Microplastics co-gasification with biomass: Modelling syngas characteristics at low temperatures

To assess the syngas produced through the gasification of microplastics at low temperatures, distinct blends of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with biomass (vine pruning) were modelled using Aspen Plus. Critical gasification parameters such as co-fuel mixture, temperature and hydrogen production were evaluated, under two different gasifier agents (air and O2). Results have shown that higher PET ratios and higher temperatures (< 1200 °C) lead to enhanced hydrogen yields, for both atmospheres. The calorific content was also seen to increase with growing temperatures, superior LHV being achieved for the mixture with less microplastics fraction (9.2 MJ/Nm3) for both air and O2 environments. A final high-quality syngas was achieved, the dominant requirement determining which parameter to optimize: on one hand, higher H2 contents were seen for the blend with higher microplastic fraction, and on the other higher LHV was achieved for the equimolar mixture.