Technology
Pyrolysis Process
What is pyrolysis process?
Pyrolysis Process is a thermochemical process used to break down rubber waste into circular, reusable feedstock. This feedstock is subjected to high temperatures in an inert, oxygen-free atmosphere, which decomposes whole or shredded rubber waste into new, marketable commodities like recovered Carbon Black, recovered steel, pyrolytic oil, and pyrolytic gas.
Pyrolysis process steps at Taihongxin
Phase 1
Feedstock Preparation
Feedstock preparation is crucial and influences the quality of the pyrolytic products.
The rubber waste are first shredded to separate the steel and fabric from the rubber components. The recovered steel and textiles can be reused. Mechanical primary and secondary shredders then cut the rubber down to produce less than 25mm rubber granules.
Shredded rubber waste yield better quality end products than whole ones because they can be heated faster and more evenly. Our process at Taihongxin involves sourcing and using the best quality feedstock during this phase.
Phase 2
Pyrolysis Process
Before the rubber granules are fed into the pyrolysis reactor, the chamber undergoes inertisation to protect the process and workers from combustion.
Next, the rubber granules are fed into the specially designed auger-type pyrolysis reactor and decomposed into gas and carbon black particles at temperatures of up to 550oC which circulate in a closed loop.
After passing through the condenser, most of the gas liquefies into pyrolytic oil rich in aromatic compounds, and the un-condensed gas is used as fuel to run the pyrolysis process, which is energy-intensive.
Phase 3
Post-Processing
The raw carbon black char leaves the pyrolysis reactor mixed with finer steel bits and inorganic salts. The solids are sent under a magnetic separator to remove all traces of steel.
Then the char is refined and powdered into carbon black and pelletised to meet market demand. Carbon Black, is checked in our on-site laboratory to ensure it meets our high-quality standards before being transported to end partners.