Method of plasma utilization of rubber waste

A plasma pyrolysis method for the utilisation of rubber waste from car tires is reported. For the plasma pyrolysis an indirect arc DC plasmatron, having maximum electrical power of 40 kW was used. Argon or mixture of argon with hydrogen was an operating gas. During the plasma pyrolysis 90 % of the rubber mass was converted into various gases and ash. The outcoming gas was sampled and then analysed by infrared absorption spectroscopy method. It identified combustible gases (CH4, C2H2, CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). No traces of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx) or hydrocyanide (HCN) were detected in the outcoming gas. The amount and content of the plasma pyrolysis products depended on percentage of hydrogen in the operating gas and input power of the plasmatron. The process is being optimised. (author)