RI.PLA.ID. PROJECT

The RI.PLA.ID. research project is divided into various phases. It is based on the processing via catalytic pyrolysis of non-convertible plastic materials coming from industrial processing waste.

The production cycle is operated through a plant capable of processing 5,000 tonnes of material per year (equal to over 600 kg/h) to generate approx. 5 million liters of fuel (approx. 76% of liquid fuel + 19% of process gas + 5% carbon char).

ENERGY CONSUMPTION VALUES

The mean energy consumption of the plant in converting 100 kg of plastic equals 95 KWh, as follows:

The plant consumes approx. 0.22 kg of diesel-equivalent fuel for the production of the electric power required to function (auto-consumption) for every kg of oil produced, thereby ensuring good energy performance.

The Secondary Raw Material used to feed the process is obtained according to severe specifications imposed to define the conformity characteristics in compliance with the regulations in force. The materials compatible with this technology are plastic materials featuring a very low apparent density, that may fall into various product categories and come in various forms.

BENEFITS

According to the physical state of the plastic material, in order to achieve a homogeneity suitable to ensure continuous feeding to the subsequent processing steps, diversified pre-treatment is required. In the following step the plastic materials are mixed with a catalyzer and dosed to feed the next operating machines (extruders) in which the plastic is heated to a viscous state.

This step is followed by cracking in a reaction tower where the temperature of the plastic mixture is further increased until hydrocarbon vapour is generated. The vapour is condensed by passing through a series of condensers and separators to become the so-called ‘diesel-like’ end product. The fuel is then sent to an intermediate tank where quality and quantity testing is performed, and then pumped into the final storage tanks. The non-condensable gases are sent to a recovery system to produce electricity and heat, both of which are directly used in the process.

The RI.PLA.ID. project is not solely a way of using plastics that would otherwise accumulate in landfills, thereby generating environmental pollution problems and disposal expenses, but also allows to produce excellent quality and sulphur-free liquid fuel.

The plant allows to convert the problem of disposal of plastic materials and plastic processing by-products into an opportunity of significant environmental value and considerable cost saving.

The macro-economic indicators relating to RI.PLA.ID. point to an extremely attractive investment featuring a very short payback period and a considerable rate of return.