Tire Pyrolysis: How Much Oil Can You Get from Different Tire Types?
Tire pyrolysis is one of the most effective ways to turn waste into valuable fuel — but how much oil can you actually get from a ton of tires?
The answer depends on the type of tire, its composition, and the technology you use. Let’s break it down.
What Is Tire Pyrolysis?
Tire pyrolysis is a process where used tires are heated in a low-oxygen environment, breaking them down into:
Pyrolysis oil (used as fuel or refined)
Carbon black (used in rubber, ink, and pigment industries)
Steel wire
Non-condensable gas (used to power the reactor)
Oil Yield from Different Tire Types
Here’s a typical breakdown of oil yield from different types of tires, based on industrial pyrolysis setups:
| Tire Type | Oil Yield | Carbon Black | Steel Wire | Gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car tires (PCR) | 40–45% | 30–35% | 10–15% | 5–10% |
| Truck tires (TBR) | 38–43% | 30–35% | 15–20% | 5–8% |
| Bias-ply tires | 35–40% | 30–35% | 20–25% | 5–8% |
| Motorcycle tires | 42–48% | 30–32% | 5–8% | 5–10% |
| Off-road tires (OTR) | 33–38% | 35–40% | 20–25% | 5–7% |
Why Oil Yields Vary
- Rubber Composition:
Car tires use more synthetic rubber and oil-based additives → higher oil yield. - Steel Content:
Truck and OTR tires contain more steel → lower oil yield, but higher scrap steel value. - Ash Content:
Higher ash = lower carbon black and oil recovery. - Moisture Levels:
Wet or degraded tires reduce oil output efficiency.
Example: 10 Tons of Waste Tires (Mixed Types)
| Output Material | Estimated Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pyrolysis Oil | 4,200 kg (~42%) |
| Carbon Black | 3,200 kg (~32%) |
| Steel Wire | 1,500 kg (~15%) |
| Combustible Gas | 1,000 kg (~10%) |
That’s over 4 tons of oil — which can be used directly or further refined into diesel.
What Is Tire Pyrolysis Oil Used For?
Fuel for boilers, furnaces, and generators
Can be refined into diesel using distillation units
Alternative energy for cement, brick, and steel factories
With oil prices rising and environmental regulations tightening, pyrolysis oil offers a sustainable, low-cost energy source.
At Gomine, our advanced tire pyrolysis plants are designed to:
✅ Handle all tire types (PCR, TBR, OTR)
✅ Achieve up to 45–50% oil yield with optimized technology
✅ Recycle combustible gas as internal heating fuel (save cost)
✅ Separate carbon black and steel efficiently
✅ Comply with international emission standards
If you have any needs or questions, feel free to contact us.
