Liquid Hydrocarbons Production by the Steam Pyrolysis of Used Tires: Energy Characteristics and Environmental Sustainability

The technical characteristics of liquid hydrocarbons obtained by steam pyrolysis of the used automobile tires were studied as well as the features of their combustion process. Steam pyrolysis of ground tires was carried out in a tubular reactor using superheated steam with 500 degrees C temperature and 5 kg/h mass flow rate. The obtained characteristics were compared with a traditional liquid fuel oil. The technical characteristics were determined via the standard analytical methods. An ignition and a combustion of liquid hydrocarbon samples were carried out in the combustion chamber at different temperatures of heating medium T-g = 450-700 degrees C. Gas-phase combustion products were analyzed using a flow-through gas analyzer. It was found that liquid hydrocarbons were characterized by a low pour point (- 43 to - 52 degrees C) and calorific value comparable to traditional fuel oil (40.56-43.30 MJ/kg). In addition, the studied samples of liquid hydrocarbons were characterized by a lower ignition delay time (by 56%, on average) and flame burning time (by 30%, on average). Combustion process of the studied samples (including traditional fuel oil) was accompanied by the formation of micro-explosions. The liquid hydrocarbons obtained by pyrolysis of used tires were found to be suitable fuel for energy equipment in many aspects superior to traditional liquid fuel. Results presented could be used to involve liquid by-products of steam pyrolysis of different Russian used tires into energy industry. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

The technical characteristics and combustion process of liquid hydrocarbons obtained by steam pyrolysis of used automobile tires were studied, and compared to traditional liquid fuel oil. The liquid hydrocarbons showed low pour point, comparable calorific value, shorter ignition delay time, and burning time. The combustion process of these liquid hydrocarbons was found to be superior to traditional liquid fuel.