Home Physical Sciences Mathematical Modelling of Microwave Pyrolysis
Article
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

Mathematical Modelling of Microwave Pyrolysis

  • EMAIL logo and
Published/Copyright: October 31, 2013

Abstract

This study deals with a detailed numerical investigation of the microwave heating process in plastic pyrolysis. The pyrolysis of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was studied using a single-mode microwave cavity, TE10 mode, at 2.45 GHz with two different absorbents, as carbon and silicon carbide, and the results were compared. The temperature distribution inside the sample was determined by solving the conservation equations coupled with the microwave and chemical kinetic equations. Lambert’s law was applied to describe the electromagnetic field in the microwave cavity. The effective heat capacity method was used to account for the latent heat in the melting range of plastic. The heat of the reaction was taken into account using first-order kinetic equations assuming a single-step reaction. One-dimensional model equations were solved using the finite difference method utilising MATLAB codes. The model developed in this study provides a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of the microwave pyrolysis of HDPE based on a combination of electromagnetic field and thermal models. The primary focus was to incorporate and investigate the effect of the phase changes and reaction during microwave pyrolysis. The results show that the temperature profile strongly depends on the physical properties of the material. Silicon carbide provides more uniform heating distribution compared with carbon.

References

1. ChematF, PouxM, Di MartinoJL, BerlanJ.Original microwave-ultrasound combined reactor suitable for organic synthesis: application to pyrolysis and esterification. J Microw Power Electromagn Energy1996;31(1):1922.10.1080/08327823.1996.11688288Search in Google Scholar

2. HuangKM, LinZ, YangXQ.Numerical simulation of microwave heating on chemical reaction in dilute solution. Prog Electromagn Res PIER2004;49:27389.10.2528/PIER04042803Search in Google Scholar

3. YangX, HuangK, HuangZ, WuX, YangL.Study on the key problems of numeric simulation of microwave heating. Yadian Yu Shengguang/Piezoelectrics Acoustooptics2008;30(SUPPL. 2):10507.Search in Google Scholar

4. MilovanovićB, DončovN, JokovićJ.Microwave heating cavities: modelling and analysis. Microw Rev2004;10(2).Search in Google Scholar

5. RattanadechoP, AokiK, AkahoriM.A numerical and experimental investigation of the modeling of microwave heating for liquid layers using a rectangular wave guide (effects of natural convection and dielectric properties). App Math Model2002;26(3):44972.10.1016/S0307-904X(01)00046-4Search in Google Scholar

6. ZhuJ, KuznetsovAV, SandeepKP.Mathematical modeling of continuous flow microwave heating of liquids (effects of dielectric properties and design parameters). Int J Therm Sci2007;46(4):32841.10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2006.06.005Search in Google Scholar

7. ZhaoX, HuangK, YanL,Yao,Y.A preliminary study on numerical simulation of microwave heating process for chemical reaction and discussion of hotspot and thermal runaway phenomenon. Sci China Ser G: Phys Mech Astronomy2009;52(4):55162.10.1007/s11433-009-0081-6Search in Google Scholar

8. FaJ, LeeLR, CangellarisA.Time-domain finite-element methods. Antennas Propagation1997;45(3):43042.10.1109/8.558658Search in Google Scholar

9. AyappaKG, DavisHT, CrapisteG, DavisEA, GordonJ.Microwave heating. An evaluation of power formulations. Chem Eng Sci1991;46(4):100516.10.1016/0009-2509(91)85093-DSearch in Google Scholar

10. CuretS, RouaudO, BoillereauxL.Microwave tempering and heating in a single-mode cavity: numerical and experimental investigations. Chem Eng Process: Process Intensification2008;47(9–10):165665.10.1016/j.cep.2007.09.011Search in Google Scholar

11. DattaA, ProsetyaH, HuW.Mathematical modeling of batch heating of liquids in a microwave cavity. J Microw Power Electromagn Energy1992;27(1):3848.10.1080/08327823.1992.11688169Search in Google Scholar

12. RattanadechoP. The simulation of microwave heating of wood using a rectangular wave guide: influence of frequency and sample size. Chem Eng Sci2006;61(14):4798811.10.1016/j.ces.2006.03.001Search in Google Scholar

13. TaherBJ, FaridMM. Cyclic microwave thawing of frozen meat: experimental and theoretical investigation. Chem Eng Process2001;40:37989.10.1016/S0255-2701(01)00118-0Search in Google Scholar

14. RattanadechoP. Theoretical and experimental investigation of microwave thawing of frozen layer using a microwave oven (effects of layered configurations and layer thickness). Int J Heat Mass Transf2004;47:93745.10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2003.08.019Search in Google Scholar

