From testing space capsule heat shields to cleaning up the world's waste.
Where it began
APEC's version of plasma torches was first developed to recreate the searing heat a space capsule faces on re-entry, so heat shields could be tested on the ground. Our team has spent more than 40 years with this technology, carrying it from aerospace labs into metal refining, melting and, eventually, large-scale plasma-assisted gasification and raw syngas refining. Along the way one question kept coming back: if plasma can tame temperatures that extreme, why are we still burying and burning the materials it could turn into something useful?
Why it matters
APEC exists to answer that question. Plasma can break down municipal, industrial and hazardous waste into clean syngas, and turn what remains into a safe glassy slag that can be reused as aggregate or cement additive. That syngas can be converted to hydrogen, ammonia, sustainable fuels or electricity. We apply plasma only where it truly outperforms other energy sources, so cleaner outcomes also make economic sense for our clients.
Why now
The world is searching for practical ways to cut emissions, recover value from waste and produce low-carbon fuels. Our Non-Equilibrium Plasma (NEP) torch, a new and more efficient way to refine raw syngas, is moving from development into commercial use, backed by federal government funding and a European partnership. After decades of groundwork, the technology and the market have finally met, and that makes this an exciting time to be part of what we are building.
APEC's team brings experience applying plasma and thermal processing technologies across a range of demanding industrial applications and is open to discussing how plasma can help your unique process.
Gasification
Plasma-assisted gasification converts waste and other carbon-based feedstocks into syngas, using plasma heat to drive near-complete conversion.
Syngas Refining and Melting
Plasma refines raw syngas by converting tars into usable fuel gas, while plasma melting turns inorganic residues into a dense, inert slag.
Hazardous Waste Destruction
Extreme plasma temperatures break hazardous organic compounds down into inherently non-toxic simple molecules, achieving very high destruction efficiency for difficult waste streams.
Heavy Metal Encapsulation
Vitrification locks heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and chromium into a dense silica matrix that inhibits leaching, producing an inert slag.
Chemical Synthesis (H₂ and Ammonia)
Plasma and thermal processes supply the energy and reactive conditions needed for chemical synthesis, including the production of hydrogen and ammonia.
Precious Metals Extraction
High-temperature plasma smelting recovers precious and platinum-group metals from complex feeds such as spent catalysts and electronic scrap.
Powder Spray Coating
Plasma spray deposits ceramic and metallic powders as dense, high-performance coatings for wear, corrosion and thermal protection.
Nuclear Waste Disposal
Plasma melting and vitrification reduce the volume of radioactive waste and immobilize it in a stable, glass-like form suited to long-term storage.
Plasma Arc Welding
A constricted plasma arc delivers focused, stable heat for precise, high-quality welding of metals.
Intellectual Property
Our leadership's patented work.
APEC's President and Director are named inventors on 16 patent families covering non-equilibrium plasma syngas refining, tar conversion, and plasma-assisted gasification.
Focus Areas
Where APEC adds value.
APEC offers expertise to support traditional users of plasma torches in upgrading their facilities to more efficient, streamlined systems, and to maximize torch-specific characteristics for the application at hand. APEC's strengths in plasma-assisted conversion also allow it to assist users of traditional gasifiers in improving their yields and lowering the overall power consumption and operating cost.
Process Development
Green-minded support to help clients align efficient processes with current commercially viable environmental development trends.
Plasma Torch Design
Cost-competitive and functionally superior custom plasma arc torches, developed specifically for each client's application.
Power Minded
APEC helps reduce clients' process power consumption and environmental footprint.
Process Control Optimisation
Helping drive and refine clients' process control schemes.
Market Analysis
Helping clients maximize profits with lower-cost plasma solutions.
Global Reach
Headquartered in Canada and positioned for global reach, with APEC's first projects already underway across three regions.
First projectsCanadaUSAEurope
APEC milestones.
Key steps in APEC's growth, from research and development grants to company formation and projects in North America and Europe, and the vision guiding what comes next.
