Overview
The feasibility of using Reverse Polymerization to break down and recycle scrap tires was proven on a full-scale pilot plant, the Model TR-330. The TR-330 was installed and operated at the EWI Ajax facility from 1994 to 1998. The facility processed approximately 300 scrap tires per day and the lessons learned were used to produce the designs for the basic commercial unit, the TR-1500.
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Utilizing the patented EWI Reverse Polymerization process, the EWI Model TR-1500 breaks down tires into three products:
- Hydrocarbons (oil and gas)
- Carbon black
- Steel
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(click on the diagram to see enlargement) |
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The model TR-1500 is the basic processing unit model. All larger facilities are multiples of the TR-1500.
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FACILITY SIZES |
TR-1500 |
1 processing line |
1500 tires/day |
500,000 tires/year |
TR-3000 |
2 processing line |
3000 tires/day |
1,000,000 tires/year |
TR-6000 |
4 processing line |
6000 tires/day |
2,000,000 tires/year |
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Scrap tires enter the processing area and proceed up the inclined tire feed into the dry-feed tower. Each tire passes through a series of sealed shutters and lands on the conveyor, which proceeds to the Reverse Polymerization process line. It is within these sealed shutters that oxygen is replaced with nitrogen. Tires are moved along under the microwave launchers, which cause Reverse Polymerization to occur in the scrap tire rubber. Vapour manifold piping systems draw off process gases from the Reverse Polymerization chamber to condensers where the oil is collected. Remaining gaseous hydrocarbons are processed by a scrubber to remove the hydrogen sulphide. All the hydrocarbons can be used to generate electricity or can be sold as feed stocks for other industrial processes.
The carbon remains on the conveyor and is moved to the carbon crusher, which crumbles the reduced tires and assists in separating the carbon from the steel belts. After passing through the Reverse Polymerization trap, the main conveyor dips into a water separator tank where the carbon is collected and transferred to the carbon processor. The steel is washed and falls off the end of the conveyor into a storage bin. The process reuses or recycles 100% of the scrap tire feed.
For more information about Reverse Polymerization and tire recycling, please contact us.
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