Liquid fuel from the fluidized bed pyrolysis of used tires

This thesis uses a fluidized sand bed reactor to study the production of liquid fuel at four nominal temperatures ranging from 300 to 600 degrees Centigrade done on both inert and autoxidative atmosphere. Weight losses of the tire samples were monitored after each run to determine the influence of temperature and thermal oxidation on the conversion of the tires to gaseous and liquid products. Yield of different chemical fraction such as saturates, aromatics, and organic NSO (Nitrogen, Sulfur, and Oxygen) compounds were analyzed as a function of the experimental condition using Liquid Column Chromatography (LCC). Ultimate Analysis was also performed to determine the elemental composition and heating value of the pyrolytic oils. Pyrolysis temperature is without question the most significant factor that affects liquid product yield and composition. Highest weight losses to the tire samples were obtained at 600 degrees Centigrade. At 300 degrees Centigrade, LCC analysis indicated that NSO compounds dominate quantitatively in the liquid product, while aromatics are dominant above 400 degrees Centigrade. Ultimate analysis showed the liquid product\u27s nitrogen and sulfur content were lowered at temperatures above 400 degrees Centigrade