Description:DESCRIPTION:
Field of the invention:
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of a rubber waste pre-treatment method, and in specific relates to, a method that performs physic-chemical pre-treatment of rubber waste, which is used to enhance the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process, thereby maximizing the yield of valuable oil and gas products.
Background of the invention:
[0002] The disposal of non-eco-friendly solid wastes, such as polymeric materials, has significantly grown globally in the last few decades. Inevitably, it poses very complex environmental problems, such as land fillings and underground water pollution. With the growth of the industrial manufacturing sector, coupled with ignorance of environmental sustainability, a lot of recyclable and reusable solid waste materials are disposed of in the environment around the world.

[0003] For example, with the development of the automotive sector, the number of waste tires produced annually is of the order of 2.5 million tons per year in developed countries. Waste tires are disposed of in landfill sites, which pollutes the environment and breeds disease-carrying vermin. However, the negative effects on the environment in landfills can be mitigated by energy recovery and by extracting constituent chemicals by using current technologies. Moreover, there are multiple alternatives for waste tire management, such as retreating, chemical reclaiming, direct incineration and pyrolysis.

[0004] Pyrolysis is a thermal treatment process in the absence of oxygen and under inert conditions. Pyrolysis processing of waste tires allows complex organic volatile matter to be decomposed into lower molecular weight products constituted of solids, gases and liquids that can be used as fuels, additives or chemical feedstock. Specifically, it creates three useful products from waste tires thermally degraded under inert conditions such as solid, liquid and gas.

[0005] In recent years, "black pollution" created by waste tires has received more attention. The waste tire is primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen, with minor amounts of oxygen, sulphur, nitrogen, and other elements, with the hydrogen element accounting for 6-8 percent. The waste tire is similar to biomass and coal, and it has the potential to produce hydrogen. Scrap tyre pyrolysis technology is the process of breaking a rubber's cross-linking structure and chemical bonds at high temperatures in an inert environment and decomposing the rubber into products such as pyrolysis gas, pyrolysis carbon, pyrolysis oil and so on.

[0006] The pyrolysis gas primarily consists of hydrogen, methane, ethane, ethylene, carbon monoxide, and other small molecular gases. The pyrolysis gas has a high calorific value and is a good alternative fuel. The pyrolytic carbon primarily consists of fixed carbon and ash, has a good pore structure, and contains several metal elements - iron, zinc, and others - all of which have very excellent catalytic activity.

[0007] In existing technology, recycled tires may be catalyzed in-situ by microwaves to produce hydrogen-rich gas. Carbon black produced by the waste tire's pyrolysis can be used as an in-situ catalyst and a wave-absorbing medium for cyclic utilization, greatly reducing the cost of raw materials and realizing resource utilization of wastes. This method can effectively convert the hydrogen elements in waste tires into high-quality hydrogen-rich gas, thereby realizing energy utilization of waste.

[0008] The majority of the carbon components in the waste tire may be converted by this technology into high-quality, hydrogen-rich petrol. Additionally, the pyrolytic carbon is locked in the pyrolytic carbon in a solid state, thereby reducing the carbon output of the entire process. However, the in-situ catalytic pyrolysis method can effectively convert the hydrogen in the recycled waste into hydrogen gas but obtains only less amount of fuel and gas.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a method that performs physic-chemical pre-treatment of rubber waste, which is used to enhance the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process, thereby maximizing the yield of valuable oil and gas products. There is also a need for a method of pre-treatment of rubber waste that reduces the reaction time by 75 % during the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process, thereby leading to quicker turnover of the pyrolysis reactor and improving production efficiency. Further, there is also a method of pre-treatment of rubber waste that improves the efficiency of the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process.
Objectives of the invention:
[0010] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a method that performs physic-chemical pre-treatment of rubber waste, which is used to enhance the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process, thereby maximizing the yield of valuable oil and gas products.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to provide a method of pre-treatment of rubber waste that reduces the reaction time by 75 % during the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process, thereby leading to quicker turnover of the pyrolysis reactor and improving production efficiency.

[0012] The other objective of the invention is to provide a method of pre-treatment of rubber waste that improves the efficiency of the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process.

