EP1948723A1 - Depolymerisation discontinue de materiaux a base d'hydrocarbures - Google Patents

Depolymerisation discontinue de materiaux a base d'hydrocarbures

Info

Publication number
EP1948723A1
EP1948723A1 EP06812968A EP06812968A EP1948723A1 EP 1948723 A1 EP1948723 A1 EP 1948723A1 EP 06812968 A EP06812968 A EP 06812968A EP 06812968 A EP06812968 A EP 06812968A EP 1948723 A1 EP1948723 A1 EP 1948723A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
outer container
gas
microwave
depolymerisation
hydrocarbon material
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06812968A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1948723A4 (fr
Inventor
Christer Forsgren
Hitomi Yoshiguchi
Sune Andreason
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Stena Miljoteknik AB
Original Assignee
Stena Miljoteknik AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Stena Miljoteknik AB filed Critical Stena Miljoteknik AB
Publication of EP1948723A1 publication Critical patent/EP1948723A1/fr
Publication of EP1948723A4 publication Critical patent/EP1948723A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/08—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor
    • B01J19/12—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electromagnetic waves
    • B01J19/122—Incoherent waves
    • B01J19/126—Microwaves
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10G—CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS; PRODUCTION OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON MIXTURES, e.g. BY DESTRUCTIVE HYDROGENATION, OLIGOMERISATION, POLYMERISATION; RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBON OILS FROM OIL-SHALE, OIL-SAND, OR GASES; REFINING MIXTURES MAINLY CONSISTING OF HYDROCARBONS; REFORMING OF NAPHTHA; MINERAL WAXES
    • C10G1/00—Production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from oil-shale, oil-sand, or non-melting solid carbonaceous or similar materials, e.g. wood, coal
    • C10G1/02—Production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from oil-shale, oil-sand, or non-melting solid carbonaceous or similar materials, e.g. wood, coal by distillation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J11/00—Recovery or working-up of waste materials
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J11/00—Recovery or working-up of waste materials
    • C08J11/04—Recovery or working-up of waste materials of polymers
    • C08J11/10—Recovery or working-up of waste materials of polymers by chemically breaking down the molecular chains of polymers or breaking of crosslinks, e.g. devulcanisation
    • C08J11/12—Recovery or working-up of waste materials of polymers by chemically breaking down the molecular chains of polymers or breaking of crosslinks, e.g. devulcanisation by dry-heat treatment only
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10B—DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION OF CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS FOR PRODUCTION OF GAS, COKE, TAR, OR SIMILAR MATERIALS
    • C10B19/00—Heating of coke ovens by electrical means
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10B—DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION OF CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS FOR PRODUCTION OF GAS, COKE, TAR, OR SIMILAR MATERIALS
    • C10B53/00—Destructive distillation, specially adapted for particular solid raw materials or solid raw materials in special form
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10B—DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION OF CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS FOR PRODUCTION OF GAS, COKE, TAR, OR SIMILAR MATERIALS
    • C10B53/00—Destructive distillation, specially adapted for particular solid raw materials or solid raw materials in special form
    • C10B53/07—Destructive distillation, specially adapted for particular solid raw materials or solid raw materials in special form of solid raw materials consisting of synthetic polymeric materials, e.g. tyres
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10B—DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION OF CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS FOR PRODUCTION OF GAS, COKE, TAR, OR SIMILAR MATERIALS
    • C10B7/00—Coke ovens with mechanical conveying means for the raw material inside the oven
    • C10B7/14—Coke ovens with mechanical conveying means for the raw material inside the oven with trucks, containers, or trays
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10G—CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS; PRODUCTION OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON MIXTURES, e.g. BY DESTRUCTIVE HYDROGENATION, OLIGOMERISATION, POLYMERISATION; RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBON OILS FROM OIL-SHALE, OIL-SAND, OR GASES; REFINING MIXTURES MAINLY CONSISTING OF HYDROCARBONS; REFORMING OF NAPHTHA; MINERAL WAXES
    • C10G1/00—Production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from oil-shale, oil-sand, or non-melting solid carbonaceous or similar materials, e.g. wood, coal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/80—Apparatus for specific applications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2206/00—Aspects relating to heating by electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields covered by group H05B6/00
    • H05B2206/04—Heating using microwaves
    • H05B2206/045—Microwave disinfection, sterilization, destruction of waste...
