A Process for Converting Waste Plastic to Fuel Suitable for Developing Countries

Trash to Tank (T3) is a concept based on the conversion of waste plastic trash into a liquid fuel, suitable for use in any diesel or kerosene fuel application. This contribution focuses on both an experimental and theoretical analysis of combustion emissions and compares them with combustion emissions of petroleum derived diesel and kerosene fuel. Results of experiments to measure the lower heating value (LHV), carbon dioxide emissions and molecular composition of waste plastic derived fuels as well as the corresponding theoretical calculations will be presented. Results from fuels produced via thermal decomposition of low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene will be presented and compared with the results of theoretical calculations. Thermal decomposition was conducted via slow pyrolysis at 450°C in a batch reactor. This process is important because of its relevance to waste plastic management in developing regions, where mismanaged waste plastic is an ongoing environmental and social challenge. Potential benefits to the global environment, particularly in developing regions, from the use of these fuels as replacements for petroleum derived fuels will be discussed.