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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/L94062/01
Title: THERMAL DEPOLYMERISATION OF SCRAP POLYMERS USING NOVEL FLUIDISED-BED TECHNOLOGY
Principal Investigator: Newborough, Professor M
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Pre Nexus Migration
Department: Sch of Engineering
Organisation: Cranfield University
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 28 September 1998 Ends: 30 September 2001 Value (£): 166,634
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Energy Efficiency Waste Minimisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Chemicals
Environment No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
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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Organisation Website: http://www.cranfield.ac.uk