Research & development grants
Grant 1Development of Patent 1 concept
Grant 2Development of Patent 2 concept
Grant 3Development of Patent 3 concept
Grant 4Competitive landscape search
OngoingFederal government grant for commercializing NEP
Company & projects
CompanyIncorporation
Project · USAThermal torch use
Project · USAHigh-temperature refractory selection in a plasma-equipped reactor
Project · EuropeMoU with European client
Project · EuropeNEP deployment
UpcomingEurope: NEP project scope expansion
The Past, The Present, The Future
To improve on what APEC knows well
To realize collaboration with other specialists
To participate in projects in the fields of:
Conversion of waste and/or raw syngas to value-added products
APEC is advancing its Non-Equilibrium Plasma (NEP) technology from development into commercial use:
Ongoing federal government grant for commercializing NEP
MoU signed with a European client
NEP deployment in Europe
NEP deployment project expansion upcoming in Europe
Technology
APEC is seeking partners and collaborators
APEC is looking to work with organizations in the following areas:
Technology and project partners and collaborators
Project delivery partners for existing and future projects
Marketing and business development partners
Partnership
APEC expands engineering services team
APEC has grown its engineering services team with new roles such as:
Senior Electrical Engineer
Intermediate Electrical Engineer
Syngas Characterization Specialist
CFD Modeling
Company
Industry Background
Plasma gasification on Discovery Channel.
Discovery Channel
Archival Discovery Channel feature on plasma gasification, featuring Andreas Tsangaris, now President of APEC.
Courtesy of Discovery Channel
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Quick answers about APEC's plasma technology, services and how to work with us.
What is non-equilibrium plasma (NEP), and how is it different from thermal plasma?
Non-equilibrium plasma, often called "cold plasma", is a state in which the gas is ionized but only partially energized. Electrons reach thousands of degrees while the bulk gas stays much cooler, which creates a highly catalytic plasma with reduced thermal waste. Thermal plasma, by contrast, fully energizes the gas and is used where very high temperatures are needed, such as melting and vitrification.
When does APEC recommend using plasma?
Only where it justifies itself. Plasma is applied where other forms of energy cannot compare and where the improved results justify the added cost, leaving other heat sources to handle the rest of the process. The goal is to improve the economics of the overall process, not just the plasma step.
Can we test plasma on our own gas stream before investing?
Yes. Upon request, APEC can bring its portable Plasma Processing Development and Demonstration System (P2D2) on site to test and treat your gas streams. The rig handles up to 5% of a commercial facility's gas output, so you can evaluate effectiveness and overall economic improvements before making a substantial financial commitment.
What feedstocks and waste streams can be processed?
APEC supports challenging waste streams including raw syngas from municipal solid waste, biomedical waste, industrial and hazardous waste, heterogeneous waste materials, and biomass residuals.
What end products can be produced?
Examples include hydrogen, biofuels such as biodiesel, methanol, synthetic natural gas and aviation fuels, ammonia, and syngas for electrical generation or chemical synthesis. Vitrified slag from plasma melting can also be used as a cement additive, glass fibers, blasting material or clean aggregate.
What plasma torch sizes does APEC work with?
APEC has operational experience with and access to thermal plasma torches from 50 to 3,500 kW, with scalability for custom applications. Both transferred and non-transferred arc configurations are available, and the torches operate without the need for stabilizing noble gases. NEP torches from 1 kW to 50 kW have been tested and are available.
Can APEC help upgrade an existing plasma or gasification facility?
Yes. APEC supports traditional users of plasma torches in upgrading to more efficient, streamlined systems, and helps users of traditional gasifiers improve yields and lower overall power consumption and operating costs.
Is APEC's technology available for licensing?
Yes. APEC's proprietary technology is open for licensing, with fees commensurate with each client's requirements.
Where is APEC based, and does it work internationally?
APEC is headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, with current projects in Canada, USA, and Europe.
How do we start a discussion with APEC?
Use the contact form below, email contact@appliedplasmaec.com, or call +1 613 695 0826 to start a technical discussion about your process.
Technology
Non-Equilibrium Plasma Torches
Raw syngas from a gasifier is full of tars and impurities, and cleaning it has always meant more heat, more energy and more cost. APEC's Non-Equilibrium Plasma torch takes a different path: instead of heating the whole gas stream, it energizes the electrons that drive the chemistry. The result is cleaner syngas for a fraction of the thermal energy.
Cleaner syngas, with far less energy spent getting there.
Non-Equilibrium Plasma (NEP) is a state of plasma known as "cold plasma," where the gas is ionized but only partially energized. Electrons reach thousands of degrees while atomic nuclei stay at much lower temperatures, rising only a few hundred degrees. This creates a highly catalytic plasma with reduced thermal waste.
Design
APEC's torches introduce process gases exclusively through the torch body, where the plasma arc is applied. This direct interaction between the arc plume, reactant gas, and working gas enables efficient catalysis transfer without requiring external water cooling.
