Whole Tire Processing Methods

Asphalt Rubber Technology Service

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Whole Tire Processing Methods

Processing whole scrap tires into reusable materials is not a new concept. It's been around as long as tires have existed. The first process developed was the Ambient System back in the 1930s. Next was the Cryogenic System developed in the 1970s, then the Wet Grind Processing also developed in the 1970s.

The Ambient System

Whole tires are fed through shredder
Shreds are processed through grinding mill
Steel is removed by magnets through out system
Product is sorted to size by screening process
Fabric is removed by shaker tables and vacuum
Product is reduced further by grinding mills

The Cryogenic System

Whole tire size is reduced by various means
Tires are then fed into cryo chamber and frozen with
liquid nitrogen to -184º C (-300º F)
Hammer mill reduces crumb to particles of various sizes
Steel is removed magnetically throughout process
Particles are sorted and screened to specified size
Fine grinding reduces further particle size if needed

The Wet Grind System

First stage processing is the same as ambient
Water is added to form a water/rubber slurry
Super fine particles down to 80 - 500 mesh are produced
     by passing the slurry through closely spaced grinding      stones
Water used to reduce loss of rubber “dust”, move material
     through the system and to keep the particles from
     overheating

2002 HUGO DRIVE • CLEMSON UNIVERSITY • CLEMSON, SC 29634
PHONE: (864) 656-6799 • FAX: (864) 656-6186 • EMAIL: arts@ces.clemson.edu