BESTON MACHINERY

Tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO) is a versatile fuel derived from waste tyres through the thermal degradation process conducted in a controlled, oxygen-free environment. This process, facilitated by a tyre pyrolysis plant, converts non-recyclable rubber materials into valuable liquid fuels, gases, and carbon black. TPO has gained significant attention due to its potential as an alternative energy source. Understanding its fuel properties is essential to assess its feasibility for industrial applications and energy production.

Physical Properties

Density and Viscosity

Fuel oil from waste tire pyrolysis equipment exhibits a moderate density, typically ranging between 0.90 to 0.95 g/cm³. This density is comparable to that of diesel, making it a suitable candidate for blending with conventional fuels. The viscosity of TPO, however, tends to be higher than standard diesel fuel. This characteristic may necessitate pre-treatment or blending to ensure optimal flow and combustion characteristics in internal combustion engines.

Flash Point

The flash point of TPO is a critical parameter for its storage and handling. Typically, it falls within the range of 50°C to 70°C, which is lower than that of conventional diesel. This property indicates that while TPO is relatively safe to handle under controlled conditions, additional precautions are necessary to mitigate the risk of accidental ignition during transport or storage.

Energy Content

The calorific value of tyre pyrolysis oil is a key determinant of its energy potential. With an average energy content of approximately 40-44 MJ/kg, TPO is competitive with diesel and other fossil fuels. This high energy density makes it suitable for power generation and heating applications.

Chemical Properties

Hydrocarbon Composition

TPO primarily consists of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, including alkanes, alkenes, aromatics, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds are the result of the thermal breakdown of long-chain polymers in tyres during pyrolysis. The aromatic content in TPO is notably high, contributing to its energy-rich profile but also influencing its combustion emissions.

Sulfur Content

The sulfur content of TPO varies depending on the composition of the tyres used as feedstock for small pyrolysis machine. Higher sulfur concentrations can lead to the generation of sulfur oxides (SOx) during combustion, necessitating emission control measures in industrial applications. Sulfur removal technologies can be applied to reduce environmental impact and enhance the usability of TPO as a clean fuel.

Oxygen and Nitrogen Compounds

Trace amounts of oxygenated and nitrogen-containing compounds may be present in TPO. These impurities can influence its combustion behavior and lead to the formation of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) during use. Pretreatment processes, such as distillation or chemical refining, can minimize these compounds, improving fuel quality.

Combustion Characteristics

Ignition Quality

The cetane number of TPO, which measures its ignition quality, is generally lower than that of diesel. This property may affect its direct use in diesel engines without modification. However, blending TPO with higher cetane fuels or using combustion enhancers can address this limitation.

Emission Profile

When combusted, tyre pyrolysis oil generates emissions similar to other hydrocarbon fuels. However, due to its aromatic content, TPO can produce higher levels of particulate matter and soot unless used with advanced combustion technologies. Emission reduction systems, such as catalytic converters, are recommended for large-scale applications.

Applications and Blending Potential

TPO’s properties make it an attractive candidate for various energy applications. It can be used as a direct fuel for industrial boilers, furnaces, and power plants. Additionally, blending TPO with diesel or heavy fuel oil can enhance its usability while maintaining cost-effectiveness. A tyre pyrolysis plant equipped with refining capabilities can produce more refined grades of fuel, broadening its market potential.

Environmental Considerations

The use of TPO contributes to waste tyre management, diverting significant volumes of non-biodegradable materials from landfills. However, its environmental footprint depends on the feedstock quality and emission control measures during combustion. Advanced pyrolysis technologies can improve fuel quality, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.