Overview of Scrap Tire Recycling

Introduction

• Scrap tire recyclers are found nationwide, including a modern plant in Southern California.
• The company, Lakyn, established in 1918 in Chicago, is a family business begun by Abraham Lincoln.
• Successive generations (grandfather, father, uncle) have contributed significantly to the enterprise.

Tire Processing Facility

• Indoor Processing: All tire processing is conducted indoors, safeguarded by a fire protection system.
• Processing Speed: The facility processes a tire within approximately 90 seconds.
• Inspection and Conveyor System:
  • Trucks deliver tires, which are then placed on conveyors.
  • Tires are inspected based on size and composition.

Shredding Process

• Conveyor Systems: Tires are transported to shredding machines via overhead conveyors.
• Primary Shredding:
  • Conducted by a Barclay 6-inch shredder for rough cuts.
  • Blades have a 6-inch gap, designed for coarse material shredding.
• Secondary Shredding:
  • Uses Columbus McKinnon secondary shredders (2-inch shredders).
  • Performs finer cuts to achieve specific sizes according to screen settings.

Shredding Technology

• Blade Design:
  • Shredders use sharp, interlocking carbide steel blades.
  • Precision is critical, with tolerances as narrow as three one-thousandth of an inch.
• Tire Design Challenges:
  • Tires must withstand significant mechanical forces during shredding.
  • The process demands substantial energy to separate steel belts from reclaimed rubber.
• Innovation:
  • Introduction of a high-tech system to enhance steel belt removal efficiency.