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Study of a Two Steps Process for the Valorization of PVC-Containing Wastes

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Abstract

The presence of organic compounds in wastes, namely polymer based compounds, is considered a potential relevant source of energy. However, the presence of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in their composition, causes recycling problems when a thermal process is considered for the wastes treatment [1] preventing its use on processes which the main goal is the energy recovery (Zevenhoven et al. in Fuel 81:507–510, 2002; Kim in Waste Manag 21:609–616, 2001). A possible solution should consider a first step for chlorine removal, through a pyrolysis process previously to a subsequent thermal treatment, for energetic valorization. The present work assesses a possible process for treating PVC-containing wastes in an environmentally friendly way. It is based on the effective de-chlorination of PVC-containing wastes through a pyrolysis process at low temperature before the carbonaceous residue (chlorine free fraction) being subjected to a subsequent thermal treatment for energetic valorization with the production of a synthesis gas (syngas). In the end of the process concentrated hydrochloric acid or other chlorine solutions and a syngas, with high energetic potential are obtained. The synthesis gas produced can be used in turbines or gas engines, replacing the gases obtained from fossil non-renewable resources. The validation of the proposed treatment of PVC-containing wastes in pilot scale has also been performed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Waste Valorization (CVR), Guimarães, Portugal

    A. Castro & C. Carneiro

  2. Mechanical Engineering Department, Centre for Mechanical and Materials Technologies (CT2M), University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal

    A. Castro, C. Vilarinho, D. Soares & F. Castro

  3. Endutex—Textile Coatings, SA, Guimarães, Portugal

    C. Maçães & C. Sousa

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  1. A. Castro
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  2. C. Carneiro
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  3. C. Vilarinho
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  4. D. Soares
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  5. C. Maçães
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  6. C. Sousa
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  7. F. Castro
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Correspondence to A. Castro.

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Castro, A., Carneiro, C., Vilarinho, C. et al. Study of a Two Steps Process for the Valorization of PVC-Containing Wastes. Waste Biomass Valor 4, 55–63 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-012-9175-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-012-9175-x

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