Georgia Patent of the Month – May 2024
As consumerism grows and people continue to use single-use products – from packaging to plastic cutlery – a need for processing and recycling this waste with greater efficiency is more crucial than ever. At present, there are very few options for recycling mixed polyolefin streams.
Polyolefin is a family of plastics commonly used in shrink wrap, packaging (including food and electronic packaging), producing consumer goods, and as fibers in clothing. With a ubiquitous presence, recycling this material is paramount.
Nexus Circular LLC, an advanced recycling company building a circular economy, has developed a method to convert post-consumer and post-industrial plastics into valuable hydrocarbons through pyrolysis. This innovative process addresses the pressing environmental issue of plastic waste by transforming it into high-quality oil, suitable for a range of industrial applications. The resultant oil boasts a number average molecular weight of 50 to 300 Daltons and is predominantly composed of C4-C20 hydrocarbons, making it highly versatile and efficient. Notably, the oil is free from heavy hydrocarbons (C30 and above), ensuring its suitability for various refining processes.
Produced at an industrial scale, this oil features exceptional properties, including a final boiling point between 750°F and 1000°F and a Reid vapor pressure of 12.5 psig or less. These attributes make it an ideal candidate for further processing into lubricants, fuels, and other petrochemical products. Additionally, the oil maintains low levels of impurities such as chlorides, nitrogen, and sulfur, enhancing its quality and usability.
Nexus Circular’s pyrolysis oil significantly contributes to reducing plastic waste while providing a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. This innovation not only exemplifies a major step forward in recycling technology but also showcases the potential for large-scale, eco-friendly industrial applications. With its clean composition and efficient production process, Nexus Circular’s invention is poised to revolutionize how we manage and repurpose plastic waste, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
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