Emissions Analysis of Plastic Derived Fuel Oil Using Trash to Tank Process

Plastic is ubiquitous in our environment. Along with it comes significant waste plastic generation, which is an imminent threat to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. A potential solution for completely eliminating waste plastic from the environment is a process called Trash to Tank (3T), which converts waste plastic to a fuel similar in composition to diesel and kerosene via thermal decomposition in the absence of oxygen. This fuel is termed as Plastic Derived Fuel Oil (PDFO) in this research study.

In this analysis, an appropriate technology based 3T process, which utilizes an Instove Rocket Stove and fabricated stainless steel retort were used to perform slow-pyrolysis (temperature of 250-400°C) of plastic types, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polystyrene and polypropylene to PDFO. However, for PDFO to be widely used as a diesel or kerosene substitute, or as a blend for petrodiesel, its emissions must be tested. Therefore, utilizing a diesel engine and a Bacharach combustion analyzer, the nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide and carbon monoxide emissions of the various PDFOs were analyzed. The results of this study are presented in this research project.