Knowledge What type of plastic is best for pyrolysis? (5 Key Factors to Consider)
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Tech Team · Kintek Solution

Updated 2 months ago

What type of plastic is best for pyrolysis? (5 Key Factors to Consider)

When it comes to pyrolysis, not all plastics are created equal.

The best types of plastic for pyrolysis are those that yield high oil content.

These include PP (Polypropylene), PE (Polyethylene), and PS (Polystyrene), which can reach oil yields of over 90%.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), white plastic sheets, and plastic cable sheaths are also suitable, with oil yields ranging from 40% to 80%.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) are not recommended for pyrolysis due to their chlorine and oxygen content, which can cause issues in the process.

5 Key Factors to Consider

What type of plastic is best for pyrolysis? (5 Key Factors to Consider)

1. High Oil Yield Plastics

Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), and Polystyrene (PS) are particularly suitable for pyrolysis.

They yield high amounts of oil, often over 90%.

This high yield makes them economically viable and efficient for the pyrolysis process.

2. Other Suitable Plastics

Other plastics like ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), white plastic sheets, and plastic cable sheaths also undergo pyrolysis effectively.

Though with slightly lower oil yields ranging from 40% to 80%, these materials are still beneficial for pyrolysis due to their availability and the relative ease of processing.

3. Unsuitable Plastics

Plastics containing chlorine (like PVC) and oxygen (like PET) are not recommended for pyrolysis.

These materials can release harmful gases and residues during pyrolysis, which can corrode equipment and pose environmental and health risks.

PVC, in particular, releases hydrochloric acid when heated, which can be detrimental to the pyrolysis equipment and the environment.

4. Process Considerations

The pyrolysis process involves heating the plastic to break down the large molecules into smaller ones, primarily oil and gas.

This process can be enhanced with the use of catalysts, known as catalytic pyrolysis, to improve the efficiency and product quality.

Cold plasma pyrolysis is another advanced method that can recover more ethylene and convert a higher percentage of plastic weight into valuable products, offering a more sustainable and efficient approach.

5. Safety and Equipment

When selecting a pyrolysis technology, safety is a critical factor.

The process involves handling flammable materials at high temperatures, so equipment safety, human safety, and process safety are essential.

Modern pyrolysis plants are designed to be robust and safe, minimizing the risks associated with the handling of high-temperature materials.

Continue exploring, consult our experts

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