Students from the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering won Best Poster during the INTER-U 2024 Chemical Engineering Case Study Competition on November 30, 2024. The event was organized by the Students’ National Chemical Engineering Conference (SNCEC) of the University of the Philippines-Diliman in a hybrid setup as part of the Students National Chemical Engineering Conference.
The team members, Mariefe P. Chavez, Angel Ramonica M. Jimanga, and Rosevel E. Mariano, together with their adviser Engr. Louell Nikki A. Hipulan presented their case study online to the panel of judges. They bagged the Best Poster award with their innovative pyrolysis that converts single-use plastics and sachets into syngas, offering a sustainable energy solution while supporting cleaner emissions and a circular economy.
This serves as a great example of how engineering can provide practical solutions for a more sustainable future.
Here is the abstract of their case study:
“From Sachets to Syngas: Addressing the Metro Manila’s Plastic Waste Problem with Pyrolysis Technology”
The Philippines faces a significant plastic waste crisis, largely driven by its “sachet economy,” where single-use packets dominate consumption. This contributes to over 40% of the plastic waste in Metro Manila, resulting in severe environmental issues, including landfill overflow and pollution in waterways (Edoria et al., 2023; SEA Circular Project, 2020). The proposed solution involves a fast pyrolysis system designed to convert polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) waste into syngas, liquid fuel, and char, achieving an 85% conversion efficiency at temperatures of 450-550°C (Papuga et al., 2015).
This pyrolysis process yields approximately 50% liquid oil, which is similar to diesel and gasoline, making it viable for power generation (Szwaja et al., 2022). The syngas produced can power the reactor itself, enhancing sustainability. Additionally, a heat recovery system can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%. Emission controls will ensure compliance with environmental standards.
A preliminary economic analysis estimates a payback period of three years with a capital cost of ₱30 million and annual operating expenses of ₱38 million. Revenue will be generated from the sale of liquid fuel and char, which can be marketed as soil amendments or activated carbon.
Implementing this pyrolysis system could significantly alleviate Metro Manila’s plastic waste challenges while promoting a circular economy. It serves as a scalable model for other urban areas grappling with similar issues. By addressing critical waste management problems through innovative technology, this project aims to create a cleaner environment and support sustainable practices in the Philippines.
