Tech Team · Kintek Solution

Pyrolysis combustion is a thermal decomposition process that breaks down organic materials in the absence of oxygen, producing a variety of valuable products. These products include solid residues like char or coke, liquid products such as pyrolysis oil, and gaseous outputs like syngas. The specific composition and yield of these products depend on the type of material being processed, the pyrolysis conditions, and the equipment used. Pyrolysis oil, carbon black, steel wire, and syn-gas are common outputs from tire pyrolysis, while other materials like plastics and rubber may yield different proportions. The products of pyrolysis are highly versatile, finding applications in energy production, chemical industries, and as raw materials for further processing.

Key Points Explained:

1. Solid Residues (Char or Coke):

   • Description: Solid residues are one of the primary products of pyrolysis, often referred to as char or coke. These residues are rich in carbon and may contain ash depending on the feedstock.
   • Applications:
     • Briquetting: Char can be compressed into briquettes for use as a solid fuel.
     • Energy Production: It can be burned to generate heat or electricity.
     • Sorbents: Char is used in water purification and air filtration systems due to its high adsorption capacity.
     • Agriculture: It is used as a soil amendment to improve soil health and fertility.
   • Example: In tire pyrolysis, carbon black is a significant solid residue, making up 30-35% of the output.

2. Liquid Products (Pyrolysis Oil):

   • Description: Pyrolysis oil is a complex mixture of organic compounds, including light and heavy oils, tars, and other condensable liquids. The composition varies based on the feedstock and pyrolysis conditions.
   • Applications:
     • Alternative Fuel: Pyrolysis oil can be used directly as a fuel in industrial boilers or furnaces.
     • Refining into Biodiesel: It can be further processed to produce biodiesel or other liquid fuels.
     • Chemical Feedstock: The oil can be used as a raw material for producing chemicals and plastics.
   • Example: In tire pyrolysis, the oil output ranges from 35-45%, depending on the type of tires and pyrolysis conditions.

3. Gaseous Products (Syn-gas):

   • Description: Syn-gas, or synthesis gas, is a mixture of combustible gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane, along with non-combustible gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
   • Applications:
     • Energy Generation: Syn-gas can be burned to produce heat or electricity, often used within the pyrolysis plant to sustain the process.
     • Chemical Synthesis: It serves as a feedstock for producing chemicals like methanol and ammonia.
     • Fuel: Syn-gas can be used as a fuel in gas engines or turbines.
   • Example: In tire pyrolysis, syn-gas constitutes 8-15% of the output and is primarily used to fuel the pyrolysis process itself.

4. By-products and Secondary Products:

   • Description: Depending on the feedstock, pyrolysis can produce additional by-products such as steel wire (from tires), acid extract, and bio-oil.
   • Applications:
     • Steel Wire: Recovered steel wire from tire pyrolysis can be recycled and used in manufacturing new steel products.
     • Acid Extract: Used in chemical industries for various applications.
     • Bio-oil: Can be used as a fuel or further refined into chemicals.
   • Example: In tire pyrolysis, steel wire makes up 8-15% of the output and is often recycled.

5. Factors Influencing Product Composition:

   • Feedstock Type: Different materials (e.g., tires, plastics, rubber, oil sludge) yield different proportions of solid, liquid, and gaseous products.
   • Pyrolysis Conditions: Temperature, heating rate, and residence time significantly affect the product distribution.
   • Equipment Design: The design and efficiency of the pyrolysis reactor can influence the yield and quality of the products.

6. Environmental and Economic Benefits:

   • Waste Reduction: Pyrolysis helps in the efficient recycling of waste materials, reducing landfill use and environmental pollution.
   • Resource Recovery: Valuable materials like carbon black, steel, and syn-gas are recovered, contributing to resource conservation.
   • Energy Recovery: The process converts waste into usable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

In summary, pyrolysis combustion produces a range of valuable products, including solid residues like char and coke, liquid products such as pyrolysis oil, and gaseous outputs like syn-gas. These products have diverse applications in energy production, chemical industries, and as raw materials for further processing. The specific composition and yield of these products depend on the feedstock, pyrolysis conditions, and equipment used, making pyrolysis a versatile and valuable process for waste management and resource recovery.

Summary Table:

Product Type	Examples	Applications	Example Yield
Solid Residues	Char, Coke, Carbon Black	Briquetting, energy production, sorbents, agriculture	30-35% (tire pyrolysis)
Liquid Products	Pyrolysis Oil	Alternative fuel, biodiesel refining, chemical feedstock	35-45% (tire pyrolysis)
Gaseous Products	Syn-gas (CO, H2, CH4)	Energy generation, chemical synthesis, fuel	8-15% (tire pyrolysis)
By-products	Steel Wire, Acid Extract	Recycling, chemical industries, fuel refining	8-15% (tire pyrolysis)
Factors Influencing	Feedstock, Conditions	Temperature, heating rate, residence time, reactor design	Varies by material

Learn how pyrolysis can transform waste into valuable resources—contact our experts today!