Title: Pyrolysis processing of used old tyres by thermal plasma technology

Authors: L. Tang, H. Huang

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Waihuanxi Road, Guangzhou 510006, China. ' Department of Environmental Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Zhonghuanxi Road, Guangzhou 510006, China

Abstract: Thermal plasma pyrolysis of used old tyres was studied in a nitrogen plasma reactor in order to evaluate the material and energy recycling potential. The main gaseous products from thermal plasma pyrolysis of used old tyres were identified by chromatography as H₂, CO, CH₄, C₂H₂, C₂H₄. In the presence of water steam injection into the plasma reactor, the yield of H₂ and CO can reach up to 38.3% of the gaseous product, which are valuable syngas components. The solid residue contained 82–85 wt.% elemental carbon, had surface area about 70 m²/g, and could be used as a replacement for semi-reinforcing carbon black. The distribution of sulphur in the pyrolytic products was also investigated. It was found that more than 80% of total sulphur was deposited in the solid residue. Our study indicated that thermal plasma pyrolysis might be a useful way for disposal of tyres waste.

Keywords: thermal plasma pyrolysis; used tyres; old tyres; waste recycling; carbon black; nitrogen plasma reactor; environmental technology; water steam injection; sulphur; waste management; waste disposal.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2006.011902

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2006 Vol.6 No.6, pp.631 - 640

Published online: 30 Dec 2006 *

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