Can the KDV facility be operated on a staggered schedule; by turning it on for a period of time then shut off until a later date or time?
Like a conventional refinery, the KDV process is a 24h operation. The KDV system is such a dedicated technology that it can not be switched on and off. One specific feature of this technology is the heat transfer, achieved by a patented turbine running in an ‘oil bath’. This technology prevents the solid carbon build-up, which is a constant problem in refinery technology and other thermal depolymerization processes. The fact that the turbine friction parts, creating the process heat, are constantly flushed by the surrounding oil prevents the large heat differences in convection systems (flame heated plates or boilers) that lead to carbon build-up. It actually requires several hours to heat up to the required temperature and consistency, and conversely requires an equally long time to cool down. Therefore, it is designed to run and convert on a steady run. And remember, as long as it runs it is turning out valuable quality diesel fuel – clean and without carbon soiling.
