US20060162242A1 - Method and system for fueling a power/heat generating unit with plastic material - Google Patents
Method and system for fueling a power/heat generating unit with plastic material Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060162242A1 US20060162242A1 US11/043,793 US4379305A US2006162242A1 US 20060162242 A1 US20060162242 A1 US 20060162242A1 US 4379305 A US4379305 A US 4379305A US 2006162242 A1 US2006162242 A1 US 2006162242A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- solution
- biodiesel
- plastic material
- recited
- heat
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
- C10L1/00—Liquid carbonaceous fuels
- C10L1/02—Liquid carbonaceous fuels essentially based on components consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen only
- C10L1/026—Liquid carbonaceous fuels essentially based on components consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen only for compression ignition
-
- 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
- C10G1/04—Production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from oil-shale, oil-sand, or non-melting solid carbonaceous or similar materials, e.g. wood, coal by extraction
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
- C10L1/00—Liquid carbonaceous fuels
- C10L1/02—Liquid carbonaceous fuels essentially based on components consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen only
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
- F23G5/00—Incineration of waste; Incinerator constructions; Details, accessories or control therefor
- F23G5/02—Incineration of waste; Incinerator constructions; Details, accessories or control therefor with pretreatment
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
- F23G7/00—Incinerators or other apparatus for consuming industrial waste, e.g. chemicals
- F23G7/12—Incinerators or other apparatus for consuming industrial waste, e.g. chemicals of plastics, e.g. rubber
-
- 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
- C10G2300/00—Aspects relating to hydrocarbon processing covered by groups C10G1/00 - C10G99/00
- C10G2300/10—Feedstock materials
- C10G2300/1011—Biomass
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
- F23G2201/00—Pretreatment
- F23G2201/60—Separating
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
- F23G2201/00—Pretreatment
- F23G2201/70—Blending
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
- F23G2206/00—Waste heat recuperation
- F23G2206/10—Waste heat recuperation reintroducing the heat in the same process, e.g. for predrying
-
- 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
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E50/00—Technologies for the production of fuel of non-fossil origin
- Y02E50/10—Biofuels, e.g. bio-diesel
-
- 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
- Y02P30/00—Technologies relating to oil refining and petrochemical industry
- Y02P30/20—Technologies relating to oil refining and petrochemical industry using bio-feedstock
Definitions
- the present invention pertains generally to systems and methods for using plastics. More particularly, the present invention pertains to the use of plastics in fuel for power/heat generating units. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful in methods or systems that dissolve plastic material in biodiesel for use as fuel.
- Biodiesel i.e. fatty acid alkyl esters
- fatty acids and oils from animals and plants, particularly soybeans. It is fully renewable and can be used in many diesel engines. Its high cost, however, currently prevents it from competing with traditional diesel fuel. Nevertheless, by somehow increasing the output from the oxidation of biodiesel, it can be made more cost competitive.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide methods and systems for using plastic material dissolved in biodiesel as fuel. Another object of the invention is to provide methods and systems for recycling plastic waste as a component of a fuel. Another object of the present invention is to provide methods and systems for increasing the output of biodiesel as fuel. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide methods and systems for reducing the volume of plastic material, particularly plastic waste. Still another object of the present invention is to provide systems for using plastic material as a fuel, and methods of using the systems, that are relatively easy to create, simple to use and comparatively cost effective.
- the system includes a holding tank for storing a biodiesel fuel, and the holding tank is connected in fluid communication with a dissolution chamber. Biodiesel can then be selectively transferred from the holding tank to the dissolution chamber. Additionally, the dissolution chamber is provided with an access port for dumping plastics and other plastic-type wastes into the dissolution chamber. The purpose here is to dissolve the plastics in the biodiesel to thereby create a supplemented biodiesel fuel.
- a tube is provided that leads from the dissolution chamber to a filter where insoluble products are removed from the supplemented biodiesel. Once the insoluble products are removed, the supplemented biodiesel can then be transferred via a storage inlet tube to a storage container. Outlet pipes from the storage container and the filter are also provided to selectively transfer the supplemented biodiesel from the storage container, or directly from the filter, for use by a heat or power-generating device (generator) such as an engine, turbine, heater or burner.
- generator heat or power-generating device
- the output heat from the generator can be provided to other systems or devices as desired.
- the heat can be provided back to the holding tank or the dissolution chamber, or both, to heat the biodiesel to assist in dissolving the plastics that are introduced into the dissolution chamber to create the supplemented biodiesel.
- the heat can be provided back to the dissolution chamber or storage container, or both, to heat the supplemented biodiesel. Heating the supplemented biodiesel reduces its viscosity and allows it to be more easily fed to, and burned by, the generator.
- biodiesel is released from the holding tank to the dissolution chamber.
