NUR-SULTAN – Scientists at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University have developed an innovative method of disposing of biomedical waste (such as medical masks, gloves, overshoes, etc.) that has no equivalent anywhere in the world, reports the Kazakh Ministry of Education and Scientific Press Service.
Biomedical waste can be recycled without sorting. Photo credit: gov.kz
The plasma waste treatment technology and plasma chemical reactor developed by local researchers are unique in that they enable complete thermal decontamination of biomedical waste, resulting in higher processing efficiency and lower energy consumption.
Compared to traditional plasma recycling, biomedical waste can be recycled without sorting.
“It differs from existing technologies in that we use a high temperature plasma flame that breaks down any organic or inorganic compound. The breakdown of complex plasma compounds will also be effective without oxygen. Compared to medical waste incineration methods, plasma recycling has several significant advantages, ”said Alexander Ustimenko, head of the Scientific Research Institute of the Department of Experimental and Theoretical Physics.
He continued: “Due to its high productivity, it reduces the volume of the reactor by six to eight times, reduces the space required for production facilities and reduces emissions.”
Waste processing takes place in a plasma-chemical reactor at a temperature of up to 2000 K, which improves the melting of the mineral residues and prevents the formation of toxic components.
Due to COVID, the amount of biomedical waste in Kazakhstan and around the world is steadily increasing, so the need to develop methods of recycling medical masks, gloves, overshoes, disposable protective suits and other medical supplies is more relevant than ever.
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