Old tires are a common waste problem worldwide, but recyclers have developed efficient processes and production lines to turn these discarded tires into valuable resources. Let’s take a closer look at how they do it.
The Tyre Recycling Process
Collection
The first step in the old tire recycling journey is collection. Recyclers work with various sources, including tire retailers, auto repair shops, and waste management facilities. These entities set aside used tires, which are then picked up by the recyclers. In some regions, there are also community – based collection programs to encourage the proper disposal of old tires. This widespread collection network ensures that a large number of tires are funneled into the recycling system.
Pre – treatment
Once the tires are collected, they undergo pre – treatment. This typically involves removing any foreign objects, such as nails or debris, that might be stuck in the tires. After that, the tires are often shredded. Shredding tires is a crucial pre – treatment step as it reduces the large, bulky tires into smaller, more manageable pieces. There are specialized shredding machines that can cut the tires into chunks of various sizes, depending on the requirements of the subsequent recycling processes.
Tires Recycling Methods
Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis is a popular method for recycling old tires. In this process, the shredded tire pieces are placed in a reactor and heated in the absence of oxygen. As the temperature rises, the rubber and other components in the tires break down. This decomposition results in several valuable by – products. One of the main products is pyrolysis oil, which can be used as a fuel or further refined. Another product is carbon black, which is widely used in industries such as rubber manufacturing, ink production, and plastics. Additionally, steel wires that are present in the tires can be recovered and recycled in the steel industry.
Mechanical Recycling
Mechanical recycling involves further processing the shredded tire pieces. The shredded material is put through a series of mechanical operations, such as grinding and screening. Grinding turns the shredded tires into a fine rubber powder. This rubber powder can be used in a variety of applications. For example, it can be added to asphalt to make rubber – modified asphalt, which is used in road construction. It can also be used in the manufacturing of rubber – based products like mats, playground surfaces, and footwear soles.
The Recycling Production Line
A typical old tire recycling production line is a well – organized setup that combines different pieces of equipment to carry out the recycling process efficiently.
Shredding Section
The production line starts with the shredding section. Here, large – scale shredders are used to break down the tires into smaller pieces. These shredders are powerful machines with sharp blades that can cut through the tough rubber and steel components of the tires. The shredded pieces are then conveyed to the next stage of the production line.
Separation Section
After shredding, the separation section comes into play. This section uses a combination of magnetic separators and screening equipment. Magnetic separators are used to extract the steel wires from the shredded tire mix. The steel wires are then collected and sent for further processing in the steel recycling industry. Screening equipment is used to separate the shredded rubber pieces based on their size. Different sizes of rubber particles can be used for different applications, so this separation is important.
Pyrolysis or Mechanical Recycling Section
Depending on the recycling method chosen, the separated materials are then directed to either the tire pyrolysis unit or the mechanical tire recycling unit. In the pyrolysis unit, the shredded rubber pieces are fed into the pyrolysis reactor, where the chemical decomposition process takes place. In the mechanical recycling unit, the shredded rubber is further ground and processed to produce rubber powder.
The recycling of old tires is a complex but highly rewarding process. Through well – defined recycling processes and efficient production lines, recyclers are able to transform old tires from a waste problem into a source of valuable materials, contributing to environmental conservation and resource sustainability.
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