15. MoghtaderiB, NovozhilovV, FletcherD, KentJH.An integral model for the transient pyrolysis of solid materials. Fire Mater1997;21(1):716.10.1002/(SICI)1099-1018(199701)21:1<7::AID-FAM588>3.0.CO;2-TSearch in Google Scholar

16. CioniB, LazzeriA. Modeling and development of a microwave heated pilot plant for the production of SiC-based ceramic matrix composites. Int J Chem Reactor Eng2008;6.10.2202/1542-6580.1562Search in Google Scholar

17. SekkakA, PichonL, RazekA.3-D FEM magneto-thermalanalysis in microwave ovens. Proceedings of the 9th Conference on the Computation of Electromagnetic Fields (COMPUMAG’93), 31 Oct–4 Nov 1993, Miami, FL, USA: IEEE, 1994.Search in Google Scholar

18. ChatterjeeS, BasakT, DasS.Microwave driven convection in a rotating cylindrical cavity: a numerical study. J Food Eng2007;79(4):126979.10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2006.04.039Search in Google Scholar

19. EstelL, LedouxA, LebaudyP, BonnetC, DelmotteM.Microwaves thermal conditioning of preforms. Chem Eng Process: Process Intensification2008;47(3):3905.10.1016/j.cep.2007.01.017Search in Google Scholar

20. AthanassiadesE. Demonstration and application of a novel, state-of-the-art rotary microwave furnace for tyre devulcanization. Microwave & Flow Chemistry Spain, Zing™ Conferences Ltd, 2012.Search in Google Scholar

21. BykovYV, RybakovKI, SemenovVE.High-temperature microwave processing of materials. J Phys D: Appl Phys2001;34(13):R5575.10.1088/0022-3727/34/13/201Search in Google Scholar

22. MeredithR. Engineers handbook of industrial microwave heating: institution of electrical engineers. 1998.10.1049/PBPO025ESearch in Google Scholar

23. KlepferJS, HoneycuttTW, SharivkerV, TairovaG.Process and reactor for microwave cracking of plastic material. US6184427 B1, 2001.Search in Google Scholar

24. AlvesSS. Simple estimation of the temperature error in thermogravimetric experiments. Thermochimica Acta1990;157:24957.10.1016/0040-6031(90)80026-USearch in Google Scholar

25. BockhornH, HornungA, HornungU, JakobströerP.Modelling of isothermal and dynamic pyrolysis of plastics considering non-homogeneous temperature distribution and detailed degradation mechanism. J Anal Appl Pyrolysis1999;49(1–2):5374.10.1016/S0165-2370(98)00130-2Search in Google Scholar

26. Di BlasiC. Linear pyrolysis of cellulosic and plastic waste. J Anal App Pyrolysis1997;40–41:46379.10.1016/S0165-2370(97)00020-XSearch in Google Scholar

27. Di BlasiC. Transition between regimes in the degradation of thermoplastic polymers. Polym Degradation Stability1999;64:35967.10.1016/S0141-3910(98)00134-7Search in Google Scholar

28. ReichL, StivalaSS. Heat transfer effects during teflon degradation by TGA. Thermochimica Acta1970;1:6570.10.1016/0040-6031(70)85030-4Search in Google Scholar

29. Di BlasiC. Heat transfer mechanisms and multi-step kinetics in the ablative pyrolysis of cellulose. Chem Eng Sci1996;51:221120.10.1016/0009-2509(96)00078-4Search in Google Scholar

30. PyleDL, ZarorCA. Heat transfer and kinetics in the low temperature pyrolysis of solids. Chem Eng Sci1984;39:14758.10.1016/0009-2509(84)80140-2Search in Google Scholar

31. KungH. A mathematical model of wood pyrolysis. Combustion Flame1972;18:18595.10.1016/S0010-2180(72)80134-2Search in Google Scholar

32. MoghtaderiB. The state-of-the-art in pyrolysis modelling of lignocellulosic solid fuels. Fire Mater2006;30:134.10.1002/fam.891Search in Google Scholar

33. KhaghanikavkaniE, FaridMM. Thermal pyrolysis of polyethylene: kinetic study. Energy Sci Technol2011;2(1):110.Search in Google Scholar

34. IncroperaFP, DeWittDP, BergmanTL, LavineAS.Introduction to heat transfer, 5th ed. 2007.Search in Google Scholar

35. Von HippelAR. Dielectrics and waves. Dielectrics Waves1954;284.Search in Google Scholar

36. JinnoD, GuptaAK, YoshikawaK.Determination of chemical kinetic parameters of surrogate solid wastes. J Eng Gas Turbines Power2004;126(4):68592.10.1115/1.1772407Search in Google Scholar

