Improvement of waste tyre recycling technology based on a new tyre markings

摘要

Tyre waste recycling has become a worldwide priority because of the large quantity of tyres that can pollute the environment. However, a limitation of the process of recycling tyre waste is the separation of components from their structure (rubber, textile inserts, and metal inserts). In this study, we propose a method to improve the markings on tyres to observe the distribution of materials within the structure. This marking helped achieve rapid separation of materials from the tyre structure and simplified the technological process of recycling tyre waste. The proposed marking method involves specifying the types of materials on the lateral surface of the tyre. Herein, both the conventional technological recycling process and improved technological process for three groups of tyres-passenger cars, trucks, and off-roading vehicles-were analysed. Furthermore, the energy consumption and generated costs were studied for the two types of technological processes. The financial analysis aimed to determine the financial performance (net present value and internal rate of financial return) and financial sustainability of the improved technology. The financial sustainability of the proposed method was analysed through sensitivity analysis. The conditions necessary to achieve a circular economy by using the improved technology were presented. The results obtained highlight the efficiency of the proposed solution from the technical, economic, and environmental viewpoints. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.