Method for producing regenerated rubber from recycled used tires

Abstract

This invention falls within the field of materials recycling, focusing on the environmentally friendly transformation of used tires into regenerated rubber. The invention proposes an innovative method for processing used tires, avoiding the drawbacks of traditional processes such as harmful emissions and high energy consumption. At the heart of this technique lies the use of a vegetable oil-based decomposition process and pressureless plasticizing equipment, enabling the production of odorless regenerated rubber with no negative environmental impact. Key steps include tire shredding, separation of fibers and steel wires, mixing with the decomposition agent, and a series of thermal and mechanical treatments to finalize the product. This innovation addresses the problem of environmental pollution associated with tire recycling, offering a solution that minimizes waste and emissions.It provides high-quality reclaimed rubber, ready for use in various industrial applications without the environmental and odor drawbacks of conventional methods. Rubber produced using this method is used in the manufacture of various rubber products, promoting the use of reclaimed materials in industry and contributing to the circular economy. This invention represents a significant advancement for the tire recycling and rubber manufacturing sectors, which are seeking sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.

Description

Title of the invention: Method for producing regenerated rubber from recycled used tires

[0001] This invention lies in the technical field of materials recycling, more specifically the treatment and regeneration of used tires. It uses advanced environmentally friendly equipment and a vegetable oil-based decomposition method to transform used tires into regenerated rubber without emitting gas or wastewater during the process.

[0002] The prior art focuses on various methods of treating used tires for regeneration. These traditional methods, involving heating, high pressure, and the addition of water to dynamic desulfurization tanks, have several drawbacks: high energy consumption, complex processes, risks associated with high-pressure equipment, and environmental pollution due to gas emissions, wastewater, and harmful substances. Furthermore, the regenerated rubber produced by these processes emits a strong, unpleasant odor.

[0003] The invention offers an innovative technical solution to these problems by introducing a method for producing odorless, gas-free, and wastewater-free recycled rubber. This method is distinguished by the use of a vegetable oil-based decomposition process and pressureless plasticizing equipment. The key steps include tire shredding, material separation, mixing with a vegetable oil-based decomposition agent, and a series of thermal and mechanical treatments to obtain high-quality recycled rubber without negative environmental impact.

[0004] The specific embodiment of this invention can be broken down into several key steps, detailed below:

[0005] Initial treatment of used tires: Use of a wire-pulling machine to extract the large steel wires from the tires, followed by grinding using a double-shaft grinder to reduce the tires into pieces approximately 5 cm in length and width.

[0006] Separation of materials: Use of a steel wire separating machine to isolate the steel wires from the rubber, then use of a high-pressure centrifuge to remove the fibers from the rubber.

[0007] Fine grinding of rubber: Placing the rubber, freed from steel wires and fibers, in a granulating machine to reduce it to particles of approximately 2 mm, followed by further grinding in a particle mill to obtain a particle size of approximately 26 mesh.

[0008] Mixing with the decomposing agent: Combining the fine rubber particles with a vegetable oil-based decomposing agent (e.g., rosin oil) in a stainless steel mixing drum, ensuring homogeneous mixing for approximately 15 minutes.

[0009] Plasticizing: Transfer of the mixture into a pressureless plasticizer, heated between 200 and 240 °C, for a treatment of 20 to 30 minutes, allowing efficient plasticizing and mechanical desulfurization through a rotary mixer.

[0010] Cooling and compression: Cooling of the plasticized rubber particles using a water cooling system, followed by a mechanical desulfurization step and compression into sheets of regenerated rubber.

[0011] Advantageously, the regenerated rubber sheets are then subjected to a refining process to improve their physical properties, before being used in the manufacture of new rubber products.

[0012] These steps, carried out carefully, lead to the production of high-quality, odorless and environmentally friendly regenerated rubber, ready for various industrial applications.

[0013] The invention finds its industrial application in the recycling of used tires, offering an environmentally responsible method for producing high-quality regenerated rubber. This rubber can be used in the manufacture of numerous rubber products, thus replacing natural rubber and contributing to the circular economy by reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact of production activities.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for recycling used tires, comprising the steps of shredding the tires and separating the components (fibers, steel wires), characterized in that it includes the use of a decomposition process based on vegetable oil to treat the used rubber and the use of pressureless plasticizing equipment, thus making it possible not to produce emissions of gas and wastewater during the production process, and ultimately to produce a raw material of regenerated rubber without irritating odor.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the vegetable oil-based decomposition process comprises mixing the spent rubber with a decomposition agent, the decomposition agent being rosin oil.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that pressureless plasticizing equipment is used in conjunction with an operating temperature between 200 and 240°C, enabling efficient plasticizing of the rubber and mechanical desulfurization.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises the step of cooling the plasticized rubber particles using a water cooling system, followed by a molding step to form sheets of regenerated rubber.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the regenerated rubber sheets are then subjected to a refining process to improve their physical properties, before being used in the manufacture of new rubber products.