37. LiM, NieZ, GuaG, ZhangQ. Broadband measurements of dielectric properties of low loss materials at high temperatures using circular cavity method. Prog Electromagn Res2009;92:10320.10.2528/PIER09030904Search in Google Scholar

38. RiddleB, BakerJJ, KrupkaJ.Complex permittivitymeasurements of common plastics over variable temperatures. IEEE Trans Microw Theory Tech2003;51(3):72733.10.1109/TMTT.2003.808730Search in Google Scholar

39. FrubingP, BlischkeD, Gerhard-MulthauptR, KhalilMS. Complete relaxation map of polyethylene: filler-induced chemical modifications as dielectric probes. J Phys D: Appl Phys2001;34:30517.10.1088/0022-3727/34/20/308Search in Google Scholar

40. ShinyamaK, FujitaS.Study on the electrical properties of a biodegradable plastic, institute of electrical and electronics engineers inc. Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Properties and Applications of Dielectric Materials, 2003.Search in Google Scholar

41. TohyamaK, TokoroT, NagaoM, KosakiM. High field dielectric properties of electron beam irradiation crosslinked polyethylene film in high temperature region. Tokyo, Japan: Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, 1993.Search in Google Scholar

42. BurAJ. Dielectric properties of polymers at microwave frequencies: a review. Polymer1985;26:96377.10.1016/0032-3861(85)90216-2Search in Google Scholar

43. PengZ, HwangJ, BellW, AndrieseM, XieS. Microwave dielectric properties of pyrolyzed carbon. 2nd International Symposium on High-Temperature Metallurgical Processing, San Diego, CA, Minerals, Metals and Materials Society, 2011.10.1002/9781118062081.ch10Search in Google Scholar

44. ThoriaAB. Microwave measurements of the dielectric properties of silicon carbide at high temperature. Egypt J Sol2002;25.10.21608/ejs.2002.150483Search in Google Scholar

45. RenF, RenP, DiY, ChenD, LiuG.Thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of linear low-density polyethylene composites filled with different dimensional SiC particles. Polymer-Plastics Technol Eng50(8):7916.10.1080/03602559.2011.551967Search in Google Scholar

46. WooMW, WongP, TangY, TriaccaV, GloorPE, HrymakAN, et al. Melting behavior and thermal properties of high density polyethylene. McMaster Institute for Polymer Production Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, 1995.Search in Google Scholar

47. FaridMM, HamadFA, Abu ArabiM.Melting and solidification in multi-dimensional geometry and presence of more than one interface. Energy Conversion Manage1998;39(8):80918.Search in Google Scholar

48. BrandrupJ, ImmergutEH. Polymer handbook. New York: Interscience, 1966.Search in Google Scholar

49. TouloukianYS. Thermophysical properties of high temperature solid materials. New York: MacMillan, 1967.Search in Google Scholar

