Utilization plastic waste using pyrolysis fixed bed

Abstract

This investigative research aims to convert urban non-organic waste fuels such as plastic waste into energy using fixed bed pyrolysis technology. Pyrolysis fixed bed (PFB) is one of the most efficient technologies for converting various types of undegradable solid waste into thermal energy and liquid fuels with high efficiency. The study was conducted on a lab-scale PFB reactor with dimensions of 15 cm and 55 cm in diameter and bed height respectively. The reactor is equipped with a cooling and decomposition system to accommodate liquid and gas products. Reactor temperature variations using an external heater were tested and quartz sands were selected as a bed material to improve the temperature function of the PFB reactor so as the maximum quality and quantity of liquid product were obtained. The fuel properties of the derived oil were tested including their physical properties, calorific value, elemental measurement (CHNOS) analysis. The results of the study showed that the increase in temperature resulted in an increased pyrolysis performance which was indicated by the increased volume and liquid caloric value.