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Conversion of plastic waste to fuel

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 A

MAJOR PROJECT REPORT

ON

CONVERSION OF PLASTIC WASTE TO FUEL

Submitted By: Guided By:

Rahul Gupta -16BCH048 Dr. Sanjay Patel
Jay Maradia -16BCH061 Professor

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
NIRMA UNIVERSITY

Page 1 of 35
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Mr.__________________________________________

student of Chemical Engineering, semester VIII, of Nirma University, has
satisfactorily completed the major project on “Conversion of plastic waste to Fuel”
as a partial fulfilment towards the degree of B. Tech. in Chemical Engineering.

Date:

Place: NIRMA UNIVERSITY, AHMEDABAD

Name of Guide Dr. Sanjay Patel

Designation of Guide Professor

Page 2 of 35
 Acknowledgement

I would like to thank our advisor Dr. Sanjay Patel for supporting our Major Project
on the topic “Conversion of Plastic waste to fuel”. I am glad that Institute of
Technology, Nirma University Chemical Engineering Department gave me the
opportunity to work on the above topic. I would like to thank Nirma University for
offering major project as a subject in engineering course.

Page 3 of 35
 INDEX

Sr no: TOPIC PG.

NO
1. Introduction VII-
VIII
2. Pyrolysis IX-XIII
2.1 Introduction IX
2.2 Process and its mechanism IX-X
2.3 Components of liquid fractions obtain using with and XI
without catalyst
2.4 Factors affecting pyrolysis XII
2.5 Advantages and disadvantages of pyrolysis XIII
2.6 Catalyst depolymerization XIII
3. Experiments XIV-
XXIV
3.1 Conversion of plastic to fuel in absence of catalyst XIV-
XV
3.2.1 Conversion of plastic to fuel in presence of XV-
catalyst (activated carbon)-Failure XVI
3.2 3.2.2 Conversion of plastic to fuel in presence of XVIII
catalyst (activated carbon)-Success
3.3 Conversion of plastic waste to fuel using NaHCO3 XIX-
XX
3.4 Conversion of plastic waste to fuel using MgCO3 XXI-
XXII
3.5 Conversion of Waste plastic to fuel using NaHCO3 XXIII-
XXIV

Page 4 of 35
 4. Material Safety Data Sheet XXV-
XXIX
5. Graphical Representation XXX-
XXXI
6. Analysis XXXII-
XXXIII
7. Conclusion XXXIV
8. References XXXV

List of Figures:

Sr. No. Figure Page No.

1 Global plastic production V
2 Formation of hydrocarbons by cracking VIII
3 Component in liquid fraction IX
4 Experimental setup for conversion of plastic to fuel XII
5 Combustible fuel produced by pyrolysis XIII
6 Experiment Failed due to back pressure XIX
7 Experiment ii XIX
8 Experiment iii part 1 XIX
9 Experiment iii part 2 XIX
10 Melting down of wax with help of Bunsen burner XXI
11 Formation of wax in Condenser XXI
12 Effect of different type of catalyst on Fuel production when Virgin PP is XXXI
used

Page 5 of 35
 13 Effects of different Feed to Catalyst Ratio on Pyrolytic Fuel in presence XXXI
of Sodium Bicarbonate
14 Comparison of Waste plastic and virgin PP in presence of Sodium XXXII
Bicarbonate as a Catalyst
15 Pensky-martens apparatus XXXIV
16 Pycnometer filled with Fluid XXXIV

List of tables:

Sr. Table Page no

No.
1 Variation of temperature with time XIII
2 Variation of Temperature vs time for Experiment 2 XVII
3 Observation table for Experiment 3 XVIII
4 Observation table for Experiment 4 XX
5 Observation table for Experiment 5 XXII
6 Comparison of Properties of the Waste Plastic Fuel XXXII-XXXIII
and Diesel fuel

