Page 32 - Plastics News June 2023

FEATURE

NuScale Power claims Nuclear power can enhance plastics recycling process

NuScale’s research aims to show
that the steam generated by a single
NuScale Power Module can be com-
pressed and heated to produce pro-
cess steam at commercial scale, tem-
peratures, and pressures. The lower
steam temperatures and pressures
from a LWR typically requires condi-
tioning prior to injection into a high
temperature/high pressure process.
Dr. Reyes said:“The compression
heating systems we have proposed
through this new research are an ide-
al application for NuScale’s VOYGR
uScale Power says its new re- cesses not previously envisioned using plants and could also broaden the role
Nsearch demonstrates the ad- light water reactor (LWR) technology, of LWRs in global decarbonization ef-
vanced capabilities of NuScale small such as heavy to light oil conversion, forts. These new findings strengthen
modular reactors (SMRs) for reducing bulk plastic waste recycling, dissolving
emissions in industrial sectors, which heavy oil to produce gasoline addi- the use case for NuScale’s advanced
SMR technology.”
is critical to meeting global climate tives, and light plastics for the regen-
goals. eration of products like synthesis gas. NuScale is presently collaborating
This capability will aim to provide oil with end-users of steam, electric
Led by Co-Founder and Chief Tech- refiners and chemical companies with power, and hydrogen to assess and
nolog Offic Dr. Jo Reyes, re- optimize Integrated Energy Systems,
search found that NuScale SMRs have new options to decarbonize their op- with plans to support industry clean
the potential for use in a wide variety erations and products using carbon-
of high-temperature industrial pro- free nuclear energy. energy goals at a commercial scale.

The Power of Self-Emptying Technology for Extrusion Lines

other material changes can lead to ex- Is manual cleaning the answer?
cessive downtime, scrap, and wasted Manual cleaning takes more time and
resources. The result? Unnecessary labor than most producers can spare.
frustration and costs for you.
Lines must be shut down to complete
Why is this problem so rampant? the task, which significantly cuts into
both productivity and revenue. In-
Complete cleaning is essential for
maintaining effec an efficien ex- tensely laborious, manual cleaning
trusion production lines. Any material also poses safety risks to your teams.
hermoplastic extrusion line oper- that remains after each run (and ac- None of this is ideal.
Tators contend with a wide range cumulates over time), from color pig- Self-emptying technology can
of daily challenges. Color changes and ments to additives, must be entirely make a tremendous difference
contamination are two common and removed from equipment, including Specialty purging compounds can al-
complicated obstacles to maintaining screws, dies and metering pumps. leviate many complications from the
production schedules and produc- Thorough purging of all contaminants cleaning process and create excep-
ing high-quality end products that helps keep lines performing optimally tionally better output consistency.
meet your customers’ needs. Issues and consistently. Advanced capabilities, like the self-
like color streaking, black specks and

32 PLASTICS NEWS June 2023