Dow Plans North American Plastic Waste Recovery Facilities
1/28/2013
Dow Chemical and Klean Industries are collaborating to build waste recovery facilities throughout North America for recovering energy, chemicals, and oil from nonrecycled waste plastics, using gasification systems such as this one. (Source: Klean Industries)
I agree in principle, tekochip. Many of these alternative fuel facilities are being planned to take advantage of "waste" energy of various kinds produced onsite. But whether the fuel being produce can be used to power the site depends on the value of it as sold vs its value to power the plant. Often, as in pyrolysis, there are several products, one of which is sold for a profit, and others--such as escaped steam or some residues--that can be used inhouse to power the plant, or that can be sold externally as other forms of fuel.
The article mentions that the oil was used as fuel for the incinerator but didn't give any details about how much energy was recovered vs. how much energy is used. Wouldn't it be great if it was self-sustaining.
Thanks for the vote of confidence, bobjengr. I agree---sometimes all it takes to get an industry moving is one major player making the effort to show others it's possible.
I think with Dow Chemical and Klean Industries coming forward with this joint effort, other companies will realize that recycling is a great approach to aiding our environment and keeping the planet "green". Both have excellent track records using this proven technology. The fact there is a positive economic element to recycling should prove that an ROI is possible if enough development is done in finding the right processes. I certainly applaud their efforts.
Gorski, many of the systems designed with these technologies--gasification, pyrolysis--are devised to capture and reuse the various forms of "waste" energy (steam, gases, etc.) to power the plant itself, or to sell that "waste" energy to other plants nearby making other things, such as cement kilns. Obviously, this requires locating infrastructure with such uses in mind. The vast majority of plastic-to-fuel energy recovery methods have been designed specifically to be profitable enterprises.
While this sounds like a grreat way to eliminate a lot of plasice waste, what does it require in terms of energy input? I am thinking of ethanol. It cost more to make than it returns in lower energy fuel. Will Dow become teh new ADM?
While this sounds like a grreat way to eliminate a lot of plasice waste, what does it require in terms of energy input? I am thinking of ethanol. It cost more to make than it returns in lower energy fuel. Will Dow become teh new ADM?
And, what about the burn off from the fuel when it's used? Most of the pollution we produce is from using fuel, in cars, factories, etc. This process is a good step forward but what about the next step?
Just read that bridge story...yes that is pretty impressive! I am really enjoying your stories about this topic, look forward to more. It's an important space to cover not just technologically, but also ecologically and, on some levels, ethically.
With LEDs dropping in price virtually every year, automakers have begun employing them, not only on luxury vehicles, but on entry-level models, as well.
The 3D printing revolution seems to have a knack for quickly moving technology ahead by way of collaborative effort and even a little friendly competition -- all of course in the name of scientific advancement.
Advantech has launched a new series of motion-control I/O modules to meet the increased demands that come with more distributed industrial systems that require control of a growing number of axes and devices.
Using almost 200 light-emitting diodes in the front and back of the new 2014 CTS, Cadillac designers are showing how LEDs can change the character of a vehicle.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
4 
