Environmental Waste International

EWI Systems

Recycling scrap tires has been a huge priority for EWI since 1994, when the first proof-of-concept prototype was developed. In 2010 EWI and Ellsin built a pilot plant in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This plant operated for 5 years, demonstrating its capabilities. The objective of the research conducted was to show that a continuous feed system could be successfully built and operated. It was also necessary to establish the economic value and quantity of by-products of the process.

These by-products were collected and analysed by independent labs. After their quality had been established, EWI was able to prove our economic tire recycling projections. The TR25 was established as the base model for the TR series.

Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)

The quality of the carbon black reclaimed by our process is determined by the grades used to manufacture the original tires. Tire manufacturers use over 60% of virgin carbon black produced. This amounts to over 6,000,000 tons (5,454,000 metric tonnes) annually. At EWI, we recover over 7,000 tons (6,350 metric tonnes) of rCB each year at a single TR50 facility. The Hybrid Microwave process we use is far superior to methods such as pyrolysis. Since the process occurs at controlled, lower temperatures, the rCB retains its original material properties. More value can be obtained because of the reusability of this by-product.

Scrap Steel

Recovered steel is one of the products. It represents over 10% by weight of a single tire in a passenger vehicle. Steel remains unchanged because the low temperatures used have no effect on material properties. It can be resold to steel processing and recycling plants to be reused in new steel products.

Hydrocarbons

There are two states of hydrocarbons produced by the Reverse Polymerization and Hybrid Microwave processes: gaseous and liquid synthetic. The gaseous component consists of short-chain hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, propane and butane) with low molecular weight that provide a very hot and very clean burn. The synthetic oil is similar to a light crude oil. The hydrocarbons can be used to generate electricity or sold as other valuable feed stocks.

Learn more about the process EWI uses to recycle tires.

SAMPLES OF OUR PATENTS