Pyrolysis / Depolymerization
Oxygen-free thermochemical conversion for chemical recycling and targeted synthesis
Pyrolysis is a thermochemical conversion process in which materials are heated in the absence of oxygen. By precisely controlling temperature, residence time, pressure, and reactor configuration, the process converts feedstocks into valuable monomers, chemical intermediates, gases, liquids, and carbon-rich solids.
At InVerTec, we develop pyrolysis technologies for a broad range of applications which comprise two main topics. On the one hand, we are using pyrolysis for the depolymerization of polymers for chemical recycling. Pyrolysis reactors designed for chemical recycling must be robust against impurities and flexible for different feedstocks. On the other hand, we are using pyrolysis for the targeted synthesis of products such as carbon black. In this case, the main focus of the process design is on the yield and the distinct material properties. Likewise, our expertise enables the optimization of overall process efficiency by evaluating possible advantages of several non-conventional heating systems.
Technical Spotlight: Chemical Recycling of perfluorinated polymers
Fluoropolymers are widely used in demanding industrial applications due to their exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance, and durability. At the end of their service life, however, these high-performance materials have traditionally been landfilled or thermally destroyed in incineration plants, preventing the recovery of their valuable fluorinated building blocks.
Traditionally, fluorinated monomers have been produced from virgin fluorinated feedstocks, such as R22, through energy-intensive manufacturing routes. Developing a circular process capable of recovering these monomers directly from waste fluoropolymers represented a significant technological challenge.
Together with the University of Bayreuth and Dyneon GmbH, InVerTec developed an innovative pyrolysis-based depolymerization process capable of converting PTFE back into valuable fluorinated monomers with recovery efficiencies of up to 90%. The technology combines optimized reaction conditions, advanced reactor engineering, and process scale-up to maximize monomer recovery while reducing energy consumption and minimizing unwanted by-products.
Project Highlights
- Up to 90% monomer recovery
- Significant reduction in energy consumption compared with conventional production routes
- Reduced formation of unwanted by-products
- Demonstration of a circular economy for fluoropolymer recycling
- Successful transfer from research to industrial demonstration and commercial implementation
