Abstract: The safe operation of pyrolytic-based, hazardous waste processing systems is accomplished by rapidly controlling an oxygen to product gas ratio and pressures within such systems.

Abstract: Hazardous waste can be processed using novel, ruggedized and flexible methods and systems. Such novel methods and systems comprise a survivable processing vessel designed to withstand shock, vibration and stresses encountered when, for example, the system is moved from one hazardous waste site to another and a carbon conversion unit which essentially prevents the release of pollutants into the surrounding environment by substantially reducing the amount generated. In addition, such methods and systems provide the ability to switch a supply of gas to dual plasma arc torches from air to an inert gas or vice-versa in order to maintain a critical oxygen ratio under a certain threshold as different types of waste are destroyed. The lack of water at certain sites is overcome by recirculating water and by using a closed-loop cooling system. Similarly, the lack of certain fuels to run the system is overcome by utilizing a single fuel.