The pyrolysis process produces an oil product that is similar in viscosity to No.2 grade oil.

 

A smaller quantity of lighter grade oil is produced from gas condensers which remove residual oil from non‐condensable gases. Because of the relatively uneconomic process of de-sulphurising smaller quantities of oil, it is intended, in Phase 1, to use the combined oil, along with the gas, for steam‐turbine driven electricity generation, to maximise electricity sales and the related benefit of ROCs.

 

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Study conducted by : ICI Measurement Science Group, Molecular Spectroscopy, D115, Wilton Centre, in 2007.

 

Report of Results on PYReco oil

The sample was characterised by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), field desorption-mass spectrometry (FD-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, in order to generate information on the components present in the tyre pyrolysate.  The NMR data were used to supply a view on the bulk sample, with more specific detail provided by the GC-MS and FD-MS results.

 

The NMR results indicate that the sample contains a complex mixture of saturated (linear aliphatic hydrocarbons), unsaturated (including branched unsaturated hydrocarbons) and aromatic hydrocarbons (such as toluene, xylenes and styrene, with naphthalenes also proposed to be present). 

 

More detailed information on the specific components present was provided by the GC-MS data.  The chromatogram generated by GC-MS was established together with the proposed major components.  In addition, a series of aliphatic hydrocarbons (C10H22 – C24H50) were recognised.  In addition to the major components, minor amounts of cyclohexadienes, C7H10 and C7H12  compounds, other alkyl benzenes, styrenes, indanes and indenes, a number of other poly nuclear aromatics (methyl chrysene being the highest molecular weight compond detected) as well as benzonitrile, methyl phenol and benzothiazole were detected.

 

Summary
The sample contained a complex mixture of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.  The data indicate that it is similar in composition to many complex hydrocarbon feedstocks.  Many of the more volatile components (toluene and xylenes for example) could be extracted and used as solvents. 

 

Indeed, crude hydrocarbon feedstocks are used as solvents for some polymer systems (such as resins). 

Styrene, which is a significant component in the pyrolysate, can be used as a monomer to make poly(styrene).