- Plastic waste material can then be added to the dissolution chamber.
- Additives or heat may also be added to the dissolution chamber to facilitate dissolution of the plastic material within the biodiesel.
- the consequence of this addition is that as the soluble plastic material dissolves, the biodiesel and plastic material form a supplemented biodiesel solution. If insoluble plastic material or other non-plastic materials (nonsoluble materials) are included within the supplemented biodiesel solution, the solution and nonsoluble materials form a slurry which needs to be filtered.
- the slurry is pumped out of the dissolution chamber through the chamber exit tube.
- the slurry then passes through a filter which separates the nonsoluble materials from the supplemented biodiesel solution.
- the solution is fed to the generator which burns the solution as a fuel to create heat and/or power.
- a generator feed conduit delivers the solution directly from the filter to the generator.
- the solution may be piped to containers for storage or transport. When needed, the solution is fed from the storage containers to the generator.
- the solution may be too viscous to be used as a fuel.
- the solution is heated to reduce its viscosity.
- solvents or additives may be utilized to lower the solution viscosity.
- at least a portion of the heat output of the generator is directed to the dissolution chamber or storage containers to reduce the viscosity of the solution.
- heat may be provided to the dissolution chamber to facilitate dissolution of the plastic waste.
- FIGURE is a process flow diagram of a system for using plastic material as fuel in accordance with the present invention.
- a system for using plastic material as fuel in accordance with the present invention is shown and generally designated 10 .
- the system 10 includes a holding tank 12 that stores biodiesel 14 .
- a biodiesel conduit 16 provides fluid communication between the holding tank 12 and a dissolution chamber 18 .
- an additive hose 20 provides fluid communication between the dissolution chamber 18 and an additive reservoir 22 that holds additives 24 such as solvents.
- the dissolution chamber 18 includes a port 26 for receiving the plastic material 28 .
- a chamber exit tube 30 provides an outlet to the dissolution chamber 18 and leads to a filter 32 .
- the filter 32 includes a sieve, grate or other filtering mechanism. Downstream of the filter 32 is a generator 34 , which may be an engine, turbine, heater or burner.
- a generator feed conduit 36 provides direct fluid communication between the filter 32 and the generator 34 .
- a storage container 38 may be positioned between the filter 32 and generator 34 . In such a case, a storage inlet pipe 40 leads from the filter 32 to the storage container 38 and a storage outlet pipe 42 leads from the storage container 38 to the generator 34 .
- the output 44 of the generator 34 includes power and/or process heat 46 . Additionally, the output 44 may include recyclable heat 48 . As shown in the FIGURE, the recyclable heat 48 is directed to system components to provide heat where desired. Specifically, a tank heating conduit 50 connects the recyclable heat 48 to the holding tank 12 , a chamber heating conduit 52 connects the recyclable heat 48 to the dissolution chamber 18 , and a container heating conduit 54 connects the recyclable heat 48 to the storage container 38 .
- the plastic material 28 is added to the biodiesel 14 in the dissolution chamber 18 .
- the plastic material 28 is polymeric and may comprise polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene or other thermopolymers.
- the biodiesel 14 begins to dissolve at least a portion of the plastic material 28 to form a supplemented biodiesel solution 56 .
- the biodiesel 14 may require heating to over 120° C. to facilitate dissolution of the plastic material 28 .
- the biodiesel 14 should be heated to about 130° C. to prompt dissolution.
- the biodiesel 14 needs to be heated to about 160° C. to prompt dissolution.
- additives 24 including solvents may also be introduced to the dissolution chamber 18 .
- the additives 24 may facilitate dissolution of the plastic material 28 or provide desired characteristics to the resulting supplemented biodiesel solution 56 . If the plastic material 28 includes any nonsoluble material 58 , such as non-plastic material or insoluble plastics, then a slurry 60 of the supplemented biodiesel solution 56 and nonsoluble material 58 is formed in the dissolution chamber 18 .
- the slurry 60 is fed from the dissolution chamber 18 to the filter 32 by the chamber exit tube 30 .
- the filter 32 removes the nonsoluble material 58 from the supplemented biodiesel solution 56 . While a static filter 32 is shown in the FIGURE, it is contemplated that a movable filter can be used to remove the nonsoluble material 58 from the dissolution chamber 18 or from the slurry exit tube 30 .
- the supplemented biodiesel solution 56 is fed to the generator 34 through the generator feed conduit 36 .
- the supplemented biodiesel solution 56 is fed to the storage container 38 through the storage inlet pipe 40 .
- the storage container 38 is filled with supplemented biodiesel solution 56 and is stored and/or transported.