[0013] The other objective of the invention is to provide a method of pre-treatment of rubber waste that includes a step of soaking of the rubber waste in solvents such as benzene and dichloromethane.

[0014] The other objective of the invention is to provide a method of pre-treatment of rubber waste that uses a variety of catalysts and nanocatalysts in order to control the preferred distribution yield of oil and gas products.

[0015] The other objectives of the invention is to provide a method of pre-treatment of rubber waste that includes a step of drying the pre-treated rubber waste for a time period of 30 min at a temperature varies between 60° C to 70° C, thereby reducing reaction temperature during the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process.

[0016] The other objective of the invention is to provide a method of pre-treatment of rubber waste that reduces power consumption during the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process.

[0017] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a method of pre-treatment of rubber waste that achieves lower operating temperatures during the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process through the usage of microwaves, thereby saving energy and reducing environmental impacts.

[0018] Further objective of the invention is to provide a method of pre-treatment of rubber waste that is environmentally sustainable and cost-effective for converting waste tires into valuable resources.
Summary of the invention:
[0019] The present disclosure proposes a method of pre-treatment of rubber waste for increasing oil and gas production using microwave-assisted pyrolysis. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0020] In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem to provide a method that performs physicochemical pre-treatment for increasing oil and gas yields from microwave-assisted pyrolysis of tire rubber waste.

[0021] According to an aspect, the invention provides a method of pre-treatment of rubber waste for increasing oil and gas production using a microwave-assisted pyrolysis. At one step, rubber is removed from used vehicle tires and cut into small pieces of rubber waste. At one step, the small pieces of rubber waste are soaked in a solution for at least 48 hr to achieve an apparent effect, which causes its color turned dark black and further shrinkage, thereby obtaining a treated rubber waste composite. In specific, the solution used for soaking the small pieces of rubber waste is at least one of benzene and dichloromethane solvents.

[0022] At one step, the treated rubber waste composite is dried for a time period, thereby obtaining a pre-treated rubber waste. In specific, the treated rubber waste composite is dried using a hot air oven for a time period of at least 30 min at a temperature varies between 60° C to 70° C. In one embodiment herein, the obtained pre-treated rubber waste is heated to a decomposition temperature using a microwave-assisted pyrolysis for producing oil and gas, which results in an increased production of oil and gas in a shorter time period at lower reaction temperature, and with energy conservation.

[0023] The pre-treated rubber waste is heated using microwave-assisted pyrolysis in presence of at least one catalyst, which includes at least one of nitric oxide (NO), calcium oxide (CaO) (nano), calcium oxide (CaO) and potassium hydroxide (KOH). The method of pre-treatment of rubber waste increases the yielding of oil ranges between 40 % and 45 % and gas ranges between 50 % and 55 %. The proposed reduces reaction time by 75%, thereby leading to quicker turnover of a pyrolysis reactor and improving production efficiency.

[0024] Further, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.
Detailed description of drawings:
[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method of pre-treatment of rubber waste for increasing oil and gas production using microwave-assisted pyrolysis, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a pictorial representation of a rubber waste, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of an experimental setup used for microwave pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis operation, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 4A illustrates a graphical representation of RB1 while performing a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 4B illustrates a graphical representation of RB8 while performing a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Detailed invention disclosure:
[0031] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.

[0032] The present disclosure has been made with a view towards solving the problem with the prior art described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a method that performs physicochemical pre-treatment for increasing oil and gas yields from microwave-assisted pyrolysis of tire rubber waste.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 refers to a flowchart 100 of a method of pre-treatment of rubber waste for increasing oil and gas production using a microwave-assisted pyrolysis. At step 102, rubber is removed from used vehicle tires and cut into small pieces of rubber waste.

[0034] At step 104, the small pieces of rubber waste are soaked in a solution for at least 48 hours to achieve an apparent effect, which causes its color turned dark black and further shrinkage, thereby obtaining a treated rubber waste composite. In specific, the solution used for soaking the small pieces of rubber waste is at least one of benzene and dichloromethane solvents. The solution is chosen among tens of solvents that do not provide the same effects.

