Functions, Working Principles and Advantages of Feeders in Batch-Type Pyrolysis Equipment

Functions, Working Principles and Advantages of Feeders in Batch-Type Pyrolysis Equipment

I. Functions

The feeder of batch-type pyrolysis equipment is a key device connecting the preprocessing system and the pyrolysis reactor. Its core function is to feed crushed raw materials such as waste tires and waste plastics into the sealed pyrolysis reactor in batches, quantitatively and stably, while ensuring that the oxygen-free reaction environment inside the reactor is not damaged during the feeding process.

The specific functions are as follows:

Replace manual direct feeding to prevent operators from contacting the high-temperature reactor and reduce safety risks.

Control the single-batch feeding volume to match the batch reaction capacity of the pyrolysis reactor, avoiding abnormal pressure or uneven heating inside the reactor caused by excessive raw materials.

Maintain temporary sealing or quick opening and closing of the reactor door during feeding, reduce heat loss and air intake inside the reactor, and ensure the oxygen-free conditions required for the pyrolysis reaction.

II. Working Principles

The commonly used feeders for batch-type pyrolysis equipment are screw feeders or hydraulic tipping-bucket feeders, with the following working principles respectively:

Screw feeder: The screw blade is driven to rotate by a motor. After raw materials enter from the feed inlet, they are pushed to the discharge 

outlet (the feed end of the pyrolysis reactor) by the rotating screw blade. The discharge outlet is hermetically connected to the feed inlet of the pyrolysis reactor. The feeding speed is controlled by adjusting the motor rotation speed, and the machine stops running after the completion of batch feeding.

Hydraulic tipping-bucket feeder: Raw materials are loaded into the tipping-bucket silo manually or by a conveyor. The hydraulic system drives the silo to lift to the height of the feed inlet of the pyrolysis reactor, then the silo is turned over and the raw materials slide into the reactor. After feeding, the silo resets and the reactor door is closed. This type is suitable for scenarios with large-particle-size raw materials.

III. Advantages

Compared with manual feeding or continuous conveying equipment, the feeder of batch-type pyrolysis equipment is well adapted to the characteristics of batch production, with the following prominent advantages:

Strong operational adaptability

It features a simple structure, allows flexible adjustment of the single-batch feeding volume, and fully matches the "one batch, one feeding" process requirement of the batch-type pyrolysis reactor, without the need for complex quantitative control systems.

High safety

It realizes isolated conveying of raw materials from the high-temperature reactor, eliminating risks such as scalding and splashing of high-temperature gas inside the reactor during manual feeding. Some models are equipped with anti-blocking devices to avoid equipment failures caused by raw material blockage.

Cost and maintenance advantages

The equipment has a low manufacturing cost and no complex interlock control components. In the later stage, only regular inspection of vulnerable parts such as screw blades and hydraulic cylinders is required, featuring low maintenance difficulty and cost, and is suitable for small and medium-sized pyrolysis production lines.

Reduced heat and environmental loss

The feeding process is fast and efficient, shortening the opening time of the reactor door, reducing heat loss inside the reactor and lowering fuel consumption. Meanwhile, it reduces air intake into the reactor, avoids oxidation of raw materials, and ensures the quality of pyrolysis oil