- fluid connection between the storage container 38 and the generator 34 is established via a storage outlet pipe 42 . After such connection, the supplemented biodiesel solution 56 may be fed to the generator 34 . If the supplemented biodiesel solution 56 is too viscous for use as fuel, it may be heated prior to delivery to the generator 34 .
- the plastic material 28 comprises about 20-50 wt. % of the supplemented biodiesel solution 56 .
- Supplemented biodiesel solutions 56 comprising less plastic material 28 such as a solution 56 comprising 90 wt. % biodiesel and 10 wt. % polystyrene, may exhibit a lower viscosity and not require heating.
- the generator 34 burns the supplemented biodiesel solution 56 upon receiving it from the generator feed conduit 36 or the storage outlet pipe 42 . Due to the increased energy value of the supplemented biodiesel solution 56 , as compared to the original biodiesel 14 , the generator 34 creates an increased output 44 .
- the output 44 comprises process heat and/or power 46 in addition to recyclable heat 48 .
- the recyclable heat 48 may be communicated to other system components. For instance, the recyclable heat 48 may be communicated to the holding tank 12 via the tank heating conduit 50 to heat the biodiesel 14 . Further, the recyclable heat 48 may be communicated to the dissolution chamber 18 via the chamber heating conduit 52 to heat the biodiesel 14 or the supplemented biodiesel solution 56 or slurry 60 formed therein. Finally, the recyclable heat 48 may be communicated to the storage container 38 to heat the supplemented biodiesel solution 56 .
Abstract
A method and system for using plastic material as a fuel includes dissolving the plastic material in biodiesel to form a solution. After the solution is created, it is filtered to remove insoluble contaminants and is then fed to a generator that oxidizes the solution to create power and/or heat. Heat from the oxidation of the solution can be utilized to facilitate the further dissolution of plastic material in biodiesel and to reduce the viscosity of the resulting solution.
Description
- The present invention pertains generally to systems and methods for using plastics. More particularly, the present invention pertains to the use of plastics in fuel for power/heat generating units. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful in methods or systems that dissolve plastic material in biodiesel for use as fuel.
- The world's annual consumption of plastic materials has increased from around 5 million tons in the 1950s to nearly 100 million tons today. While recycling efforts have been made to reduce the amount of plastic waste landfilled, applications or markets for recycled plastics are often limited. Additionally, the costs involved in collecting, transporting, and separating plastic waste often result in recycled plastic products that are more expensive than new plastic products. This is particularly true for situations in which special storage and transport of the waste is required. For instance, shipboard waste or waste at remote forward military bases may require special disposal procedures.
- As with the concerns for handling waste, the storage and transport of fuel incurs high costs for many operations, such as on ships and military bases. Therefore, a reduction in the need for fuel can significantly reduce costs. One fuel source that can be used in such operations is biodiesel. Biodiesel, i.e. fatty acid alkyl esters, is a fuel made from fatty acids and oils from animals and plants, particularly soybeans. It is fully renewable and can be used in many diesel engines. Its high cost, however, currently prevents it from competing with traditional diesel fuel. Nevertheless, by somehow increasing the output from the oxidation of biodiesel, it can be made more cost competitive.
- With the above in mind, consideration is given here for dissolving plastic material in biodiesel before using it as fuel. As a result, the amount of plastic material that must be transported for landfilling or other recycling is reduced. Additionally, the plastic material that is transported (in fuel form) is far less bulky and far easier to ship. Furthermore, the heating value of the plastic material can make the biodiesel cost competitive as a fuel.
- In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide methods and systems for using plastic material dissolved in biodiesel as fuel. Another object of the invention is to provide methods and systems for recycling plastic waste as a component of a fuel. Another object of the present invention is to provide methods and systems for increasing the output of biodiesel as fuel. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide methods and systems for reducing the volume of plastic material, particularly plastic waste. Still another object of the present invention is to provide systems for using plastic material as a fuel, and methods of using the systems, that are relatively easy to create, simple to use and comparatively cost effective.
- In accordance with the present invention, a system and method are presented for dissolving plastic material in a fuel for the purpose of increasing the heating value of the fuel. Specifically, the system includes a holding tank for storing a biodiesel fuel, and the holding tank is connected in fluid communication with a dissolution chamber. Biodiesel can then be selectively transferred from the holding tank to the dissolution chamber. Additionally, the dissolution chamber is provided with an access port for dumping plastics and other plastic-type wastes into the dissolution chamber. The purpose here is to dissolve the plastics in the biodiesel to thereby create a supplemented biodiesel fuel.
- A tube is provided that leads from the dissolution chamber to a filter where insoluble products are removed from the supplemented biodiesel. Once the insoluble products are removed, the supplemented biodiesel can then be transferred via a storage inlet tube to a storage container. Outlet pipes from the storage container and the filter are also provided to selectively transfer the supplemented biodiesel from the storage container, or directly from the filter, for use by a heat or power-generating device (generator) such as an engine, turbine, heater or burner.
