Sulphur distribution in the products of waste tire pyrolysis

The aim of the presented work was to investigate the distribution of sulphur in tire pyrolysis products as well as the influence of process parameters (temperature and residence time) on sulphur distribution due to environmental concerns. Among modern methods used for waste tire recycling, pyrolysis is one of the most reasonable alternatives meeting current environmental standards. However, waste tire sulphur content can be a potential drawback for pyrolysis products utilisation as fuels. Sulphur is present in tires in different concentrations, depending on the type and age of the tires. Typical sulphur content in tires is about 1.6 mass %. In this paper, the distribution of sulphur in tire pyrolysis products was investigated. Tire pyrolysis yields three different products: liquid, gaseous, and solid residue composed mostly of carbon black (chars). Temperature and residence time are the two most important parameters affecting the yield and composition of the volatile fraction and they are therefore expected to affect the sulphur content in residues. Pyrolysis experiments were carried out in a laboratory pyrolysis reaction unit in the temperature range of 650°C to 750°C at different residence times: 88.6 s, 80.2 s, and 73.9 s. Liquid and solid products were analysed by elemental analysis and the distribution of total sulphur in tire pyrolysis products was calculated.