Automobile Shredder Residue Research Articles

Processing plastics from ASR/ESR waste: separation of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) by froth flotation after microwave-assisted surface modification

The feasibility of the selective surface hydrophilization of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) using microwave treatment to facilitate the separation of PVC via froth flotation from automobile shredder residue (ASR) and electronic waste shredder residue (ESR) was evaluated. In the presence of powder-activated carbon (PAC), 60-s microwave treatment selectively enhanced the hydrophilicity of the PVC surface (i.e., the PVC contact angle decreased from 86.8° to 69.9°). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results are consistent with increased hydrophilic functional groups (i.e., ether, hydroxyl, and carboxyl), amounting to significant changes in the morphology and roughness of the PVC surface after treatment. After only 60 s of microwave treatment, 20 % of the PVC was separated in virgin and ASR/ESR plastics with 33 and 29 % purity, respectively, as settled fractions by froth flotation at a 150 rpm mixing speed. The microwave treatment with the addition of PAC had a synergetic effect with the froth flotation, which brought about 100 and 90 % selective separation of PVC from the other virgin and ASR/ESR plastics, with 91 and 82 % purity. The use of the combined froth flotation and microwave treatments is an effective technology for separating PVC from hazardous waste plastics.

Pollutant formation in the pyrolysis and combustion of Automotive Shredder Residue

The present work has been carried out to verify the feasibility of thermal valorization of an automobile shredder residue (ASR). With this aim, the thermal decomposition of this waste has been studied in a laboratory scale reactor, analyzing the pollutants emitted under different operating conditions. The emission factors of carbon oxides, light hydrocarbons, PAHs, PCPhs, PCBzs, PBPhs, PCDD/Fs, dioxin-like PCBs and PBDD/Fs were determined at two temperatures, 600 and 850°C, and under different oxygen ratios ranging from 0 (pure pyrolysis) to 1.5 (over-stoichiometric oxidation). After analyzing all these compounds, we conclude that thermal valorization of ASR is a clean way to treat this waste.

Utilization of nano/micro-size iron recovered from the fine fraction of automobile shredder residue for phenol degradation in water

The study investigates the magnetic separation of Fe from automobile shredder residue (ASR) (<0.25 mm) and its application for phenol degradation in water. The magnetically separated Fe was subjected to an ultrasonically assisted acid treatment, and the degradation of phenol in an aqueous solution using nano/micro-size Fe (n/m Fe) was investigated in an effort to evaluate the possibility of utilizing n/m Fe to remove phenol from wastewater. The prepared n/m Fe was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The effects of the dosages of n/mFe, pH, concentration of phenol and amount of H2O2 on phenol removal were evaluated. The results confirm that the phenol degradation rate was improved with an increase in the dosages of n/mFe and H2O2; however, the rate is reduced when the phenol concentration is higher. The degradation of phenol by n/mFe followed the pseudo-first-order kinetics. The value of the reaction rate constant (k) was increased as the amounts of n/m Fe and H2O2 increased. Conversely, the value of k was reduced when the concentration of phenol was increased. The probable mechanism behind the degradation of phenol by n/m Fe is the oxidation of phenol through hydroxyl radicals which are produced during the reaction between H2O2 and n/m Fe.

Rapid degradation of phenol by ultrasound-dispersed nano-metallic particles (NMPs) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide: A possible mechanism for phenol degradation in water

The present study was carried out to investigate the degradation of phenol by ultrasonically dispersed nano-metallic particles (NMPs) in an aqueous solution of phenol. Leaching liquor from automobile shredder residue (ASR) was used to obtain the NMPs. The prepared NMPs were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The SEM images show that the diameters of the NMPs were less than 50 nm. An SEM-EDX elemental analysis reveals that Fe was the most commonly found element (weight %) in the NMPs. The FTIR and XRD peaks indicate the presence of metals oxides on the surfaces of the NMPs. The results of the XPS analysis indicate that various elements (e.g., C, O, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) are present on the surfaces of the NMPs. The effects of the NMP dose, the initial solution pH, and of different concentrations of phenol and H2O2 on the phenol degradation characteristics were evaluated. The results of this study demonstrate that phenol degradation can be improved by increasing the amount of NMPs, whereas it is reduced with an increase in the phenol concentration. The degradation of phenol by ultrasonically dispersed NMPs followed the pseudo-first-order kinetics. The probable mechanism of phenol degradation by ultrasonically dispersed NMPs was the oxidation of phenol caused by the hydroxyl radicals produced during the reaction between H2O2 and the NMPs during the ultrasonication process.