Page 6 of 35
 ABSTRACT

Global production of plastic is increasing day by day and we as a human are sole responsible for
it. The main problem with the plastic is that it can’t be degraded by microorganism and so it harms
our environment. Its disposal is the main concern and so we have come up with various resourceful
ways to convert it to a reusable form. One of them is pyrolysis method. This is widely used methods
which convert waste plastic to fuel at low temperatures as compared to incineration. The fuel
produced from this method resembles with that of diesel and so can be used in Compression
ignition engine. In this paper we have undergone through various experiments by using various
catalyst. Initially Virgin PP was used as a feed and later on same experiments were performed
using waste plastic. We observed that Maximum yield was obtained when Waste plastic was used
along with Magnesium Carbonate as a Catalyst. Also Feed to catalyst ratio also played a major
role in the Volume of Pyrolytic Fuel. After the experiments were performed, they were analyzed
by finding out its Flash and Fire point, Aniline point, Density. It was then matched to the existing
parameters of fuel Available. In all the conversion was highly successful and can be used on a
larger scale.

Page 7 of 35
1. Introduction

1.1 Introduction[2,3]:

Plastic are used in various industries healthcare, construction, packaging, electronic, automotive.
The rise of the world population has caused the demand of commodity plastics to further increase.
According to statistic, the global production of plastic has reached about 299 million tons in 2013
and has increased by 4% over 2012.

The disposal of plastic in the landfill impacts negatively environment due to prolong degradation
time. So Nowadays, changing the waste into valuable power useful resource has been a super way
to absolutely make use of the waste with the intention to meet the improved power demand. Plastic
wastes can be changed into valuable power on account that they are derived from petrochemical
source which having extensive calorific value. The conversion may be made viable through several
thermal treatment’s technology such as gasification, pyrolysis, plasma technique and incineration.

Fig. 1.1 Global plastic production[2,3]

Page 8 of 35
So, let’s understand this method which is known as incineration of plastic waste. PE has same
calorific value as that of fuel oil and energy productions of both the substances are same making
Incineration of PE a viable option. But since this method produces greenhouse gases. This method
is not recommended.

Of all the methods, most widely used is the pyrolysis due to its various advantages such as the low
initial volume of waste and above all more amount of energy can be recovered from the plastic
waste by producing varieties of products. It also requires lower decomposition temperature and
capital cost is also quite low. Pyrolysis is the process of thermally degrading long chain polymer
molecules into smaller, less complex molecules through heat. The process requires intense heat
with shorter duration and in absence of oxygen. The major products produced during the process
are oil, gas and char. These three are very much valuable for the refineries and other industries.

The oil produced can be further used in multiple ways such as that in boilers, furnaces, turbines
and CI engines without any improvisation. The oil produced has received wide recognition due to
its environment friendly nature.

Page 9 of 35
2.Pyrolysis[2,3,8,9]

2.1 Introduction

Pyrolysis is the thermal degradation of organic materials at temperatures between 400 and 1,000°C
in the absence of oxygen. This results in the devolatilization and decomposition of the feedstock,
but the absence of oxygen means that no combustion occurs. Pyrolysis produces gas, liquid and
solid char, the relative proportions of which depend upon the method of pyrolysis and the operating
conditions of the pyrolysis reactor, chiefly the rate of heating, the operating temperature and
residence time within the pyrolysis reactor. Long residence times and low heating rates are typical
of processes such as charcoal manufacture, effectively converting the majority of the carbon
present in the feedstock into elemental carbon. As residence time reduces and heating rate
increases, the proportion of liquid produced increases as there is sufficient heat in the system to
boil off any compounds formed by the breaking of polymer chains. Very short residence times and
high temperatures give conditions very similar to those encountered in the gasification process,
and consequently produce more gas. For the purposes of conversion of plastic into oil products,
maximization of liquids production is desirable, as this will give a material which can be easily
transported and refined. This is achieved by so-called ‘fast’ pyrolysis, with residence times of less
than 2 seconds, rapid heating and temperatures of around 500°C.

2.2 Process and its mechanism[2,8]:

In cracking process, long chain polymers are break down in shorter chain hydrocarbon with small
molecular weight which are useful. This product is utilized as fuel or chemicals in various
applications. If the pyrolysis is done without catalyst then it is called thermolysis or thermal
cracking. If pyrolysis is done using catalyst then it is called catalytic pyrolysis. The pyrolysis forms
volatile hydrocarbon and non-condensable gases. The volatile hydrocarbon gives paraffins,
isoparaffins, naphthenes, aromatics and olefins by condensing it. And non-condensable
hydrocarbon is also a valuable fuel with high calorific value. The product form depends upon the

Page 10 of 35
Type of plastic waste and process conditions. The product distribution depends on various factors
such as waste plastic, type of catalyst used, size of catalyst, temperature, type of reactor, catalyst
to polymer ratio, reaction time.

