Anthony Warren and Mahmoud El-Halwagi
Chemical Engineering Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to assess the technical and economic feasibility of a new process for co-liquefying coal and plastic wastes. This assessment is based on incorporating recent experimental data on plastic/coal liquefaction within a conceptual process framework. A preliminary design was developed for two process configurations. The primary difference between the configurations is the source of hydrogen (coal versus cellulosic waste). The assessment was based on co-liquefying 720 tons per day of plastic waste with an equivalent amount of coal on a weight basis. The plant products include hydrocarbon gases, naphtha, jet fuel and diesel fuel. Material and energy balances along with plant-wide simulation were conducted for the process. Furthermore, the data on plastic-waste availability, disposal and economics have been compiled. The results from the economic analysis identify profitability criteria for gross profit and thus return on investment based on variable conversion, yield and tipping fee for plastic waste processed."
Although the financial projections aren't revealed in the Abstract, the prospect of co-liquefaction is, at least, technically feasible. And, "cellulosic waste" is once again named as a hydrogen-donating raw material which could be processed with both plastic waste and coal; thus, perhaps, drawing down the costs even further; and, through making additional hydrogen available, rendering the process even more productive and efficient.