| abstract |
A supercritical fluid polymer depolymerization machine is disclosed herein, which machine is capable of converting a wide range of biomass and/or waste plastic materials into a plurality of reaction products (liquid and gaseous) including fermentable sugars, hydrocarbons, and various aromatic substances that, in turn, are readily convertible into liquid transportation fuel known as “neodiesel.” In one embodiment, a supercritical fluid reaction apparatus for transforming a selected polymeric material flowstream into a plurality of reaction products is disclosed and comprises, in fluidic series: an extruder; a supercritical fluid reaction zone fluidicly connected to the extruder, the supercritical fluid reaction zone being proximate to a circumferentially positioned heater, with the heater being configured to transfer heat to the selected polymeric material flowstream admixed together with water to supercritical conditions to thereby facilitate chemical reaction; and a reaction products separation chamber fluidicly connected to the supercritical fluid reaction zone. |