Session: 17-01: Symposium Steinfeld - Solar Energy Perspectives

Paper Number: 138470

138470 - Environmental Assessment and Sustainable Management of Carbon Black From End-of-Life Car Tires: A Comprehensive Study on Pyrolysis and Waste Tire Recycling 

Abstract: 

 

Waste tires have proven to be an increasingly significant environmental problem due to the negative impacts they produce, both on the economy and on people's health. It is estimated that almost half of the tires sold are discarded without any treatment. Considering that approximately 40% of the raw material of tires is formed from carbon black, its recovery must necessarily involve the proper destination of used tires. There are several options for dealing with waste, such as sending it to landfills, storing, reusing, and retreading, milling it into small pieces of rubber for use in different products, and tertiary processing into petrochemicals, fuels, and other products.

Pyrolysis can be a viable alternative for solving this global environmental problem because it is considered an effective and sustainable process, capable of dealing with the problem of waste disposal. Employing a thermal process with the exclusion of oxygen, the used tires are processed. First, the organic compounds in the used tire are decomposed. The gases produced in the process are then condensed, resulting in the so-called TPO (Tire Pyrolysis Oil). The gases can also be used to generate electricity in the pyrolysis process. The oil produced is sold and used for energy production in industrial environments or later processed in refineries. At the end of the process, a residue containing carbon remains - the so-called raw recovered carbon black.

The study delves into environmental challenges linked to waste tires, centering on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Carbon Black sourced from end-of-life car tires. With approximately 40% of tire raw material being carbon black, its recovery becomes pivotal for effective tire disposal.

Initiating the process involves the mechanical crushing of tires, transforming them into manageable solid pieces. A stringent desulfurization process follows this step to ensure the material entering the subsequent phase is entirely sulfur-free. The third stage employs a solar-powered plasma reactor for the pyrolysis process.

Anticipated outcomes from pyrolysis encompass the generation of three distinct fractions: solid char, which comprises carbon black and inorganic compounds; syngas, a valuable gas resource; and pyrolysis oil, a versatile liquid. The recycled carbon black emerges as a valuable resource with the potential to contribute to manufacturing new tires and address sustainable waste tire management.

Syngas and pyrolysis oil present promising opportunities for energy production and various industrial applications, aligning with broader sustainability goals.

The primary objective is to evaluate the environmental impact of Carbon Black recovery, underscoring the critical importance of adopting proper tire disposal practices. The study comprehensively explores the mechanical, desulfurization, and pyrolysis stages, positioning tire pyrolysis as a promising and sustainable alternative for waste management and renewable energy production.

In conclusion, this study sheds light on the environmental implications of waste tires and emphasizes the potential of tire pyrolysis as a transformative solution, promoting a circular economy and sustainable practices.

Presenting Author: Claudio Oller Do Nascimento University of São Paulo

Presenting Author Biography: Claudio Augusto Oller do Nascimento holds a B.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering (1975, Universidade de São Paulo), M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering (1979, Universidade de São Paulo) and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (1982, University of Salford, UK), Pos-Doctoral studies in EPFL – Suisse (1990-1991)). He is Full Professor of Chemical Engineering at the Universidade de São Paulo. He has experience in Chemical Engineering, focusing on Industrial Processes, acting on the following subjects: neural networks, mathematical modeling, water treatment, photochemical process and biotechnology. He is enrolled on the RCGI-Research Centre for Gas Innovation (Shell-FAPESP) as Director of International Affairs. He is also the Principal Investigator and the coordinator of the INCT-EMA (National Institute of Science and Technology on Environmental Studies).
He has the Commendation of National Order of Scientific Merit from Brazilian Government 2007 and he is Member of the Academic Science of the State of Sao Paulo

Authors:

Celma De Oliveira Ribeiro University of Sao Paulo
Pedro Gerber Machado University of São Paulo
Isabel Beiler University of são Paulo
Claudio Oller Do Nascimento University of São Paulo