Cálculo de la huella de carbono del proceso de pirólisis de residuos plásticos.

Abstract

This study aimed to calculate the carbon footprint of the plastic waste pyrolysis process. In order to determine if the continuous or discontinuous pyrolysis process is a treatment that would help significantly reduce environmental contamination rates due to the incorrect handling of plastic waste, for which it was determined that the continuous pyrolysis process generates less amount of carbon footprint. The methodology dictated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Spain was used based on the ISO 14067, ISO 14069 standards. The emission factor for consumption was determined for the calculation in the discontinuous and continuous pyrolysis process. of electrical energy, later, the voltage of the elements that make up the equipment was measured. The electrical energy consumption data was obtained in 5 hours of treatment of 1 kg of polypropylene. Then, the carbon footprint of the discontinuous pyrolysis process was calculated following the regulations. Regarding the continuous pyrolysis process, the system based on a circulating fluidized bed reactor was chosen since it was found to be a more efficient system in terms of performance. Likewise, the continuous pyrolysis equipment's electrical energy consumption data was obtained to calculate the process's carbon footprint. Finally, the HC of the two processes was determined to determine that the continuous pyrolysis process is optimal since it consumes less electrical energy and generates a lower carbon footprint with a value of 1.93 kg CO2 equivalent. Applying the continuous pyrolysis process on a laboratory or industrial scale is recommended.