02-06-2012, 05:52 PM
FUEL FROM PLASTIC
ABSTRACT
Plastic is the general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic organic amorphous solid materials used in the manufacture of industrial products.All plastics are polymers mostly containing carbon and hydrogen and few other elements like chlorine, nitrogen, etc.When long chain of polymers break at certain points, or when lower molecular weight fractions are formed, this is termed as degradation of polymers.In the process of conversion of plastics into fuels, random depolymerization is carried out in a specially designed reactor in the absence of oxygen and in the presence of coal and certain catalytic additives. There is total conversion of waste plastics into value-added fuel products. Though the fuel so produced from the plastics waste could be used for running a four-stroke/100 cc motorcycle at a higher mileage rate, the inventor agrees that separation of petrol from the liquid fuel could be a complex generation. Nevertheless the product is good enough for use as an alternative clean fuel in boilers and other heating systems. It is, however, not the first time that fuel has been produced out of plastics waste. A Japanese company, M/s. Ozmotec, is already manufacturing fuel out of plastics waste at an industrial plant in Japan employing the Pyrolysis process. However, Prof. Zadgaonkara process is a continuous one and hence is cheaper, whereas the Japanese technology is a batch process and is comparatively costlier.Prof. Zadgaonkara’s process involves following steps, 1.Feed System, 2. Premelter, 3.Melter, 4.Dechlorination, 5.Reactor.. A live demonstration of the production of Liquid Fuel was made in the presence of ICPE led team in the laboratory. Three kgs of plastics scrap was used to produce about 2 litres of Liquid Fuel in about 3 hrs. The reaction was terminated after the trial demo. The fuel obtained was used in smooth running of a motorcycle, which was experienced by the visiting members. However, the inventor does not wish to claim the product as a substitute for Petrol or Diesel at this stage. The present use would be as a fuel for running boilers and other heating purposes.Advantages are reduces pollution helps in waste plastic degradation.Cheaper and quality fuel.Raw material readily available. Reduces pollution helps in waste plastic degradation.