Meaning
Analytical testing methods detect and quantify non-carbon impurities in recycled hydrocarbon feedstocks before chemical processing. Executing trace heteroatom screening prevents catalyst contamination and equipment corrosion by identifying elements like chlorine and nitrogen in plastics pyrolysis oil. These impurities are introduced by blended PVC or polyurethane in the waste stream.
The screening step occurs at the input terminal of the steam cracker to ensure the incoming feedstock meets the purity specifications required for producing high-quality circular polymers.
Material Specification
Molded parts made from recycled polymers must possess the same mechanical and aesthetic properties as those made from virgin resin. Effective trace heteroatom screening at the feedstock stage ensures that no degradation-inducing impurities remain in the polymer melt. It eliminates the risk of premature part failure or discoloration during the final molding process.
Processing Variable
Heteroatoms in the polymer matrix can alter the thermal stability of the resin during processing. If trace heteroatom screening is neglected, high concentrations of chlorine can release hydrochloric acid during injection molding, which damages the steel molds and extruder barrels. Controlling these contaminants extends the operational life of the injection molding machinery.
Sourcing Economics
Recycled feedstock with high heteroatom content requires expensive purification steps before it can be processed. This increases the manufacturing cost of circular resins. High-efficiency screening allows buyers to categorize feedstocks by quality, ensuring that they only pay a premium for high-purity recycled plastics.
