PolyComp resolved the problem of worn-down tyres

„It is a revolutionary solution of the problem how to dispose off the worn tyres that are currently deposited in landfills or incinerated, with the inevitable consequences of environmental contamination. The firm obtained the idea from a German inventor and succeeded to put it into practical use. We supported the project through the Industry and Business Operational Programme(“OPPP”), in concrete terms the Programme of Innovation, with a grant amounting to CZK 8.5 million” says Tomas Hruda, CEO of CzechInvest.

In principle, the process consists in the thermal decomposition of the material at a relatively low temperature of 650 °C in the absence of air. The process results in a combustible gaseous product that can be used as a fuel for heat production and power generation. The solid residue can be used as an adsorbent in the treatment of industrial wastewater, or, owing to its high content of zinc, as an additive to new tyres, or it can be even be combusted too and used for power generation.

„At this moment we are introducing the testing and calibrating line. On the line we have verified our technical solution and, in the future, we will use it for checking samples from industrial units we plan to build according to this pilot one. Owing to its accurate measuring instrumentation the calibration line will be able to reveal any insufficiencies that may occur in the decomposition of tyres on a large scale.” says Ing.Vladimir Hrbek, Managing Director of PolyComp, a.s., giving more information on the project. „In the Czech Republic about 60,000 tons of worn-out tyres have to be disposed off each year. From 2008 on it will not be possible to incinerate them in traditional ways, due to the application of stricter emission limits set by the EU. That is why the anaerobic thermal decomposition solves the problem that is not only of our own. There are a few Czech and foreign interested parties, who have turned to us in this connection. At present the construction of three large production units is considered in the territory of the Czech Republic.”