EVALUATION OF FUEL OIL PROPERTY PRODUCED BY PYROLYSIS USING PLASTIC WASTES

Abstract

This paper evaluated fuel oil produced from selected plastic wastes using a pyrolysis unit. The produced pyrolysis oil was characterized and compared with commercial diesel. From the results, it was observed that polypropylene (PP) produced more liquid product yield than polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the oil from PET has a higher density than the oil from polypropylene. However, both oils are still not within the standard density range when compared with commercial diesel. The pyrolysis oil from PP and PET have higher API gravity values than the commercial diesel and as such are lighter fuel oils. The viscosities from the three oil samples were within ASTM D97 Standard of 1.6 to 5.5cst. The pyrolysis oil from PP has a lower pour point than the oil from PET and commercial diesel. PP oil has a higher calorific valued when compared to PET oil or Diesel. But the oxygen composition in the PP oil is lower compared to the other two oil samples. Due to the BTEX content, the use of PP oil and PET oil could cause the release of carcinogens, which could lead to food poisoning and other health challenges. Sequel to this, the study recommended that the produced fuel oil from plastic waste such as PP and PET be treated/purified to reduce the heterocyclic amines and the BTEX content to prevent its carcinogenic effect before it is used in combustion engines and be blended with commercial diesel for higher performance.