Steam gasification modeling of polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wastes: A case study

This paper is the first to study the effect of adding PET, separator, and financials on a PE steam gasification plant based in Lebanon. The main aim is to shed light on the possibility of valorizing plastic wastes while reducing the environmental impact of landfilling and creating benefits. Using Aspen Plus, a plant that can turn plastic waste into syngas is designed and modeled. PE and PET model inputs of 797 and 500 kg/hr, respectively, were chosen based on Lebanese data. The addition of PET did not significantly improve the mole fractions of the end product when compared with PE only as an input feed. The final optimum con-ditions of this model were chosen based on sensitivity analyses of different parameters. There were con-cluded to be a temperature of 800 degrees C, pressure of 1 atm, Steam/Feed mass ratio of 0.57, water flowrate of 745 kg/hr, and syngas LHV of 9.45 MJ/Nm3. Calculations showed a total Net Present Value 6 times larger than the initial investment and a Payback Period of 2 years by implementing the model. Although based on a Lebanese case study, this research will urge the establishment of sustainable waste and financial policies in countries facing the same issues.(c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This paper examines the impact of adding PET, separator, and financials on a PE steam gasification plant in Lebanon. The study aims to explore the potential for valorizing plastic wastes while reducing landfilling and generating benefits. A plant model using Aspen Plus is designed to convert plastic waste into syngas. The addition of PET does not significantly enhance the final product compared to using only PE as the input feed. The optimum conditions are determined through sensitivity analyses, with a net present value six times higher than the initial investment and a payback period of two years. Although focused on a Lebanese case study, this research calls for the establishment of sustainable waste and financial policies in similar contexts.