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
    • Y02P20/141—Feedstock
    • Y02P20/143—Feedstock the feedstock being recycled material, e.g. plastics
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
    • Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
    • Y02W30/62—Plastics recycling; Rubber recycling

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to processing of hydrocarbon material, particularly in the fields of waste disposal and recycling.
  • the invention relates to a method and an apparatus/system for depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material.
  • Waste is an extensive activity due to the increasing amount of waste material produced in modern society. Stricter environmental legislation has lead to a requirement for improved techniques and apparatus for disposal of waste. Disposal of hydrocarbon waste poses a particular problem, as part of this waste is not biodegradable and/or is difficult to recycle. Simple combustion of some of such waste may form toxic gases, e.g. hydrogen chloride from the combustion of PVC or sulfurous gases from the combustion of vehicle tyres.
  • toxic gases e.g. hydrogen chloride from the combustion of PVC or sulfurous gases from the combustion of vehicle tyres.
  • WO 88/08871 describes a method for destruction of plastics waste using microwaves.
  • the waste is itself not susceptible to heating by microwave radiation, so it is placed in contact with carbonaceous material while being subjected to the microwave radiation.
  • EP 0 522 231 discloses a method and apparatus for treating infectious medical wastes (i.e. sterilisation). Microwave radiation is used to evaporate water present in the waste, and the waste is sterilised by the circulation of hot air. The temperature is held at a level at which substantial incineration and production of exhaust gases is avoided.
  • WO 05/073344 describes a microwave system for the resolution of waste rubber.
  • the apparatus comprises a basket-type insert.
  • the residue from the microwave process falls through the basket and is collected in a separate pan.
  • the system and process should be designed so as to tolerate the corrosive gases which are a by-product of such a depolymerisation.
  • the object of the present invention is to offer a solution to the above problem and to provide a method, apparatus and system for rational depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material on an industrial scale.
  • the present invention describes a method for depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material, said method comprising the steps of: a. providing a outer container, said outer container having an opening and a outer container lid for sealing said opening; b. loading hydrocarbon material into a support means; c. placing the support meanscontaining said hydrocarbon material into said outer container; d. sealing the opening of the outer container with said outer container lid; e. heating the hydrocarbon material with microwave or high-frequency radiation, to cause depolymerisation of the hydrocarbon material. f. allowing exhaust gases to escape from the outer container via a gas outlet; g. turning off the radiation; h. removing the support means from the outer container;
  • the method according to the invention comprises the steps of: a. providing a outer container, said outer container having an opening and a outer container lid for sealing said opening; b. loading hydrocarbon material into a support means, said support means being designed so as to retain waste material; c. placing the support means containing said hydrocarbon material into said outer container; d. sealing the opening of the outer container with said outer container lid; e. heating the hydrocarbon material with microwave or high-frequency radiation, to cause depolymerisation of the hydrocarbon material. f. allowing exhaust gases to escape from the outer container via a gas outlet; g. turning off the radiation; h. removing the support means and the retained waste material from the outer container;
  • steps b. - h. of this method may be repeated.
  • the method further comprises the step of sealing the inner container with an inner container lid, after hydrocarbon material has been loaded into said inner container.
  • Particulate residue may be removed from the inner container by means of a vacuum cleaner, preferably after said inner container has been removed from the outer container.
  • the inner container is allowed to cool before particulate residue is removed. Solids such as metals may be removed by turning the support means upside- down.
  • the inner container may be subjected to mechanical agitation before and/or while removing particulate residue.
  • the method may further comprise the step of providing a microwave or high-frequency radiation-absorbing substance which becomes warm upon irradiation without substantially altering form, in said support means or in said outer container.
  • the microwave or high- frequency radiation-absorbing substance may be mixed with the hydrocarbon material or it may be contained in a separate receptacle.
  • the method may further comprise the step of providing an alkaline substance in the outer container or in said support means, in order to neutralize acid substances that may be formed.
  • the method may further comprise a step where a catalyst is added to the hydrocarbon material or is placed in the outer container or outer container lid to improve the quality of the gasoil produced.
  • the method according to the invention may also comprise the step of flushing the outer container with an inert gas before heating the hydrocarbon material, so that oxygen gas (which may cause uncontrolled combustion) is removed from the container.
  • oxygen gas which may cause uncontrolled combustion
  • the exhaust gas which is produced by depolymerisation and which escapes from the outer container via gas outlet is fed into a gas purification apparatus.
  • the gas in the outer container is maintained at a pressure above atmospheric pressure.
