Advanced BioFuels USA

by  KSL (Biofuels Digest/E2IG Solutions) … The constantly increasing demand for plastics have caused substantial plastic wastes accumulation in landfills, oceans and rivers that have aggravated environmental pollution problems. The rising plastics demand has contributed significantly to the depletion of petroleum as part of non-renewable fossil fuel since plastics are petroleum-based materials. First (1^st) Generation alternatives that have been developed to manage plastic wastes include incineration, crude re-purposing recycling and energy recovery (melting) methods. However, there were some considerable drawbacks of these recycling methods as it required high labor costs for the separation process and caused atmospheric and water contamination that not only reduced the process sustainability but posed grave health hazards while hindering the big cause – addressing circular economy in the sector.

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Due to these drawbacks, the focus has now shifted to compensate the high energy demand by subsequently recycling the feedstocks. Through extensive research and technology development, the plastic waste conversion to precursor materials is being pursued globally. As petroleum was the main source of plastic manufacturing, the recovery of plastic to liquid oil has great potential since the oil produced had high calorific value comparable with commercial fuels. Most importantly, the valuable chemicals from these waste streams can now be extracted and diverted to the supply chain already existing within the plastics industry, thus contributing immensely to the circular economy. 

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I provide a concise global summary of plastic recycling for each type developed globally and a discussion of the main affecting parameters to optimize liquid oil yield using standard processes and technologies available. Some of the best alternative for plastic waste conversion and economics in terms of operation are highlighted. The flexibility that it provides in terms of product preference (and market demand) can be achieved by adjusting the parameters accordingly. Most processes could be done in both thermal and catalytic process. However, the catalytic process provides for lower operating temperatures with greater yields of liquid oil for most plastics with the right catalyst selection. The sustainability of the process is unquestionable since the amount of plastic wastes available in every country has attained millions of tons. With the gasification, pyrolysis, and CAT-HTR process and many others, the waste management becomes more efficient, less capacity of landfill needed, less pollution and also cost effective.  READ MORE

The Wonder from Down Under and the Flying Finns partner to divert waste plastic towards valuable materials, liquids (Biofuels Digest)

author name removed 12/21/20