Energy, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle assessment for co-gasification of polyethylene terephthalate and olive husk by chemical process simulation

Abstract

Waste-to-energy is emerging as a promising technology that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and solve waste disposal problems. This study focused on hydrogen production technology through waste gasification. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which has a high calorific value was selected as a waste fuel, and biomass of olive husk, which can reduce the problems of gasification for PET, was selected as an additional fuel. In this study, hydrogen production research was conducted through mixed gasification of plastic and biomass, and process simulation was performed using Aspen Plus. Gasifier temperature and steam/fuel ratio were set as major variables to confirm their influences on the co-gasification reaction, and the production of H2, CH4, CO, and CO2, which are the main products of the gasification reaction, was analyzed. In addition, the techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment were conducted. Based on the analysis results, optimal conditions for hydrogen production were discussed.