  • said outer container comprises means for supply of microwave radiation or high-frequency radiation, said means for supply of microwave radiation or high-frequency radiation being shielded from the hydrocarbon material by a gas-impermeable, microwave-permeable material.
  • the gas-impermeable, microwave-permeable material may comprise an inner wall of the outer container.
  • the present invention concerns a method for depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material, said method comprising the steps of: a. providing at least two outer containers, each of said outer containers having an opening and an outer container lid for sealing said opening ; b. connecting the outer containers in parallel to a gas purification apparatus; c. carrying out depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material in each of the at least two outer containers, said depolymerisation comprising steps b. - h. as described above, wherein depolymerisation is started non-simultaneously in said at least two outer containers, so that a substantially continuous flow of gas passes through the gas purification apparatus.
  • the depolymerisation is carried out in such a way that the means for supply of microwave radiation or high-frequency radiation is shielded from the hydrocarbon material by a gas-impermeable, microwave-permeable material, and the depolymerisation is controlled so that the flow of gas through the gas purification apparatus is substantially constant.
  • each support means comprises an inner container
  • the method may further comprise the step of sealing the inner container with an inner container lid, after hydrocarbon material has been loaded into said inner container.
  • the method may then comprise the step of removing particulate residue from each inner container by means of a vacuum cleaner, preferably after said inner container has been removed from the outer container.
  • each inner container is allowed to cool before particulate residue is removed.
  • Each inner container may be subjected to mechanical agitation before and/or while removing particulate residue.
  • the present invention further concerns a system for depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material, comprising an array of at least two outer containers, each of said outer containers having an opening and an outer container lid for sealing said opening, each outer container or outer container lid being provided with a gas outlet and means for supply of microwave radiation or high-frequency radiation, each outer container being provided with a support means for receiving hydrocarbon material said outer containers being arranged in parallel such that the gas outlet of each outer container leads to the same gas purification apparatus.
  • the system is used in the field of waste disposal and recycling, and the support means is designed so as to retain waste material,
  • the outer container or outer container lid comprises a gas-impermeable, microwave-permeable material which is arranged so that said means for supply of microwave radiation or high-frequency radiation is shielded from the hydrocarbon material by the gas-impermeable, microwave-permeable material.
  • each outer container or outer container lid may be further provided with a pressure valve, and a gas inlet for the supply of inert gas to the container.
  • the support means can be removed from the outer container.
  • the support means of the system comprises an inner container.
  • each of said outer containers further contains a receptacle for receiving a microwave or high-frequency radiation-absorbing substance.
  • the system may comprise a gas flow control unit adapted to detect the flow of exhaust gases escaping from the at least two outer containers, said gas flow control unit being arranged to control the means for supply of microwave radiation or high-frequency radiation to each outer container in response to the flow of exhaust gases.
  • the gas flow control unit may be arranged so as to control the means for supply of microwave radiation or high-frequency radiation to each outer container so that a substantially continuous flow of exhaust gases is produced.
  • the present invention also relates to the use of a system as described herein for the depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material.
  • the present invention further refers to an apparatus for depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material in the field of waste disposal and recycling, said apparatus comprising an outer container, said outer container having an opening and an outer container lid for sealing said opening; said outer container or said outer container lid being provided with a gas outlet and means for supply of microwave or high-frequency radiation, said outer container being provided with a removable support means for receiving hydrocarbon material.
  • said support means is designed so as to retain waste material.
  • the outer container or the outer container lid may further comprise a gas inlet, and/or a pressure valve.
  • the gas outlet of the apparatus preferably leads to a gas purification apparatus.
  • This gas purification apparatus suitably comprises a gas condenser.
  • the outer container or the outer container lid may be provided with a further outlet for measurement of gas properties.
  • the outer container is provided with means which enables material to be emptied from the container.
  • the means for supply of microwave or high-frequency radiation is located in the walls or the floor of the outer container.
  • the outer container or outer container lid may comprises a gas- impermeable, microwave-permeable material which is arranged so that said means for supply of microwave radiation or high-frequency radiation is shielded from the hydrocarbon material by the gas-impermeable, microwave-permeable material.
  • the present invention also relates to the use of an apparatus as described herein for the depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material.
