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  • Enzymatic Recycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate

    Image thumbnail: Enzymatic Recycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate
    Type:
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    Description/Abstract:
    The goal of this project was to research and propose the implementation of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling plant. The recommended process is recycling PET flakes into its base polymers and monomers via a hydrolase enzyme biocatalyst. The current design with supporting utilities and operations has an estimated total capital investment of $54.68 million dollars. The team recommends selling terephthalic acid (rTPA) at $2.21 per kilogram to reach a net present value of $0 after 10 years. This price is not yet competitive with the current market of virgin TPA, which historically has been between $1.00 and $1.50 per kilogram. This process also produces liquid ethylene glycol (EG) and sodium sulfate salt (SS) that can be sold as co-products. The return on investment (ROI) is 24.4% and the venture profit is $1.34 million. Future work includes further optimization of rTPA pricing, on-site wastewater treatment, unit operation modification, and further lab development and research regarding the biocatalyst enzyme
    Creator/Author:
    Sauls, Amanda; Ker, Chelsea; Brandes, Miread; McCluskey, Margaret , and Newman, Robert
    Submitter:
    Stephen W. Thiel
    Date Uploaded:
    04/25/2022
    Date Modified:
    05/09/2022
    Date Created:
    2022-04
    License:
    All rights reserved