Pyrolysis is process of molecular breakdown where larger molecules are broken down into small molecules. Pyrolysis plant is an industry designed to carry out pyrolysis of waste plastic & tires. In case of plastic & tires pyrolysis, long chain polymer is broken down into smaller chains of hydrocarbon gas and pyrolysis oil. Heat and catalyst are required for the following reaction. The followings are applications of the end products from tire pyrolysis process:
Tyre Pyrolysis Oil (40 to 45%)
The main product of tyre pyrolysis machine is fuel oil, which is widely used for industrial and commercial purposes. The oil has 40%-45% of the amount of recycled scrap tires, which will be carried with licensed tanker trucks.
- Directly Used as Fuel: Tyre pyrolysis oil has a high calorific value. It can be directly burned for thermal energy utilization. Usually suitable for big industrial energy users, like cement plants, boiler plants, power plants, etc.
- Refined to Get High-grade Fuel: It can be sent to the refinery for refining and blending to obtain standard gasoline or standard diesel. This can bring higher added value and wider applications.
- Distilled for Power Generation: Through distillation, customers can get heavy oil (or called non-standard diesel) in tire pyrolysis oil, which is usually used for electricity generation.
Carbon Black (30 to 35%)
Carbon black is another product of tire pyrolysis. Typically, one ton of waste tires yields 30%-35% carbon black, depending on the type of tire. Many customers sell it directly. Compared to carbon black produced from petroleum, tyre carbon black is more economical and affordable. Carbon black has a wide range of applications, but it is advisable to consult industry experts and specialized manufacturers before entering this field. Common uses of carbon black include:
- Fuel Usage: Tire pyrolysis carbon black can be processed into briquettes for use as fuel. The calorific value of carbon black briquettes is roughly equivalent to that of ordinary coal, approximately 3100-5300 kcal/kg.
- Industrial Activation: Coarse carbon black can be ground and purified for industrial uses. Its chemical structure can enhance material strength, extend service life, and improve coloring properties. After industrial activation, refined carbon black finds wide application in industrial manufacturing sectors such as tires, rubber products, electrode materials, composite materials, and ink.
Steel wire (15 to 20%):
Tires contain steel wires, the amount ranging from 15% to 20% of the total tire weight. All of the steel present in the tire can be detached after the pyrolysis recycling process is completed. Valuable steel wires are pressed and sold to steel and scrap dealers.
Gas (5 to 7%):
Non-condensable gases arise during the recycling application has a high calorific value. It is usually directly used to provide haet to pyrolysis tire recycling system.
The amount of gas generated in the system is 5 to 7% of the total amount of recycled tires and considering the 9 ton scrap tire/day recycling capacity, the facility generates 1400 – 1500 m*/day gas which has an enormous energy potential when evaluated.