MC Pyrolysis introduced a continuous screw pyrolysis plant designed for the recycling of end-of-life tires and rubber waste, highlighting a reactor concept that had already been operating at industrial scale in China for several years. The system was developed around a 27-meter screw reactor intended to support continuous processing rather than batch operation, addressing some of the operational constraints traditionally associated with tire pyrolysis.

Design and operating concept

According to information released by the company, the plant was based on a self-cleaning screw reactor designed to limit coke formation on internal surfaces, a common issue in continuous pyrolysis systems. By reducing coke buildup, the reactor aimed to maintain stable heat transfer and enable longer uninterrupted operating periods.

The system also incorporated a liquid film sealing mechanism intended to improve airtightness throughout the process. Maintaining an oxygen-free environment is critical in tire pyrolysis, both for process efficiency and for minimizing fugitive emissions. The plant was designed for a high degree of automation, with the objective of reducing labor input and overall operating costs during long production campaigns.

Processing capacity and outputs

The continuous screw pyrolysis plant was designed to process approximately 30 to 50 metric tons per day of rubber crumb derived from waste tires. MC Pyrolysis stated that the system was capable of operating continuously for up to 120 days before scheduled shutdowns for inspection and maintenance.

The primary outputs of the process were pyrolysis oil and recovered carbon black (rCB), both intended for industrial reuse. Pyrolysis oil could be applied as a substitute for fossil-based feedstocks in certain chemical and energy applications, while rCB represented a secondary raw material that could potentially re-enter rubber and plastics value chains after appropriate upgrading.

The company also indicated that the overall mechanical design targeted an operational lifespan of more than 10 years, reflecting an emphasis on long-term industrial deployment rather than pilot-scale use.

Deployment history and European focus

MC Pyrolysis reported that similar screw-based pyrolysis plants had already been operating at multiple sites in China and Europe, where they had demonstrated consistent performance, regulatory compliance, and process stability under continuous conditions. These installations formed the technical basis for the company’s current offering to international markets.

As part of its expansion strategy, MC Pyrolysis stated that it was seeking collaboration with environmental, recycling, and industrial partners in Europe. The company indicated that technical documentation, reference cases, and detailed specifications were being made available to support due diligence and project evaluation.

The development reflected a broader trend within the tire recycling sector toward continuous pyrolysis technologies, which are increasingly viewed as a pathway to higher throughput, improved energy efficiency, and more consistent product quality compared with traditional batch systems.

Article by MC Pyrolysis.