- Another aspect of the present invention is that the output heat from the generator can be provided to other systems or devices as desired. For instance, the heat can be provided back to the holding tank or the dissolution chamber, or both, to heat the biodiesel to assist in dissolving the plastics that are introduced into the dissolution chamber to create the supplemented biodiesel. Additionally, the heat can be provided back to the dissolution chamber or storage container, or both, to heat the supplemented biodiesel. Heating the supplemented biodiesel reduces its viscosity and allows it to be more easily fed to, and burned by, the generator.
- In operation, biodiesel is released from the holding tank to the dissolution chamber. Plastic waste material can then be added to the dissolution chamber. Additives or heat may also be added to the dissolution chamber to facilitate dissolution of the plastic material within the biodiesel. The consequence of this addition is that as the soluble plastic material dissolves, the biodiesel and plastic material form a supplemented biodiesel solution. If insoluble plastic material or other non-plastic materials (nonsoluble materials) are included within the supplemented biodiesel solution, the solution and nonsoluble materials form a slurry which needs to be filtered.
- After dissolution is completed, the slurry is pumped out of the dissolution chamber through the chamber exit tube. The slurry then passes through a filter which separates the nonsoluble materials from the supplemented biodiesel solution. From the filter, the solution is fed to the generator which burns the solution as a fuel to create heat and/or power. For immediate use of the solution as fuel, a generator feed conduit delivers the solution directly from the filter to the generator. In other cases, the solution may be piped to containers for storage or transport. When needed, the solution is fed from the storage containers to the generator.
- Depending on the composition of the filtered solution, i.e., the ratio of plastic to biodiesel, the solution may be too viscous to be used as a fuel. In such cases, the solution is heated to reduce its viscosity. Alternatively, solvents or additives may be utilized to lower the solution viscosity. In order to maximize efficiency of the system, at least a portion of the heat output of the generator is directed to the dissolution chamber or storage containers to reduce the viscosity of the solution. Furthermore, heat may be provided to the dissolution chamber to facilitate dissolution of the plastic waste.
- While the invention has been described as using plastic waste material, it is contemplated that non-waste plastic material may also be used.
- The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawing, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which the FIGURE is a process flow diagram of a system for using plastic material as fuel in accordance with the present invention.
- Referring to the FIGURE, a system for using plastic material as fuel in accordance with the present invention is shown and generally designated 10. As shown, the
system 10 includes aholding tank 12 that storesbiodiesel 14. Abiodiesel conduit 16 provides fluid communication between theholding tank 12 and adissolution chamber 18. Additionally, anadditive hose 20 provides fluid communication between thedissolution chamber 18 and anadditive reservoir 22 that holdsadditives 24 such as solvents. Further, thedissolution chamber 18 includes aport 26 for receiving theplastic material 28. - As shown in the FIGURE, a chamber exit tube 30 provides an outlet to the
dissolution chamber 18 and leads to afilter 32. Thefilter 32 includes a sieve, grate or other filtering mechanism. Downstream of thefilter 32 is agenerator 34, which may be an engine, turbine, heater or burner. Agenerator feed conduit 36 provides direct fluid communication between thefilter 32 and thegenerator 34. Alternatively, astorage container 38 may be positioned between thefilter 32 andgenerator 34. In such a case, astorage inlet pipe 40 leads from thefilter 32 to thestorage container 38 and astorage outlet pipe 42 leads from thestorage container 38 to thegenerator 34. - The
output 44 of thegenerator 34 includes power and/orprocess heat 46. Additionally, theoutput 44 may includerecyclable heat 48. As shown in the FIGURE, therecyclable heat 48 is directed to system components to provide heat where desired. Specifically, atank heating conduit 50 connects therecyclable heat 48 to the holdingtank 12, achamber heating conduit 52 connects therecyclable heat 48 to thedissolution chamber 18, and acontainer heating conduit 54 connects therecyclable heat 48 to thestorage container 38. - During operation of the
system 10, a desired amount ofbiodiesel 14 is fed from the holdingtank 12 through thebiodiesel conduit 16 to thedissolution chamber 18. Then, theplastic material 28 is added to thebiodiesel 14 in thedissolution chamber 18. Preferably, theplastic material 28 is polymeric and may comprise polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene or other thermopolymers. - Once the
plastic material 28 is received within thedissolution chamber 18, thebiodiesel 14 begins to dissolve at least a portion of theplastic material 28 to form a supplementedbiodiesel solution 56. In certain cases, particularly for polyethylene and polypropylene, thebiodiesel 14 may require heating to over 120° C. to facilitate dissolution of theplastic material 28. For polyethylene, thebiodiesel 14 should be heated to about 130° C. to prompt dissolution. For polypropylene, thebiodiesel 14 needs to be heated to about 160° C. to prompt dissolution. Some polymers, however, such as polystyrene, may be dissolved bybiodiesel 14 at ambient temperature. - In addition to the
