Process and apparatus for decomposition of polymer products including those containing sulphur such as vulcanised rubber tyres and recovery of resources therefrom

摘要

A method and apparatus for pyrolytic destruction of polymer products including whole vehicle vulcanised rubber tires is disclosed. The apparatus 111 has a reaction chamber 153 into which a tire can be placed, and immersed for pyrolytic decomposition in a molten alloy of zinc with a minor proportion of aluminium. The apparatus 111 has a heated reservoir 155 in which the alloy is maintained in a molten state, and from where it can be transferred to the reaction chamber 153 to immerse the tire. Fluid hydrocarbon byproducts are drawn off for condensation and recovery, and solid zinc sulphides are also recovered. Where steel belted tires are processed, carbon and steel residues are also recovered.

主权项

1. A process for the decomposition of a polymer containing product which may contain sulphur, and recovery of resources therefrom, said process including steps of a reaction step in which said product is contacted at low oxygen levels with molten metal containing elemental zinc in proportion of 90% by weight or more, recovering volatile fractions evolved during said reaction step, and recovering solids including metallic sulphides formed during said reaction step.