Fig. 2.1 Formation of hydrocarbons by cracking[2,9]

Page 11 of 35
2.3 Components of liquid fraction obtained using with and without catalyst[3,8]

From the below table we can observe that >C13 compounds are more produced in cracking process
which are done in absence of catalyst as compared to those done in presence of catalyst.

Fig. 2.2 Component in liquid fractions[3]

Page 12 of 35
2.4 Factors effecting Pyrolysis[1,2,7,9]

2.4.1 Effect of catalyst[1,2] :

The product is definitely influenced by catalyst. If there is a greater number of acid sites then it
will give higher yield due to olefin formation. The catalyst which are given in literature are zeolite
based ZSM-5, clinoptilolite, USY, REY and MCM-41. It contains more acid sites and it gives
higher polyolefins to give more yield. The catalyst also reduces the temperature for the pyrolysis
and reduces time. The product yield is higher in using zeolite-based catalyst than other catalyst.
The product contains hydrocarbon in the range of C3-C15. The zeolite-based catalyst is highly
acidic and give product of higher-octane number which is useful as fuel. The product yield can be
changed by altering the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio. The other catalyst is used as following.

2.4.2 Effect of catalyst contact mode[2]:

The contacting pattern for catalyst and plastic is by two ways: liquid phase and vapor phase. In
liquid phase contact mode, the waste plastic and catalyst are mixed together and then it is placed
in the reactor and pyrolysis starts and it give products by condensing the vapor formed by
pyrolysis. In the vapor phase pyrolysis, the plastic is placed in the reactor and thermal pyrolysis
starts and the vapor formed are passed through the catalyst to degrade to the desired product
distribution. The yield doesn't differ by using vapor phase pyrolysis and liquid phase pyrolysis.

2.4.3 Effect of polymer to catalyst ratio[1]:

The higher polymer to catalyst doesn't proportionally increase the product. But it increases up to
certain conversion and then no more increase in the conversing by increasing the amount of
catalyst. The conversion which is obtained by higher catalyst is also obtained by lower catalyst but
increased temperature. The polymer to catalyst ratio is taken as 4:1 from literature.

2.4.4 Effect of temperature[9]:

By increasing temperature or the heating rate the significant amount of conversion increases. The
bonds break to light hydrocarbons at higher heating rates. And conversion increases at higher
temperatures. The products formed are mostly in vapor phase and liquid yield decreased at higher
temperature. Though product distribution becomes less significant at higher temperature.

Page 13 of 35
2.5 Advantages and disadvantages of pyrolysis[5,6]

Advantages Disadvantages
Relatively high yield a useful product Scale of operation,although perhaps better
suited to distributed operation
Core technology well understood Net hydrogen deficiency
Commercial-scale projects operational Most processes produce a light sweet crude oil
product,requiring further processing
Moderate operating temperatures mean that Energy requirement consume a portion of
conventional materials of construction can be products
used and this lowers costs

2.6 Catalytic Depolymerization[8]

Catalytic depolymerization is similar to pyrolysis in that it promotes the break-up of the polymer
chains in the absence of oxygen to produce smaller molecules. It achieves this at lower
temperatures (270–400°C) than pyrolysis by using a catalyst, typically an alumina silicate zeolite.
The decomposition of the feedstock results in the deposition of carbon on the catalyst’s surface as
a result of the net hydrogen deficiency of the process described above, thus reducing the
effectiveness of the catalyst. Some processes introduce hydrogen to overcome this problem,
therefore lengthening the life of the catalyst and lowering spent catalyst disposal costs.

Page 14 of 35
3. Experiments[1,5]

3.1 Experiment-1

Aim: To convert plastic to fuel in absence of catalyst

Apparatus: 3 neck round bottom flask, heating mantle, condenser tube, thermometer, rubber
cock, beaker

Experimental setup:

Fig 4 Experimental setup for conversion of plastic to fuel

Procedure:

We have done this practical by using virgin polypropylene. Measure 100 gm of pure Polypropylene
and put it in 3 neck round bottom flask.