biodiesel 14 andplastic material 28,additives 24 including solvents may also be introduced to thedissolution chamber 18. Theadditives 24 may facilitate dissolution of theplastic material 28 or provide desired characteristics to the resulting supplementedbiodiesel solution 56. If theplastic material 28 includes anynonsoluble material 58, such as non-plastic material or insoluble plastics, then aslurry 60 of the supplementedbiodiesel solution 56 andnonsoluble material 58 is formed in thedissolution chamber 18. - As shown in the FIGURE, the
slurry 60 is fed from thedissolution chamber 18 to thefilter 32 by the chamber exit tube 30. Thefilter 32 removes thenonsoluble material 58 from the supplementedbiodiesel solution 56. While astatic filter 32 is shown in the FIGURE, it is contemplated that a movable filter can be used to remove thenonsoluble material 58 from thedissolution chamber 18 or from the slurry exit tube 30. - After removal of the
non-soluble material 58, the supplementedbiodiesel solution 56 is fed to thegenerator 34 through thegenerator feed conduit 36. Alternatively, the supplementedbiodiesel solution 56 is fed to thestorage container 38 through thestorage inlet pipe 40. In such a case, thestorage container 38 is filled with supplementedbiodiesel solution 56 and is stored and/or transported. When use of the supplementedbiodiesel solution 56 is desired, fluid connection between thestorage container 38 and thegenerator 34 is established via astorage outlet pipe 42. After such connection, the supplementedbiodiesel solution 56 may be fed to thegenerator 34. If the supplementedbiodiesel solution 56 is too viscous for use as fuel, it may be heated prior to delivery to thegenerator 34. Typically, high viscosity is encountered when theplastic material 28 comprises about 20-50 wt. % of the supplementedbiodiesel solution 56. Supplementedbiodiesel solutions 56 comprising lessplastic material 28, such as asolution 56 comprising 90 wt. % biodiesel and 10 wt. % polystyrene, may exhibit a lower viscosity and not require heating. - The
generator 34 burns the supplementedbiodiesel solution 56 upon receiving it from thegenerator feed conduit 36 or thestorage outlet pipe 42. Due to the increased energy value of the supplementedbiodiesel solution 56, as compared to theoriginal biodiesel 14, thegenerator 34 creates an increasedoutput 44. Theoutput 44 comprises process heat and/orpower 46 in addition torecyclable heat 48. As shown, therecyclable heat 48 may be communicated to other system components. For instance, therecyclable heat 48 may be communicated to the holdingtank 12 via thetank heating conduit 50 to heat thebiodiesel 14. Further, therecyclable heat 48 may be communicated to thedissolution chamber 18 via thechamber heating conduit 52 to heat thebiodiesel 14 or the supplementedbiodiesel solution 56 orslurry 60 formed therein. Finally, therecyclable heat 48 may be communicated to thestorage container 38 to heat the supplementedbiodiesel solution 56. - While the particular system for using a plastic material as fuel as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A method of using a plastic material as a fuel comprises the steps of:
providing the plastic material and a biodiesel;
dissolving the plastic material in the biodiesel to form a solution having a fuel value; and
burning the solution in a device to utilize the fuel value.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising the step of filtering out insoluble contaminants from the solution after dissolving the plastic material in the biodiesel.
3. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the solution has a viscosity and further comprising the steps of:
heating the solution to facilitate the dissolving step; and
mixing the solution to facilitate the dissolving step.
4. The method as recited in claim 3 further comprising the step of using heat created during the burning step to heat the solution to reduce the viscosity.
5. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising the step of heating the biodiesel.
6. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the plastic material is waste material.
7. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the device is selected from the group consisting of an engine, a turbine, a burner and a heater.
8. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the plastic material comprises a polymer.
9. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, polyethylene and polypropylene.
10. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the solution is 20-50 wt. % plastic.
11. A method of reducing a volume of a plastic material comprising the steps of:
providing the plastic material and a biodiesel; and
dissolving the plastic material in the biodiesel to form a solution for use as a fuel.
12. The method as recited in claim 11 further comprising the steps of:
filtering out insoluble contaminants from the solution after dissolving the plastic material in the biodiesel;
heating the solution to reduce viscosity;
feeding the solution to a device; and
burning the solution in the device.
13. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the burning step creates heat and wherein a portion of the heat created from the burning step is used in the heating step.
