Coral GROUP, a research and development firm from the Ukraine has developed and is introducing a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to tear used tires apart from inside out, reducing the original components.
The company, which first presented its system as a developmental project at the 12th annual CleanTech Exhibition in 2007, has now begun marketing the shredder due to financial support of KPMG, and technological assistance by Pelmar engineering, a veteran in tire and rubber industry.
"We've developed a unique soft pyrolysis technology which uses electromagnetic forces, instead of hydrocarbon fuels," said Roman Berezin, Coral Group’s International Bureau director. "You need 400 degrees to melt a tire down and most companies do that by surrounding the tire from the outside with a much higher heat. That process produces mostly heavy oil, while our technology uses an electromagnetic system to heat the tires from the inside. Every tire has metal ropes running through it and we use that to heat each tire to a uniform heat of 380 degrees."
The system separates the tire into its basic components and produces useful fuels - instead of just heavy oil - and metal. Benzene, diesel fuel, kerosene, and propane-butane gas are produced. The process also produces artificial carbon black for making rubber and absorbents that are useful in pharmaceuticals and oil spills.
"Even the metal can be sold," Berezin said. What's more, the process does not produce any pollution, he said.
Coral began developing the technology five years ago and since has established a semi-industrial demonstration facility in Ukraine. According to KPMG, the company’s business developer, the developed technology is revolutionary, as far as its financial benefits are concerned. The group hopes to sign first international contracts as soon as early next year.