What plastics can be used in pyrolysis plant?

Pyrolysis plant can convert waste plastic to high quality liquid oil through pyrolysis process. The liquid oil produced is of high quality as it can be used in multiple applications without any upgradation or treatment, so it is highly advisable. But I have to tell you that not all plastics can be used in pyrolysis plant to get oil.

The commonly used plastics can be classified into six different types of plastics such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP) and Polystyrene (PS).

The six types of plastics commonly used

PET - not suitable

PET plastics are mainly used for packaging of food products, fruit juice containers, mineral water bottles, soft drink bottles etc. PET plastics have other applications in the production of electrical insulation, printing sheets, magnetic tapes, X-ray and other photographic films. The extensive applications of PET plastics contribute huge amount of plastic waste that endangers the environment because of their disposal problems. However, it is not a good raw material for pyrolysis plant, because the pyrolysis oil produced had acidic characteristic which is unfavorable to use in I.C. engines directly due to its corrosiveness that deteriorates the fuel quality.

HDPE - 84.7% oil yield

There are wide range of applications for HDPE. It is typically used for the production of milk bottles, detergent bottles, oil containers, toys and many more. It is the third largest plastic type found in MSW (Municipal Solid Waste). When the temperature is at 550°C the liquid oil yield obtained can reach 84.7% and gaseous product was found to be 16.3%.

PVC - not suitable

PVC is exceptional from other thermoplastics such as polyethylene, polystyrene and polypropylene and it is manufactured from the mixture of chlorine (57%) and carbon (43%). Due to the chlorine content, PVC have high fire resistance, and is suitable for electrical insulation. Pyrolysis plant is not advisable for PVC plastic as it produce HCl fumes which is highly toxic when heated at high temperature.

LDPE - 95% oil yield

In comparison with HDPE, LDPE has more branching. LDPE waste is the second largest plastic waste in MSW after PP. At a temperature of 500°C, the liquid yield obtained from LDPE was 95% with low gas yield and negligible amount of char. It is really a good feedstock for pyrolysis plant.

PP - 82.12% oil yield

PP have high chemical as well as heat resistance properties. It does not melt below than 160°C. PP has high hardness and rigidity which makes it preferable for plastic industry. Unlike HDPE, PP has a lower density. It is the largest contributor of plastics in MSW. The diversified applications of PP include making of flowerpot, office folders, car bumpers, buckets, carpets, various furniture, storage boxes etc. 82.12 % of liquid yield is obtained when the temperature is 500°C.

PS - 98.7% oil yield

Due to its reasonable durability, strength and lightness, PS is used in variety of applications including in food packaging, electronics, construction, medical, appliances, toys and many more. The only way for the recovery of PS waste is pyrolysis process which converted it into high quality liquid oil. 98.7 % of liquid oil was obtained at a temperature of 600°C.

The liquid oil obtained from plastic by pyrolysis plant

Of course, you can use a mixture of plastics suitable for pyrolysis plant because pyrolysis does not require a keen sorting of different plastics. Now you should know which plastics can be used in plastic pyrolysis plant. If you are still not sure whether your plastic raw materials can be turned into oil by our pyrolysis plant, you can consult us and our engineer will give you a definite answer and the best solution.