MNEXT > Vacatures > Evaluation and Optimization of Polyolefin Pyrolysis for the Production and Utilization of Pyrolysis Oil
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Evaluation and Optimization of Polyolefin Pyrolysis for the Production and Utilization of Pyrolysis Oil

The rapid increase in plastic production has led to a significant accumulation of plastic waste, resulting in widespread environmental pollution and severe harm to wildlife. Addressing this growing plastic waste crisis has become a global challenge, with pyrolysis emerging as a promising technological solution. Pyrolysis involves the thermal decomposition of plastic waste in the absence of oxygen, converting it into valuable products such as plastic pyrolysis oil (PPO). This oil can serve as a feedstock for producing new plastics or as a component in motor fuels.
Startdatum 01 September 2025
Solliciteren voor 22 August 2025
Ervaring Internship
Locatie Bergen op Zoom
Solliciteren

Corsair Europe

Corsair Europe is the European subsidiary of Corsair Group International and specializes in converting hard-to-recycle plastic streams into pyrolysis oil suitable for industrial reuse. Corsair operates pyrolysis plants in Thailand and Finland and is developing new plants in countries including France, Spain, Croatia, South America, and Canada. In Bergen op Zoom, Corsair operates a pyrolysis reactor dedicated to R&D purposes, capable of processing 1 ton of plastic per cycle.

Pyrolysis Process

The operational process begins by loading the pyrolysis reactor with plastic feedstock. This feedstock typically comes in the form of bales, granules, agglomerates, or pellets. The process generally follows the scheme outlined below.

Once converted, the resulting pyrolysis oil is temporarily stored in dedicated tanks, analyzed, and then transported to its next destination.

Research Objectives

The main goal of this research is to study the process parameters and product properties involved in the pyrolysis of polyethylene and polypropylene for producing pyrolysis oil. Specifically, the research aims to:

  • Test and evaluate the performance of the pyrolysis equipment, including reactor stability, energy efficiency, scalability, and operational consistency under varying process conditions.

  • Optimize key pyrolysis process parameters, such as temperature, heating rate, residence time, and the use of catalysts, to maximize oil yield and improve product quality.

  • Characterize the chemical and physical properties of the produced pyrolysis oil, including parameters such as viscosity, density, calorific value, and hydrocarbon composition.

  • Assess the potential industrial applications of the pyrolysis oil, particularly its suitability as a raw material for fuel production or as feedstock in petrochemical processes.

Start Date & Compensation

September 2025
Internship compensation of €350 per month.

Desired Skills/Qualifications of the Student

The student should be capable of conducting independent laboratory and industrial research. Preferred backgrounds include chemical engineering, chemistry, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or mechatronics.

Contact

Contact person at Corsair: Onno Ruiter
Phone: +31 6 41462299
Email: onno@corsairnow.com; q.zhou1@avans.nl
Visiting address: Auvergnedijk 2, 4612 PZ Bergen op Zoom

Meer informatie? Neem contact op met:

Qian Zhou

Mail q.zhou1@avans.nl Telefoon 31885256660 Solliciteer direct

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