Thermal de-polymerization process of plastic waste materials

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for producing liquid transportation fuel (15) based on plastic waste materials (10), comprising the step of: providing (S101) plastic waste materials (10) in molten form; de-polymerizing (S103) molten plastic waste materials (10) into a reaction chamber using a limestone catalyst (20) at a temperature ranging 420° C. to 450° C. under normal atmospheric pressure condition of 1 Bar; and introducing (S106) gaseous de-polymerized products (25) to a distillation unit thereby allows the gaseous de-polymerized products (25) to be fractionally distilled and condensed into liquid transportation fuels (15).

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a catalytic thermal de-polymerization process of plastic waste materials. More particularly, relates to the use of a solid catalyst to convert plastic waste materials into high quality liquid fuels at a substantially low temperature without affecting yields thereof.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0002]Increasing awareness on environmental and health-related problems associated with most conventional waste plastics management methods, in which the plastic wastes has generally been burned, buried or landfilled has become a driving force to the scientists and inventors nowadays, to propose more environmentally responsible waste management solutions-pyrolysis and de-polymerization of plastic wastes.[0003]The pyrolysis and de-polymerization processes, unlike current plastic waste disposal methods, however, have successfully recovered resources, crude oils and / or natural gas of particular, from the plastic wastes. Such waste management solu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a process for breaking down waste plastic into its constituent monomers using a limestone catalyst. This process can occur at a low temperature and pressure, making it easy to convert the monomers into liquid fuel.

Problems solved by technology

Such waste plastics pyrolysis process, as understood by one skilled in the art, has successfully alleviated limitations generally observed in fluidized bed process, for example, back mixing of pyrolysis products, non-uniformity of the fluidized bed, and more importantly low yield of valuable aromatic and high molecular hydrocarbons.

However, this technology is relatively expensive since it is a multistep stage process and requires high temperature and high pressure conditions to completely decompose the plastic wastes into hydrocarbon oils.

Furthermore, additional step such as removal of coke deposited on the fluidized bed by means of combustion at a temperature between 600° C. and 900° C. is required and thus contributes to a high maintenance cost.

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