It is not recommended to purchase used converters for waste tire oil refining, for the following key reasons

It is not recommended to purchase used converters for waste tire oil refining, for the following key reasons:

1. High Equipment Safety Risks

Unknown Furnace Wear: Converters operate long-term at 450–650°C, which causes corrosion, thinning, and deformation of the furnace steel. The remaining service life of used equipment cannot be accurately assessed, increasing the risk of furnace perforation or explosion.

Failed Sealing Performance: Seals and welds on used equipment may be aged or cracked, allowing air to infiltrate the furnace and mix with oil-gas to form explosive mixtures, or causing oil-gas leaks that trigger fire or poisoning hazards.

Lack of Professional Testing: Used equipment typically lacks comprehensive pressure and airtightness testing. It is prone to overpressure, gas leaks, and other hidden dangers, and often lacks supporting safety interlock devices.

2. Uncertain Environmental Compliance

Non-Compliant Emissions: The exhaust gas purification systems of used converters are often missing or aged, unable to effectively treat pollutants such as dioxins, hydrogen sulfide, and VOCs. This violates the Emission Standard for Pollutants from the Petroleum Chemical Industry, leading to penalties from environmental authorities.

Non-Standard Processes: Some used converters are prohibited "crude oil refining" equipment that lacks supporting environmental facilities. Such projects cannot pass EIA approval and face the risk of shutdown.

3. Economic and Technical Hidden Risks

High Maintenance Costs: Spare parts for used equipment are hard to source, and there is no technical support from manufacturers. Faults result in high repair costs and long downtime, affecting production efficiency.

Low Energy Efficiency: The aging heat recycling systems of old equipment lead to low energy self-sufficiency, making operating costs much higher than new equipment. Product yield and quality are also unstable.

Policy Risks: National requirements for environmental protection and safety in the waste tire pyrolysis industry continue to tighten. Used equipment may be eliminated for failing to meet new standards.