14. The method as recited in claim 11 further comprising the step of increasing the temperature of the biodiesel before the dissolving step.
15. The method as recited in claim 14 wherein the burning step creates heat and wherein a portion of the heat created from the burning step is used in the increasing step.
16. The method as recited in claim 12 further comprising the step of increasing the temperature of the biodiesel before the dissolving step wherein the burning step creates heat and wherein portions of the heat created from the burning step are used in the heating step and in the increasing step.
17. A system for using a plastic material for fuel, the system comprising:
a dissolution chamber for receiving a biodiesel and the plastic material, with the biodiesel dissolving the plastic material to form a solution having a fuel value; and
a device for burning the solution, with the device receiving the solution from the dissolution chamber, and with the device providing heat to the dissolution chamber.
18. The system as recited in claim 17 wherein the device is selected from the group consisting of an engine, a turbine, a burner and a heater.
19. The system as recited in claim 17 further comprising a means for heating the solution in the dissolution chamber.
20. The system as recited in claim 17 further comprising a filter for removing insoluble contaminants from the solution.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/043,793 US20060162242A1 (en) | 2005-01-26 | 2005-01-26 | Method and system for fueling a power/heat generating unit with plastic material |
PCT/US2005/044960 WO2006080994A2 (en) | 2005-01-26 | 2005-12-13 | Method and system for fueling a power/heat generating unit with plastic material |
EP05853789A EP1841842A4 (en) | 2005-01-26 | 2005-12-13 | Method and system for fueling a power/heat generating unit with plastic material |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/043,793 US20060162242A1 (en) | 2005-01-26 | 2005-01-26 | Method and system for fueling a power/heat generating unit with plastic material |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060162242A1 true US20060162242A1 (en) | 2006-07-27 |
Family
ID=36695173
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/043,793 Abandoned US20060162242A1 (en) | 2005-01-26 | 2005-01-26 | Method and system for fueling a power/heat generating unit with plastic material |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060162242A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1841842A4 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006080994A2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080167823A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-07-10 | Paradigm Sensors, Llc | Impedance spectroscopy (is) methods and systems for characterizing fuel |
US20090020297A1 (en) * | 2007-07-17 | 2009-01-22 | Robert Ingman | Methods, Systems, and Computer-Readable Media for Providing Commitments Information Relative to a Turf |
WO2017127071A1 (en) * | 2016-01-20 | 2017-07-27 | Viscon Usa Llc | Methods of increasing the heating value of fuel |
Citations (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2735265A (en) * | 1956-02-21 | Bois eastman | ||
US2944396A (en) * | 1955-02-09 | 1960-07-12 | Sterling Drug Inc | Process and apparatus for complete liquid-vapor phase oxidation and high enthalpy vapor production |
US3626874A (en) * | 1968-10-22 | 1971-12-14 | Action Concepts Technology Inc | System for collecting and disposing of ordinary refuse by converting it into useful energy, without pollution |
US3666691A (en) * | 1970-06-11 | 1972-05-30 | Lester L Spiller | Solvent reclaiming of synthetic resins |
US3750600A (en) * | 1972-04-26 | 1973-08-07 | American Cyanamid Co | Disposal of thermoplastic materials |
US3804756A (en) * | 1972-06-22 | 1974-04-16 | Standard Oil Co | Environmentally safe disposal of organic pollutants |
US3876536A (en) * | 1973-04-24 | 1975-04-08 | Sterling Drug Inc | Waste oxidation process |
US3923472A (en) * | 1973-10-05 | 1975-12-02 | Du Pont | Fuel made from thermoplastic fibers and oil |
US3977966A (en) * | 1975-09-24 | 1976-08-31 | Sterling Drug Inc. | Purification of non-biodegradable industrial wastewaters |
US4031039A (en) * | 1975-09-02 | 1977-06-21 | Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Method for treating waste high-polymer mixture |
US4164484A (en) * | 1978-01-13 | 1979-08-14 | Director-General, Masao Kubota of the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology | Process for recovering polyolefin and polystyrene materials by dissolving, vacuum-evaporating and precipitating |
US4196105A (en) * | 1977-03-17 | 1980-04-01 | Albihn Per L | Recovery of polystyrene using liquid sulfur dioxide |
US4920691A (en) * | 1989-05-22 | 1990-05-01 | Fainman Morton Z | Fuel additive |
