CATALYTIC PYROLYSIS OF DAIRY INDUSTRIAL WASTE LDPE FILM INTO FUEL

Abstract

Disposal of commonly used plastic wastes to landfill was becoming more undesirable due to environmental concerns, rising costs and poor biodegradability. Therefore, recycling through mechanical or chemical method seems to be the only route of plastic waste management. Polyfilms, mainly Low Density Poly-Ethylene (LDPE) is a major type of thermoplastic used for packing milk throughout India. In the present investigation the recycling dairy waste LDPE film is examined via catalytic pyrolysis. Pyrolysis of LDPE was investigated with the use of catalyst, NiMo/Al2O3. Experiments were carried out in a laboratory conditions. High yields of liquid fraction in the boiling range of 65-380°C and gases were obtained along with a small amount of coke. The liquid and gaseous products were analyzed using Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GC MS) and Gas Chromatograph (GC) respectively. It is found that the derived liquid products were hydrocarbons, consist of alkanes and alkenes. The pyrolysis liquid has a calorific value 10810 Cal g-1, ash content 0.02%, relative density 0.876, flash point greater than 45°C and sulphur content of 0.083%. The liquid can be used as a feed stock in the steam boiler.