Question
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Pyrolysis-based technology can convert plastics-rich refuse-derived fuel into extractor-ready BTX product, but the substantial energy input and processing challenges compel the petrochemical industry to consider waste gasification alternatives. How do you see this evolving?
Dec-2022
Answers
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Ghoncheh Rasouli, KBC (A Yokogawa Company), Ghoncheh.Rasouli@kbc.global
Recycling chemical plastics drives sustainability and decarbonisation. Additionally, it decreases waste and pollution, reduces the consumption of limited natural resources, such as oil, and leads to the production of synthetic feedstock.
For plastics to be completely recycled, chemical recycling technologies must be developed to achieve the complete recycling of plastics. While the gasification of plastic waste aims to recycle or reuse plastic waste by converting it into valuable gases, it does not provide the required light/heavy hydrocarbon feed for petrochemical plants and refineries. Pyrolysis-based technology, however, recycles synthetic light- and heavy-hydrocarbon feedstock to the petrochemical plant and refinery. This results in high-end quality products while reducing the need for further upgrade downstream.
In addition, plastic pyrolysis technology decreases waste production during polymer production and reduces oil usage, NOx and SOx emissions, and landfill waste. Plastic pyrolysis is an excellent technology for managing plastic waste and mitigating ecological risks, but it can be complex. To reduce this complexity, process simulation and optimisation software can be used to model the kinetic reaction network, calibrate the model, observe and analyse the effect of different feedstocks and operate conditions on KPIs while increasing yield and thermal efficiency.
Pyrolysis can evolve with the development of the following two new technologies where plastic waste could be converted to potential feedstock:
Catalytic pyrolysis Using a catalyst reduces cracking temperature and energy consumption to convert plastic waste into fuel and other commodities. Advantages include improved efficiency and product selectivity, which results in high-end quality products, reducing the need for further upgrade downstream. This method could save 3.5 billion barrels of oil from polymer production and save nearly USD 40 million annually.Thermal pyrolysis Uses energy provided by electrical jacket, green hydrogen as a fuel, and hydrocarbon-based fuel consumption with optimised combustion to not only reduce emissions but also increase combustion efficiency and carbon capture. This oil can be blended with diesel to be used in engines. Although the process produces corrosive hydrochloric acid, it can be avoided by adding an absorber.
Dec-2022
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