Scrap Tire Pyrolysis Plants
Scrap tires are one of the major sources of waste. Tires are immune to biological decomposition. Durability and desirability of tires are a serious threat. One tire per person is dumped each day, which accumulates in major land areas. Water stored inside those materials helps mosquitoes to grow, thereby resulting in health hazards.
According to the statistics of certain associations, over 10 billion scrap tires are generated annually around the world. Firing of tires is extremely hazardous as the emission of gas, oil etc. from burning may result in environmental consequences. Scrap tires are also used for landfills; placing whole tires for land fill accumulates gas inside the vacuum space. Finding a solution for the constructive use of scrap tires was difficult.
The process of pyrolysis came as a remedy for the scrap tire problem. Pyrolysis is a process of thermal decomposition of biomass in an environment which is oxygen starved. The products of this process are bio oil, bio char and gas which are used as various bio fuels. The success of this process is based on the fact that it is environment-friendly. No burning is involved as the entire carbon components are broken down to get the final product. Upgradation of the product is essential in pyrolysis.
Tire Pyrolysis
This innovative technology recycles billions of scrap tires into valuable bio fuels including hydrocarbon gases, steel, solid char, pyrolysis oil etc. 90% of steel is removed from the tire before the pyrolysis process. The carbon black contents in solid char are an important application of reinforcement in rubber industry. It may be used as smokeless fuel/activated carbon.
The process
The process begins with extracting the fiber and most of the steel from the tire. Then the tire is shredded. The chips are then heated up in vessels which control atmospheric pressures. The process is carried out at a temperature between 450 and 650 degree Celsius. The gases produced are collected and stored in order to use it as fuel. The remaining solid substance contains concentrated carbon black. Further screening is done by running magnets over to clear all steel and fiber. Even at this point, the product lacks commercial value. Other processes such as optimization, characterization of products and final treatment are necessary to convert the semi finished material into a high commercially valuable finished product.
Benefits
"The entire scrap tire waste can be handled in an economical and efficient way.
"Low manpower is required to run the machinery used for pyrolysis.
"The process is not limited to the conversion of scrap tires; other waste products like plastic, wood etc. can also be converted.
"Necessity of external fuel source doesn"t arise as the fuel produced from the process itself can be used.
"100% recycling of tire is possible.
"Clean steel is produced out of tire pyrolysis, which is very expensive in international markets.
"Less maintenance is required for pyrolysis plants.
"Entire process in pyrolysis is done without any harm to the environment.
Drawbacks
Not many drawbacks can be put forward in this process. Continuous research and development is necessary for the upgradation of this technology. But this process is still to achieve success commercially. The main reasons are its non-viable economy and the compromised product quality.
Not considering the drawbacks, pyrolysis is still used as an efficient method for converting scrap tires into usable products. The international price of oil is supposed to rise continuously but the recycled carbon black price will remain stable. Apart from all other advantages, this particular specialty will stand out in the market. The development of scrap tire pyrolysis plants is very much necessary in today"s environmental context.
According to the statistics of certain associations, over 10 billion scrap tires are generated annually around the world. Firing of tires is extremely hazardous as the emission of gas, oil etc. from burning may result in environmental consequences. Scrap tires are also used for landfills; placing whole tires for land fill accumulates gas inside the vacuum space. Finding a solution for the constructive use of scrap tires was difficult.
The process of pyrolysis came as a remedy for the scrap tire problem. Pyrolysis is a process of thermal decomposition of biomass in an environment which is oxygen starved. The products of this process are bio oil, bio char and gas which are used as various bio fuels. The success of this process is based on the fact that it is environment-friendly. No burning is involved as the entire carbon components are broken down to get the final product. Upgradation of the product is essential in pyrolysis.
Tire Pyrolysis
This innovative technology recycles billions of scrap tires into valuable bio fuels including hydrocarbon gases, steel, solid char, pyrolysis oil etc. 90% of steel is removed from the tire before the pyrolysis process. The carbon black contents in solid char are an important application of reinforcement in rubber industry. It may be used as smokeless fuel/activated carbon.
The process
The process begins with extracting the fiber and most of the steel from the tire. Then the tire is shredded. The chips are then heated up in vessels which control atmospheric pressures. The process is carried out at a temperature between 450 and 650 degree Celsius. The gases produced are collected and stored in order to use it as fuel. The remaining solid substance contains concentrated carbon black. Further screening is done by running magnets over to clear all steel and fiber. Even at this point, the product lacks commercial value. Other processes such as optimization, characterization of products and final treatment are necessary to convert the semi finished material into a high commercially valuable finished product.
Benefits
"The entire scrap tire waste can be handled in an economical and efficient way.
"Low manpower is required to run the machinery used for pyrolysis.
"The process is not limited to the conversion of scrap tires; other waste products like plastic, wood etc. can also be converted.
"Necessity of external fuel source doesn"t arise as the fuel produced from the process itself can be used.
"100% recycling of tire is possible.
"Clean steel is produced out of tire pyrolysis, which is very expensive in international markets.
"Less maintenance is required for pyrolysis plants.
"Entire process in pyrolysis is done without any harm to the environment.
Drawbacks
Not many drawbacks can be put forward in this process. Continuous research and development is necessary for the upgradation of this technology. But this process is still to achieve success commercially. The main reasons are its non-viable economy and the compromised product quality.
Not considering the drawbacks, pyrolysis is still used as an efficient method for converting scrap tires into usable products. The international price of oil is supposed to rise continuously but the recycled carbon black price will remain stable. Apart from all other advantages, this particular specialty will stand out in the market. The development of scrap tire pyrolysis plants is very much necessary in today"s environmental context.
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