Synthesis of nano zero-valent metals from the leaching liquor of automobile shredder residue: A mechanism and potential applications for phenol degradation in water

Automobile shredder residue (ASR) (<0.25mm) is a good source for the synthesis of nano zero-valent metals (nZVMs). The leaching of heavy metals was carried out with ASR using an ultrasonically assisted acid. nZVMs were prepared from the leaching liquor of ASR at a pH of 7 followed by the addition of a reducing agent. The degradation of phenol by the prepared nZVMs in an aqueous solution was examined to assess the possibility of applying nZVMs to remove phenol from wastewater. The prepared nZVMs were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The effects of the nZVM dosage, the initial pH, and of different concentrations of phenol and H2O2 on the degradation of phenol were assessed. The phenol degradation rate was increased from 96.7% to 98.8% with an increase in the nZVM dose from 0.125 to 0.5g/L. The highest phenol degradation rate was achieved at a pH of 3.0 with a removal efficiency of approximately 98.3%. The degradation efficiency of phenol was decreased from 99.0% to 91.4% with an increase in the phenol concentration from 5 to 40mg/L; however, the degradation efficiency increased from 97.7% to 99.1% with an increase in the H2O2 concentration from 50mM to 200mM. XPS analyses found that various elements (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cr, Al and C) existed in the synthesized nZVMs. The degradation of phenol was well fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetics. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order reaction rate constants are represented by kobs and k, respectively. Both increased with an increase in the amount of nZVM and the concentration of H2O2; however, the values of these constants were reduced as concentration of phenol increased. The value of kobs was reduced when the pH and the concentration of phenol increased. The possible mechanism for the degradation of phenol by nZVMs was the oxidation of phenol by hydroxyl radicals which were generated in the liquid medium during the reaction between H2O2 and nZVMs.

Utillization of automobile shredder residue (ASR) as a reducing agent for the recovery of black copper

The physicochemical characteristics of automobile shredder residue (ASR) and its melting slag were investigated: In particular, the applicability of ASR as a reducing agent to the black copper recovery process. ASR is classified into three types after the shredding process: heavy fluff, light fluff and glass and soil. In this study, the portions of heavy fluff, light fluff and glass and soil in the ASR were 89.2 wt%, 8.1 wt% and 2.7 wt%, respectively. Physicochemical analysis revealed that moisture and fixed carbon content were low in heavy and light fluffs, and combustible content was the highest. The higher heating value (HHV) of light fluff was 6,607 kcal/kg, and the HHV of heavy fluff was 5,312 kcal/kg. To sum up, the separation of black copper and discard slag mostly seems to be affected by the melting temperature. Therefore, if basicity and melting temperature are properly controlled, the ASR can be used as a reducing agent in the smelting process of black copper recovery. Moreover, the possibility of black copper recovery from ASR and heavy metal poisoning is evaluated.

Pyrolysis of automobile shredder residue in a laboratory scale screw type reactor

Polymeric fraction of automobile shredder residue (ASR) was pyrolyzed in a laboratory scale screw type reactor under various conditions. All components of ASR and also a representative mixed sample of ASR were studied by thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), elemental analysis, bomb calorimetry and atomic emission spectrometry (AES). The ASR sample used in the laboratory pyrolysis apparatus contained mainly plastics, rubber, textiles, foam and other organics. The pyrolysis experiments were conducted at reactor temperatures ranging from 550 to 800°C, providing solid (30–34wt%), liquid (7–28wt%) and gas (42–65wt%) pyrolysis products. Composition of pyrolysis gases was measured online by a microchromatograph. By increasing the temperature, the content of hydrogen and CO in the gas fraction increased while that of light hydrocarbons decreased. The content of methane showed a maximum at 750°C. For pyrolysis char, its proximate and elemental composition, higher heating value and heavy metal content were determined. Char contained around 48wt% of fixed carbon; its sulfur content increased from 1.12wt% for char produced at 550°C to 2.31wt% for char produced at 800°C; its higher heating value varied between 14–19MJ/kg. Influence of the initial ASR composition was investigated as well. Increasing the content of rubber resulted in an increase of the char yield, while by increasing the plastic content, the gas yield increased. No significant effect of the ASR composition on the amount of liquid pyrolysis product was observed.

