Used as an alternative fuel, a refining feedstock, a chemical raw material, and an industrial fuel for boilers, furnaces, etc.
Output: 81,000 tons/year
Tire Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) – a recycled fuel alternative to diesel, used in boilers, refining, and the chemical industry.
Detailed Description:
1. Introduction to TPO
Tire Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) is a recycled crude oil obtained from the pyrolysis of rubber waste, particularly old tires. This process occurs in an anaerobic condition at high temperatures, breaking down the polymer molecules in rubber into a mixture of gas, oil, carbon black, and steel wire.
With an output of up to 81,000 tons/year, TPO from IMES is considered one of the most promising alternative fuels today, not only helping to recycle hard-to-treat solid waste but also reducing industrial dependence on virgin petroleum.
2. Characteristics and Composition of TPO
TPO is a dark brown to black, flammable liquid with a characteristic fuel oil smell. Its chemical composition includes:
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Cyclic and straight-chain hydrocarbons (C5 – C20)
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Aromatic compounds (benzene, toluene, xylene)
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Small amounts of compounds containing oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen
Its average heating value is 9,500–10,500 kcal/kg, comparable to industrial diesel oil, making it an ideal choice for industrial combustion equipment.
3. Key Applications of TPO
3.1. As an Alternative Industrial Fuel:
TPO is widely used as fuel for:
- Boilers, kilns, industrial dryers
- Drying systems in the textile and wood processing industries
- Brick kilns, ceramic kilns, and recycled waste incinerators
With a lower cost than DO or FO oil, TPO helps businesses save significant fuel while still ensuring high thermal efficiency.
3.2. As a Refining Feedstock:
TPO can be refined into light petroleum products through the following processes:
- Fractional distillation
- Chemical treatment (desulphurization, acid leaching)
- Hydrocracking or catalytic cracking
After refining, TPO can be used as:
- Recycled diesel
- Industrial solvents
- Basis materials for paint, plastic, synthetic rubber production
3.3. As a Raw Material for the Chemical Industry:
Organic compounds in TPO are used as intermediates for:
- Production of basic chemicals such as benzene, toluene, xylene
- Synthesis of plastics, solvents, pesticides and industrial additives
- As a base for organic chemical reactions in the laboratory or on a production scale
4. Economic and Environmental Benefits of TPO
Economic:
- Much lower cost than fossil fuel transmission system.
- Stable supply, suitable for medium and large-scale enterprises.
- Reducing dependence on oil, reducing fluctuations in raw material costs.
Environmental:
- Using rubber waste that is difficult to analyze, reducing waste.
- Emitting less CO₂ than fossil fuels, best when using refined TPO.
- Promoting circular economy, turning waste into useful energy.
5. TPO in the IMES Pyrolysis Value Chain
TPO is one of the three main products from the pyrolysis process at IMES, besides:
- Steel wire – used in metallurgy and construction
- Recovered carbon black (rCB) – used in rubber, plastic, paint, construction production
All products are:
- Produced in a closed, environmentally friendly process
- Output quality control
- Packaged, transported and delivered according to international safety standards
6. Some notes when using TPO
- TPO is a flammable liquid, it should be stored in a well-ventilated place, away from fire and sparks.
- It is recommended to use a specialized combustion system or have a suitable fuel regulator to optimize combustion efficiency.
- In the case of using TPO as a refining or chemical raw material, it is necessary to strictly comply with regulations on chemical safety and equipment operation.
With an output of 81,000 tons/year, stable quality and diverse application capabilities, tire pyrolysis oil (TPO) provided by IMES is the ideal alternative fuel solution for green industries. Not only helping businesses save costs and ensure operational efficiency, TPO also contributes to realizing the green industrial model, circular economy and sustainable development.
