This project focuses specifically on the separation aspect of the distillation of an effluent pyrolysis stream. Separation is important to understanding how to deal with polystyrene waste and sustainably create more polystyrene in the future. The separation of the polystyrene was simulated in ASPEN Plus. The results of the ASPEN simulations show that these optimal values are reached around a reflux ratio of 0.4 and a feed composition of 85% monomer. The column produces styrene monomer at a composition of around 93% with the optimal operating cost. The distillation column set up in the idealized operating conditions allows for the most reasonable production of it at that purity. Operating costs are an important factor in the process of polystyrene pyrolysis and distillation, because the end product, styrene monomer, should be competitive in price with of freshly produced styrene to help reduce total necessary plastic production.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Sorornejad, Parshon
• Mulvey, Connor F.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050521-103623
• 22176

Keyword

• Pyrolysis
• Polystyrene
• Distilation

Advisor

• Timko, Michael T.

Year

• 2021

Date created

• 2021-05-05

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright