CONVERSION OF WASTE PLASTICS (POLYETHYLENE) TO FUEL

by Bibhuranjan Bihari B.Tech(P.E),7th Sem

INTRODUCTION
Municipal solid wastes which consist of plastics has become essential in our society today and the world at large . Due to their light weight , durability, energy efficiency, coupled with a faster rate of production and design flexibility, these plastics are employeed in entire industrial and domestic area. These wastes can be reused for the production of hydrocarbons such as fuel.

OBJECTIVE
To

make fuels from waste materials such as plastic wastes which are one of the resources for fuel production because of its high heat of generation.

METHODS OF CONVERTING PLASTICS TO

FUEL

The conversion methods of waste plastics into fuel depend on the types of plastics to be targeted. Different methods are: 1. Pyrolysis 2. Random depolymerization

PYROLYSIS
It refers to the thermochemical decompostion of organic material at elevated temperature under an innert gas like nitrogen. It occurs under pressure and at temperature above 430c. Some plastic wastes which are suitable for pyrolysis are given below: HDPE & LDPE PP PS PVA PVC etc

Now we will discus only about low density polyethylene (LDPE) since it is commonly found around our environment. Polyethylene is an excellent source of hydrocarbon products.

It is highly resistant to thermal degradation, requiring a temperature of above 400C in order to exhibit sufficiently high degradation rates. The high temperature causes the loss of selectivity, increased secondary reactions, coke formations and reduced catalyst life. The general catalyst used for pyrolysis is silica-alumina.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PYROLYSIS PROCESS

LDPE:1. Prepared by high pressure of ethylene

2. It is made from petrolium

3. Density range: 0.910 0.940 g/cm

Reactor :
-It is a stainless steel tube of length 145mm, internal diameter 37mm, outer diameter 41mm sealed at one end and an outlet tube at the other end. -The reactor is to be placed inside the furnace for external heating with the raw material inside for internal heating. -The reactor is made with the following: stainless steel, mild steel and clay for lagging. -The reactor is heated by electrical heating to temperature of about 500oC and more

Furnace:
-It provides the heat the reactor needs for pyrolysis to take place. -It has a thermocouple to control the temperature. Condenser : -It cools all the heated vapour coming out of the reactor. -It has an inlet and an outlet for cold water to run through its outer area. -This is used for cooling of the vapour. Control Panel : -The whole process is controlled with the control panel

Diagram of the reactor

Front view of the assembled parts

Schematic diagram of Pyrolysis Plant

DEPOLYMERIZATION
-This is reverse of polymerization. -If such breaking of long polymeric chain occurs randomly, it is called Random depolymerization.

-Here the polymer degrades to lower molecular fragments

-In the process of conversion of waste plastics into fuels, random depolymerization is carried out in a specially designed reactor in the absence of oxygen and in the presence of coal and certain catalytic additives.

-The maximum reaction temperature is 350C.

CONCLUSION

Plastic waste recycling is one of the most established recycling activities in economically developed countries. It must be done in all developing countries as it generates resources and providing jobs.

THANK YOU