A sequential process for hydrogen production based on continuous HDPE fast pyrolysis and in-line steam reforming

A continuous process has been developed consisting in the flash pyrolysis (500 ºC) of high density polyethylene (HDPE) in a conical spouted bed reactor (CSBR) followed by steam reforming in a fluidized bed reactor (Ni commercial catalyst). The effect reforming temperature in the 600-700 ºC range, sp...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Barbarias Barainka, Itsaso, López Zabalbeitia, Gartzen, Álvarez Gordejuela, Jon, Artetxe Uria, Maite, Arregi Joaristi, Aitor, Bilbao Elorriaga, Javier, Olazar Aurrecoechea, Martin
Format: article
Publication Date:2016
Country:España
Institution:Universidad del País Vasco
Repository:Addi. Archivo Digital para la Docencia y la Investigación
OAI Identifier:oai:addi.ehu.eus:10810/65979
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10810/65979
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:hydrogen
pyrolysis
reforming
plastic waste
conical spouted bed
Ni catalyst
Description
Summary:A continuous process has been developed consisting in the flash pyrolysis (500 ºC) of high density polyethylene (HDPE) in a conical spouted bed reactor (CSBR) followed by steam reforming in a fluidized bed reactor (Ni commercial catalyst). The effect reforming temperature in the 600-700 ºC range, space time from 2.8 to 20.8 gcat min gHDPE-1 and steam/plastic ratio between 3 and 5 have on product yields and gas composition has been studied. The continuous pyrolysis-reforming process performs well, with no operational problems and attaining complete HDPE conversion. Under the optimum conditions, i.e., 700 ºC, space time 16.7 gcat min gHDPE-1 and steam/plastic of ratio 5, the H2 yield was 92.5 % of that corresponding to stoichometry, which accounts for a H2 production of 38.1 g per 100g of HDPE in the feed.