[0035] At step 106, the treated rubber waste composite is dried for a time period, thereby obtaining a pre-treated rubber waste. In specific, the treated rubber waste composite is dried using a hot air oven for a time period of at least 30 min at a temperature varies between 60° C to 70° C.

[0036] In one embodiment herein, the obtained pre-treated rubber waste is heated to a decomposition temperature using a microwave-assisted pyrolysis for producing oil and gas, which results in an increased production of oil and gas in a shorter time period at lower reaction temperature, and with energy conservation. The pre-treated rubber waste is heated using microwave-assisted pyrolysis in presence of at least one catalyst, which includes at least one of nitric oxide (NO), calcium oxide (CaO) (nano), calcium oxide (CaO) and potassium hydroxide (KOH).

[0037] The method of pre-treatment of rubber waste increases the yielding of oil ranges between 40 % and 45 % and gas ranges between 50 % and 55 %. The proposed reduces reaction time by 75%, thereby leading to quicker turnover of a pyrolysis reactor and improving production efficiency.

[0038] In one embodiment herein, the method of pre-treatment of rubber waste increases the oil yield to 41.7 % and gas to 52.6 %. The examination and analysis were conducted for the oil produced upon completion of microwave pyrolysis. In specific, the examination is conducted using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), NMR, and Infrared (IR) techniques.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 refers to a pictorial representation 200 of a rubber waste. In one embodiment herein, the rubber is removed from the used vehicle tires and cut into small pieces as depicted in FIG. 2. The small rubber pieces are soaked in the benzene and dichloromethane for 48 hr. Next, the catalytic microwave-assisted pyrolysis utilizes at least one of multiple types of catalysts and nano-catalyst to increase in oil and gas production.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3 refers to a schematic view 300 of an experimental setup used for microwave pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis operation. In one embodiment herein, the rubber is removed from the used vehicle tires and cut into small pieces mechanically. Next, the pre-treatment is performed by soaking the small pieces of the rubber waste in the solution to prepare the rubber waste composite. In specific, the solution can be a combination of benzene and dichloromethane. Now, the rubber waste composite is filled in a nitrogen cylinder 302.

[0041] In one embodiment herein, initially, a user needs to actuate a nitrogen regulator 304 of the nitrogen cylinder 302 to transfer the rubber waste composite into a beaker through a rotameter 306 via a thermocouple. In specific, the rotameter 306 measures the flow rate of the rubber waste composite. The thermocouple measures the temperature inside the nitrogen cylinder 302. The beaker is positioned in a microwave oven 314 for drying the rubber waste composite at a temperature that ranges between 60° C to 70° C. Specifically, the microwave oven 314 comprises a quartz wool 316 that assists in preventing heat loss.

[0042] Later, pyrolysis vapors 310 are produced upon drying the rubber waste composite. The beaker is fluidly connected to an oil-collecting flask 320 through the condensers 322. In particular, the condensers 322 cool the pyrolysis vapors 310 and convert them into liquid. The oil-collecting flask 320 collects the liquid obtained from the pyrolysis vapors 310 of the pyrolysis process. The microwave oven 314 penetrates the rubber waste, by uniformly heating it and promoting rapid pyrolysis reactions. Also, the catalyst enhanced the reactions, which led to a significant reduction in the reaction time.

[0043] The proposed method of pre-treatment of the rubber waste with benzene and dichloromethane, microwave-assisted pyrolysis can effectively operate at a lower temperature, approximately 500° C, thereby reducing energy consumption and production costs compared to rubber waste without pre-treatment, which require temperatures as high as 800°C and long reaction time.

[0044] According to another embodiment of the invention, the proposed method for chemical pre-treatment of the rubber waste utilizes benzene and dichloromethane to soak for 48 hours. The microwave-assisted pyrolysis or catalytic microwave pyrolysis, resulted in a substantial increase in oil and gas production, a 50% reduction in reaction time, and a significant decrease in operating temperature from 800° C to around 500° C. Specifically, the decrease in the operating temperature collectively leads to enhanced energy efficiency and production, making this method a valuable innovation in the fields of rubber waste recycling and fuel production.

