Thermal and catalytic coliquefaction of a Colombian coal with a low density polyethylene

Abstract

Thermal and catalytic co-liquefaction of coal with organic waste is aimed at increasing the process’ efficiency and decreasing its cost as the presence of organic waste can supply the hydrogen required for the reaction. Thermal and catalytic coliquefaction of coal from La Yolanda colliery with low density polyethylene waste (LDPE) was carried out using hydrogen-donor solvent (tetraline) and two catalysts (ruthenium chloride and nickel-molybdenum on aluminium). A batch reactor was used at 380°C, 400°C and 420°C. Results revealed greater than 90% conversion for thermal coliquefaction of coal/LDPE without tetraline, whereas results showed that conversion decreased with temperature when using tetraline. Oil and preasphalthene yields, obtained at 400°C and 420°C, were higher using tetraline than those without it. Both catalysts improved conversion and oil selectivity. However, selecti- vity results were no higher than those obtained when only coal was used and LDPE was 380°C.

Keywords

• coal
• low density polyethylene waste
• coliquefaction
• thermal
• catalytic