Put round bottom flask in the heating mantle. From 3 neck attached thermometer to one neck and
other neck is sealed by rubber or glass cork. And at other cork attach two condensers in series.

Counter current flow of water and product vapors from plastic is done by using this combination.

Page 15 of 35
Start heating at a temperature of 120°C and gradually increase it to 330°C. Pyrolysis is done at
high temperature without catalyst.

Observation:

Table 1 Variation of temperature with time

Time Temperature(oC.)
10:30 to 11:30 200
11:30 to 1:00 300-320
1:00 to 1:50 330-345
1:50 to 3:05 310-320(due to burning of glass wool)

Inference:

From this experiment we can conclude that we have collected only 6.6 ml of oil after total duration
of 4 hour 35 minutes from 100 gm of Polypropylene. This gives us yield of 29.57%. The residue
remained in the round bottom neck is around 79 gm. This means that 21 gm of Polypropylene is
consumed. The product obtained is 6.24 gm. This means that the portion of non-condensable gases
is higher as compared to our desired product.

Product:

Fig 5 Combustible Fuel produced after pyrolysis

Page 16 of 35
3.2 Experiment-2.1(Failure)

Aim: To convert plastic to fuel using catalyst (Activated carbon)

Apparatus: same as above, activated carbon

Experimental setup: Same as above fig 3.1

Procedure:

We have started this experiment by taking residue obtained of our first experiment. Add 5 gm of
activated carbon in it and put it in 3 neck round bottom flask. The same arrangement is kept for
this experiment also. It is a type of semi batch process. Start this experiment at a temperature of
150°C. The temperature gradient is increased slowly with time because we are using catalyst so
that cracking will start at lower temperature and time will be reduced.

Observation:

In the middle of our experiment, due to excessive vapor generation at lower temperature around
200°C, glass cork burst out from the one of the necks. So, lots of vapor is lost. So, our
experiment got seized due to this experiment.

Reason for an accident:

We have used one condenser with vertical spiral. The vapor generated was condensed up to certain
time and converted to liquid but it can't pass the whole spiral. Due to it, the resistance has been
increased and the back pressure is increased. The vapor pressure increased in the round bottom
neck. To release it, it has burst one of the necks.

Inference:

Though our experiment has stopped but we can qualitatively see the experiment observation that
vapor formation is higher at low temperature by using catalyst.

Page 17 of 35
3.2 Experiment-2.2

Aim: To convert plastic to fuel using catalyst (Activated carbon)

Apparatus: same as above, activated carbon

Procedure:

100gm of virgin PP was taken as feed and 5 gm of activated carbon was added in it and mixture
was fed to a 3 neck round bottom flask. The same arrangement is kept for this experiment also. It
is a type of semi batch process. Start this experiment at a temperature of 150°C. The temperature
gradient is increased slowly with time because we are using catalyst so that cracking will start at
lower temperature and time will be reduced.

Observation:

Table 2: Temperature vs Time for Experiment 2

Temperature(0C) Time
150-180 9:00 to 10:00
180-200 10:00 to 11:45

Reason for Success of this experiment:

Instead of using spiral condenser, we used simple horizontal condenser which as compared to
former, provides less resistance to vapor generated and thus back pressure is reduced.

Inference:

From this experiment we can hereby conclude that 77ml of fuel was collected from 100gm of
virgin PP feed and the yield is 60%, leaving behind 25gm of wax. Rest was taken up by the losses.

Page 18 of 35
 3.3 Experiment-3

Aim: To convert plastic to fuel using catalyst (NaHCO3)

Apparatus: same as above, Sodium bicarbonate

Procedure:

100gm of virgin PP was taken as feed and Catalyst was added in it and mixture was fed to a 1000ml
3 neck round bottom flask. The same arrangement is kept for this experiment also. It is a type of
semi batch process. Start this experiment at a temperature where melting starts. The temperature
gradient is increased slowly with time because we are using catalyst so that cracking will start at
lower temperature and time will be reduced. A series of experiment was performed using Different
amount of Catalyst and results were observed.

