Mixed plastics waste fuels produced

Kim JW, Mun TY, Kim JO, Kim JS. Air gasification of mixed plastic wastes using a two-stage gasifier for the production of producer gas with low tar and a high caloric value. Fuel 2011 90 2266-2272. 

The pyrolysis of mixed plastics containing PVC in supercritical water has also been demonstrated [96]. The temperature in the reactor increases from 200°C at the top to 1200°C at the bottom. HCl is generated in the first reaction zone. In the second zone, HCl continues to react with alkali metal and is removed, and residue and fuel gas which mainly consists of H2 and CHj are produced by reaction of plastic waste and supercritical water. In the third reaction zone, part of the residue produced was oxidized and CO and fuel gases were generated. 

As well as direct incineration of plastics waste, imder clean and efficient conditions, there has been some research into conversion into fuel oil, by chemical methods. The Veba Combi-Cracking (VCC) process produces synthetic crude oil under liquid phase hydration. In trials, 100 tonnes of mixed and contaminated plastics waste from normal domestic sources was hydrated to high quality oil, similar to that used as a source for diesel fuel. With metal-free granular material, costs were estimated at about DM 500/tonne. The process has also been used with polyurethane waste, producing oil that can be mixed with new oil (but costing over twice). 

Arcus gasification combuster is described and the principles upon which it works are explained. This combuster combines solid fuel gasification with the burning of the lean gases produced on a small capacity scale. The types of solid fuels which can be used are listed and these include segregated municipal waste and industrial waste such as rigid PU foam and plastics mixed with other materials. Uses of the gas produced are included. 

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