Evonik advances pyrolysis oil capability with launch of Purocel series

German chemical firm Evonik has announced a comprehensive suite of Purocel products and catalysts technologies that improve the quality of pyrolysis oil, driving greater circularity for plastics, It adds.

The series consists of Purocel adsorbents, including 505, 510 and 515, amongst other adsorbents, rejuvenated hydrotreating catalysts and a modular polishing skid (named as Rocket) – expanding the company’s pyrolysis oil capability.

Derived from plastic waste, pyrolysis oil requires upgrading and purification before it can be used as a feedstock in steam crackers or refineries. Evonik’s latest offering allows for the reduction of chlorides, silicon, TAN and other matters.

“The removal of organic chlorides from plastic pyrolysis oil has historically presented a challenging problem for the circular plastic industry. We’re committed to constant innovation at Evonik, which we know is vital to bringing a shared solution closer,” said Nirav Shah, Evonik Catalysts Global Director (EPC/Licensing, Re-refining/Recycling).

Evonik claims that Purocel 505 has demonstrated three times higher chloride removal than conventional organic chloride sorbents and can be used across a variety of pyrolysis oil fractions. Purocel 510 is regenerable, contributing to greater circularity; Purocel 515 assists with the polishing of pyrolysis oil and gas.

Evonik’s wider pyrolysis oil portfolio includes Purocel hydrotreating catalysts for the main catalytic bed: Purocel H100, H200, H300 and H400. These catalysts remove metals and organic chlorides and reduce olefins and aromatics, boasting comparable performance to fresh catalysts. They can be regenerated and reused to support sustainability efforts, while offering cost-saving benefits.

Polishing units for pretreating pyrolysis oil feedstock are also a part of the solution. Skid-mounted, this “Rocket” technology combines a tailored adsorbent with optimized fluid dynamics to improve purification performance. Complete modular skids can be modified to suit customers’ requirements.

Evonik’s expanding portfolio of Purocel adsorbents and catalysts, and accompanying pyrolysis oil technology, advance chemical recycling, helping convert plastic waste into a usable product.