InEnTec says its plasma technology effectively destroys PFAS

InEnTec Inc., Richland, Washington, has partnered with Terre Environmental LLC, North Charleston, South Carolina, to destroy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using InEnTec's proprietary plasma processing technology. InEnTec says the results pave the way for commercial-scale remediation of these chemicals of concern at existing facilities.

InEnTec originated from a partnership that included experts from MIT, Battelle and GE. Its technology employs plasma gasification to convert various forms of what would otherwise be waste into chemicals and clean fuels, according to the company. At its commercial-scale facility, operational since 2011, InEnTec can process recoverable materials into synthesis gas that can be processed further into hydrogen and other useful products. 

"This is exciting news for the industry, as forever chemicals are extremely persistent in our environment and are difficult to degrade,” Jeff Surma, InEnTec founder and CEO Jeff Surma says. “Our plasma technology can provide a solution that guarantees the complete destruction of the entire family of PFAS chemicals and degradation products with certainty. We are eager to begin working with organizations looking for scalable PFAS treatment solutions."

InEnTec's investors have included Houston-based WM. The company's Columbia Ridge's Model G100P PEM (Plasma Enhanced Melter) system is located at WM's landfill in Arlington Oregon. There it converts municipal solid waste, hazardous and medical waste streams into syngas for further production of renewable hydrogen.

Terre Environmental is an environmental consulting/sales firm dedicated to providing sustainable and cost-effective renewable energy solutions.

InEnTec and Terre say they have demonstrated the destruction of PFAS and products of thermal decomposition to near nondetectable levels in InEnTec's plasma system, showing greater than 99.999999 percent destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) while processing materials containing PFAS compounds. This technology also can destroy other halogenated hydrocarbons with similar DRE, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), perfluorochemicals, hydrofluorochemicals and chlorofluorochemicals known as ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases.

Additionally, this process allows for green byproducts generation, with an emphasis on green hydrogen, which is produced by splitting water using electrolysis.

PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals" given their persistence in the environment and inability to degrade in our bodies, are present in various common products such as food packaging, apparel and beauty products. The challenge of managing PFAS places a significant financial and operational strain on industry and government, InEnTec says.

"We are facing many unique worldwide challenges, including an ever-growing volume of what would otherwise be waste material and a consistently increasing demand for energy," Terre co-founder and CEO Michael Prince says. "At the same time, we must acknowledge the need for cleaner renewable energy alternatives. By leveraging InEnTec's plasma technology, we aim to provide an innovative and environmentally conscious energy solution that helps preserve the planet for future generations."