How To Produce Oil From Waste Plastics And Where To Use It

This paper highlights the technology developed by Green Circle and New Hope Energy for converting waste plastic that is obtained from municipal solid waste and post-industrial waste into a valuable hydrocarbon rich pyrolysis oil. The salient features of the technology will be addressed, including ranges of feedstock that can be processed, contaminant levels and ways to manage impurities in the products, key product yields and destinations, and operating experience gained at New Hope’s plant in Tyler, Texas.

This paper will also discuss routes and considerations for processing the pyrolysis oil and integrating the stream with existing assets. The quality of the waste plastic pyrolysis oil depends on the type of plastic used as feedstock and the pyrolysis unit operating conditions and design. All parameters can be programmed to reach the desired outcome. The quality and composition of the pyrolysis oil, hydrocarbon rich gas and solid product will have an impact on the choice of the downstream processing, whether for the production of circular polymers or sustainable fuels. In addition, this paper will discuss the roles of contaminants and the oil composition on those choices, based on Lummus’ knowledge of its own Lummus New Hope Waste Plastic Pyrolysis Technology and its in-depth knowledge as a leading process licensor of steam crackers and refining conversion units.