[0045] Table 1:
Experiment No. Solvent Catalyst (2g) Feedstock (g) Graphite (g) MW (W)
RB1 NO NO 20 10 450
RB2 Dichloromethane NO 20 10 450
RB3 Benzene NO 20 10 450
RB4 Dichloromethane CaO (nano) 20 10 450
RB5 Benzene CaO (nano) 20 10 450
RB6 Dichloromethane CaO 20 10 450
RB7 Benzene CaO 20 10 450
RB8 Dichloromethane KOH 20 10 450
RB9 Benzene KOH 20 10 450

[0046] Table 1 depicts multiple experiments such as RB1-RB9. Specifically, the experiments RB1, RB2 and RB3 do not use any catalyst. The experiments RB4 and RB5 utilize CaO (nano) as a catalyst. The experiments RB6 and RB7 utilize CaO as a catalyst. The experiments RB2, RB4, RB6 and RB8 utilize dichloromethane as a solvent. The experiments RB3, RB5 and RB9 utilize Benzene as a solvent. All of the experiments utilize 20 gm of feedstock, 10 grams of graphite and 450 W of microwave power.

[0047] Table 2:
Experiment No. Solvent Catalyst (2g) Oil yield % Char yield % Gas yield %
RB1 NO NO 12.385 2.515 85.1
RB2 Dichloromethane NO 33.37 17.095 49.535
RB3 Benzene NO 30.94 10.465 58.595
RB4 Dichloromethane CaO (nano) 34.93 9.445 55.625
RB5 Benzene CaO (nano) 26.68 8.195 65.125
RB6 Dichloromethane CaO 28.245 5.45 66.305
RB7 Benzene CaO 28.415 2.866 68.719
RB8 Dichloromethane KOH 41.765 5.56 52.675
RB9 Benzene KOH 38.29 4 57.71

[0048] Table 2 depicts oil yield percentage, char yield percentage and gas yield percentage of multiple experiments such as RB1-RB9. Specifically, the experiments RB1, RB2 and RB3 do not use any catalyst. The experiments RB4 and RB5 utilize CaO (nano) as a catalyst. The experiments RB6 and RB7 utilize CaO as a catalyst.

[0049] The experiments RB2, RB4, RB6 and RB8 utilize dichloromethane as a solvent. The experiments RB3, RB5 and RB9 utilize Benzene as a solvent. Furthermore, the RB1 experiment without pre-treatment with these two solvents resulted in 85% conversion into gases and just 12% conversion into oil. We can enhance yield after pre-treatment; in experiment RB8, the oil yield percentage was 41.7%, while the gas yield percentage was 52.6%.

[0050] Table 3:
Rubber (RB1)
Time(min) Temp (°C) ?T/?t (°C/min)
0 31
5 324 32
10 432 20
15 537 20
20 635 18
25 700 12
30 746 8

[0051] Table 3 depicts the temperature of the rubber (RB1) increases over time. The temperature starts at 31° C and reaches 746° C after 30 min. In specific, the vapor begins after 20 min at a temperature of 635° C and a rate of temperature increase of 18° C per minute.

[0052] Table 4:
Rubber + dichloromethane (RB2)
Time(min) Temp (°C) ?T/?t (°C/min)
0 26
0.5 36 20
4 289 62
4.5 316 54
8 455 22
8.5 463 16
12 494 14
12.5 501 14
16 577 24
16.5 587 20

[0053] Table 4 depicts the combination of the rubber and the dichloromethane (RB2). Here, the rubber waste is soaked in the dichloromethane to perform the pre-treatment. Specifically, the temperature increases over time. The temperature starts at 26° C and reaches upto 587° C after 16.5 min. The vapor begins after 0.5 min at a temperature of 36° C and a rate of temperature increase of 20° C per minute. The vapor stops after 16 min at a temperature of 577° C and a rate of temperature increase of 24° C per minute.

