Kinetics and Process Design for the Catalytic Pyrolysis of Low- Density Polyethylene to Jet Fuel
2025 AIChE Annual Meeting
Kinetics and Process Design for the Catalytic Pyrolysis of Low- Density Polyethylene to Jet Fuel
Abstract
Low density polyethylene (LDPE) is a common waste plastic that makes up a notable percentage of plastic pollution, processes that can utilize it to increase recycling demand are worthy of consideration. The original purpose of this work was to design a process that will produce 10,000 barrels per day of jet fuel from low density polyethylene (LDPE). The polyethylene structure of LDPE, (C2H4)n, favors catalytic pyrolysis into the hydrocarbon components that make up the composition of jet fuel, allowing a revenue stream that would convert waste plastics into a usable source of vehicular fuel. LDPE can be easily acquired from plastics recycling suppliers due to its widespread use, and after shredding, can be pyrolyzed and catalyzed into jet fuel using catalysts that promote the formation of paraffins, naphthenes, and aromatics with carbon numbers between C9 and C16. This presentation will focus on the catalytic reaction of LDPE to jet fuel. The kinetics of both catalyzed and non-catalyzed pyrolysis is investigated with product compositions identified using a GCMS. A range of catalyzed products from various hydrocarbons including compounds found in jet fuel, alongside byproducts such as hydrogen, methane, hydrocarbons with carbon numbers lower than 9 and higher than 16 are obtained. The by-products can be used as fuel in a process for energy savings. Jet fuel global market was about USD 391.23 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 819.73 billion by 2032, global demand shows no sign of slowing. With the push for decarbonization and a circular economy for plastics in addition to increase in fuel consumption, alternative streams of jet fuel production will correspondingly grow.