R&D

Ecoelastika undertook the coordination of an important project (RAP- ELT) funded by the Operational Programme “Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation “, NSRF 2014-2020.

The aim of the research project, which will run for three years (2018-2021), is to study the possibility of increasing the recycling proportion of asphalt, by modifying it with rubber granulate, in order to improve its quality characteristics and life duration.

Ecoelastika S.A., continuing its R&D activities through participation in research projects for the final utilisation of intermediate or main products obtained through mechanical processing of end-of-life tires, participates as a Coordinator in an Industrial Research program of General Secretariat of Research and Technology (27-BET-2013).

The purpose of the programme is the Design, Development and Installation of an INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF COLLECTION, TRANSPORT, PROCESSING AND OPTIMAL RECOVERY OF MATERIALS FROM USED VEHICLE TIRES (Green WTMS) using state-of-the-art technologies in the field of manufacturing of integrated measuring systems, special type sensors and measurements, automation systems, ICT technologies, process optimisation algorithms and quality sampling controls to optimise and monitor the process of collection, transport and mechanical processing of Used Tires Vehicles. The programme runs for 15 months and is implemented in collaboration with the companies MOTION HELLAS Ltd. and RETIRE S.A.

The results of the study carried out by Ecoelastika, confirm that the two-layered rubber tiles (upper layer EPDM, lower layer SBR), intended for use in Playgrounds, meet the requirements established by EN 14877, and ensure the required safety and resistance to wear.

In particular, the research focused on the required thickness of the upper layer of EPDM granules, which ensures the durability, throughout the duration of the tiles use, in accordance with Regulation 1907/2006 (REACH).

Ecoelastika in collaboration with the ETRMA (European Tyre Recycling Association) analysed in analytical chemistry laboratories and determined the percentage of metals and ash contained in the whole tires of used passenger vehicles used for energy recovery in the cement industry. The use of tires as an alternative fuel in the cement industry is an international practice, which does not produce more pollutants than those released from conventional solid fuels during the production of clinker.

A significant percentage, around 23%, consisting of inorganic components and metals contained in used tires, does not burn but remains in the clinker which comes out of the furnace and is an intermediate product of cement production. This percentage of tires which do not burn during energy use in cement kilns but linger in the final product should be added under the current legislation to the percentages of “recycling” and not to those of “energy recovery”.

Summary presentation of results:

In this study, sampling and analysis were performed in respresentative samples of TDF (Tire derived fuel), aiming to create a European quality chart of this specific alternative fuel, in order to facilitate its use in energy-intensive industries, both within and out of Europe.

Summary presentation of the results:

During 2012 was completed a study commissioned by Ecoelastika to the Institute of Technology and Applications, to explore possible tire management technologies, and, in particular, recycling techniques and energy recovery. In the context of this investigation, an analysis of the available technologies was carried out, as well as a financial study on existing or emerging thermal management methods. These methods can be used for both product recovery and energy recovery form used tires.
According to the analysis performed, there is no technologically mature procedure capable of absorbing entirely the tires.
According to the analysis done there is no technologically mature method which can absorb the whole set of tires. Solutions, such as the use of tires in landfills, as additives and soil enhancers, in anti-corrosion works, as sound curtains, as thermal insulation materials, on artificial turfs and on the floor of sports venues and playgrounds, have a positive environmental performance, but cannot absorb all discarded tires. Also, the use of rubber granulate used to modify asphalt for road construction is another plausible solution which theoretically could absorb rather large quantities of tires, even though in Europe there are very few applications.

Pyrolysis, as a technology, could absorb very large quantities of tires and contribute to the problem of their management. Conventional pyrolysis, however, is not financially viable and despite all efforts, especially in the United States, it has not been established as a comprehensive technical-financial solution to the tire problem.