How to turn plastic waste into diesel fuel cheaply

[Beyond Biodiesel]

I haven't read thought the whole thread but thanks for sharing this.

Before build you should read the entire thread

I have one more question regarding the condensers. Is there some filter or cooling substance inside them or are they just empty?

The three stages of condensers can be empty, they represent three temperature zones, but I would pack the condensers with something like coarse steel wool to act as packing, which will slow down the vapor stream and aid in condensation.

I understand that from the 3 condensers come out 3 different types of fuel depending on the temperature. How do you cool and heat them ?

I talk about those 3 condensers.

There is a natural temperature drop that occurs between stages in the condensers; and it depends upon what fractions that are important to you to separate. The heavy fraction might actually need insulation to keep it warmer, while the light fractions will most probably need cooling water, which has been discussed here, so do keep reading through the thread.

Also give some tips of what pipes you have used and could be best appropriate for them.

I use steel plumbing pipe, brass fittings and copper tubing in my system.

[lowriderzzz]

I use steel plumbing pipe, brass fittings and copper tubing in my system.

So you put spiral copper tube inside each condenser and pack the empty space with coarse steel wool right ?

Also how do you water cool the condenser for the lighter fractions? Is the same water cooling as like car engine water cooling ?

[Excalibur]

This is one way of doing it amongst dozens of possible ways.
I request that you devote time to reading the entire thread. Most all these questions are answered. It took me 2weeks of 1 -2hour stints, the last time I read through. Folks on this forum will help you, but you should show that you are prepared to help yourself.

[lowriderzzz]

This is one way of doing it amongst dozens of possible ways.
I request that you devote time to reading the entire thread. Most all these questions are answered. It took me 2weeks of 1 -2hour stints, the last time I read through. Folks on this forum will help you, but you should show that you are prepared to help yourself.

I see your point. I will read through it. It is just because the information is too spread and some is irrelevant and not ordered like in a book or website. But anyway i'll read through it.

thanks for sharing your way of doing it.

[Beyond Biodiesel]

So you put spiral copper tube inside each condenser and pack the empty space with coarse steel wool right ?

No.

Also how do you water cool the condenser for the lighter fractions? Is the same water cooling as like car engine water cooling ?

Read the thread.
Here are photos of my condensers.
retort with packing

Retort lid with screen to break bubbles to prevent boil-over

First trap, unquenched and uninsulated with copper chore-boy packing

Three tube in tube water cooled condensers

Condenser packing

Other packing, aluminum strip

20 feet of copper tubing coiled into a bucket with crushed ice added

Sorry folks for re-posting my photos for someone who will just not read the thread.

[Babataku]

Reactor Tank

hi there,

have managed to get most parts together and will start building...however I cannot get an old lpg tank where I am, I was thinking of using a fuel tank maybe? or maybe build a hexagonal tank myself with some thick steel?

I need advice here, how much pressure is created?

[Excalibur]

cannot get an old lpg tank where I am

I'm amazed. These only have a test life of 10 years so lots get thrown away because a new one is only $45 (9kg size). I've bought them before from scrap metal dealers for $5, also have been given them for free. You couldn't make a vessel for $5! A bigger car LPG cylinder, expired would only be $10 -$20. An old compressor tank would be just as good, I believe.

how much pressure is created

The should be no pressure. If you get pressure, then you've got big potential problems. Pressure would build up if the outlet path is blocked, so give some thought to ensuring this can't happen. Make the pipework and fittings big enough.

[huntpeter]

Pyrolysis is the process which can be used to convert waste plastic into oil.
____________
recycling equipment

[lowriderzzz]

[QUOTE=Excalibur;204035]I'm amazed. These only have a test life of 10 years so lots get thrown away because a new one is only $45 (9kg size). I've bought them before from scrap metal dealers for $5, also have been given them for free. You couldn't make a vessel for $5! A bigger car LPG cylinder, expired would only be $10 -$20. An old compressor tank would be just as good, I believe.


Can you suggest any other places besides scrap dealers where could be bought old LPG cylinder. I'm from east European country (Bulgaria) and here its forbidden by law to sell and buy propane tanks from metal scrap waste dealers.

I also asked in one gas station they said they had new ones. I'm asking every one I know around me too.

*I'm reading through the whole tread - still on page 7 (but i read everything)

[Beyond Biodiesel]

hi there,

have managed to get most parts together and will start building...however I cannot get an old lpg tank where I am, I was thinking of using a fuel tank maybe? or maybe build a hexagonal tank myself with some thick steel?

I need advice here, how much pressure is created?

[Can you suggest any other places besides scrap dealers where could be bought old LPG cylinder. I'm from east European country (Bulgaria) and here its forbidden by law to sell and buy propane tanks from metal scrap waste dealers.

Going to the propane dealers yard where they have lots of dead tanks can be useful for some people to find a tank. Using an old fuel tank as a retort is unwise, because the metal walls are not thick enough. You want a metal cylinder that has a fairly thick wall. So, maybe you can find some steel pipe and weld ends to it. Or, check with compressor repair shops they often have a yard full of compressor tanks sitting around.

Scrap yards are often the best place to find a tank. While it might be illegal in your region for a scrap yard to sell propane tanks, nonetheless they often have tanks of other types, and steel pipe that can be fabricated into a tank.

I have recently upgraded my WMO vacuum distillation system.

I installed rock wool (kaowool) at the bottom of the oven made of RMAX. The griddle I use was in direct contact with the RMAX at the bottom of the oven, and when I got to 400F (200c) the RMAX insulation began to break down.

I modified the griddle by drilling and tapping holes through it, to mate with the brackets I made to close the lid which has PTFE seal in it now, and need more pressure to close it than the twist of the top to the bottom of the pressure cooker lid. This photo includes the thermocouple wire attached to the griddle.



Here is a photo of the vacuum oven fully assembled without the insulated lid on the oven

[joan27]

hey.. master! thanks so much for this info.. this would help a lot for my thesis.. i'm planning to make this as my topic but before that i need to make defense to my professor. will you please give me the schematic diagram of your design? i'm planning for some modification of this design. please email me joancalaluan@yahoo.com..thanks.

[Beyond Biodiesel]

hey.. master! thanks so much for this info.. this would help a lot for my thesis.. i'm planning to make this as my topic but before that i need to make defense to my professor. will you please give me the schematic diagram of your design? i'm planning for some modification of this design. please email me joancalaluan@yahoo.com..thanks.

Who are you speaking to? There are lots of people working on WMO distillation and pyrolysis of plastics and rubbers on this thread.

[joan27]

hey guys! do you think it would be possible if i will be going to put a plastic shredder on top of the chamber so that there will be no need to buy a shredded plastic.. i am thinking about this as a modification of this wonderful design..

[joan27]

Who are you speaking to? There are lots of people working on WMO distillation and pyrolysis of plastics and rubbers on this thread.

sorry, didn't notice the discussions above..

[Beyond Biodiesel]

I see no reason to shred plastic to get it into the retort, unless the plastic just will not fit. Most of the plastics most of us have been experimenting with can just be stuffed in as long as the retort opening is large enough. A 12" (30cm) opening should be big enough to shovel and pack most plastics into the retort.