  • Depolymerisation is essentially the reverse process of polymerisation - large polymeric molecules are broken down into small molecules. For instance, a polymer having a molecular weight of a few thousand Daltons can be broken down into components having a molecular weight of e.g. less than 100 Daltons. These small molecules are usually given off in the form of gas or liquid, and can be used as fuel or raw material. Depolymerisation avoids wasting a material which is derived from a non-renewable resource (oil) and avoids the environmental problems inherent in conventional disposal methods (land-fill or burning).
  • hydrocarbon materia!' encompasses a wide range of materials.
  • hydrocarbon materials which can be processed by the present invention include the following material types:
  • - synthetic polymers e.g. polyalkenes, polyesters, polyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, PVC, PTFE, nylon, etc.
  • natural polymers e.g. rayon, natural rubber, textiles
  • organic materials e.g. wood, vegetable and animal matter, leather, fat, proteins, cellulose
  • liquid hydrocarbon materials e.g. oils, sludge waste material
  • Preferred hydrocarbon materials for processing according to the present invention are synthetic polymers.
  • the hydrocarbon material may be a mixture of the above materials, or may be a mixture with other materials such as metals, ceramics, fillers, glass or other inorganic materials. Separation of the materials before submitting them to the process of the present invention is not necessary, as non-hydrocarbon materials will be relatively unaffected by the microwave or high-frequency radiation. Non-hydrocarbon materials such as metals or ceramics can be separated at the end of the process.
  • microwaves generated at a frequency of 2.45 GHz are the most commonly used for heating purposes, other high-frequency radiation may be used for the purpose of the present invention.
  • high-frequency frequencies mainly in the 1 MHz to 30 GHz range.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus for depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view of an alternative apparatus for depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material.
  • Figure 3 shows a system for depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material comprising three apparatuses.
  • Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment adapted for depolymerisation of vehicle tyres
  • Figure 5 illustrates the method for depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material.
  • FIG 1 shows schematically an apparatus for depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material.
  • the apparatus comprises an outer container 10, which is made from a heat-resistant material such as stainless steel or ceramics.
  • the outer container 10 has an opening 11 and an outer container lid 12 for sealing said opening 11.
  • the outer container lid 12 should seal the opening 11 sufficiently tightly so that gas, microwaves or high-frequency radiation and fine particulate matter cannot escape from the outer container 10.
  • the outer container 10 or outer container lid 12 is provided with a gas outlet 13.
  • a gas outlet 13 During depolymerisation, exhaust gases of the waste material evaporate and escape from the outer container 10 via this outlet 13. It is advantageous that the gas outlet 13 has a wide bore, as shown in Fig 1 , so that microwave radiation can diffuse into the outlet 13. For 2.45GHz microwaves, this means that the bore of the gas outlet 13 should be greater than 12.5cm in diameter.
  • the fact that the microwaves can diffuse into the gas outlet 13 means that the outlet is kept at a temperature similar to that of the outer container and condensation of any components of the exhaust gases which condense at a relatively low temperature in the outlet 13 is avoided.
  • the outer container 10 or outer container lid 12 is further provided with means for supply 14,15 of microwave or high-frequency radiation.
  • the means for supply of microwave or high-frequency radiation may be a wave guide 14 connected to a magnetron 15 which generates microwave or high-frequency radiation, said magnetron 15 being located outside the outer container 10.
  • Microwave radiation is illustrated by the zigzag arrow in Fig. 1.
  • the microwaves or high-frequency radiation are preferably distributed by a rotating reflector (not shown) located adjacent the wave guide on the inside of the outer container lid 12 (alternatively the outer container 10).
  • the magnetron 15 is located on the outside of the outer container 10 or the outer container lid 12. Additionally, materials which reflect microwave or high-frequency radiation can be included in the outer container 10 to aid the distribution of radiation.
  • a control unit 16 is provided for controlling the generation of microwaves or high-frequency radiation from the magnetron 15.
  • the container 10 is further provided with a support means 17 for receiving hydrocarbon material 18.
  • the support means 17 for holding the hydrocarbon material 18 can be removed from the outer container 10, so that rapid and efficient recharging of the hydrocarbon material can be carried out.
  • the support means 17 may rest on projections in the walls of the outer container 10, or on the floor of the outer container 10. Alternatively, the support means 17 may be suspended from the outer container lid 12.
  • the support means 17 is preferably made of a material which reflects microwaves or high- frequency radiation.
  • the support means 17 is in the form of an inner container 17' which may receive hydrocarbon material in any physical shape.
  • This support means/inner container is in the form of an inner container 17' which may receive hydrocarbon material in any physical shape.
