Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, Vol.49, No.5, 2064-2069, 2010
Operating Conditions for the Pyrolysis of Poly-(ethylene terephthalate) in a Conical Spouted-Bed Reactor
Continuous pyrolysis of poly-(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was performed in it conical spouted-bed reactor. This reactor is especially Suitable for this process, because of its excellent hydrodynamic behavior and its versatility. Ail optimization of the operating conditions has been performed to avoid particle agglomeration and defluidization, given that these are serious problems that hinder plastic waste pyrolysis. Moreover, the influence of temperature in the pyrolysis product distribution Was Studied in the range of 500-600 degrees C. PET pyrolysis led to it high yield of gas fraction, a low amount of liquids, a significant yield of solid fraction, and a solid residue that remained in the reactor coating sand particles. The main products obtained are carbon monoxide. carbon dioxide, benzoic acid, and acetaldehyde.