Novel synthesis and applications of Thiomer solidification for heavy metals immobilization in hazardous ASR/ISW thermal residue

The present paper reports the novel synthesis and application of Thiomer solidification for heavy metal immobilization in hazardous automobile shredder residues and industrial solid waste (ASR/ISW) thermal residues. The word Thiomer is a combination of the prefix of a sulfur-containing compound “Thio” and the suffix of “Polymer” meaning a large molecule compound of many repeated subunits. To immobilize heavy metals, either ASR/ISW thermal residues (including bottom and fly ash) was mixed well with Thiomer and heated at 140°C. After Thiomer solidification, approximately 91–100% heavy metal immobilization was achieved. The morphology and mineral phases of the Thiomer-solidified ASR/ISW thermal residue were characterized by field emission-scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD), which indicated that the amounts of heavy metals detectable on the ASR/ISW thermal residue surface decreased and the sulfur mass percent increased. XRD indicated that the main fraction of the enclosed/bound materials on the ASR/ISW residue contained sulfur associated crystalline complexes. The Thiomer solidified process could convert the heavy metal compounds into highly insoluble metal sulfides and simultaneously encapsulate the ASR/ISW thermal residue. These results show that the proposed method can be applied to the immobilization of ASR/ISW hazardous ash involving heavy metals.

Recovery of precious metals from low-grade automobile shredder residue: A novel approach for the recovery of nanozero-valent copper particles

The presence of precious metals (PMs) in low-grade automobile shredder residue (ASR) makes it attractive for recycling. This study investigated the leaching and recovery characteristics of two PMs (Cu and Ag) and two heavy metals (Mn and Co) from ASR. The effects of H2O2, leaching temperature, liquid to solid (L/S) ratio, and particle size on metal leaching were determined in an aqueous solution of 0.5M nitric acid. The metal leaching rate was increased with increasing nitric acid concentration, amount of H2O2, L/S ratio and temperature. The leaching kinetics was analyzed by using a second-order reaction model. In the analysis of leaching kinetics, the metal leaching data were well fitted (R2⩾0.99) with the second-order reaction model. The activation energy (kJ/mol) for metal leaching was 39.6 for Cu, 17.1 for Ag, 17.3 for Mn and 29.2 for Co. Metal recovery was carried out by fractional precipitation with the addition of advanced Fenton’s regent. Metal recovery efficiency was increased to 99.95% for Cu, 99.8% for Mn, 90.0% for Ag and 96.46% for Co with the advanced Fenton’s regent. In particular, a novel finding of the PM recovery is that Cu can also be recovered directly from the leachate of ASR in the form of zero-valent copper (ZVC) nanoparticles (NPs). Hydrometallurgical recovery of the metals from ASR using nitric acid is highly efficient.

A novel reutilization method for automobile shredder residue as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue: Mechanisms and heavy metal recovery using an ultrasonically assisted acid

This study investigates the recovery of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ni, Pb and Cr) from automobile shredder residue (ASR) using an ultrasound-assisted acid. The discovered recovery efficiencies of the metals were in the following order: Zn (98.1%)>Ni (92.8%)>Mn (87.4%)>Cu (84.1%)>Pb (80.2%)>Cr (80.1%)>Fe (19.9%). The residue after the extraction of heavy metals was used to remove methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous solution. The chemical characteristics of the surface of the adsorbent were examined through X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and point-of-zero charge determination. The adsorption kinetics of MB on the ultrasonically treated ASR (UTASR) with respect to the initial dye concentration, pH, adsorbent dose and temperature were investigated. The adsorption of MB on UTASR was assessed on the basis of equilibrium and kinetic studies. The adsorption kinetic data was well fitted to a pseudo-second order kinetic model. Equilibrium isotherms were analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The Langmuir isotherm was found to be a better fit of the MB adsorption data. Ultrasound with nitric acid had a synergistic effect when it was used to extract heavy metals from ASR.

