Ahead of this year's Recovered Carbon Black Asia 2024, we spoke with Kevin Zhu, Head of Sales in China at HOSOKAWA MICRON GROUP, to get a sneak peek of what we can expect from his presentation on 'Challenges in rCB finishing (milling and pelletizing/drying)' Here's what he had to say…




Q1 Your presentation at the inaugural Recovered Carbon Black Asia will cover 'Challenges in rCB finishing (milling and pelletizing/drying)'  Why is it important for others in the industry to hear this message?
Hosokawa is continuously working on improving the actual technology for the “back end“ in the rCB powder production. Hosokawa’s target is to improve the single process steps in order to offer all disciplines out of one hand. Hosokawa want to show their possibilities and the latest technology in order to support potential customers in this industry.
 
Q2 What are the main challenges in your day-to-day work relating to sustainability in tires/recovered carbon black/tire pyrolysis?
Often the earning of oil at the pyrolysis step in the process is a key motivation to go for rCB. Hosokawa would like to make a contribution to the preparation of high quality powder, what is comparable to a non recycling one. The challenge is to process the material under a energy-optimized process, nevertheless reaching highest qualities at the same time.
 
Q3 What are some of the biggest opportunities gaining attention within the recovered Carbon Black industry?
Many big players are open to replace conventional (virgin) carbon black by rCB. The performance of rCB is proving itself more and more what leads to a step by step higher acceptance on the market. Actual the big opportunity is, that rCB is not longer seen as a second choice compared to virgin CB.
 
Q4 What do you think will be some of the most interesting advancements in recovered carbon black/tire pyrolysis in the near future?
For us was the  successful installation of several systems (delivered from Hosokawa) a first step. now we hope for a successful implementing of the rCB powder  in some key industries, with a positive feedback from the market。
 
Q5 What are the challenges the tire pyrolysis value chain has to overcome in the next few years?
The guarantee for a stable high quality and a common understanding for the evaluation criteria for “good” rCB (fineness, ash content,….) must be ensured.
 
Q6 What collaborations in/with the value chain are you seeking?
Hoskawa Alpine AG, Hosokawa Micron BV and Hosokawa Solids Solutions are working together to combine different disciplines for the back end.
But most important is the exchange / feedback from the market (rCB-producers, tyire manufacturers, ….) about their needs/demand and the latest trends.
Here we are looking forward to get fresh input and impulses at the rCB conference in Quingdao.