A hydrocarbon-rich fuel produced from plastic." Image by Hunter Mack

A hydrocarbon-rich fuel produced from plastic.

The waste stream in many developing countries includes a significant amount of plastic waste that is not properly recycled. In an effort to reduce the accumulation of waste and to simultaneously provide an alternative energy source for cooking, heating, and industrial processes, this project aims to design and develop a simple yet robust reactor to convert waste plastics into usable fuels.

An early prototype reactor built by Mechanical Engineering students as part of the senior capstone project." Image by Hunter Mack

An early prototype reactor built by Mechanical Engineering students as part of the senior capstone project.

The reactor design and implementation is achieved by combining aspects of engineering, chemistry, and combustion - all in an effort to create an easy-to-use and reliable system.