Pyrolysis apparatus and methods using same

A method of completing thermal conversion pyrolysis of plastic by the steps of:

• a. adding plastic to a thermal conversion pyrolysis reactor apparatus including;
• i. a pyrolysis reactor vessel with a heat source to heat plastic material in bottom of the vessel;
• ii. a conveyer for transporting char and/or plastic from the vessel;
• and
• iii. a condensing seal through which decomposed gas travels and wherein the condensing seal prevents entry of oxygen into the vessel and egress of heavier compounds out of the vessel.
• b. heating the plastic sufficient to cause pyrolysis of the plastic;
• c. collecting the resulting hydrocarbon gas from the reactor vessel.

A method for producing electricity by the step of:

• a. adding plastic to a thermal conversion pyrolysis reactor apparatus including
• i. a pyrolysis reactor vessel with a heat source to heat plastic material in bottom of the vessel;
• ii. a conveyer for transporting char and/or plastic from the vessel;
• and
• iii. a condensing seal through which decomposed gas travels and wherein the condensing seal prevents entry of oxygen into the vessel and egress of heavier compounds out of the vessel,
• b. heating the plastic sufficient to cause pyrolysis of the plastic;
• c. collecting the resulting hydrocarbon gas from the reactor vessel;
• and
• d. using the hydrocarbon gas to drive a generator to generate electricity.