CUPOLA project

From 23 June to 10 July 2026, Dr Eng. Łukasz Korzeniowski completed a research visit at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) as part of the CUPOLA project. The visit was hosted by the research group led by Professor Chunfei Wu, whose scientific activities focus on advanced thermochemical conversion technologies, process engineering and the sustainable utilisation of waste materials.The main objective of the research stay was to investigate the pyrolysis of polypropylene and to develop an Aspen-based process model supporting the analysis of this conversion process. Polypropylene is one of the most widely used plastics, marine plastics and represents a significant fraction of post-consumer plastic waste. Its effective recycling and valorisation therefore remain important challenges in the transition towards a circular and low-carbon economy. The process model developed during the visit is intended to provide a more detailed understanding of the key parameters influencing polypropylene pyrolysis. In particular, it will support the analysis of material and energy flows, operating conditions, product yields and overall process efficiency. The model may also help identify opportunities for process optimisation and evaluate the technological and environmental potential of the proposed solution. In the longer term, the results may contribute to assessing whether the technology can be transferred from laboratory-scale experiments to larger pilot-scale or industrially relevant systems.

The research visit combined specialist knowledge of thermochemical plastic waste conversion with advanced process modelling. Such an interdisciplinary approach is essential for evaluating not only the technical feasibility of innovative recycling technologies, but also their energy requirements, scalability and potential contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Process simulation can complement experimental research by enabling researchers to test different technological scenarios and analyse their performance before undertaking more resource-intensive pilot studies. The stay at QUB also provided a valuable opportunity for scientific exchange and closer cooperation between researchers involved in the CUPOLA project.

Discussions with Professor Wu’s team allowed Dr Korzeniowski to broaden his knowledge and gain further practical experience in process modelling, particularly in relation to biomass and plastic waste conversion technologies.