Industrial Shredder for End-of-Life Tires

An unusual destination, but a classic application, for one of our flagship products.

According to estimates by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the disposal of end-of-life tires (ELT), which are no longer suitable for use on any type of vehicle, involves staggering figures:

• 1 billion end-of-life tires are generated every year
• Approximately 4 billion end-of-life tires are currently stockpiled in landfills worldwide

Controlled disposal of end-of-life tires has reached excellent levels in Europe, Japan, and the United States (with an estimated 85% recycling rate), thanks in large part to the fundamental contribution of industrial shredder technology.

The location serving as the backdrop for the installation of the twin-shaft industrial shredder for end-of-life tires presented in this article is decidedly unconventional. On our planet, there are true paradises where nature seems to be particularly benevolent toward human beings. This is the case with the islands of the French Antilles, a territory belonging to the European Union but located in the Caribbean islands. The French Antilles comprise four islands: Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy.

The most beautiful locations, however, can be subject to greater challenges regarding waste disposal. Particularly for island locations, a whole series of logistical issues must be considered in managing infrastructure and services. In particular, the waste management cycle presents additional challenges because space is limited and the entire storage and disposal process must be carefully planned to avoid aesthetic inconveniences and environmental risks.

The installation details for the industrial shredding solution at our customer’s facility, a large industrial group, are as follows:

• Machine body consisting of medium-power industrial shredder for end-of-life tires K 10/50 with 37 kW (50 HP)
• Supply of single-hook blades with 50 mm thickness
• Hydraulic motorization in complete machine configuration: grinding body, frame, hopper, and control panel

Since this involves tire processing, the hopper is equipped with a water spray system to facilitate the shredding process. Furthermore, the frame is sufficiently high to allow direct discharge into a big bag below, simplifying collection and transport operations.

The customer’s requirements were met with the production of extensive pre-sales and after-sales technical documentation, issued in both English and French.

Product commissioning was performed directly by SatrindTech technical support specialists. Proud to support our customers anywhere in the world, this customized ELT shredding installation demonstrates our ability to reach even remote locations: SatrindTech shredders have no boundaries.

Piles of discarded and stacked tires are one of the symbols of environmental pollution. Thanks to greater awareness and more precise regulations, reintegrating this type of material into disposal processes within a circular economy perspective is now more possible than ever. There are no more excuses for accumulating tires. Shredding is one of the simplest ways to overcome the disposal challenges that this type of material presents.

At the end of its life, a tire becomes an ELT (End-of-Life Tire) and must be disposed of in a way that minimizes its environmental impact. Tires can be reused in multiple ways. From rubberized asphalt to alternative concrete, many construction materials use properly treated tires through shredding as a component of their mixture. Some applications include:

• Street furniture such as curbs, speed bumps, and lane dividers
• Paving for playgrounds and sports field areas
• Acoustic insulation
• Lightweight construction materials in civil engineering works

Due to their high calorific potential, end-of-life tires can also be used as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Recycling the rubber that makes up every type of tire begins with shredding.

Volume reduction through shredding is the first step in tire recycling. SatrindTech shredders are among the most requested for processing this type of material, with shredding solutions designed for every need, already field-tested in every corner of the globe.