Stage 1 of Scrap Tire Processing: Tire Shredding
Purpose:
The first stage of scrap tire processing involves the initial downsizing of whole tires into smaller, manageable pieces known as shreds or chips. This stage is critical as it prepares the tires for further processing or direct use in various applications like Tire Derived Aggregate (TDA) and Tire Derived Fuel (TDF).
Process:
Shredding Whole Tires: The process begins with feeding whole tires, including car, truck, and off-the-road (OTR) tires, into a primary shredder. This machine reduces the tires into rough shreds, typically ranging in size from 4 to 6 inches.
Pre-processing for Larger Tires: For larger OTR tires, additional steps such as pre-cutting or debeading may be required before they can be fed into the primary shredder. This ensures the machine operates efficiently and extends its lifespan.
Production of Shreds or Chips: The shredded output can either be used as is or further processed depending on the end application. The inclusion of a disc screen with the shredder can help in producing chips of a more uniform size, particularly useful for further downstream processes like crumb rubber production.
Applications of Shredded Material:
Tire Derived Aggregate (TDA): TDA is used in civil engineering projects, such as road construction, as a lightweight fill material.
Tire Derived Fuel (TDF): TDF is used as an alternative fuel source in industries like cement manufacturing, where the high energy content of rubber is beneficial.
Equipment:
CM Primary Shredders: These machines are designed to handle the rigors of tire shredding with efficiency and durability. They are particularly noted for their “Double Stack™” knife technology, which allows them to process more tires with reduced maintenance costs. The shredder's versatility and cost-effectiveness make it a staple in high-production tire recycling operations.
In summary, Stage 1 of scrap tire processing is a crucial step that sets the stage for further processing or direct utilization of tire-derived products. The use of CM Primary Shredders in this stage ensures efficient, reliable, and cost-effective shredding of various types of tires.