HIGH-TEMPERATURE LIQUEFACTION OF WASTE PLASTICS

High-temperature liquefaction of commingled post-consumer plastics obt ained from the American Plastics Council was studied. The liquefaction reaction was carried out in a tubing bomb micro-reactor with operatin g temperatures of similar to 500 degrees C, hydrogen pressures of simi lar to 790 kPa cold and reaction times of 0-30 min. These high tempera tures were used to reduce the residence time required for liquefaction . Reactions were carried out in the absence of catalysts. Total conver sion and conversions to asphaltenes, oil, gas and coke were monitored. Total conversion as high as 100% was achieved. Gas yields up to 70% a nd oil yields as high as 60% were obtained. The kinetics of liquefacti on of these waste materials was studied. Maximum yield of liquid produ ct was obtained at similar to 500 degrees C and similar to 5-10 min re action time. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.