Process Description THERMOSELECT produces from different kind of wastes chemical grade synthesis gas, mineral wool, metals rich in iron and sulphur in a continuous recycling process by means of high temperature gasification. Pure water, salt and zinc concentrate result from the process water treatment. Unlike other thermal processes, no ashes, slag or filter dust has to be landfilled. Unlike other processes, THERMOSELECT makes valuable use from organic as well as from inorganic waste components. During the first process step waste is compacted, liquids are distributed and residual air is pressed out (removal of the nitrogen ballast). A high compressive force is applied to form gastight plugs from the waste and to forward it into a degassing duct. By increasing heat, waste is dried, organic constituents are degassed and enter the high temperature reactor. The carbon and carbon compounds produced are gasified under controlled addition of oxygen at temperatures up to 2000°C in an environment rich in water vapour. The following exothermic reactions lead to the formation of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. C + ½ O2 ==> CO C + O2 ==> CO2 2CxHy + (2X+Y/2) O2 ==> 2X CO2 + Y H20 The endothermic Boudouard reaction takes place simultaneously C + CO2 ==> 2CO as well as endothermic hydrogen reactions, e.g. C + H2O ==> H2 + CO CxHy + X H2O ==> (X+Y/2) H2 + X CO During a residence time of at least 2 seconds and gas temperatures above 1200°C, chlorinated hydrocarbons, dioxins and furans as well as other organic compounds are reliably destroyed. The main components of the synthesis gas produced are the smallest possible molecules (H2, CO, CO2, H2O). Subsequent shock cooling of the synthesis gas from 1200°C to below 90°C with water prevents reformation of chlorinated hydrocarbons. The synthesis gas passes through multi-stage cleaning, in which the contaminants are absorbed or condensed. The clean synthesis gas is then available as an energy carrier or as a raw material – for example for the synthesis of primary chemical materials such as methanol. The inorganic constituents are melted in the high temperature reactor at temperatures of up to 2000°C. The molten material is homogenised in a duct connected to the high temperature reactor. Two stable high temperature phases (minerals, metal) are produced at approx. 1600°C. The homogenized metal melt - representing about 5% - is subsequently shock cooled with water and granulates. The iron-rich metals can be used in metallurgy. The homogenized  mineral melt - representing about 95% - exits the reactor via a gas-tight syphon for subsequent manufacturing of mineral wool products. The composition of the mineral melt equals to the natural stone Basalt. Process water - originating from the waste moisture and the gasification reactions - is treated and then used in the plant as cooling water. Salt, zinc concentrate and sulphur can be reused by industry. All intermediate products produced during the cleaning phases are fed back into the thermal process. THERMOSELECT