Development of Real-Time Sensor Network for Characterization of Pyrolysis Oil from Waste Tires

Pyrolysis, a viable method for producing valuable products like tire pyrolytic oil, addressing the environmental problems associated with the improper disposal of used tires. However, additional refinement is necessary to extract lighter fractions of the oil, which have higher economic value. This study focuses on the design and development of a small-scale atmospheric distillation system specifically engineered to characterize pyrolytic oil from waste tires. The system is designed to separate the lighter fractions of tire pyrolytic oil and analyze the distilled oil in accordance with ASTM standards, while also conducting physical and spectral characterization using a real-time sensor network. The real-time sensor network, which controls the system for characterizing tire pyrolytic oil, maintains precise temperature control within the 30-60°C range. It uses gravitydriven fluid movement, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps. Key parameters like density, pH level, and water content are carefully monitored and displayed on both a control panel and mobile devices. With the use of advanced sensors and calibration methods, the system ensures accurate measurements, addressing limitations found in existing technologies. The data collected during the oil characterization were compared with results from a standard testing laboratory in the Philippines accredited by the Department of Energy (DOE) using ASTM standards. These comparisons highlight the system's effectiveness in improving the reliability and usability of tire pyrolytic oil for various industrial applications. This innovative approach provides a cost-effective and efficient solution for refining tire pyrolytic oil and characterizing its physical and spectral properties, underscoring its significant potential for industrial use.