Method and retort vessel for enabling continuous thermal or thermo-catalytic degradation of mixed waste plastic feedstock

A rotary retort vessel for enabling continuous thermal or thermo-catalytic degradation of mixed waste plastic feedstock, the retort vessel comprising:

• an input end configured to receive the feedstock;
• an output end, wherein the rotary retort vessel is declined towards the output end with respect to the input end;
• an input cylindrical portion of uniform diameter disposed towards the input end, an output cylindrical portion of uniform diameter disposed towards the output end, an intermediate cylindrical portion of uniform diameter, a first tapered portion and a second tapered portion, wherein,
• the first tapered portion connects the input cylindrical portion to the intermediate cylindrical portion;
• the second tapered portion connects the intermediate cylindrical portion to the output cylindrical portion;
• and
• the internal diameter of the intermediate cylindrical portion is greater than the internal diameter of the output cylindrical portions;
• and
• at least one partition structure, wherein the partition structure is a flat plate that extends continuously along the length of the rotary retort vessel from the input end to the output end, and is of a width equal to the inner diameter of the rotary retort vessel;
• wherein, a gas-residue separator is engaged at the output end of the rotary retort vessel, wherein the partition structure extends up to the output end;
• wherein the retort vessel is configured to:
• receive the feedstock into the retort vessel at the input end;
• heat the feedstock in the retort vessel, such that the resultant reaction products ultimately exit the retort vessel, either as gaseous vapor or as solid residue, wherein the resultant reaction products exit the retort vessel at a temperature exceeding 400° C.;
• facilitate movement of the feedstock and the resultant reaction products towards the output end of the retort vessel;
• discharge the feedstock and the resultant reaction products from the output end of the retort vessel;
• and
• provide a degradation time chosen between 0.5 minutes and 50 minutes, as the feedstock and the resultant reactions products move over the partition structure, wherein the degradation time is defined as the ratio of available volume inside the retort vessel to the volumetric flow rate of gaseous vapor at the output end of the retort vessel.