[0054] Table 5:
Rubber + benzene (RB3)
Time(min) Temp (°C) ?T/?t (°C/min)
0 25
0.5 48 46
3 217 66
3.5 245 56
6 350 36
6.5 370 40
9 464 30
9.5 491 54
12 543 16
12.5 550 14

[0055] Table 5 depicts the combination of the rubber and the benzene (RB3). Here, the rubber waste is soaked in the benzene to perform the pre-treatment. Specifically, the temperature increases over time. The temperature starts at 25° C and reaches upto 550° C after 12.5 min. The vapor begins after 0.5 min at a temperature of at least 48° C and a rate of temperature increase of 46° C per minute. The oil yield starts after 3.5 min at a temperature of 245° C and a temperature rate of 56° C per minute.

[0056] Table 6:
Rubber + dichloromethane + catalyst (nano CaO) (RB4)
Time(min) Temp (°C) ?T/?t (°C/min)
0 26
1 33 8
2 47 18
2.5 73 52
3 109 72
5 261 74
7 352 20
9 376 12
11 403 16
13 438 20
16 506 26
16.5 519 26

[0057] Table 6 depicts the combination of the rubber, the dichloromethane and the catalyst (nano CaO) (RB3). Here, the rubber waste is soaked in the dichloromethane to perform the pre-treatment. Specifically, the temperature increases over time. The temperature starts at 26° C and reaches at a temperature of at least 519° C after 16.5 min.

[0058] The vapor begins after 2.5 min at a temperature of 73° C and a rate of temperature increase of 52° C per minute. The oil yield starts at 6 min at a temperature of at least 325° C and a temperature rate of at least 54° C per minute. The vapor stops at a temperature of at least 519° C and a temperature rate of at least 26° C per minute.

[0059] Table 7:
Rubber + benzene + catalyst (nano CaO) (RB5)
Time(min) Temp (°C) ?T/?t (°C/min)
0 26
1 37 14
2 68 50
4 207 54
6 268 26
9 362 34
12 433 14
15 473 14
17 500 14

[0060] Table 7 depicts the combination of the rubber, the benzene and the catalyst (nano CaO) (RB3). Here, the rubber waste is soaked in the benzene to perform the pre-treatment. Specifically, the temperature increases over time. The temperature starts at 26°C and reaches upto 500° C after 17 min. The vapor begins after 2 min at a temperature of at least 68° C and a rate of temperature increase at 50° C per minute. The oil yield starts at 4 min at a temperature of 207° C and a temperature rate of 54° C per minute.

[0061] Table 8:
Rubber + dichloromethane + catalyst (KOH) (RB8)
Time(min) Temp (°C) ?T/?t (°C/min)
0 26
0.5 32 12
2.5 162 76
4 228 16
6 295 46
8 372 32
10 415 20
13 498 30
15 555 24
16.5 589 20

[0062] Table 8 depicts the combination of the rubber, the dichloromethane and the catalyst (KOH) (RB8). Here, the rubber waste is soaked in the dichloromethane to perform the pre-treatment. Specifically, the temperature increases over time. The temperature starts at 26° C and reaches 589° C after 16.5 min. The vapor begins after 0.5 min at a temperature of 32° C and a rate of temperature increase of 12° C per minute.

[0063] The oil yield starts at 4 min at a temperature of 228° C and a temperature rate of 16°C per minute. The vapor color changes at 10 min at a temperature of 415° C and a temperature rate of 20° C per minute. The vapor stops at 15 min at a temperature of 555° C and a temperature rate of 24° C per minute.

[0064] Table 9:
Rubber + benzene + catalyst (KOH) (RB9)
Time(min) Temp (°C) ?T/?t (°C/min)
0 27
1 28 0
2 34 8
4 73 26
5 102 30
7 166 36
9 276 68
11 378 46
13 447 30
15 504 30
16 533 28
16.5 547 28

[0065] Table 9 depicts the combination of the rubber, the benzene and the catalyst (KOH) (RB9). Here, the rubber waste is soaked in the benzene to perform the pre-treatment. Specifically, the temperature increases over time. The temperature starts at 27°C and reaches 547° C after 16.5 min. The vapor begins after 1 minute at a temperature of 28°C and a rate of temperature increase of 0° C per minute. The oil yield starts after 4 and 7 min at a temperature of 73° C and 166° C and a temperature rate of 26°C per minute and 36°C per minute. The vapor stops at 16 min at a temperature of at least 533°C and a temperature rate of 28°C per minute.

