PYROLYSIS (how to degrade plastic and obtain fuel from it)

PLASTIC WASTE

PLASTICS

Plastics are polymeric materials composed of synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds.

polymer structure

Plastics can be molded into solid shapes as required to make desired objects that can be used for various purposes

Plastics are organic polymers usually derived from petrochemicals.

Plastics are widely used in packaging industries and in some building applications as piping.

The world’s first synthetic plastic was discovered in New York in 1907.

plastic polymers

NATURE OF PLASTICS

As enzymes are specific in their action they cannot break down synthetic (man made) materials such as plastic which gives rise to NON-BIODEGRADABLE NATURE OF PLASTICS.

Due to this plastics persist in environment for a long time and lead to pollution.

plastic waste

A SOLUTION HAS BEEN FOUND RECENTLY TO DEGRADE PLASTIC

PYROLYSIS

This process converts waste plastic into valuable products such as wax to provide maximum ecological balance.

In this process plastic is heated in absence of oxygen ( 500 degree celsius ) copper container is ideally suited to this step as copper is a good conductor of heat .

The vapours from the copper container pass to a condenser through a pipe

The vapours are condensed and converted into wax and some impure oil.

The vapours that do not condense pass out of condenser through the second end. ( these gases are flammable and can be used as fuel )

pyrolysis process

PYROLYSIS FUEL

Pyrolysis fuel (wax) is a synthetic fuel which can be used as a substitute for petroleum after proper refinement.

It is a kind of tar with high oxygen content which results in non-volatility and corrosiveness.

pyrolysis fuel

DISADVANTAGES OF PYROLYSIS

EMISSION OF HARMFUL GASES

Combustion of pyrolysis fuel leads to emission of gases like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide

PRODUCTION COST

The production cost of pyrolysis fuel ( wax ) is 58% higher than the market prices.

FLASH POINT

Also pyrolysis fuel has a very low flash point less than 40 degrees lower than diesel which influences it’s transportation and storage

ADVANTAGES

It is a sustainable management that converts plastic fuel into source of energy.

It provides ecological balance by using plastic waste.

This process can be made economical by proper management.