A novel approach for valorization of waste tires into chemical and fuel (limonene and diesel) through pyrolysis: Process development and techno economic analysis

• Published in: Fuel processing technology Vol. 224; p. 107006
• Main Authors: Farzad, Somayeh, Mandegari, Mohsen, Görgens, Johann F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.12.2021; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Cetane number; Diesel fuels; Distillation; Economic analysis; Extractive distillation; Limonene production; Market prices; Pyrolysis; Sulfur content; Techno economic analysis; Tires; Waste tire; Limonene production; Pyrolysis; Extractive distillation; Techno economic analysis; Waste tire
• ISSN: 0378-3820; 1873-7188
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2021.107006

Pyrolysis has been investigated as a technology to overcome environmental issues of waste tire disposal across the world. This study evaluates the economic viability of separating the tire-derived oil (TDO) that is produced by waste tire pyrolysis to obtain a high value chemical (limonene) together with a diesel-like fuel. A process was developed in Aspen Plus® for waste tire pyrolysis followed by limonene extraction from TDO, based on experimental data implementing optimum operating condition for maximum limonene production. Extractive distillation was applied for limonene recovery from TDO, while the TDO streams after limonene extraction demonstrated comparable properties to those of diesel fuel. However, the obtained fuel fraction from TDOs showed significantly smaller cetane number and higher sulfur content compared to diesel, which suggests it may be considered for blending with diesel fuel. The minimum selling price (MSP) of limonene was obtained 1505 $/tonne ($/t) in the best case scenario, compared to market price of about 12,000 $/t, which makes this plant an interesting investment. The worst case scenario, where the fuel product is considered as furnace fuel with a lower market price, also showed economic viability with a limonene-MSP of 4291 $/t. Co-production of limonene extraction significantly improved the economic performance of waste tire pyrolysis, while having a fuel product with a market price closer to diesel also had a substantial economic benefit. Carbon balance diagram of the studied tire pyrolysis process. [Display omitted] •Waste tire pyrolysis followed by limonene extraction is simulated in Aspen Plus®.•Extractive distillation is implemented for limonene extraction.•Economic viability of producing limonene with a diesel-like fuel is evaluated.•Limonene co-production improves the economic performance of waste tire pyrolysis.