[0066] In one embodiment herein, the combined results increase the energy efficiency and production. The proposed method is utilized in the sectors of rubber waste recycling and fuel generation. The unique usage of microwaves and optimized chemical pre-treatment is critical to attaining remarkable results. RB1 experiment without pre-treatment with these two solvents converted 85% into gases and just 12% into oil. RB8 experiment after pre-treatment boosts the yielding of 41.7% of oils and 52.6% of gases.

[0067] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4A refers to a graphical representation 400 of RB1 while performing a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). The examination and analysis were conducted for the oil produced using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), NMR, and Infrared (IR) techniques. In one embodiment herein, RB1 achieved a maximum peak at a time of 7.883 min and a minimum peak at a time of 36.146 min. The RB1 achieves an area of 23500642 and a height of 9388333.

[0068] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4B illustrates a graphical representation 402 of RB8 while performing a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). The examination and analysis were conducted for the oil produced using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), NMR, and Infrared (IR) techniques. In one embodiment herein, RB8 achieved a maximum peak at a time of 7.867 min and a minimum peak at a time of 36.128 min. The RB8 achieves an area of 26677572 and a height of 10361709.

[0069] Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, a method of pre-treatment of rubber waste for increasing oil and gas production using microwave-assisted pyrolysis is known. The proposed method performs physic-chemical pre-treatment of rubber waste, which is used to enhance the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process, thereby maximizing the yield of valuable oil and gas products. The proposed method of pre-treatment of rubber waste reduces the reaction time by 75 % during the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process, thereby leading to quicker turnover of the pyrolysis reactor and improving production efficiency.

[0070] The proposed method improves the efficiency of the pyrolysis process, thereby resulting in higher yields of valuable products like oil and gas. The proposed method of pre-treatment of rubber waste includes a step of soaking of the rubber waste in solvents such as benzene and dichloromethane. The proposed method enhances oil and gas production by utilizing a variety of multiple catalysts and nanocatalysts. The proposed method of pre-treatment of rubber waste includes a step of drying the pre-treated rubber waste for a time period of 30 min at a temperature varies between 60° C to 70° C, thereby reducing reaction temperature during the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process.

[0071] The proposed method of pre-treatment of rubber waste reduces power consumption during the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process. The proposed method of pre-treatment of rubber waste achieves lower operating temperatures during the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process through the usage of microwaves, thereby saving energy and reducing environmental impacts. The proposed method of pre-treatment of rubber waste is environmentally sustainable and cost-effective for converting waste tires into valuable resources.

[0072] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.
, C , C , Claims:CLAIMS:
I / We Claim:
1. A method of pre-treatment of rubber waste for increasing oil and gas production using a microwave-assisted pyrolysis, comprising:
removing rubber from used vehicle tires and cutting into small pieces of rubber waste;
soaking the small pieces of rubber waste in a solution for at least 48 hr to achieve an apparent effect, which causes its color turned dark black and further shrinkage, thereby obtaining a treated rubber waste composite; and
drying the treated rubber waste composite for a time period, thereby obtaining a pre-treated rubber waste,
wherein the obtained pre-treated rubber waste is heated to a decomposition temperature using a microwave-assisted pyrolysis for producing oil and gas, which results in an increased production of oil and gas in a shorter time period at lower reaction temperature, and with energy conservation.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solution used for soaking the small pieces of rubber waste is at least one of benzene and dichloromethane solvents.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the treated rubber waste composite is dried using a hot air oven for a time period of at least 30 min at a temperature varies between 60° C to 70° C.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method of pre-treatment of rubber waste increases the yielding of oil ranges between 40 % and 45 % and gas ranges between 50 % and 55 %.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method reduces reaction time by at least 75%, thereby leading to quicker turnover of a pyrolysis reactor and improving efficiency of the microwave-assisted pyrolysis.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-treated rubber waste is heated using the microwave-assisted pyrolysis in presence of at least one catalyst.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one catalyst includes at least one of nitric oxide (NO), calcium oxide (CaO) (nano), calcium oxide (CaO) and potassium hydroxide (KOH).