Optimization of oil production through ex-situ catalytic pyrolysis of waste polyethylene with activated carbon

This study studied the ex-situ catalytic pyrolysis of waste polyethylene (WPE) with activated carbon (AC). It was found that operating parameters and AC/WPE mass ratio had complex interactions on WPE-AC oil gas yields. A hybrid method artificial neural network (ANN) coupled genetic algorithm (GA) used to establish mathematical expressions yields under different conditions optimize obtain highest yield. The R2 values average absolute relative errors between experimental ANN predicted were 0.9992 0.60%, 0.9830 5.01% in training testing tests, respectively. optimal production calculated by ANN-GA 69.16 wt% 479 °C, 1, 10 mL/min. yield 69.63 parameters, which close value ANN-GA. oils characterized Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). types oil's functional groups did not change ratios. composed alkenes, naphthenes, alkanes, aromatic hydrocarbons ranging from C8 C33. affected fractions a great extent.