Plastic Recycling through the Pyrolysis Process
Plastic Recycling through the Pyrolysis Process
A large amount of plastic waste generated every year is dumped on the earth’s surface. These plastics withstand all decomposition processes of nature. According to many statistical studies, the production of plastic in the world comes to more than 250 million tons every year. A huge amount of this plastic waste is used to fill lands, which in turn is likely to create major environmental threats in the future. People use and discard plastic on a daily basis. Usually plastic products are made out of combining more than one type of plastic. Each type requires different methods and treatments while recycling.
Using the technique of Pyrolysis process, any type of plastic waste can be broken down into smaller molecules and the output derived from the process is known as Bio Fuel or Pyrolysis Fuel. Only less than 15% of plastic waste can be recycled by using normal techniques. The Pyrolysis technology can recycle plastic waste without creating any hazards to nature.
By the year 2020, all plastic waste can be converted into useful bio fuel and will be subjected to thermal and mechanical processing with the help of Pyrolysis. Further research is being conducted on the process of Pyrolysis in order to ensure its capability in transforming plastic wastes into useful industrial products. Plastic materials cannot be recycled efficiently by any other recycling process.
The longer carbon chains of plastic molecules make it possible to be converted into fuels. A Pyrolysis plant uses the latest technology to recycle plastic wastes. The quality of the output will entirely depend on the feedstock or the raw material provided. The capacity of Pyrolysis plants will vary but some plants can recycle an average of 10000 ton plastic wastes every year. This type of plastic recycling can reduce environmental pollution because of carbon dioxide reduction. Oil generated from the waste plastic Pyrolysis is used as a fuel for power generators. Therefore optimum utilization of natural resources is also possible.
Benefits of Pyrolysis plastic recycling
Plastic Solid Waste or PSW is considered to be most harmful for human kind. The Pyrolysis process grinds these plastics in the absence of oxygen and produces a pure quality finished product called Pyrolysis oil. This process requires only plastic waste or tire wastes as the raw material. Every Pyrolysis plant uses green technology in order to carry forward the processes in an environmental friendly manner.
Advanced technology enables safety along with flexibility in operation and profitability. Energy derived from the recycling of plastic is used for the operations of the Pyrolysis plant and hence it can be considered as energy self-sufficient. External fuel is not used for heating purposes as well. The quality of the oil obtained from the plastic Pyrolysis process can be improved with the latest oil refining technology.
Industrial and household plastic wastes can be passed through the Pyrolysis plant for recycling, which can be considered as a major advantage of the Pyrolysis process. Plastic mixtures of Poly-Propylene, Poly-Ethylene and Poly-Styrene can be recycled through this process. Another highlighted feature of Pyrolysis plants is its low maintenance and running cost. The concept behind the Pyrolysis process can be said to be revolutionary in the sense that it is completely environmental friendly. No pollutants are generated from plastic waste Pyrolysis as the entire process is carried out in a closed environment.
Global level focus and consideration are required for plastic recycling through Pyrolysis as this process has the ability to convert a huge amount of plastic waste in the most efficient and effective manner. A positive approach towards this process ensures the recovery of valuable natural products. Both environmental and social benefits can be achieved from this process. With flexible utilization of the Pyrolysis process, fast disposal and recycling of plastic waste without the emission of ash and TCDD, which is a potent compound, are possible.