| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/L94062/02 |
| Title: |
THERMAL DEPOLYMERISATION OF SCRAP POLYMERS USING NOVEL FLUIDISED-BED TECHNOLOGY |
| Principal Investigator: |
Newborough, Professor M |
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| Department: |
Sch of Engineering and Physical Science |
| Organisation: |
Heriot-Watt University |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
25 March 2002 |
Ends: |
24 October 2002 |
Value (£): |
41,643
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| No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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A vibratory particle-bed system (not requiring the presence of a circulating gas) for depolymerising scrap poly-methlmethacrylate is to be investigated. Unlike the conventional thermal process of floating the scrap polymer on a lead bath, this method will provide lead-few monomer of very high purity and produce very little waste. The polymer-particle ablation process will be studied in detail to identify methods of controlling vapor driven fluidization. An experimental system will be constructed and its operation/control investigated, thus facilitating the subsequent design of a commercial depolymerisation device.Specifically, the programme will involve the following stages:1. (a) a detailed understanding of the processes necessary to maintain high heat transfer coefficients within a mobile bed stimulated by a vibratory drive; and (b) a systematic analysis of the initiation and subsequent maintenance of vapor-driven fluidization resulting from the depolymerisation process.2. For a trial experimental system, the development of methods for:(a)detecting the state of fluidisation ; (b) controlling the particle bed (particularly during start-up and fluctuations in polymer feed rate); and (c) measuring and assessing of the energy efficiency of the process.3. the design, construction and assessment of the physical operation and thermo-chemical performance of the experimental system using PMMA.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.hw.ac.uk |