FAQs

We specialize in converting waste materials, such as scrap tires, into valuable resources like combustible gas, chemicals, and renewable carbon black. Our technology reduces landfill waste, conserves natural resources, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition process used to convert waste, including tires, into hydrocarbons, carbon black, and other useful products. It operates in an oxygen-free environment, preventing combustion, which makes it an efficient and eco-friendly method for recycling materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Tire-Derived Fuel (TDF) is created by shredding scrap tires and using them as a fuel source in industrial processes like cement kilns. It is considered safe when produced and used according to regulatory standards. TDF burns cleaner than traditional fossil fuels, emitting fewer sulfur dioxide pollutants and helping reduce the environmental impact of waste tires.

On average, a single tire contains around five gallons of recoverable oil. Larger truck tires may contain over 20 gallons of oil. This recovered oil can be repurposed for various industrial applications, contributing to energy efficiency and reducing the need for virgin petroleum extraction.

By recycling tires, we help keep millions of tires out of landfills annually. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions, curbs the spread of diseases from tire stockpiles, and prevents tire fires that can severely harm the environment. The production of Tire-Derived Fuel also significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional fuels.

Our pyrolysis technology helps lower carbon emissions by recycling end-of-life tires into renewable resources like oil and carbon black. This process not only reduces the demand for fossil fuel extraction but also mitigates the harmful effects of landfill disposal, saving millions of gallons of oil each year.

Yes, Tire-Derived Fuel (TDF) provides a cleaner and more energy-efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuels like coal and oil. TDF produces 25% more energy than coal and reduces reliance on non-renewable resources, while also lowering emissions.

Tire recycling is a sustainable process that extracts valuable materials from end-of-life tires, addressing both environmental challenges and creating revenue opportunities. By recycling tires, we can reduce the accumulation of waste while repurposing materials for resale to manufacturers or transforming them into value-added products.

Scrap tires are converted into various rubber forms, including rubber chips, crumb rubber, and fine powder, which are widely sought after in numerous industries. Successfully entering the tire recycling business requires careful planning around factors like production capacity, advanced processing technologies, securing long-term partnerships, and managing seasonal variations.

For in-depth guidance, material pricing, and financial insights, reach out to our team of experts. We’ll provide the comprehensive information you need to make informed decisions as you embark on your tire recycling journey.

Tire pyrolysis is an evolving field within the broader recycling industry, gaining momentum for its potential contributions to a circular economy. This process involves the thermal breakdown of end-of-life tires to recover valuable by-products, and recent years have seen a surge in investments leading to innovative technologies and expanding market applications.

As this industry grows, it brings both promising opportunities and unique challenges. While there are successful implementations, the field is also filled with unverified claims, misinterpreted specifications, operational hurdles, and variability in the acceptance of pyrolysis products. At Weibold, we stay informed on the latest industry insights, tracking best practices and benchmarks to help shape effective standards in this emerging market.

Tire Recycling Technologies

1. Ambient Grinding (Normal Temperature) In ambient grinding, rubber is processed at room temperature using mechanical shredders and roller mills. Knife shredders cut the rubber into progressively smaller pieces, and sieving equipment categorizes the output by size. This process is commonly used due to its lower energy requirements and ability to produce rubber suitable for multiple applications.
2. Cryogenic Grinding (Cold Temperature) Cryogenic grinding involves cooling the rubber to approximately -90°C using liquid nitrogen, causing it to reach a brittle or “glassy” state. At this temperature, the material can be broken down using hammer mills or desintegrators with high impact energy. This method is more expensive but produces finer, cleaner rubber particles ideal for specialized applications.
3. Waterjet Milling Process Waterjet milling uses ultra-high-pressure waterjets to pulverize rubber without chemicals or traditional grinding methods. It is suitable for large tires, such as off-the-road (OTR) or mining tires, that cannot be efficiently processed through conventional means.

Tire Pyrolysis Technologies

1. CAPEX and Plant Design Tire pyrolysis plants are capital-intensive, with costs influenced by market conditions, local regulations, and required pre- and post-processing systems. Compliance with emission standards, feedstock quality control, and additional refining for products like oil and recovered carbon black (rCB) can add to the investment.
2. Technology Selection Choosing a proven technology supplier with successful projects is essential. It’s also advisable to develop products for energy recovery initially to establish a stable cash flow. With these foundations, more refined capabilities can be added to increase profitability.
3. Quality Control and Feedstock Management Consistent quality and cost-effective feedstock are vital. Establishing an internal tire recycling line or working with reliable suppliers can ensure consistent material input and quality output, which is crucial for producing valuable products like rCB and fuel oil.
4. Customer and Market Development Building relationships with customers and understanding market requirements helps tailor products to specific demands, such as desulfurized oil for energy companies or high-purity rCB for industrial applications.

