Tech Team · Kintek Solution

The pyrolysis of waste tires is a thermal decomposition process that converts tires into valuable products such as pyrolysis oil, carbon black, steel wire, and syngas. These products have diverse applications, including use as fuel, raw materials for industrial processes, and feedstock for refining. The pyrolysis oil, with its high calorific value and low impurities, is suitable for biofuels or further refining. Carbon black is widely used in manufacturing tires, rubber products, inks, and asphalt modifiers. Steel wire is recycled for metal abrasives and other steel-based materials. Syngas, containing methane and other combustible gases, can be used as an energy source. The yield and composition of these products depend on the pyrolysis conditions, such as temperature and method.

Key Points Explained:

1. Pyrolysis Oil (Fuel Oil or Bio Oil):

   • Description: Pyrolysis oil is a liquid product derived from the thermal decomposition of tires. It has a high calorific value, making it suitable for use as a fuel.
   • Properties: Low ash, low residual carbon, and low sulfur content, which enhance its quality as a fuel.
   • Applications:
     • Used directly as a biofuel in industrial boilers or furnaces.
     • Can be further distilled to produce higher-value products like diesel or gasoline.
     • Serves as a feedstock for refining crude oil or producing chemical products.

2. Carbon Black:

   • Description: Carbon black is a solid residue obtained from the pyrolysis process. It is a fine powder primarily composed of carbon.
   • Properties: High carbon content, fine particle size, and good reinforcement properties.
   • Applications:
     • Used as a reinforcing agent in tire manufacturing and rubber products.
     • Incorporated into inks, coatings, and pigments.
     • Acts as an asphalt modifier to improve road durability.
     • Approximately 380kg of carbon black is produced per ton of tires.

3. Steel Wire:

   • Description: Steel wire is extracted during the pretreatment process of tire pyrolysis. It is a byproduct that retains its metallic properties.
   • Properties: High tensile strength and durability.
   • Applications:
     • Recycled to produce metal abrasives, steel bars, and other basic steel materials.
     • Approximately 170kg of steel wire is recovered per ton of tires.

4. Syngas (Synthetic Gas):

   • Description: Syngas is a gaseous product composed of combustible gases like methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen, along with non-combustible gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
   • Properties: Contains about 40% methane, making it a valuable energy source.
   • Applications:
     • Used as a fuel for heating or electricity generation in the pyrolysis process itself.
     • Can be further processed to extract methane or other chemicals.
     • Approximately 150kg of gas is produced per ton of tires.

5. Factors Affecting Product Composition:

   • Pyrolysis Method: Different methods (e.g., batch, continuous) can influence the yield and quality of the products.
   • Temperature: Higher temperatures may increase gas yield, while lower temperatures favor oil and char production.
   • Tire Composition: Variations in tire materials (e.g., natural rubber, synthetic rubber) can affect the final product composition.

6. Environmental and Economic Benefits:

   • Waste Reduction: Pyrolysis provides an effective solution for managing end-of-life tires, reducing landfill waste.
   • Resource Recovery: Valuable materials like carbon black, steel, and oil are recovered and reused, promoting a circular economy.
   • Energy Recovery: Syngas and pyrolysis oil serve as alternative energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

By understanding these key points, equipment and consumable purchasers can evaluate the potential of tire pyrolysis products for their specific applications, ensuring efficient resource utilization and sustainability.

Summary Table:

Product	Description	Applications	Yield per Ton of Tires
Pyrolysis Oil	High-calorific liquid fuel with low impurities	Biofuel, refining feedstock, chemical production	~450kg
Carbon Black	Fine carbon powder with reinforcement properties	Tire manufacturing, inks, coatings, asphalt modifiers	~380kg
Steel Wire	Recyclable steel with high tensile strength	Metal abrasives, steel bars, other steel-based materials	~170kg
Syngas	Combustible gas (methane, CO, H2) for energy recovery	Heating, electricity generation, methane extraction	~150kg

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