How much energy is needed for pyrolysis plant operation?

Pyrolysis plant technology has gained increasing attention as an effective solution for converting waste—such as plastics, tires, and oil sludge—into valuable products like fuel oil, gas, and carbon black. Then how much energy is needed for pyrolysis plant operation? This passage will have a brief introduction for you:

Generally, during the pyrolysis plant operation process, the main energy consumption includes water, electricity and fuel:

• Electricity Comsumption

Electricity is essential for running key components of a pyrolysis plant, such as motors, automatic PLC control system, condensers, and feeding or discharge equipment. On average, batch pyrolysis plant consumes about 300-500 kWh of electricity to finish one batch, while continuous pyrolysis plant consumes 1500-2000 kWh per 24 hours, depending on automation levels and system efficiency.

• Water Consumption

Water in a pyrolysis plant is primarily used for cooling purposes. The condensation of pyrolysis oil gas into liquid oil requires a stable and efficient water cooling cycle. Most systems use the circular water condensation system, which costs around 1-3 tons per day for a set pyrolysis plant. Since it is a recycled system, actual water loss is minimal—mainly due to evaporation and maintenance. And we can also equip the industrial cooling pool to further reduce water loss and improve cooling efficiency.

• Fuel Consumption

Fuel is mainly used during the start-up phase to heat the pyrolysis reactor to its operating temperature—usually around 200–350°C. Common fuels include pyrolysis oil, diesel, natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The consumption level depends on the size and design of the pyrolysis reactor.

However, once the process starts, the pyrolysis system produces syngas, a combustible gas that can be recycled to maintain reactor temperatures. In many modern systems, this makes the process largely self-sustaining, significantly reducing or even eliminating the need for external fuel during continuous operation.

In conclusion, the energy consumption for pyrolysis plant operation—including water, electricity, and fuel—varies depending on the specific type and size of the plant you select. If you want to learn more about specific pyrolysis plant energy solutions or have other related questions, feel free to reach out.