The GRAUTHERMIC-Tyres process for the recycling of granulated scrap tyres

The influence of thermolysis temperature (range 500-700 degrees C) on the products produced from granulated scrap tyres (GST) (2-6 mm empty set) in a semi-batch pilot plant that uses several fixed bed reactors in parallel (GRAUTHERMIC-Tyres (R) process) was examined. This pilot unit consisted of six vertical fixed bed reactors in parallel, each with a capacity of 12 kg GST. Thermolysis proceeded in a normal air atmosphere. The solid (char), liquid (tyre-derived oil [TDO]) and gaseous products generated at each temperature were characterised. The incondensable gas fraction was used to produce electricity via a gas turbine. The yields of the gas, TDO and char fractions were 15-22 wt.%, 34-46 wt.% and 39-44 wt.% respectively, values that represent major recoveries from the GST feedstock. The TDOs were mainly a mixture of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and had very high GCVs (41-43 MJ/kg), higher than those of conventional liquid fuels. A large increase was seen in the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content above 550 degrees C. The non-condensable gases obtained had a high GCV value (64-83 MJ/Nm(3)), and produced 4.1-6.5 kWh electricity/g of GST in a gas turbine. The chars had a GCV of 27-28 MJ/kg, high ash (17-21 wt.%) and zinc contents, and an essentially macroporous texture with a low BET surface area (46-78 m(2)/g). The thermolysis of GSTs with co-generation of gases by the GRAUTHERMIC-Tyres (R) method would appear to be a viable means of valorising GST. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.