Kinetics and extraction of heavy metals resources from automobile shredder residue

Automobile shredder residue (ASR) has been considered as risky waste due to presence of high concentration of toxic metals, which can pose an environmental threat of being leached out under acidic conditions in the landfill. The present study investigated the extraction of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd from ASR using water over a range of pH (2–8), temperature (25–55°C), liquid/solid (L/S) ratio (10–100mLg−1) and particle size (0.0–4.75mm). The extraction kinetics of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd from ASR using water were also analyzed by the shrinking core model (SCM) and second-order reaction model. The extraction rates of metals from ASR were improved by increasing different temperatures and liquid to solid ratios. A maximum extraction of metals was achieved at pH—2, temperature—25°C and liquid to solid ratio—100mLg−1. Metal extractions were not efficient at alkaline pH of water. The smallest size fraction of ASR was highly recommended for extraction of heavy metals rather than the larger fractions. The extraction data were best fitted (R2≥0.95) by the second order reaction model, but not by the SCM (R2<0.95).

Quantitative analysis and reduction of the eco-toxicity risk of heavy metals for the fine fraction of automobile shredder residue (ASR) using H2O2

Automobile shredder residue (ASR) fraction (size <0.25mm) can be considered as hazardous due to presence of high concentrations of heavy metals. Hydrogen peroxide combined with nitric acid has been used for the recovery of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr) from the fine fraction of ASR. A sequential extraction procedure has also been used to determine the heavy metal speciation in the fine fraction of ASR before and after treatment. A risk analysis of the fine fraction of ASR before and after treatment was conducted to assess the bioavailability and eco-toxicity of heavy metals. These results showed that the recovery of heavy metals from ASR increased with an increase in the hydrogen peroxide concentration. A high concentration of heavy metals was found to be present in Cbio fractions (the sum of the exchangeable and carbonate fractions) in the fine fraction of ASR, indicating high toxicity risk. The Cbio rate of all selected heavy metals was found to range from 8.6% to 33.4% of the total metal content in the fine fraction of ASR. After treatment, Cbio was reduced to 0.3–3.3% of total metal upon a treatment with 2.0% hydrogen peroxide. On the basis of the risk assessment code (RAC), the environmental risk values for heavy metals in the fine fraction of ASR reflect high risk/medium risk. However, after treatment, the heavy metals would be categorized as low risk/no risk. The present study concludes that hydrogen peroxide combined with nitric acid is a promising treatment for the recovery and reduction of the eco-toxicity risk of heavy metals in ASR.

Hydrometallurgical recovery of heavy metals from low grade automobile shredder residue (ASR): An application of advanced Fenton process (AFP)

To investigate the leaching and recovery of heavy metals from low-grade automobile shredder residue (ASR), the effects of nitric acid (HNO3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations, liquid/solid (L/S) ratio, leaching temperature and ASR particle size fractions on the heavy metal leaching rate were determined. The heavy metals were recovered by fractional precipitation and advanced Fenton process (AFP) at different pHs. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test was also performed in the residue remaining after heavy metal leaching to evaluate the potential toxicity of ASR. The heavy metal leaching efficiency was increased with increasing HNO3 and H2O2 concentrations, L/S ratio and temperature. The heavy metal leaching efficiencies were maximized in the lowest ASR size fraction at 303 K and L/S ratio of 100 mL/g. The kinetic study showed that the metal leaching was best represented by a second-order reaction model, with a value of R2 > 0.99 for all selected heavy metals. The determined activation energy (kJ/mol) was 21.61, 17.10, 12.15, 34.50, 13.07 and 11.45 for Zn, Fe, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr, respectively. In the final residue, the concentrations of Cd, Cr and Pb were under their threshold limits in all ASR size fractions. Hydrometallurgical metal recovery was greatly increased by AFP up to 99.96% for Zn, 99.97% for Fe, 95.62% for Ni, 99.62% for Pb, 94.11% for Cd and 96.79% for Cr. AFP is highly recommended for the recovery of leached metals from solution even at low concentrations.

