RE: PHE lost the race Trifol resources23 Aug 2024 15:32
The Trifol process, apparently, does not contravene PHE's patent, since it does not state it uses the product as a heat source for the operation. It states,
'This involves a huge machine that decomposes the waste plastic by heating it at enormous temperatures, in the absence of oxygen or flames, until it becomes a gas.'
In a nutshell, this is plasma temperatures, and is the DMG process. When crude oil, (liquid plastic) is 'cracked', it is heated to temps between 400 -600dC, 100atm pressure, in an anaerobic atmosphere, in 100'sof steel tubes in a large furnace, in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst, can be many types, typically Nickel or Iron compounds, are crucial, since molecular bonds are broken at lower temps and pressures. After 'cracking' ( gasification), the product is sent to Fractionating Towers, levels at varying temperatures, where the distilled liquid products atre collectd, ( diesel, petrol, kerosene, waxes, Major problem for using these types of catalysts in DMG, is Sulphur 'poisoning' the catalyst. ( S is present is almost every plastic). Crude oils containing S, (typically heavy crude oils) always contain some S, and so a different catalyst has to be used. Trifol market appears to be a very lucrative on, aviation fuels, where, I suggest Kerosene is the goal. As long as it does not ( or states it does not) use any product to keep the furnace heated, it is not violating PHE Patent. I thought this was an interesting comment from Trifols web site;
'In 2019 a Chinese company called Sabrina Integrated Services, in partnership with Bord Na Móna, started a farm plastics recovery and recycling operation right beside the Trifol plant.
This Sabrina operation collects, cleans, and sorts waste farm plastic before either shredding it or turning it into plastic pellets.
This is an ideal raw material for the Trifol plant, and it comes from right next door.'
A few of the LTH here will know how I banged on, and even messaged PHE PDMR's that the ideal site for DMG was at a Waste Recycling Facility.
Paul, you might have backed a lame horse, and it is having problems getting to the starting gates and the race leader is already on the inside rail, and galloping.
Lets hope this Irish outfits marketing is as bad as PHE's.