  • the support means 17 may have a number of holes through which microwaves or high-frequency radiation can pass, however, the support means 17 should be designed so as to retain waste material. This allows waste material to be more readily packed into the support means
  • the inner container 17' may be sealed with an inner container lid 12', after hydrocarbon material 18 has been loaded into said inner container 17'. If the inner container lid 12' is sealed before radiation is applied, the inner container lid 12' should be transparent to the radiation in question, e.g. a ceramic or glass lid. Escape of gas from the inner container 17' should not be hindered by the inner container lid 12'.
  • the means for supply of microwave radiation or high- frequency radiation 14,15 is shielded from the hydrocarbon material 18 by a gas- impermeable, microwave-permeable material 30.
  • This may take the form of a window of such material which completely isolates the magnetron 15 from the gases which are a byproduct of the depolymerisation process (see Fig, 1). In such a way, damage to the radiation supply is reduced.
  • the gas-impermeable, microwave-permeable material 30 is preferably arranged in the outer container 10 or the outer container lid 12.
  • the gas-impermeable, microwave- permeable material 30 comprises an inner wall of the outer container 10, i.e.
  • the outer container has a lining of the gas-impermeable, microwave-permeable material 30.
  • the means for supply of microwave radiation or high-frequency radiation 14,15 projects through the walls of the outer container, but is protected from the corrosive gases in the container by the gas-impermeable, microwave-permeable material 30 which lines the outer container.
  • Suitable gas-impermeable, microwave-permeable materials 30 are ceramics, polymers and quartz glasses.
  • the apparatus comprises a plurality of means for supply of microwave radiation or high-frequency radiation 14,15 (see Fig. 2), i.e. at least 2, such as e.g. 3, 4 5, 6 or more means 14,15.
  • the apparatus preferably comprises six means for supply of microwave radiation or high-frequency radiation 14,15. In this way, smaller commercially-available radiation sources such as those in household microwave ovens can be used, leading to significant cost savings and ease of replacement in case of component failure.
  • Using a plurality of radiation sources can provide the same depolymerising effect as one farge radiation source.
  • Each means for supply of microwave radiation or high-frequency radiation 14,15 can be controlled by separate control units 16, or a single control unit 16 may be used to control a plurality of means 14,15 (as per Figure 2).
  • said means is located in the walls or the floor of the outer container 10, as per Figure 2. In this way, gases rising from the depolymerisation process will flow upwards and avoid the radiation sources.
  • Figure 4 shows an alternative support means 17 which is in the form of hooks or a rod fastened with a clinch-wire which holds the hydrocarbon material 18 to be depolymerised.
  • the support means 17 includes a tray 19 which collects the products of depolymerisation. It is possible to mix or add a microwave or high-frequency radiation-absorbing substance, like elemental carbon, with the hydrocarbon material 18 in the support means 17 or in the outer container 10. This absorbs radiation and becomes hot, increasing the effectiveness of the depolymerisation process.
  • materials which reflect microwave or high- frequency radiation can be included in the support means 17 to aid the distribution of radiation.
  • the outer container 10 or the outer container lid 12 may further comprise a gas inlet 21.
  • the gas inlet 21 provides the possibility to flush the system with inert gas, as described below.
  • the gas outlet 13 leads to a gas purification apparatus 26.
  • the gas purification apparatus 26 may comprise a gas condenser where gases are cooled to form liquids, and the resulting liquids and gases are separated. Alternatively or additionally, the gas produced by depolymerisation is broken down in a catalytic converter.
  • condensable components of the gas produced by depolymerisation may be purified by gravimetric separation.
  • gases leave the gas purification apparatus 26 as shown by arrow A, while liquids leave the gas purification apparatus 26 as shown by arrow B.
  • the outer container 10 or the outer container lid 12 may also comprise a pressure valve 23. This allows the pressure within the outer container 10 to be regulated, and acts as a safety measure if the pressure becomes too high. As described below, it is desirable that the outer container 10 is maintained at a pressure above atmospheric pressure.
  • the outer container 10 or the outer container lid 12 of the apparatus according to the invention may be provided with a further outlet 24 for measurement of gas properties. Measurement of gas properties may be carried out by a computer 25, and the gas properties investigated include, e.g. composition, moisture content or flammability.
  • the outer container 10 may be provided with means which enables material to be emptied from the container. This may simply require that the outer container 10 can be upturned, so that material can be emptied from the outer container. Alternatively, the outer container may be fitted with a second opening and door (not illustrated) through which material can be emptied.