Selecting reliable and efficient tire recycling machinery is essential to ensure profitability and smooth operations in a tire recycling plant. Here are key factors to consider when choosing tire recycling equipment:

1. Input and Output Capacities
   The equipment’s processing capacity should align with your estimated supply and production timeline. Ensure the machinery can handle large volumes efficiently without frequent bottlenecks, as slower production can increase costs. Opt for higher-capacity equipment to allow downtime for maintenance without impacting production.

2. By-Product Separation
   Quality separation systems are crucial for removing by-products like steel wire and textile from the rubber, as these impurities can lower the material’s value. Investing in effective separation equipment maximizes earnings by producing high-quality, pure rubber granulate.

3. Power Efficiency
   Energy-efficient equipment reduces operational costs, especially if electricity prices are high in your area. Evaluate the power requirements carefully to keep your energy costs manageable, which will ultimately improve your bottom line.

4. Labor Requirements
   Consider whether the equipment is labor-intensive or automated. Labor-intensive equipment may be cost-effective in regions with lower wages, but automated systems are generally preferred in higher-wage countries to reduce ongoing labor costs.

5. Operational Lifespan
   Check the manufacturer’s recommended operation time to estimate replacement costs and ensure that equipment can reliably handle long-term usage. Consulting with other recyclers who use similar machinery can provide insights into real-world performance.

6. Maintenance and Spare Parts
   Identify when major maintenance and parts replacement will be needed. Compare maintenance costs across brands, and choose a supplier with readily available spare parts to avoid extended downtime due to unforeseen issues.

7. Safety Features
   Safety is paramount in heavy equipment operation. Look for equipment with comprehensive safety features to protect workers and prevent hazards like rubber powder ignition. A well-equipped manufacturer will provide essential safety information and support to help prevent accidents.

8. Customer Support
   The manufacturer’s level of customer support is as important as the equipment itself. Research the company’s reputation for service quality, including reviews and testimonials, to ensure prompt assistance when needed.

9. Warranty
   While tire recycling equipment typically includes a limited warranty, ensure it covers essential components and includes technical support. This can protect your investment in case of early operational issues.

10. Expert Consultation
    Consulting with industry experts can help you evaluate equipment options based on real-world data, especially if you are new to the recycling business. Experts can guide you through the specifications and performance metrics to make an informed decision.

Given market saturation for raw tire-derived materials in some regions, tire recycling companies can explore producing value-added consumer goods from recycled rubber to achieve higher profit margins. Some popular options include molded goods, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), and other innovative applications:

1. Molded Goods
   Producing molded items from crumb rubber or fine rubber powder, such as playground mats, gym flooring tiles, rubber curbs, traffic safety products, equine mats, and cattle carpets, is a profitable avenue. These products are widely used and can be customized to meet local demand, offering better profit margins than raw materials.

2. Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE)
   By blending recycled rubber powder with polymers like polyethylene or polypropylene, companies can produce TPE, a versatile material used in automotive, construction, and household products. TPE production requires more advanced technology but results in a high-value product with a broad application range.

3. Rubber Wheels for Waste Bins
   In Europe, companies have long manufactured waste bin wheels from recycled rubber, reducing production costs while contributing to environmental sustainability. This demand remains largely unmet in regions like North Africa and the Middle East, presenting growth opportunities for tire recyclers in these areas.

4. Security Products
   Recycled rubber is increasingly used in security barriers and hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) products, providing both durability and impact resistance. For instance, recycled tire rubber is utilized in products such as Ballistic Blocks and Impakt Defenders, which can be deployed on various surfaces, including roads and stadiums, to enhance public safety.

5. Rubberized Metro Tracks
   Spain’s Granada metro, in partnership with a waste tire management organization, has incorporated recycled tire rubber into its metro track system. Rubber pads reduce train noise and extend track life, demonstrating how recycled rubber can support urban infrastructure while addressing waste tire challenges. Each meter of track utilizes rubber from approximately seven scrap tires.

6. Railroad Ties and Covers
   Some companies have experimented with railroad ties and tie covers made from recycled tires and plastic, aiming to improve railway durability and reduce maintenance costs. Although some initiatives have been temporarily halted, this area remains promising for tire recyclers, especially if embedded with electronic monitoring systems for enhanced safety.

By innovating and producing these diverse products, tire recycling companies can access higher-value markets while contributing to sustainable solutions for waste tires. This shift from raw materials to consumer-ready goods helps create a circular economy and opens up new revenue streams.