Bio-Oil Production from Co-pyrolysis of waste plastics and seaweeds
Abstract:
The purpose of this project is to design a process for bio-oil production as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels. The initial process investigated was the thermal decomposition of waste seaweed and plastic feedstocks via a catalytic microwave assisted co-pyrolysis reaction to produce bio-oil and the by-products biochar, and biogas. However, through the design process, it was concluded that this selected process was not economically feasible. Therefore, the final designed process was thermal decomposition via catalytic co-pyrolysis. Quanzhou, China was the optimal plant location for the proposed process based on various factors that were heavily considered. The waste seaweed and plastic feedstock is pretreated prior to entering a mixer and air is removed from the stream through the cyclone separator. The pyrolysis reactor thermally decomposes the feedstocks and produces the gaseous product stream containing bio-oil and its by-products at an annual production rate of 97,069,600 kg products/year. Bio-oil, bio-gas, and bio-char are separated from one another and purified to be stored in tanks.
Students:
Calista Jonah, Nha Uyen Ho, Vivienne Nguyan