  • Figures 5a-d illustrate a method for depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material according to the present invention.
  • a heat-resistant outer container 10 with an outer container lid 12 and a support means 17 for supporting hydrocarbon material 18 are provided as described above.
  • Hydrocarbon material 18 is loaded into the support means 17 (an inner container 17' in Fig 4a-d) and the support means 17 is placed into the outer container 10 ( Figure 4a).
  • the support means 17 is designed so as to retain waste material.
  • the support means 17 comprises an inner container 17'
  • an inner container 17' having a thin metal wall could be used. Escape of gas from the inner container 17' should not be hindered by the inner container lid 12'.
  • the outer container lid 12 When the support means 17 has been placed in the outer container, the outer container lid 12 is placed on the container, which may be achieved by moving the outer container 10 sideways under a fixed outer container lid 12 and subsequently lifting it up against the outer container lid 12, sealing the opening of the outer container 10.
  • a microwave or high-frequency radiation-absorbing substance may be present in the support means 17 as described above.
  • the presence of oxygen in the outer container 10 increases the risk of combustion rather than depolymerisation.
  • a hazardous mixture of heat, flammable gases and oxygen may be obtained.
  • depolymerisation in the presence of oxygen can lead to toxic byproducts.
  • Oxygen may be present in the atmosphere, or may be produced upon irradiation of the hydrocarbon material.
  • the outer container 10 may be flushed with an inert gas through gas inlet 21 before the hydrocarbon material 18 is heated.
  • Suitable inert gases include carbon dioxide, nitrogen, noble gases or mixtures thereof.
  • the hydrocarbon material is then irradiated by microwaves (as illustrated by the zigzag arrow), suitably with a frequency of 2.45 GHz.
  • microwaves as illustrated by the zigzag arrow
  • high-frequency heating at other frequencies may be used.
  • high-frequency is meant frequencies mainly in the 1 MHz to 30 GHz range.
  • the temperature within the container lies in the range 300-500 0 C, and preferred pressures within the container lie between 1 and 1.5 bar absolute pressure.
  • the temperature of the surface of the material thereby increases, and starts to char and thereby absorb microwaves or high-frequency radiation.
  • halogenated polymers e.g. PVC, PTFE
  • HCI or HF acidic gases
  • an alkaline substance may also be provided in the outer container 10 or the support means 17. Suitable alkaline substances are alkali hydroxides like sodium hydroxide, calcium oxides, hydroxides or carbonates.
  • the interior of the outer container 10 is preferably maintained at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, so as to minimise leakage of atmospheric oxygen into the container.
  • the depolymerisation step is illustrated in Figure 4b.
  • Exhaust gas produced by depolymerisation - which typically comprise water vapour and both condensable and non-condensable gases - may leave the container 10 and be fed into a gas purification apparatus 26 via gas outlet 13.
  • condensable components of the gas produced by depolymerisation may be condensed in a gas-condensing apparatus.
  • water is condensed, but hydrocarbons are also transformed from gas to liquid in the later stages of the gas-condensing equipment.
  • the liquid obtained from condensation is preferably purified by gravimetric separation.
  • the warm air from the outer container 10 can be used to dry/pre-heat materials which are to be depolymerised.
  • the radiation When depolymerisation is complete the radiation is turned off. Complete depolymerisation in the outer container 10 is indicated by the temperature, carbon monoxide content etc. falling.
  • the magnetron is turned off and cold air may be introduced in order to cool the apparatus to ⁇ 60°C.
  • the support means 17 and the retained waste material are removed from the outer container 10 and the apparatus is ready to be used again with a fresh batch of hydrocarbon material 18.
  • a new support means 17 which has been filled with hydrocarbon material may be placed into the container and a new treatment sequence starts.
  • the residue remaining in the support means 17 after irradiation is usually fine particulate matter, plus any non-hydrocarbon material (inorganic material) such as metal, ceramic, elemental carbon or glass.
  • non-hydrocarbon material inorganic material
  • the metals can be suitably separated with magnetism, for recycling and the carbon can be put to good use, inter alia as an absorbent.
  • the residue may also comprise elemental carbon, if this is used as the microwave or high-frequency radiation-absorbing substance.
