Clean Planet Technologies has today announced it has been granted a second patent that promises to revolutionize the recycling of waste plastics into circular products and low-carbon fuels, marking a significant stride towards environmental sustainability. This newly patented process targets the complex challenge of upgrading highly olefinic oils—derived from the pyrolysis of waste plastics—into cleaner, more efficient oils.
The patented method employs a sophisticated two-stage technique that intricately combines hydrogen gas with the olefinic pyrolysis oil and a specialized attenuation stream. This innovative process results in a significant reduction of olefins content, thereby enhancing the stability and quality of the resulting fuel. The first stage focuses on reducing the oil's olefinicity and removing metal impurities, while the second stage is dedicated to removing undesirable elements like sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen, alongside enhancing the oil's overall properties through cracking, dewaxing, and isomerisation.
The Core of the Innovation
Two-stage Technique: This novel approach combines hydrogen gas with olefinic pyrolysis oil, producing a cleaner, more efficient fuel.
Significant Reduction in Olefins: The process dramatically decreases the olefins content, enhancing the fuel's stability and quality.
Safety and Efficiency: The method addresses heat management and safety concerns, improving reactor efficiency and extending catalyst life.
This approach not only addresses the critical issue of heat management within the reactors—thereby prolonging catalyst life and ensuring a uniform product—but also significantly mitigates safety risks associated with conventional hydroprocessing methods. The implications of this technology extend beyond the realm of fuel production, offering a viable solution to the pervasive problem of plastic waste by converting it into high-value, ultra-clean fuel.
Importance of the Process for a Circular Economy
Reducing olefins in pyrolysis oils, which are made from waste plastics, is crucial because olefins can make these oils unstable and less efficient when utilised in the circular economy. By lowering the olefins content, the oil becomes more stable, safer to store and handle, and its quality improves, making it a more viable alternative for powering engines and blending into feedstock to make new plastics.
By converting waste plastics into high-value oils, it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional waste disposal methods, reduces reliance on fossil fuels & products, and minimizes environmental impact. This innovation aligns with the principles of a circular economy, where waste is not an endpoint but a resource for new beginnings.
Aptly Timed with the UK Government Response on Low-Carbon Fuels
The timing of the patent grant is significant. In February 2024, after a two year consultation process, the UK government confirmed its support for recycled carbon fuels (RCFs) under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), recognizing their potential to contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) savings and the decarbonization of transport, particularly in sectors hard to electrify like aviation and heavy goods vehicles. This move aligns with the government's broader decarbonization goals and supports innovation in low-carbon fuel production.
The convergence of this policy support with Clean Planet Technologies’ technological breakthrough illustrates a synergistic pathway to achieving the UK's decarbonization goals. The patent's potential to transform waste plastics into high-value, low-carbon fuels directly aligns with the government's initiative, signalling a promising horizon for the circular economy and sustainable transport fuels.
Conclusion
Clean Planet Technologies’ recent patent marks a significant step forward in sustainable energy solutions, turning waste plastic into a resource for clean fuel production. This innovation not only offers a practical pathway to reduce environmental pollution but also supports the global shift towards a more sustainable and circular economy. By converting discarded plastics into valuable fuel, this technology highlights the potential for transforming waste into an essential component of our energy landscape, fostering a more responsible and efficient approach to resource utilization.
You can read the full patent grant on the UK IPO website here, and a summary of Clean Planet’s first patent here.
About Clean Planet Technologies
Clean Planet Technologies is an innovative green technology company specializing in the development of novel, cutting-edge processes and technologies. These technologies are designed to convert low-value, organic, inorganic, and non-conventional feedstocks, as well as waste materials, into ultra-high-value, low-carbon alternative circular fuels and clean energy. The company is a core entity within the Clean Planet Group,