Foxboro, MA, January 3, 2007 -- Invensys Process Systems has been selected by Plasco Energy Group to supply a mesh network-based Foxboro I/A Series distributed control system (DCS) to be used in Plasco's proprietary modular Plasma Gasification Process (PGP).

The Foxboro DCS will provide process and facility control in the Plasco PGP, a non-incineration thermal decomposition process, which breaks down municipal solid waste (MSW) into simple components such as hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon monoxide. The sealed, highly efficient process uses heat from plasma arc generators and -- without emissions -- produces synthetic fuel gases, steam, and an inert solid slag byproduct, which can be used as light aggregate for concrete, roadway paving, and in various industrial products.

The I/A Series systems will control the PGP converters and gas quality management modules, enabling the process to produce a consistent quality, environmentally friendly synthetic gas. This gas can fuel engines for direct generation of electricity. Exhaust heat from the engines, along with steam from the PGP process itself, can also drive steam turbines in a combined-cycle electrical generation plant, for which Foxboro controls will also be utilized. Typically, nearly all of the electricity produced in such a system is available for local use or sale into the distribution grid, with only a small portion required to operate the process.

The scalable Plasco PGP energy recovery solution can help businesses and municipalities consume thousands of tons of solid waste annually. The Plasco PGP process design and Foxboro control systems are modular, allowing the combined-cycle generation plant to be expanded incrementally to suit MSW disposal and power needs.