  • the inner container 17' After depolymerisation, the inner container 17' is removed from the outer container 10 and a new inner container 17' filled with hydrocarbon material put into the outer container 10. Fine particulate matter is thus prevented from escaping into the surroundings, and the problems associated with dust and odour are minimised. Particulate residue can be removed from the inner container 17' by means of a vacuum cleaner 27 (Fig. 4d).
  • a vacuum cleaner 27 Fig. 4d
  • the inner container 17' is removed from the outer container 10 before particulate material is removed by the vacuum cleaner.
  • the inner container 17' is cooled down to room temperature before it is emptied.
  • the inner container 17 1 can be subjected to mechanical agitation before and/or while removing particulate residue. This dislodges the residue.
  • Mechanical agitation can be performed by subjecting the support means 17 to physical forces or displacement.
  • mechanical agitation can be performed by subjecting the support means 17 to short, rapid changes in pressure, causing the gas in the support means 17 to expand and contract rapidly.
  • the gases which are purified as described above can produce the electricity required to drive the magnetron, which in turn generates the microwaves or high-frequency radiation. If the gas produced by depolymerisation is not to be used as a fuel, it may be broken down in a catalytic converter to produce heat. Alternatively the purified condensed oil or gasoil may be a fuel for electricity production.
  • the method according to this embodiment allows simple operation, short turnaround times and lower investment costs than continuous pyrolysis.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a system for depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material 18.
  • the system comprises an array at least two (three in Figure 3) outer containers 10, each of said containers having an opening 11 and an outer container lid 12 for sealing said opening 11 as described above.
  • Each outer container 10 or outer container lid 12 is provided with a gas outlet 13 and means for supply of microwave or high-frequency radiation 14, 15.
  • a magnetron 15 may alternatively be provided inside the outer container 10 or outer container lid 12.
  • Each outer container 10 is also provided with a support means 17 for supporting hydrocarbon material 18 and which is designed so as to retain waste material.
  • the outer containers 10 are arranged in parallel such that the gas outlet 13 of each container leads to the same gas purification apparatus 26.
  • each outer container 10 or outer container lid 12 may be provided with the same kind of components as described above in connection with Figures 1 and 2.
  • the outer container 10 or outer container lid 12 comprises a gas- impermeable, microwave-permeable material 30 which is arranged so that the means for supply of microwave radiation or high-frequency radiation 14,15 is shielded from the hydrocarbon material 18 by the gas-impermeable, microwave-permeable material.
  • the support means 17 can, in this embodiment, be removed from said outer container 10, so that rapid and efficient recharging of the hydrocarbon material can be carried out.
  • charging and recharging of the container is provided in other ways.
  • the gas purification apparatus 26 in this system may comprise a gas condenser, a catalytic converter and/or means for gravimetric separation, as described for the apparatus in Figs. 1 and 2.
  • Depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material is carried out in each of the at least two outer containers 10 as described in the method steps above. It is preferred that depolymerisation is started up non-simultaneously in at least two outer containers 10, in order to produce a substantially continuous flow of gas passing through the gas purification apparatus 26.
  • three or four parallel localised outer containers 10 are started up at equally as many different times, so as to minimise the momentary load on the gas purification equipment 26, and to obtain a more continuous production of combustible gas.
  • the pressure in each outer container is regulated, so that a weak overpressure is obtained, which counteracts any air leaking into the container.
  • the most suitable number of outer containers depends on the type of hydrocarbon material which is to be treated, but is preferably between two and six. In smaller plants, two outer containers may be used and operated alternately. In a large plant with material that evaporates rapidly, it may be possible to run as many as six outer containers in parallel.
  • the advantage with many outer containers is that the production of gas is more constant and gas processing and cleaning is then simpler. Using the gas for electricity production is also easier in this case. If - for example - six outer containers are used, at any given time, four can be carrying out depolymerisation, a fifth can be being loaded with hydrocarbon material and a sixth can be being cleaned.
  • the depolymerisation is controlled so that the flow of gas through the gas purification apparatus 26 is substantially constant. This is easily carried out, as stopping the microwave radiation immediately removes the heating source and depolymerisation quickly stops. This is in contrast to non-microwave based processes, in which stopping depolymerisation requires a slow cooling process.
  • a gas flow control unit 28 can be used to monitor the flow of gas through the gas purification apparatus 26 and to send signals to the control units 16 controlling the magnetrons 15 for each outer container 10 to adjust the power of the microwave or high-frequency radiation accordingly.
  • the present invention also relates to the use of an apparatus and a system as described herein for the depolymerisation of hydrocarbon material.
