Energetic valorization of used tires by pyrolysis: effect of catalysts on biofuel

Abstract

Waste tires represent a disposal problem, environmental problem. To solve this problem and to upgrade this waste, several technologies are adopted such as pyrolysis. This technology produces a liquid that could replace other fuels. In this paper an experimental investigation is carried out to study the effect of the catalysts on biofuel. Two different percentages of catalysts have been used i.e. 10% and 20%. Experiments were carried out in a semi-batch reactor under atmospheric pressure. The properties of the products measured are the viscosity, the gross calorific value and the acid value. Identification of gas and liquid products is made by GC and GC-MS respectively. It is found that the waste tires allow obtaining a liquid yield equal 30.53 wt.% and is the same with 20% of the catalysts but it increases to 32.77 wt.% with 10% of catalysts. This liquid presents close characteristics to gasoline and kerosene.