Vertical Thermal Pressure Vessel for Tire Pyrolysis Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Used tires are difficult to recycle due to their indestructible nature and pose environmental threats, making them unsuitable for landfills and challenging to process.
Innovation Solution
A vertical thermal pressure vessel (VTPV) with induction heating, vibration, and inert gas cooling is used to pyrolyze tires, separating solid waste into carbon and ash, capturing steel, and evacuating gas products, with a method involving a double-walled structure and inert gas cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional recycling methods are used, then tire recycling is attempted, but the indestructible nature of tires makes them difficult to process and separate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the physical state of tires through controlled heating to high temperatures (pyrolysis conditions), changing them from solid, indestructible material to decomposed components. This parameter change (temperature) enables the separation of tire materials that would otherwise be impossible, resolving the contradiction between tire strength and recyclability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions through pyrolysis, where the tire material undergoes thermal decomposition transitioning from solid rubber to gaseous and liquid products. This phase transition process breaks down the indestructible tire structure into separable components, enabling recycling while maintaining the original material's structural integrity during processing.
2Productivity
If pyrolysis heating is applied to decompose tires, then material decomposition is achieved, but high temperatures and vacuum conditions increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pyrolysis system into distinct functional zones: heating zone, vacuum zone, separation zone, and cooling zone. Each zone performs a specific function, allowing the complex pyrolysis process to be managed through modular sections rather than a single complex system, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high decomposition efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary cooling system with inert gas introduction as a mediator between the high-temperature pyrolysis zone and the external environment. This intermediary cooling mechanism enables controlled temperature reduction and material separation without requiring direct complex cooling systems, simplifying the overall device while maintaining productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If vibration is applied to separate solid waste from the basket, then material separation is improved, but additional energy consumption and device complexity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration to the basket during pyrolysis to separate solid waste materials from the basket structure. The vibration causes lighter solid particles to detach and fall to the bottom of the vessel while heavier materials remain in the basket. This simple mechanical vibration mechanism achieves precise material separation without requiring complex separation devices, improving separation precision while minimizing added complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Efficient recycling of tires into carbon, ash, and steel components, reducing waste volume and environmental impact, while enabling automated processing and separation of materials.
Implementation Method 1
The heating coil is configured to heat the basket using induction heating
Implementation Method 2
The waste tires are heated using induction heating to cause pyrolysis in a vacuum environment
Implementation Method 3
The temperature within the chamber is lowered by the cooling temperature of the gas
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a vessel having an interior chamber formed by a vessel wall. The vessel wall comprises a double-walled structure having an inner wall and an outer wall. A moveable lid is configured to form an airtight seal with the interior chamber in a closed position. A basket is positioned within the chamber. One or more vibration devices, such as transducers, are attached to the basket, and are configured to shake the mesh basket to cause decomposed material to fall through the mesh basket to a reactor vessel floor. A heating coil is positioned within the chamber and surrounding the basket. The heating coil is configured to heat the basket using induction heating. An airtight space is formed between the inner wall and the outer wall and is filled with a gas. The temperature within the chamber may be lowered by cooling the gas.