Balancing Reactant (Air, Oxygen, Steam etc.)
Examples of Applications
Synthesis of hydrogen from methane and other gases
Production of refined syngas (H₂ + CO) from raw syngas
Treatment of hazardous hydrocarbons
Operational Advantages
Lower bulk operating temperatures enable extended run periods with minimal downtime, greater overall efficiency, and lower cost refractory/insulation (if any). Minimal routine maintenance focuses only on electrode replacement.
Plasma Processing Development and Demonstration System
Adopting new technology is a big decision, and no one should have to commit before seeing the results on their own process. That is why APEC built P2D2, a portable demonstration system that comes to your site and treats your real gas stream, so the numbers you base your decision on are your own.
See plasma working on your own gas before you invest.
Upon request, APEC can bring its portable Plasma Processing Development and Demonstration System (P2D2) on site to test and treat a client's gas streams. This allows potential clients to evaluate plasma technology effectiveness and overall economic improvements before making a substantial financial commitment.
The P2D2 system currently resides at APEC's Campbell's Bay Test Facility, where upgrades are underway to enhance its independent operational capabilities.
System Specifications
The demonstration rig is designed to handle up to 5% of a commercial facility's gas output from primary gasifiers.
Key Features
Temperature regulation maintained throughout the gas processing cycle until it reaches the NEP torch
Optional particulate matter removal capability
Additive gas provision to optimize plasma catalysis outcomes
Flexible output options: return treated gas to the process, or route to an external treatment system
Thermal plasma torches were born in aerospace, built to recreate the heat of re-entry so spacecraft heat shields could be tested on the ground. APEC's team has spent decades turning that same extreme heat into a practical industrial tool, one that can melt, destroy or transform materials that ordinary burners cannot touch.
Space-age heat, put to work on everyday industrial problems.
APEC specializes in high temperature plasma, energized fully dissociated gas molecules, created by directing gas through an electric arc within the torch. The resulting plasma plume can process gases, liquids, and solids.
APEC's Thermal Plasma Torch in Operation
Key Applications
Flow conversion and vitrification of solid waste
Destruction of hazardous materials
Tar cracking and syngas production
High temperature coatings with particle injection
Testing heat-resistant materials
Advanced plasma applications (patent pending)
Technical Capabilities
APEC's thermal plasma torches operate efficiently without the need of stabilizing noble gases. Current operational experience spans 50-750kVA scales, with scalability for custom applications. Both transferred and non-transferred arc configurations are available. A partner firm brings experience from 750 to 3,500 kW (plasma supply company).
APEC welcomes inquiries about new plasma applications and can help replace legacy systems with modern alternatives.
Every year, waste residuals that cannot be recycled end up in landfill, where hazardous components can leach into the ground for generations. Plasma melting turns that problem around: at temperatures above 8,000°C, waste shrinks dramatically and is locked into a stable, glass-like material that can even be reused.
Waste that would sit in landfill becomes a safe, reusable material.
Plasma torches can be utilized to recover valuable calorific value from diverse waste residuals. The process works by converting organic components into syngas, while subjecting inorganic materials to temperatures exceeding 8,000°C, reducing most waste to molten slag.
Molten Slag Discharge
Key Benefits
Beyond immense volume reduction (proven at 200:1), the plasma melting process encapsulates hazardous molecules within a dense metallic matrix that inhibits leaching. The resulting vitrified material has commercial applications, potentially serving as a cement additive, glass fibers, blasting material or clean aggregate, with APEC offering consultation on these opportunities.
A gasification plant is only as good as the engineering behind it. Small decisions on feedstock, reactor conditions and syngas cleanup decide whether a facility makes money or struggles. APEC brings decades of hands-on experience to those decisions, helping clients design new plants and get more out of the ones they already run.
Experienced engineering that turns gasification into a working business.
APEC provides comprehensive expertise across gasification processes, including feedstock handling, syngas conversion, and system refinement. APEC's plasma-assisted gasification is known to convert all the hydrogen and virtually all the carbon into a syngas.
Feedstock-to-Syngas Process Flow
APEC supports both facility upgrades and new installations, handling challenging waste streams such as municipal solid waste, biomedical waste, industrial waste, and biomass feedstocks.