  • the apparatus is built as a mobile device, which for example may stand on a truck platform or in a frame that is lifted off from a truck, in which the other equipment for depolymerisation operations is located.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Separation, Recovery Or Treatment Of Waste Materials Containing Plastics (AREA)
  • Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
  • Production Of Liquid Hydrocarbon Mixture For Refining Petroleum (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé et un appareil et/ou un système de dépolymérisation discontinue de matériaux à base d'hydrocarbures. Les matériaux (18) à base d'hydrocarbures sont chargés dans un moyen de support (17) qui est placé dans une enceinte extérieure (10) dont l'ouverture est fermée de manière étanche par un couvercle (12) de l'enceinte extérieure. Le moyen de support (17) est conçu de manière à contenir des matériaux de déchet. Les matériaux (18) à base d'hydrocarbures sont chauffés par rayonnement de micro-ondes ou à haute fréquence pour amener la dépolymérisation des matériaux à base d'hydrocarbures, les gaz d'échappement s'échappant de l'enceinte extérieure (10) par une sortie de gaz (13). Après dépolymérisation, le rayonnement est débranché, le moyen de support (17) qui contient des matériaux de déchet est enlevé de l'enceinte extérieure (10) et l'opération peut être répétée. Deux ou plusieurs enceintes extérieures (10) peuvent être raccordées en parallèle à un dispositif (26) d'épuration des gaz et démarrées de manière non simultanée de manière à produire un écoulement essentiellement continu de gaz par l'intermédiaire du dispositif d'épuration de gaz.
EP06812968A 2005-11-02 2006-11-02 Depolymerisation discontinue de materiaux a base d'hydrocarbures Withdrawn EP1948723A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE0502436A SE0502436L (sv) 2005-11-02 2005-11-02 Satsvis depolymerisation av kolvätematerial
PCT/SE2006/001244 WO2007053088A1 (fr) 2005-11-02 2006-11-02 Depolymerisation discontinue de materiaux a base d'hydrocarbures

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EP1948723A1 true EP1948723A1 (fr) 2008-07-30
EP1948723A4 EP1948723A4 (fr) 2011-12-28

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WO2009154485A1 (fr) * 2008-06-20 2009-12-23 Turney Christian Stewart Macgr Appareil et procédé destinés à traiter un matériau organique
WO2010034123A1 (fr) 2008-09-25 2010-04-01 Harrison Brian H Réacteur à double cuve
DE102009003441B4 (de) * 2009-02-05 2011-04-07 Native Power Solutions Gmbh Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Einkoppeleinheit eines Mikrowellenreaktors für die Pyrolyse von kohlenstoffhaltigem Material
GB0911777D0 (en) * 2009-07-07 2009-08-19 Microwaste Ltd Disposal of waste materials
IT1404131B1 (it) * 2011-02-18 2013-11-15 Cooperativa Autotrasportatori Fiorentini C A F Societa Cooperativa A R L Produzione di idrocarburi da co-pirolisi di materiali plastici e pneumatici con riscaldamento a microonde.
CN102492442B (zh) * 2011-12-19 2014-05-14 四川理工学院 垃圾微波裂解炉
JP5874408B2 (ja) * 2012-01-25 2016-03-02 富士通株式会社 廃プラスチック油化装置および廃プラスチック油化方法
DE102012109874A1 (de) 2012-10-16 2014-04-17 Merenas Trust Reg. Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur stofflichen Behandlung von Rohstoffen
US9382119B2 (en) 2014-01-27 2016-07-05 So Spark Ltd. Rapid high-pressure microwave thermal decomposition system, capsule and method for using same
JP2022159851A (ja) * 2021-04-05 2022-10-18 修 杉澤 熱分解装置及びこれを用いた油化処理装置
EP4303285A1 (fr) 2022-07-08 2024-01-10 Merenas Trust Reg. Dispositif et procédé de traitement matériel des matières premières, ainsi que carbone fabriqué selon ledit procédé
EP4303184A1 (fr) 2022-07-08 2024-01-10 Merenas Trust Reg. Utilisations d'un carbone produit selon un procédé de traitement matériel des matières premières
GB2621630A (en) 2022-08-19 2024-02-21 Halocycle Ltd Improvements in Relation to Depolymerisation of Halogenated Plastics

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WO2007053088A1 (fr) 2007-05-10
EP1948723A4 (fr) 2011-12-28

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