Observation:

Table 3: Observation table for Experiment 3

Exp.No Melting Temperature Ratio(feed:cata Time Yield

Temperatur Range(0C) lyst)
e
i. 1600C 1000C-2100C 15:1 2hrs Failed due to
Excessive back
pressure
ii. 1800C 1000C- 3300C 15:1 3hrs 40min 10.2ml
iii. 1600C 1000C- 3500C 10:1 4hrs 10min 29.8ml
iv. 1700C 1000C- 4000C 4:1 4hrs 18min 81ml

Inference:

From this experiment we can hereby conclude that different amount of pyrolytic fuel is obtained
by varying the ratio of feed to catalyst. Maximum amount of fuel is obtained by using 25gm of
catalyst.

Page 19 of 35
Photos:

Fig 6 : Experiment 1 Failed Due to Back Pressure Fig 7: Experiment 2

Fig 8: Experiment 3 part 1 Fig 9: Experiment 3 part 2

Page 20 of 35
3.4 Experiment-4

Aim: To convert plastic to fuel using catalyst (Magnesium carbonate)

Apparatus: same as above, Magnesium Carbonate

Procedure:

50gm of virgin PP was taken as feed and 12.5 gm of Magnesium Carbonate was added in it and
mixture was fed to a 3 neck round bottom flask. The same arrangement is kept for this experiment
also. It is a type of semi batch process. Start this experiment at a temperature of 100°C. The
temperature gradient is increased slowly with time because we are using catalyst so that cracking
will start at lower temperature and time will be reduced.

Observation:

Table 4: Observation Table for Experiment 4

Temperature(0C) Ratio Time Yield

1000C-3000C 4:1 3hrs 30min 13ml

It was observed that wax formation took place in the interiors of the condenser and we had to melt
it in order to find the yield.

Inference:

From this experiment we can hereby conclude that whenever this catalyst was used it resulted in
formation of paraffin wax.

Page 21 of 35
Photos:

Fig 10 : Melting down of wax with help of Bunsen burner

Fig 11 : Formation of wax in Condeser

Page 22 of 35
3.5 Experiment-5

Aim: To convert Waste plastic to fuel using catalyst (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Apparatus: same as above, Sodium Bicarbonate, Waste plastic bags

Procedure:

Initially waste plastic bags were cleaned and shredded into tiny pieces which weighed around 22.1
gm and was mixed with 5.5 gm of Sodium Bicarbonate and fed to a 3 neck round bottom flask.
The same arrangement is kept for this experiment also. It is a type of semi batch process. Start this
experiment at a temperature of 100°C. The temperature gradient is increased slowly with time
because we are using catalyst so that cracking will start at lower temperature and time will be
reduced.

Observation:

Table 5 : Observation table for experiment 5

Temperature(0C) Ratio Time Yield

1000C-3000C 4:1 2hrs 15min 16ml

Material Balance:

Amount of Feed fed: 22.1gm

Amount of Catalyst: 5.5

Amount of product: 16 ml

Density of product measured: 0.7877 g/cc

Amount of product in gm: 12.6 gm

Amount of Residue: 12gm

Amount of pyrolytic gas released : 2.99 gm

Page 23 of 35
Inference:

From this experiment we can hereby conclude that 65% gets converted out of which some vapors
are released into the atmosphere and rest are condensed.

Page 24 of 35
4. Material Safety Data Sheet

4.1 Sodium bicarbonate

4.1.1 Identification

 Product form: Substance

 Substance name: Sodium Bicarbonate
 Chemical name: Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
 CAS-No: 144-55-8
 Product code: LC22943
 Formula: NaHCO3

4.1.2 Potential health hazards/Hazard identification

 Coughing and sneezing if a high concentration of dust has been inhaled

 Gastrointestinal irritation can occur if large amounts have been ingested
 Mild irritation, such as redness and slight pain, may result from eye contact
 In dry form, it’s typically non-irritating to intact skin; however, it can cause irritation to
damaged skin when moisture is present

4.1.3 First aid measures

 In general: Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. If you feel unwell,
seek medical advice (show the label where possible).
 After inhalation: Allow affected person to breathe fresh air. Allow the victim to rest.
 After skin contact: Remove affected clothing and wash all exposed skin area with mild
soap and water, followed by warm water rinse.
 After eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact
lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
 After ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Obtain emergency medical
attention.

