Plastic Pyrolysis Plant

Sustainable waste management solution turning waste plastics into valuable resources

Catalytic Dewaxing Technology: Improve Production Efficiency by 200%

Function Mechanism of Catalytic System

Catalytic dewaxing targets the "undesirable" molecules in pyrolysis oil distillates, that is, those with poor cold flow properties (the wax oil).

Under the action of a specialized catalyst, the long-chain wax molecules are cracked into shorter-chain hydrocarbons, such as alkanes and alkenes.

This modifies the molecular structure and properties of the wax. This helps to get the best pyrolysis oil performance.

Benefits of Catalytic System

200% higher production efficiency: BLJ-16 model machine reaches a 3,000 tons capacity per year when integrated with this system.
Better oil quality and higher yield: Able to produce plastic pyrolysis oil meeting ISCC certification.
Safer pyrolysis reaction: Minimize pressure risk of plastic pyrolysis machine by reducing wax oil blocking.
Less downtime, fewer losses: Keeps your machine running smoothly, with improved equipment lifespan and maintenance intervals.

Get 3 Distinct Oil Products from Plastic Pyrolysis Plant to Apply

Plastic pyrolysis is the mechanism of thermally degrading long-chain plastic molecules into smaller molecules (oil, gas and char) using heat in an oxygen-free environment. Its process conditions and additional refining techniques determine the type of oil product obtained. Here's how three distinct oil products can be derived:

Wax Oil

It is produced from standard pyrolysis under moderate temperatures without catalysts. The oil has high viscosity and remains solid at room temperature.

Sent to petrochemical factories for further refining into gasoline and diesel.
Refined into high-purity chemicals for plastic production (ISCC-aligned).
Used as general fuel oil in steel plants.
Used as marine fuel.

From Plastic to Pyrolysis Oil: Macromolecules vs Micromolecules

Plastic: Macromolecules

Plastics are composed of long-chain macromolecules (polymers) formed by the polymerization of numerous small molecules (monomers). Polyethylene (PE) is a macromolecule with a backbone made up of carbon atoms. These plastic polymers are stable, difficult to break down, and have strong covalent bonds.

Plastic Pyrolysis Oil: Small Molecules

Pyrolysis oil mainly consists of smaller hydrocarbon components, typically as alkanes, alkenes, and aromatics (C4–C20). These smaller molecules are more volatile and can be used as fuels or chemical feedstocks.

Free Radical Reactions in Plastic Pyrolysis Process

Using polyethylene (PE) as an example, its decomposition from macromolecules to micromolecules proceeds through the following stages:

1. C–C bond cleavage creates free radicals like (CH2–CH• or •CH2–CH2), which start the reaction.
2. These radicals undergo β-scission, producing smaller molecules (C2H4, CH4, C3H6) and more radicals.
3. Radical recombination terminates the reaction.
4. Through successive bond cleavages, the final pyrolysis oil mainly consists of different small molecules (C4H8, C6H6, etc.) formed.

Are All Plastic Suitable for Plastic Pyrolysis Equipment?

✓ Acceptable Plastic Types

Types of Plastic	Coming from
Low-Density Polyethylene	Cling films, fresh-meat protection bags, etc.
High-Density Polyethylene	Plastic pallet, trash cans, etc.
Polystyrene	Microwave lunch box, heat-resisting box, etc.
Polypropylene	Fast food box, bowl of instant noodles box, etc.
Other Plastics without chlorine and oxygen	Various sources

Note: Polyolefin waste plastics like PP, PE, and PS accounted for 92% of total plastic products (28% PP, 46% LDPE and HDPE, and 18% PS). Because of their high proportion and chemical structure, these are the most commonly used feedstocks in pyrolysis.

✗ Unacceptable Plastic Types

Types of Plastic	Coming from
Polyethylene Terephthalate	Mineral water bottles, carbonated beverage bottles, etc.
Polyvinyl Chloride	Raincoat, building materials, etc.
Other plastics with chlorine and oxygen	Various sources

Note: Plastics containing high amounts of oxygen (O₂) and chlorine (Cl) are not suitable for pyrolysis. These two substances pose risks to plastic pyrolysis machines, air quality, and worker safety.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Contains chlorine, which releases harmful HCl gas during plastic pyrolysis.
HCl gas corrodes equipment, harms the environment, and poses health risks to workers.
Even if PVC pyrolysis yields oil, the oil still contains chlorine (Cl).
When burned, it can release dioxins—highly toxic and carcinogenic compounds.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

PET yields little to no oil through pyrolysis. The resulting products are mostly low-quality, powdery residues with little economic value.
PET (chemical formula C10H8O4) releases oxygen in pyrolysis. This oxygen reacts with combustible pyrolysis gas, leading to explosive risks.