GB2337764A - Tyre de-metallising - Google Patents

Abstract

Tyres are de-metallised by passing them on a conveyor 5 through a high frequency induction coil 2 which is surrounded by an enclosure 6. As each tyre passes through the coil 2 its metal wires are melted by the coil 2, the molten metal then falling into a tray at the bottom of the enclosure 6 and the remaining rubber portion of the tyre being removed from the coil 2 by the conveyor 5. The enclosure 6 contains water 7 in which at least a part of the conveyor 5 is submerged so that at least a part of each tyre is submerged as it passes through the coil 2. By surrounding the coil 2 with the enclosure 6 and using water 7, pollution and the risk of fire are reduced. The rubber can be reprocessed for other uses.

Description

1 2337764 TYRE DE-METALISER This invention relates to a tyre de-metaliser.

Vehicular 'rubber' tyres contain metal wire as an integral part of their composition, to give them the necessary strength and durability. However, this makes used and unwanted tyres very difficult to dispose o with ensuing environmental and commercial problems.

Accordingly, this invention removes metal from tyres, in a device, by means of rapid High Frequency Induction leaving only rubber compound, which can easily processed/fragmented for other uses.

A high frequency coil, generating magnetic flux density, is used - this being capable of melting steel wire with 'instant' speed (like a 'fast fuse'). The molten metaL in globular form, falls from the tyre to leave only the rubber compound.

The windings (ref L), which generate the required magnetic flux density, are encased in an epoxy coil box (ref 2.) with high frequency induction terminals (ref 1) -there would be several sizes to cater for different sizes of tyres.

There are orifices (ref 4.) at both ends and the tyres, located on composite rods, pass through the box on a motor driven rubber conveyor belt (ref 5.).

The lower part of this coil box and conveyor belt are submerged in water (the whole encased in a larger safe enclosure - ref 6.) so that the tyres are partly/fully submerged. The melted wire disintegrates very quickly and the water ensures that fire and pollution risks are kept to a minimum.

The water is circulated, and cooled (ref T) by a type of heat exchanger to prevent overheating, and is filtered to remove debris.

The metal, silt and other debris are collected at the bottom of the enclosure in a tray, with suitable lifting shackles and eyelets to facilitate removal.

The enclosure also has extraction and afterburner, with a view to reducing pollution.

2 Y The remaining rubber compound can then be easily re-processed for other uses (such as semi-conductor flooring, safe playgrounds etc.) with enormous savings to the environmental / waste disposal aspects.

The above features are shown on the enclosed drawing no. RB/RSI-I/SK I with reference numbers as called up in the description/text.

1 f 3

Claims (7)

1. A device which, by means of rapid High Frequency Induction, removes metal wire from vehicular tyres leaving only rubber compound, which can then be easily processed/fragmented for other uses.
2. 2. A device as claimed in Claim 1. which utilises a high frequency coil to generate Magnetic Flux Density to melt steel wire with 'instant' speed.
3. 3. A device as claimed in Claims 1, and 2 wherein molten globules of metal fall from the tyres to leave easily disposable and useful compound.
4. 4. An enclosure, containing the above referred device, which allows safe collection of all metal and debris.
5. 5. An enclosure wherein conveyor belts, upon which used tyres are supported, pass through the device to enable the activities as claimed in Claims 1. and 2 to take place,
6. 6. An enclosure, containing the above referred device, which facilitates cooled water to be circulated and extraction to minimise fire, pollution or other hazards.
7. 7. An enclosure, containing the above referred device, wherein a tray, which suitable lifting tackle, is used to collect and remove debris.