US5223543A (en) * | 1992-10-19 | 1993-06-29 | Claudia Iovino | Reduction in polystyrene with activated agent |
US5232954A (en) * | 1992-05-12 | 1993-08-03 | Peters Donald F | Process for recovering thermoplastic resins using esters |
US5502263A (en) * | 1993-01-28 | 1996-03-26 | Ponsford; Thomas E. | Method of reclaiming styrene and other products from polystyrene based products |
US5629352A (en) * | 1995-04-24 | 1997-05-13 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Solvent for polystyrene, method for reducing volume of polystyrene foam and method for recycling polystyrene foam |
US5824709A (en) * | 1994-11-16 | 1998-10-20 | Suka; Motoshi | Method for recycling waste plastic material containing styrene polymer |
US5891403A (en) * | 1997-07-17 | 1999-04-06 | Badger; Berkley C. | Apparatus and method for disposal of expanded polystyrene waste |
US6031142A (en) * | 1997-09-11 | 2000-02-29 | Ponsford; Thomas E. | Alternative solvents for a method of reclaiming styrene and other products from polystyrene based materials |
US6270330B1 (en) * | 2000-07-06 | 2001-08-07 | Shao-Szu Cheng | Waste foamed polystyrene material reclaiming system |
US6493508B1 (en) * | 1999-11-17 | 2002-12-10 | Filterwerk Mann & Hummel Gmbh | Fuel filter |
US6720467B2 (en) * | 2000-10-11 | 2004-04-13 | Resource Recovery Technologies, Inc. | Polystyrene reclamation process |
US6743828B1 (en) * | 2000-01-03 | 2004-06-01 | Harvey Katz | Reduction in polystyrene foams with dibasic esters |
US20040192981A1 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2004-09-30 | Appel Brian S. | Apparatus and process for converting a mixture of organic materials into hydrocarbons and carbon solids |
US20070094920A1 (en) * | 2004-12-03 | 2007-05-03 | Basf Aktiengesellschaft | Fuel oil compositions with improved cold flow properties |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5092983A (en) * | 1986-09-12 | 1992-03-03 | The Standard Oil Company | Process for separating extractable organic material from compositions comprising said extractable organic material intermixed with solids and water using a solvent mixture |
DE4422628A1 (en) | 1994-06-28 | 1996-01-11 | Dietrich Dr Ing Radke | Converting synthetic waste material to liq. fuel with less prodn. of harmful waste material |
US6827750B2 (en) | 2001-08-24 | 2004-12-07 | Dober Chemical Corp | Controlled release additives in fuel systems |
US20050075521A1 (en) * | 2002-01-25 | 2005-04-07 | Yoichi Wada | Method and plant for converting plastic into oil |
-
2005
- 2005-01-26 US US11/043,793 patent/US20060162242A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-12-13 WO PCT/US2005/044960 patent/WO2006080994A2/en active Application Filing
- 2005-12-13 EP EP05853789A patent/EP1841842A4/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2735265A (en) * | 1956-02-21 | Bois eastman | ||
US2944396A (en) * | 1955-02-09 | 1960-07-12 | Sterling Drug Inc | Process and apparatus for complete liquid-vapor phase oxidation and high enthalpy vapor production |
US3626874A (en) * | 1968-10-22 | 1971-12-14 | Action Concepts Technology Inc | System for collecting and disposing of ordinary refuse by converting it into useful energy, without pollution |
US3666691A (en) * | 1970-06-11 | 1972-05-30 | Lester L Spiller | Solvent reclaiming of synthetic resins |
US3750600A (en) * | 1972-04-26 | 1973-08-07 | American Cyanamid Co | Disposal of thermoplastic materials |
US3804756A (en) * | 1972-06-22 | 1974-04-16 | Standard Oil Co | Environmentally safe disposal of organic pollutants |
US3876536A (en) * | 1973-04-24 | 1975-04-08 | Sterling Drug Inc | Waste oxidation process |
US3923472A (en) * | 1973-10-05 | 1975-12-02 | Du Pont | Fuel made from thermoplastic fibers and oil |
US4031039A (en) * | 1975-09-02 | 1977-06-21 | Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Method for treating waste high-polymer mixture |
US3977966A (en) * | 1975-09-24 | 1976-08-31 | Sterling Drug Inc. | Purification of non-biodegradable industrial wastewaters |
US4196105A (en) * | 1977-03-17 | 1980-04-01 | Albihn Per L | Recovery of polystyrene using liquid sulfur dioxide |
US4164484A (en) * | 1978-01-13 | 1979-08-14 | Director-General, Masao Kubota of the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology | Process for recovering polyolefin and polystyrene materials by dissolving, vacuum-evaporating and precipitating |
US4920691A (en) * | 1989-05-22 | 1990-05-01 | Fainman Morton Z | Fuel additive |
US5232954A (en) * | 1992-05-12 | 1993-08-03 | Peters Donald F | Process for recovering thermoplastic resins using esters |
US5223543A (en) * | 1992-10-19 | 1993-06-29 | Claudia Iovino | Reduction in polystyrene with activated agent |
US5502263A (en) * | 1993-01-28 | 1996-03-26 | Ponsford; Thomas E. | Method of reclaiming styrene and other products from polystyrene based products |