Inside a plasma reactor, temperatures and chemistry are harsh enough to destroy ordinary materials. The vessel and its lining quietly decide how long a plant runs between shutdowns and how much it costs to keep running. APEC designs reactors and selects refractories so that the extreme conditions stay inside, and the plant keeps working.
The right reactor and lining keep a plasma plant running longer, for less.
Plasma reactors operate under some of the most demanding thermal and chemical conditions in industrial processing. APEC designs reactor vessels and specifies refractory linings engineered to withstand these conditions, protecting core equipment and sustaining performance over the life of the system.
Reactor Design Considerations
Reactor geometry and residence time tailored to feedstock characteristics and target syngas quality
Thermal expansion and cycling accounted for across startup, steady-state, and shutdown conditions
Integrated cooling and temperature monitoring to protect structural components
Modular construction that simplifies inspection, maintenance, and refractory replacement
Refractory Selection
Refractory materials are chosen to match the specific chemistry and severity of each application, weighing the following factors in particular:
Chemical compatibility with process gases, slag, and ash composition
Resistance to thermal shock from rapid temperature swings
Erosion and corrosion resistance under high-velocity gas flow
Service temperature rating relative to peak reactor operating conditions
Lifecycle cost, balanced against installation effort and maintenance downtime
APEC's Approach
APEC combines decades of plasma processing experience with refractory engineering expertise to specify linings and reactor geometries suited to each client's feedstock and process conditions, reducing unplanned downtime and extending time between relines.
Waste keeps growing, and so does the demand for hydrogen and low-carbon fuels. APEC sits where those two trends meet, with proprietary plasma technology moving from development into commercial projects in Canada, USA, and Europe. Investing now means joining at the moment the groundwork turns into growth.
A proven team and technology, at the point of commercial growth.
APEC is expanding. With current projects in Canada, USA, and Europe, and an ongoing federal government grant supporting the commercialization of its Non-Equilibrium Plasma (NEP) technology, APEC welcomes investors and collaborators who want to help bring cleaner waste and syngas conversion technology to market. This would enable optimal execution of its current projects at the same time as developing and signing new ones.
If you are interested in investing in plasma technology for the circular economy, we would like to hear from you.
Our expertise
Plasma torch design, testing and operation
Process and chemical engineering
Syngas characterization and analysis
Electrical, instrumentation and controls engineering
CFD and process modelling
Investment opportunities
APEC is open to investment and strategic collaboration as it grows.
Details of current investment opportunities will be shared here. In the meantime, contact APEC to start a confidential discussion.
Every client arrives with a different challenge: a difficult waste stream, a gasifier that underperforms, or a new process that needs a reliable heat source. APEC starts by understanding that challenge, then applies plasma only where it genuinely improves the result and the economics.
Solutions shaped around your process, not ours.
APEC works with clients to improve plasma and gasification processes, from upgrading existing plasma torch systems and refining raw syngas to testing new applications on site before a major investment.
Bring us your process challenge, and we will help you evaluate where plasma can add value.
Our expertise
Plasma torch design, testing and operation
Process and chemical engineering
Syngas characterization and analysis
Electrical, instrumentation and controls engineering
CFD and process modelling
How we work with clients
Process development and optimisation
Custom plasma torch design
On-site testing with the P2D2 demonstration system
Engineering services for gasification applications
Technology licensing
Syngas sampling and characterization
Have a process you would like to improve?
Tell us about your application and we will start a technical discussion.
At APEC, the work is real and the impact is visible: torches that run, waste that becomes energy, and projects that move from drawings to operating plants. If you want to build technology that helps the world deal with its waste and energy challenges, there is a place for you here.
Engineering work that makes a visible difference.
APEC is based in Ottawa, Ontario, and develops plasma arc and non-equilibrium plasma technology for clients' green strategy applications, with current projects in Canada, USA, and Europe.
If you see yourself helping turn waste and raw syngas into clean energy and valuable products, consider a career with APEC.
Current openings
There are currently no job openings at this time.
We welcome general applications from engineers and specialists who share our interest in plasma technology.
Behind APEC is a group of engineers and scientists who have spent their careers working with plasma, from early torch development to commercial-scale gasification. They share a belief that this technology can change how the world handles waste and energy, and the experience to make it happen.
Decades of plasma experience, focused on one mission.
APEC's team brings together leadership, hands-on engineering, and industry advisory experience to support plasma technology development and deployment. Select a team member to read their bio.
For plasma technology, licensing, demonstration work, system integration, or a new industrial application, contact APEC to start a technical discussion.
