Process for conversion of plastics into fuel

A process for thermal cracking of a feedstock of plastic materials in an apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

• a mixing and melting device;
• a pyrolysis chamber;
• and
• a reflux column connected to a gas exit of the pyrolysis chamber, wherein the reflux column comprises an upper extremity and a plurality of crossflow trays, the plurality of crossflow trays including an upper tray disposed above a lower tray, the reflux column comprises a partial condenser disposed in the upper extremity of the reflux column, wherein the plurality of crossflow trays are valve trays, the valve trays having a plurality of valves, each valve of the plurality of valves having a corresponding cap disposed thereupon;
• and
• wherein the process comprises the steps of melting the feedstock in the mixing and melting device, conveying melted feedstock in the pyrolysis chamber, where said melted feedstock is heated in a substantially oxygen purged environment to convert it into pyrolysis gases, said process further comprising the steps of:
• driving pyrolysis gases from the pyrolysis chamber into the reflux column, returning pyrolysis gases condensed in the reflux column into the pyrolysis chamber, distilling pyrolysis gases exiting the partial condenser of the reflux column, to provide one or more fuel products;
• wherein distilling pyrolysis gases exiting the partial condenser is done by flash distillation in a flash distillation column, the flash distillation column having an upper portion disposed above a lower portion;
• and
• wherein the flash distillation step comprises partial recirculation of liquid heavy hydrocarbons obtained at the bottom of the flash distillation column in the lower portion of the flash distillation column by spraying said heavy hydrocarbons.