Published Online: 2013-10-31

©2013 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin / Boston

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Masthead
  2. Masthead
  3. Efficient Synthesis of 1-Acetylpyrene Using [Bmim]Cl–FeCl3 Ionic Liquid as Dual Catalyst and Solvent
  4. Ethanol Steam Reforming for Hydrogen Production in Microchannel Reactors: Experimental Design and Optimization
  5. Modeling NOx Adsorption onto Fe/ZSM-5 Catalysts in a Fixed Bed Reactor
  6. Multistep Optimization and Residue Disposal Study for Electrochemical Treatment of Textile Wastewater Using Aluminum Electrode
  7. Effect of Vibrating Sparger on Mass Transfer, Gas Holdup, and Bubble Size in a Bubble Column Reactor
  8. Production of Silicon from SiH4 in a Fluidized Bed, Operation and Results
  9. Reforming of Glycerol into Bio-Crude: A Parametric Study
  10. Hydrodynamic and Mass Transfer Characteristics in a Large-Scale Slurry Bubble Column Reactor for Gas Mixtures in Actual Fischer–Tropsch Cuts
  11. Optimization of l-Asparaginase Production by Isolated Aspergillus niger C4 from Sesame (black) Oil Cake under SSF using Box–Behnken Design in Column Bioreactor
  12. Simplified Kinetic Model for Thermal Combustion of Lean Methane–Air Mixtures in a Wide Range of Temperatures
  13. Identification and Optimization of Recombinant E. coli Fed-Batch Fermentation Producing γ-Interferon Protein
  14. A Comparison of Monomeric Phenols Produced from Lignin by Fast Pyrolysis and Hydrothermal Conversions
  15. Design and Optimization of a Fixed Bed Reactor for Direct Dimethyl Ether Production from Syngas Using Differential Evolution Algorithm
  16. Conversion Enhancement of Fixed-Bed Reactors Using Two-Dimensional Hollow Cylindrical Catalyst Pellet
  17. Bubble Columns with Internals: A Review
  18. A Historic Review on R&D of China’s FCC Riser Termination Device Technologies
  19. Recent Advances of Spout-Fluid Bed: A Review of Fundamentals and Applications
  20. Ethanol Catalytic Oxidation on Ordered Mesoporous CuO/KIT-6 Catalyst
  21. A Novel Kinetics Study on H2O2 Decomposition inthe Propylene Epoxidation System in a Fixed-Bed Reactor
  22. Implementation of Homotopy Perturbation Method to Solve a Population Balance Model in Fluidized Bed
  23. Experimental Research on Utilization of Steel Rolling Sludge in Sintering Process
  24. Application of Honey-Bee Mating Optimization to Naphtha Reforming Reactor
  25. Modeling and Simulation of a Fischer–Tropsch Slurry Bubble Column Reactor Using Different Kinetic Rate Expressions for Iron and Cobalt Catalysts
  26. Solids Suspension Study in a Side-Entering Stirred Tank Through CFD Modeling
  27. Triphase Catalysis Using Silica Gel as Support
  28. Enhanced Trichloroethylene CatalyticOxidation on Modified Lanthanum Manganite ano-Perovskites
  29. A Novel Reactor for Microwave Hydrothermal Scale-up Nanopowder Synthesis
  30. Production of Amino and Organic Acids from Protein Using Sub-Critical Water Technology
  31. Purification of Crude Glycerine Obtained from Transesterification of Cottonseed Oil
  32. Predicting the Liquid Film Thickness and Droplet–Gas Flow in Effervescent Atomization: Influence of Operating Conditions and Fluid Viscosity
  33. Zinc-Modified MCM-22 as Potential Solid acid Catalyst for Friedel–Crafts Alkylation Reaction
  34. Dynamic Characteristics and Speed Control Strategy of Cellulose Hydrolysis Reactor at High Solids Loading
  35. Kinetic Study of Light Mercaptans in the Presence of Merox Catalyst and Caustic Soda
  36. Applications of Feed-Forward Neural Network to Study Irregular-Shape Particle Effects on Hydrodynamics Behavior in a Liquid–Solid Circulating Fluidized Bed Riser
  37. Experimental Investigation on the Translational and Rotational Motion of Biomass Particle in a Spout-Fluid Bed
  38. Industrial Methanol from Syngas: Kinetic Study and Process Simulation
  39. Study of Co-pyrolysis Characteristics of Lignite and Rice Husk in a TGA and a Fixed-Bed Reactor
  40. Exergy Analysis of Oxidative Steam Reforming of Methanol for Hydrogen Producton: Modeling Study
  41. Lead (II) Pollution Enhances the Binding of Transgenic Toxin in Brown and Red Soils: Equilibrium and Kinetics
  42. Influence of a Second Liquid Phase upon Carbon Dioxide Chemical Absorption
  43. Brackish Water Desalination by Electrodialysis: CaCO3 Scaling Monitoring During Batch Recirculation Operation
  44. The Effect of TiO2 Contained within a Titanium Silicalite (TS-1) Catalyst and on the Selective Oxidation of Ammonia
  45. Understanding Pt–Rh Synergy in a Three-Way Catalytic Converter
  46. Mathematical Modelling of Microwave Pyrolysis
  47. Photocatalytic Purification of Wastewater Polluted by Odorant Sulfur Compounds Using Titanium Oxide in a Continuous Photoreactor
  48. Adsorption Kinetics of Oxytetracycline onto Activated Carbon in a Closed-Loop Fixed Bed Reactor
  49. Catalytic Wet Peroxide Oxidation of Chlorophenol Over a Ce0.86Cu0.14–xO2 Catalyst
  50. Chemical Reaction Effect upon Gas–Liquid Interfacial Area in a Bubble Column Reactor
  51. Comparative Studies on Nitrophenol Removal byAdsorption and Simultaneous Adsorption-Biodegradation Processes
  52. Ultrasound-Assisted Enzymatic Synthesis of Poly-ε-Caprolactone: Kinetic Behavior and ReactorDesign
Downloaded on 28.3.2026 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/ijcre-2012-0060/html
Scroll to top button