Investigation on Pyrolysis Process with waste Plastics as Feedstock

Abstract

Pyrolysis is a thermochemical conversion of carbonaceous feedstock in the absence of oxygen to produce syngas and/or oil. The disposal of plastic waste is a challenging task due to its diverse compositions. To overcome this problem, researchers had suggested various techniques. Plastic pyrolysis is one of the effective techniques to fulfill this requirement.

In this study, pyrolysis of different grades of plastic like HDPE, LDPE, PP & PS is carried out in the range of 350-550°C temperature. Due to the same, gases are generated and condensation of those gases is carried out in three different glass bottles attached in series with the reactor. It is observed that it is very difficult to perform pyrolysis of plastic because gases were condensed in the form of grease instead of oil. The wax obtained from the reactor seems to be of very good quality and combustible in nature.

It is very clear from the analysis that this process at the commercial level can be a very good start-up and very useful in solving problems of waste management and fuel requirement in industries simultaneously. About 82% of fuel oil can be obtained at 475 °C by pyrolysis of plastic wastes. The major factors influencing the plastic pyrolysis process and products are the chemical composition of the feedstock, cracking temperature, and heat rate.