US5824709A (en) * | 1994-11-16 | 1998-10-20 | Suka; Motoshi | Method for recycling waste plastic material containing styrene polymer |
US5629352A (en) * | 1995-04-24 | 1997-05-13 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Solvent for polystyrene, method for reducing volume of polystyrene foam and method for recycling polystyrene foam |
US5891403A (en) * | 1997-07-17 | 1999-04-06 | Badger; Berkley C. | Apparatus and method for disposal of expanded polystyrene waste |
US6031142A (en) * | 1997-09-11 | 2000-02-29 | Ponsford; Thomas E. | Alternative solvents for a method of reclaiming styrene and other products from polystyrene based materials |
US6493508B1 (en) * | 1999-11-17 | 2002-12-10 | Filterwerk Mann & Hummel Gmbh | Fuel filter |
US6743828B1 (en) * | 2000-01-03 | 2004-06-01 | Harvey Katz | Reduction in polystyrene foams with dibasic esters |
US6270330B1 (en) * | 2000-07-06 | 2001-08-07 | Shao-Szu Cheng | Waste foamed polystyrene material reclaiming system |
US6720467B2 (en) * | 2000-10-11 | 2004-04-13 | Resource Recovery Technologies, Inc. | Polystyrene reclamation process |
US20040192981A1 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2004-09-30 | Appel Brian S. | Apparatus and process for converting a mixture of organic materials into hydrocarbons and carbon solids |
US20070094920A1 (en) * | 2004-12-03 | 2007-05-03 | Basf Aktiengesellschaft | Fuel oil compositions with improved cold flow properties |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080167823A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-07-10 | Paradigm Sensors, Llc | Impedance spectroscopy (is) methods and systems for characterizing fuel |
US20080172187A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-07-17 | Paradigm Sensors, Llc | Impedance spectroscopy (is) methods and systems for characterizing fuel |
US20090020297A1 (en) * | 2007-07-17 | 2009-01-22 | Robert Ingman | Methods, Systems, and Computer-Readable Media for Providing Commitments Information Relative to a Turf |
WO2017127071A1 (en) * | 2016-01-20 | 2017-07-27 | Viscon Usa Llc | Methods of increasing the heating value of fuel |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1841842A2 (en) | 2007-10-10 |
EP1841842A4 (en) | 2009-07-01 |
WO2006080994A3 (en) | 2007-11-01 |
WO2006080994A2 (en) | 2006-08-03 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2223937C (en) | Efficient utilization of chlorine and/or moisture-containing fuels and wastes | |
CN201545752U (en) | Storage and pretreatment system device for dangerous liquid wastes | |
US20060162242A1 (en) | Method and system for fueling a power/heat generating unit with plastic material | |
CN102503066A (en) | System and method for supercritical water oxidation treatment and resource utilization of organic sludge | |
CN105347655B (en) | A kind of refuse disposal system, method and its application | |
CN102268274B (en) | Method and totally closed equipment system for converting municipal sludge into gas, liquid and solid fuels | |
CN102247975A (en) | Mobile waste disposal plant | |
CN202162200U (en) | Mobile garbage disposal depot | |
JP5329369B2 (en) | Sludge solubilizer and sludge solubilization method | |
KR101239832B1 (en) | High efficiency Equipment and Method for Treating Sludge | |
SE1851461A1 (en) | Method and system for hydrothermal carbonization and wet oxidation of sludge | |
CN102674644A (en) | Sludge conditioning and dewatering treatment system and method | |
CN201539871U (en) | Unloading, storing and conveying system devices for industrial paste hazardous wastes | |
CN207362033U (en) | A kind of mud discharging processing unit | |
CN111112284B (en) | Device and method capable of comprehensively treating perishable garbage | |
CN101622211A (en) | The manufacture method of the fertilizer in cake treatment apparatus, dregs of fat treatment process and dregs of fat source | |
CN116490294A (en) | Hydrothermal treatment system | |
CN208517398U (en) | A kind of debirs processing system | |
KR20170007660A (en) | Solid fuel comprising organic sludge and preparing method using thereof | |
CN211526888U (en) | Drying structure for antioxidant production line system | |
US20060121594A1 (en) | Refining process and apparatus | |
CN217797998U (en) | Multi-level heating kitchen waste treatment system | |
RU2769816C1 (en) | Underground storage of air accumulating unit | |
CN213295197U (en) | Cement production system with incineration of liquid waste | |
CN110220201A (en) | A kind of automatically discarded irony packing container pretreatment unit |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENERAL ATOMICS, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HAZLEBECK, DAVID A;REEL/FRAME:015779/0519 Effective date: 20050126 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |