From 2018 to 2024, SynPet operated an R&D demonstration facility in Istanbul to explore the full capabilities of TCP®, examining how different waste streams behave in the process and gaining real-world insights that guided our technology development.
SynPet's R&D Facility (Pilot Plant) acted as a long-term R&D environment where different feedstocks, operating conditions, and process parameters could be studied in a continuous, real-world setting.
Throughout this period, the facility enabled observation of how diverse waste streams interacted with TCP®, supported the collection of operational insights, and allowed examination of the potential outputs that could emerge from varying waste compositions.
The R&D phase played a key role in shaping our technical knowledge, guiding engineering decisions, and informing the technological direction that later supported industrial-scale planning.
Studying different waste compositions and monitoring the behavior of each stage of the process, we gained a deeper understanding of how carbon-based materials behave when processed through TCP®’s multi-stage system.
1. Depolymerization
Organic and inorganic materials are treated with water under constant heat and pressure. Larger molecular structures begin breaking down, forming a uniform mixture for further transformation.
2. Hydrolysis
Carbon-based molecules continue to decompose as hydrogen and hydroxide radicals detach contaminants such as chlorine, sulfur, and nitrogen, helping produce cleaner hydrocarbon structures from a wide range of input materials.
3. Thermal Cracking
At the high temperatures, long hydrocarbon chains are thermally cracked into shorter ones, generating a variety of hydrocarbon fractions, including liquid and gaseous outputs that can be further refined or utilized depending on the application.
Over the course of the R&D lifecycle, a wide spectrum of carbon-based waste streams was included in the research scope to explore how variations in feedstock composition might influence potential outputs and process behavior.
These materials represent categories that were within the research scope. They do not imply that all types were processed or that they reflect the operational range of any commercial TCP® facility.
During the R&D phase, TCP® generated a naphtha-range hydrocarbon fraction. These observations helped researchers examine how waste-derived hydrocarbons might integrate into existing petrochemical processes.
TCP® generated a synthetic liquid hydrocarbon fraction often referred to as Renewable Crude Oil (RCO). The material’s characteristics provided insight into how waste-derived hydrocarbons might behave when processed through standard refinery operations.
Trials produced a hydrocarbon-based gas with a high heating value and alkaline-free composition. The gas supported on-site CHP testing, offering early indications of how TCP® might contribute to internal energy recovery.
When nitrogen-rich materials were processed, TCP® yielded a nutrient-dense aqueous mixture containing organic nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. This mixture helped researchers explore how waste-derived nutrient streams might relate to soil productivity.
TCP® processing produced a solid carbon-rich material whose characteristics varied by feedstock. Observations highlighted potential relevance to soil improvement, carbon black applications, and carbon sequestration efforts.
Hydrocarbon-based gas generated during trials was routed to a CHP setup, producing electricity and steam for internal use. These tests provided early insight into how TCP® might support certain self-sustaining operational configurations.
During the R&D phase, TCP® generated a naphtha-range hydrocarbon fraction. These observations helped researchers examine how waste-derived hydrocarbons might integrate into existing petrochemical processes.
TCP® generated a synthetic liquid hydrocarbon fraction often referred to as Renewable Crude Oil (RCO). The material’s characteristics provided insight into how waste-derived hydrocarbons might behave when processed through standard refinery operations.
Trials produced a hydrocarbon-based gas with a high heating value and alkaline-free composition. The gas supported on-site CHP testing, offering early indications of how TCP® might contribute to internal energy recovery.
When nitrogen-rich materials were processed, TCP® yielded a nutrient-dense aqueous mixture containing organic nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. This mixture helped researchers explore how waste-derived nutrient streams might relate to soil productivity.
TCP® processing produced a solid carbon-rich material whose characteristics varied by feedstock. Observations highlighted potential relevance to soil improvement, carbon black applications, and carbon sequestration efforts.
Hydrocarbon-based gas generated during trials was routed to a CHP setup, producing electricity and steam for internal use. These tests provided early insight into how TCP® might support certain self-sustaining operational configurations.
During the operation of the R&D activities, we explored how redirecting complex waste streams away from landfill and incineration could influence environmental outcomes. These were exploratory in nature and were not intended for commercial or regulatory assessment.
The facility allowed us to observe the potential benefits of processing non-recyclable materials through TCP®, including reductions in disposal-related emissions and the recovery of resources that would otherwise be lost.
These observations helped build a deeper understanding of TCP®’s role within broader circular and low-emission waste management approaches.
The R&D facility did not operate as a commercial facility. Acted as the development facility of our technology and its potential environmental contributions.
R&D phase represented an important chapter in SynPet’s technological journey. Over more than a decade, it enabled us to examine TCP® in depth, study its interaction with different feedstocks, and gather meaningful insights into process behavior, operational dynamics, and output diversity.
The facility was not designed for commercial use. The experience and insights gained during this period played an important role in shaping our engineering decisions and guiding the later evolution of TCP®.
