Waste tires pyrolysis oil as a source of energy: Methods for refining

A huge amount of waste tires is generated every day in the world. This determines the search for ways to use them. The extended process of production and application of scrap tires leads to their significant mass accumulation, thus representing environmental risk. Tires are inert materials, extremely difficult to treat, and nonbiodegradable. In recent years, many plants have been built for processing, treatment, and utilization of this kind of waste. A problem has emerged to find a suitable, environmentally friendly application of the products (gaseous, liquid, and solid) from pyrolysis of the tires. Pyrolysis oil, which is a liquid product, is not suitable for direct use as fuel because of its high sulfur content. Therefore, the desulfurization of pyrolytic tire oil is an important part of the oil production process prior to its use. The objective of this article is to review the methods used for desulfurization of waste tire pyrolysis oils and the possibility of using scrap tires as a source of energy.