Simulation of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Pyrolysis and Optimisation of Pyro-Oil Yield

• Published in: International polymer processing Vol. 35; no. 2; pp. 229 - 235
• Main Authors: Adeniyi, A. G., Ighalo, J. O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: De Gruyter 29.04.2020
• ISSN: 0930-777X; 2195-8602
• DOI: 10.3139/217.3883

Plastic pyrolysis has been studied over the years and has been proven to be a viable method of converting waste materials into useful products. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is of particular interest as it makes up a significant part of solid waste stream. Aspen HYSYS was used to model the steady-state pyrolysis of waste low-density polyethylene (LDPE) based on a combination of kinetic and thermodynamic approaches. The results of the numerical optimisation (at a basis of 10 kg/h feed) showed that 100% conversion and a maximum of 91.6% oil yield can be achieved at a temperature of 449 °C and a purge gas flowrate of 1.21 kg/h. Reaction temperature was found to be a more important process factor than purge gas flowrate. Correlations were also developed for the prediction of oil yield and reaction conversion based on the process temperature and purge gas flowrate. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the correlations for both reaction conversion and oil yield were statistically significant.