‘blast’ of atmospheric air with a co-injection of oxygen and steam. Air is 78% nitrogen which has no energy value and can also produce NOx, a harmful emission related to smog and acid rain.

A feedstock is fed into the top of the gasifier. Oxygen and steam are then injected into the bottom of the gasifier. As the feedstock sinks down inside the gasifier, it goes through four zones: (1) drying, (2) devolatilization, (3) gasification, and (4) oxidation.

Drying occurs when the hot syngas being produced at the bottom of the gasifier rises and comes into contact with the feedstock descending from the top of the gasifier. The feedstock devolatilizes, forming tars and oils (both of which are captured and recycled to produce more syngas). The devolatilized feedstock then enters the higher temperature gasification zone where it reacts with steam and carbon dioxide.

Near the bottom of the gasifier any char and ash react with oxygen, melting to form a liquid stone, called slag, which is removed and sold for use in making make cement and other building materials. Any metals present in the feedstock are removed as a liquid metal which is also sold for reuse.

All organics in the feedstock are converted into a very clean and high-quality syngas which can be used to create hydrogen, to create electricity, or to make a very clean diesel or ethanol. As all of the products from the process, including all gasses, are collected and sold, there are no emissions and no wastes.