Page 25 of 35
4.1.4 Personal Protective Equipment

 Personal protective equipment: Gloves, Safety glasses.

 Hand protection: Wear protective gloves.
 Eye protection: Chemical goggles or safety glasses
 Respiratory protection: Respiratory protection not required in normal conditions.

4.1.5 Handling and Storage

 Precautions for safe handling: Wash hands and other exposed areas with mild soap and
water before eating, drinking or smoking and when leaving work. Provide good ventilation
in process area to prevent formation of vapor.
 Storage conditions: Keep cool. Keep container closed when not in use.
 Incompatible products: Strong oxidizers. Strong acids.
 Incompatible materials: Moisture. Heat sources.

4.2 Activated carbon

4.2.1 Identification
 Product form: Powdered
 Substance name: Activated carbon
 CAS-No: 7440-44-0

4.2.2 Potential health hazards/Hazard identification

 Combustible dust. May form combustible dust concentrations in air.
 All powdered activated carbons are classified as weakly explosive (Dust explosion
class St1): Given the necessary conditions of a strong ignition source, right concentrations
of airborne carbon dust, adequate oxygen levels, and confinement, the potential for a
deflagration event exists.

4.2.3 First aid Measures

 After inhalation: Remove person to fresh air. If not breathing, administer CPR or artificial
respiration. Get immediate medical attention.

Page 26 of 35
  After skin contact: If skin reddening or irritation develops, seek medical attention
 After eye contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. If
irritation persists, get medical attention.
 After ingestion: If the material is swallowed, get immediate medical attention or
advice. DO NOT induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel.

4.2.4 Personal Protective Equipment’s

 Appropriate engineering controls: Local exhaust and general ventilation must be
adequate to meet exposure standards.
 Hand Protection: None required under normal product handling conditions
Eye Protection: safety glasses.
 Skin and body protection: Wear suitable working clothes.
 Respiratory protection: If airborne concentrations are above the applicable exposure
limits, use NIOSH approved respiratory protection.

4.2.5 Handling and storage

 Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with eyes. Wet activated carbon removes
oxygen from air causing severe hazard to workers inside carbon vessels or confined spaces.
 Storage conditions: Protect containers from physical damage. Store in dry, cool, well-
ventilated area. Store away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, ignition sources,
combustible materials, and heat. An adequate air gap between packages is recommended
to reduce propagation in the case of fire.

4.3 Magnesium Carbonate

4.3.1 Identification
 Product form: Powdered
 Substance name: Activated carbon
 CAS-No: 23389-33-5

Page 27 of 35
4.3.2 Hazard identification
 Inhalation May be harmful if inhaled. May cause respiratory tract irritation.
 Skin May be harmful if absorbed through skin. May cause skin irritation.
 Eyes May cause eye irritation.
 Ingestion May be harmful if swallowed.

4.3.3 First aid measures

 If inhaled: If breathed in, move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial
respiration.
 In case of skin contact: Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
 In case of eye contact: Flush eyes with water as a precaution.
 If swallowed: Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with
water.

4.3.4 Personal Protective Equipment’s

 Respiratory protection: Respiratory protection is not required. Where protection from
nuisance levels of dusts are desired, use type N95 (US) or type P1 (EN 143) dust masks.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government
standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
 Hand protection: Handle with gloves. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper
glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with
this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws
and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.
 Eye protection: Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate
government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
 Skin and body protection: Choose body protection in relation to its type, to the
concentration and amount of dangerous substances, and to the specific work-place. The
type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount
of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
 Hygiene measures: General industrial hygiene practice.

Page 28 of 35
4.3.5 Handling and Storage
 Precautions for safe handling: Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where
dust is formed.
 Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated
place.

Page 29 of 35
5. Graphical Representation

90
81
80 77

70

60

50

40 Vol of Pyrolytic Fuel

33
30

20

10 6.6

0
absence of Using Activated using Sodium using Magnesium
catalyst carbon Bicarbonate carbonate

Fig 12: Effect of different type of catalyst on Fuel production when Virgin PP is used.

