Plasma destruction of rubber waste

<p>The production of synthesis gas from scrap rubber at up to 1 000 ℃ by the reverse-Boudouard reaction between carbon and carbon dioxide is explored. Thermodynamic modelling was performed using HSC Chemistry software and experimental data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. TGA data were collected using a Hitachi STA7300 horizontal-beam TGA-DTA system. Videographic data from tube furnace experiments were collected by DLSR camera and analyzed using VLC Media Player software. Plasma pyrolysis and gasification experiments were conducted in a pilot plant at Necsa. The process yield and energy requirements were estimated by thermodynamic modelling.</p> <p>An empirical kinetic model was derived from thermogravimetric analysis. This was correlated with results from videographic observations of the behaviour of rubber cubes in a tube furnace. The combined results allowed estimation of the temperature-dependent residence times in a furnace and its size. Plasma arc gasification on the kg per hour scale in a pilot plant revealed the importance of careful reactor design for sufficient processing time. A conceptual process flow diagram and -description for a transportable plasma gasification facility is presented and various suitable types of reactors discussed.</p>