Experimental conduction 1

Figure 8.12: Experimental setup 1.

Apparatus:

The experimental setup is as shown above; it consists of reactor vessel, Condenser,

burner, LPG, temperature controller.
The condenser and reactor is connected using mild steel pipe. To adjust the height level
of the reactor and condenser, bricks are used.
Before conducting the experiment all the bolts and joints are tested and tightened.

Conduction:

Water is filled in the condenser till the mark and the water level is adjusted using water
removing cock once the experiment is started.
Waste plastic is filled in the reactor, engine packing paper ring is placed in alignment
with lid holes and all the 8 bolts are tightened using Allen key.
Thermostat is switched on and ambient temperature is noted. Burner is lightened, and
flame level is adjusted using knob. Till 150C flame length is full and after that flame is
shortened to heat steadily and have more control over the process.
 After crossing 200C bubbles are observed in the condenser. After certain time the
evaporated plastic condenses and oil layer is formed on water surface in condenser the oil
level increases gradually.
Once the Bubbling reduces and gases are vigorously formed in condenser, the process is
stopped to prevent dry heating of reactor and hence improve its life and efficiency.
Water level is raised by pouring water till the oil reaches the red mark and then water is
poured slowly; collector vessel is placed below the diesel cock to collect the oil.
After collecting the remaining oil, water in the condenser is drained off and fresh water is
poured inside.
Once the reactor reaches the ambient temperature lid is removed and un-reacted plastic in
the form of wax is removed and reactor is cleaned so that the residue does not affect the
pyrolysis of different samples of plastic.

Experimental conduction 2.
 Figure 8.13: Experimental setup 2.

Apparatus:

The arrangement consists of reactor, condenser, mild steel pipes and electric band heater.
Mica insulated band heater is used for heating purpose, internal diameter of heater is
same as outer diameter of reactor and the heater is tightened to it.
Heater is connected to the control unit in which according to the temperature setup
heating is controlled.
Here instead of using single connector pipe, it is cut into two pieces and then welded to
the reactor and condenser. Both pipes are aligned and joined using MBC (male bush
Coupling.

Conduction:

Waste plastic is filled in the reactor, treated mount board ring is placed in alignment with
lid holes and all the bolts are tightened using Allen key.
Thermostat is switched on and ambient temperature is noted. Initial 50C temperature is
setup in the control panel. After reaching the desired temperature the heater is
automatically turned off and if temperature decreases the temperature increases, thus
maintains a constant temperature.
 After that temperature is gradually increased by setting temperature in 100C, then 150C
and finally to 200C.
After crossing 200C bubbles are observed in the condenser. Temperature is increases in
10C interval. After certain time the evaporated plastic condenses and oil layer is formed
on water surface in condenser the oil level increases gradually with temperature.
Maximum temperature to which heater is operated is 450C so taking safety factor into
consideration the process is stopped at 350C.
Once the Bubbling reduces and gases are vigorously formed in condenser, the process is
stopped to prevent dry heating of reactor and hence improve its life and efficiency.
Water level is then raised by pouring water till the oil reaches the red mark and then water
is poured slowly; collector vessel is placed below the diesel cock to collect the oil.
Once the reactor reaches the ambient temperature lid is removed and un-reacted plastic in
the form of wax is removed and reactor is cleaned so that the residue does not affect the
pyrolysis of different samples of plastic.

RESULTS
Sl. No. Property Waste plastic oil Waste plastic oil Diesel
(polystyrene) (polyethylene)

1 Specific Gravity 0.835 0.830 0.840

2 Gross Calorific 42,340 42,400 43,000

value kJ/kg

3 Kinematic 3.4 3.5 3.0

viscosity,cSt at
40C

4 Cetane Number 51 52 55

5 Flash appoint, 45C 42C 50C

C

6 Fire point C 48C 45C 55C

7 Ash content % 0.00023 0.00021 0.045