Research into fine powder and large particle tyre pyrolysis

This paper investigates the kinetics of the pyrolysis of scrap tyre using thermogravimetry and a small batch laboratory-scale externally heated fixed-bed. Five particle sizes (20—40, 40—60, 60—80, 80—100, 100—200 mesh) and five heating rates (5, 10, 15, 20, 40 K min—1) were investigated. The results show that there is no obvious distinction on weight loss for different sizes. With increasing heating rate the weight loss regions shift to a higher temperature range and the weight loss rate increases. The activation energy ( E) and pre-exponential factor constant ( A) were calculated using the Arrhenius type kinetic model. The heat value of pyrolysis gases is in the range of 12 to 22 MJ Nm—3. The yields of solid, liquid and gas of pyrolysis scrap tyre and tyre cube at 800 °C were investigated, the ratio of pyrolysis production composition of scrap tyre and tyre cube for gas, oil and char is found to be 35 : 23 : 42 and 10 : 31 : 59, respectively.