E! 115342 HYFUEL, HULTEBERG CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING AB

Important results from the project

The project has aimed to develop catalysts and technology to improve the quality of tire pyrolysis oil. Above all, the oil sulfur content must be reduced, which has been done successfully. This has been achieved by optimizing the catalyst composition and the operating conditions for the desulfurization of various oil parts, both high-boiling and low-boiling cuts, for maximum effect. As a result, a good bit over 50% of the sulfur can be separated, significantly affecting the oil´s value. Finally, the process hydrogen needs process has been lowered.

Expected long term effects

The project has resulted in a potentially better overall process for converting rubber tires into usable products. It mainly converts the tires into a liquid product which has been the project´s focus. The developed catalysts enable the production of a cleaner product with less sulfur, which will perform better. This means that more value stays with the producer of the pyrolysis oil and less with the receiver, which is often a refinery. In addition, by saving on the amount of hydrogen, the cost of the treatment is reduced and leads to even better profitability.

Approach and implementation

The project has been carried out as a two-party collaboration between a technology-developing party and a technology-implementing party. This has led to a positive partnership with precise requirements and a focus on product quality. In addition, the implementation with a party that has a good grasp of the design side and one that has an understanding of the wet chemical development has worked well and contributed to both parties getting further than they would have been on their own.