90 81
80
Vol of Pyrolytic fuel

70
60
50
40 29.8
30 Vol Of Pyrolytic Fuel(ml)

20 10.2
10
0
15:01 10:01 04:01

Feed to Catalyst Ratio

Fig 13: Effects of different Feed to Catalyst Ratio on Pyrolytic Fuel in presence of Sodium
Bicarbonate.

Page 30 of 35
 94
92.33
92

90

88

86

84
Vol of Pyrolytic Fuel
82 81

80

78

76

74
virgin PP Waste Plastic

Fig 14:Comparison of Waste plastic and virgin PP in presence of Sodium Bicarbonate as a

Catalyst.

Page 31 of 35
6. Analysis and Result

6.1 Pyrolytic Fuel obtained in Exp 3

In Experiment 3 we performed a series of Experiments and varying amount of fuel was produced.
But we are analyzing the IV experiment due to its maximum output, which is 81ml.

6.1.1 Density:

Pycnometer was used to calculate the density. It came out to be 0.7996 g/cc

6.1.2 Aniline point:

The lowest temperature at which aniline and a solvent are completely miscible and which serves
as an indication of the type of hydrocarbons present in the solvent, the content of aromatics being
higher according as the temperature is lower.

It was observed that Minimum equilibrium temperature is 820C and Aniline point is 800C.

6.1.3 Flash Point and Fire point:

The flash point of a volatile material is the lowest temperature at which its vapors ignite if given
an ignition source.

The fire point of a fuel is the lowest temperature at which the vapor of that fuel will continue to
burn for at least 5 seconds after ignition by an open flame of standard dimension.

We used Pensky-martens Apparatus in order to find flash and fire point.

It was observed that Flash point came out to be 420C and fire point to be 480C.

Table 6: Comparison of Properties of the Waste Plastic Fuel and Diesel fuel.

Sr.no Properties Diesel fuel Pyrolytic Fuel

1. Density(g/cc) 0.832 0.7996
2. Flash Point(0C) 66 42
3. Fire Point(0C) 74 48

Page 32 of 35
 4. Aniline Point(0C) 94 80

Photos:

Fig 15: Pensky-Martens apparatus

Fig 16: Pycnometer filled with fuel

Page 33 of 35
7. Conclusion
Pyrolysis of hydrocarbon polymers is a very complex process, which consists of hundreds of
reactions and products. Several factors have significant effects on the reactions and the products.
Out of these most important is the Feed to Catalyst Ratio. The obtained results demonstrated that,
Conversion of Waste Plastic to fuel is up to 92.33% which is greater than that obtained using
Virgin Poly-Propylene, when Sodium Bicarbonate was used. Also the residence time for this
reaction was quite less as compared to others. Overall we could say that usage of Catalyst
significantly enhanced the Production capacity and reduced the formation Residue(wax). Also
after the analysis it was observed that fuel lied in the range of Diesel, confirming that pyrolytic
fuel can be effectively used in the industries and various other market. A Further purification step
may be needed. Therefore, waste plastic fuel can be used as an alternative fuel and can be used in
the CI engine after doing some enhancements.

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 8. References
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A suitable method for plastic waste management and manufacture of value added products—
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2. Alla, M.M.G., Ahmed, A.I. and Abdalla, B.K., 2014. Conversion of plastic waste to liquid fuel.
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waste." Polímeros 26.1 (2016): 44-51.
4. Pawar Harshal R. and Lawankar Shailendra M.(2013) Waste plastic Pyrolysis oil Alternative
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,15/10/2019,13:45.
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4th edition, John Wiley & Sons, 111-193
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10. https://betastatic.fishersci.com/content/dam/fishersci/en_US/documents/programs/education/r
egulatory-documents/sds/chemicals/chemicals-c/S25246.pdf, 18/04/2020, 18:45
11. https://www.msdsonline.com/2015/02/16/safety-with-sodium-bicarbonate/ , 18/04/2020,
19:00
12. http://dept.harpercollege.edu/chemistry/msds1/Magnesium%20carbonate.pdf, 18/04/2020,
21:42

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