(404a) Combustion Analysis of Trash to Tank Fuel Derived from Plastic Waste

Trash to Tank is a concept based on the conversion of waste plastic trash into a liquid fuel, suitable for use in diesel or kerosene fuel applications. This contribution focuses on both an experimental and theoretical analysis of combustion emissions of waste plastic derived fuels, comparing them with combustion emissions of petroleum derived diesel and kerosene fuel. Results of experiments to measure the lower heating value (LHV), carbon dioxide emissions and molecular composition of waste plastic derived fuels as well as the corresponding theoretical calculations will be presented. The waste plastic feedstock utilized in this study include, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene. Thermal decomposition was conducted via slow pyrolysis at 450°C in a batch reactor for each of these materials. Potential benefits to the global environment from the use of Trash to Tank fuels as replacements for petroleum derived fuels will be further discussed.