Catalytic Pyrolysis of High Density Polyethylene on a HZSM-5 Zeolite Catalyst in a Conical Spouted Bed Reactor

Gorka Elordi, University of the Basque Country
Gartzen Lopez, University of the Basque Country
Roberto Aguado, University of the Basque Country
Martin Olazar, University of the Basque Country
Javier Bilbao, University of the Basque Country

Abstract

HDPE has been pyrolysed at 450 °C and 500 °C using HZSM-5 zeolite as a catalyst. Batch runs have been carried out at atmospheric pressure in a conical spouted bed reactor. Product analysis has been carried out by means of a GC, connected on-line with a thermostated line. The degradation rate of the plastic is slightly faster at 500 °C than at 450 °C and much faster than thermal pyrolysis in both cases. Products have been grouped into five lumps: the lump of light olefins, C2-C4; light alkanes, C1-C4; the gasoline fraction, C5-C11 compounds; C11+ hydrocarbons; and the coke deposited on the catalyst. An HZSM-5 catalyst is appropriate to obtain light olefins; about 55 wt% in both cases. The yield of gasoline fraction is also considerable and although its composition is not suitable for commercial gasoline, is interesting for its use in petrochemistry. The catalyst deactivation rate is low.

Recommended Citation

Elordi, Gorka; Lopez, Gartzen; Aguado, Roberto; Olazar, Martin; and Bilbao, Javier (2007) "Catalytic Pyrolysis of High Density Polyethylene on a HZSM-5 Zeolite Catalyst in a Conical Spouted Bed Reactor," International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering: Vol. 5: A72.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/ijcre/vol5/A72

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