Recycling of a fine, heavy fluff automobile shredder residue by density and differential fragmentation

A compilation of the physical properties of materials which might typically occur in automobile shredder residue and an analysis of their suitability for the separation of materials in fine (<15mm) heavy fluff ASR (fhf-ASR) is presented. Differences in density and resistance to crushing of fhf-ASR materials were identified as potentially the most suitable low cost, technologically simple means for the separating this waste into its three principal components – metals, minerals (glass/stones) and organics (plastics).Results presented of laboratory scale tests demonstrate that fhf-ASR can in large part be separated into three principal components. Tests were conducted with 0.63–2.0mm and 2–10mm fractions. Recovery of plastics by density separations were conducted with water only jigs for the 2–10mm fraction and shaker tables for the 0.63–2mm fraction. Comparisons are presented of the separations of glass and stones from metals obtained by linear screening and vibratory screening of roller mill and impact mill crushing products of the high density 2–10mm fraction. Equipment used for these tests are of a laboratory or demonstrative scale. It is reasonable to anticipate that industrial scale processing would produce significantly better results.The 2–15mm fraction was found to constitute 91.6% of the fhf-ASR sampled. The metals content of the 2–10mm portion of this fraction was upgraded from 2.5% to 31% and 76.9% with recoveries varying inversely with grade from 91.9% to 40.1%. From 63.6% to 17.1% with a recovery of 93.5% of the organic materials. A residual product of fine sand of crushed glass/stones of 99.4% purity recovered 71.3% of these.

Evaluation of heavy metals in hazardous automobile shredder residue thermal residue and immobilization with novel nano-size calcium dispersed reagent

This study was conducted to synthesize and apply a nano-size calcium dispersed reagent as an immobilization material for heavy metal-contaminated automobile shredder residues (ASR) dust/thermal residues in dry condition. Simple mixing with a nanometallic Ca/CaO/PO4 dispersion mixture immobilized 95–100% of heavy metals in ASR dust/thermal residues (including bottom ash, cavity ash, boiler and bag filter ash). The quantity of heavy metals leached from thermal residues after treatment by nanometallic Ca/CaO/PO4 was lower than the Korean standard regulatory limit for hazardous waste landfills. The morphology and elemental composition of the nanometallic Ca/CaO-treated ASR residue were characterized by field emission scanning election microscopy combined with electron dispersive spectroscopy (FE-SEM/EDS). The results indicated that the amounts of heavy metals detectable on the ASR thermal residue surface decreased and the Ca/PO4 mass percent increased. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern analysis indicated that the main fraction of enclosed/bound materials on ASR residue included Ca/PO4− associated crystalline complexes, and that immobile Ca/PO4 salts remarkably inhibited the desorption of heavy metals from ASR residues. These results support the potential use of nanometallic Ca/CaO/PO4 as a simple, suitable and highly efficient material for the gentle immobilization of heavy metals in hazardous ASR thermal residue in dry condition.

Reduction of environmental availability and ecological risk of heavy metals in automobile shredder residues

The present study investigated the recovery, reduction of environmental availability and ecological risk of heavy metals extracted from automobile shredder residue (ASR) using water with pH 2. The recovery rate of heavy metals from ASR increased with increasing temperature and L/S ratio at pH 2. The heavy metal recovery was found to be greater in the smallest size fraction than in the larger fractions. The residues remaining after extraction were analyzed for functional groups, morphology, toxicity characteristic leaching procedures (TCLP) and mobility factors (MFs) of the heavy metals. The TCLP test results revealed Cd concentrations below the threshold limits in all ASR fractions, whereas Pb concentrations exceeded the threshold limit in all ASR fractions, with the exception of the largest fraction. The MFs of all selected heavy metals were reduced after extraction. In the analysis of the risk assessment code (RAC), Zn, Cu and Cd were reduced from the high risk category into either low risk or medium risk categories after recovery of the heavy metals, whereas Pb remained under the high risk category. This confirmed that distilled water at pH 2 is not efficient for reducing Pb toxicity to the extent necessary for safe landfilling of ASR. Therefore, a stronger acid is required for the higher recovery of Pb and reduction of its toxicity before ASR is landfilled.

Pollution control and metal resource recovery for low grade automobile shredder residue: A mechanism, bioavailability and risk assessment

Automobile shredder residue (ASR) is considered as hazardous waste in Japan and European countries due to presence of heavy metals. This study was carried on the extraction characteristics of heavy metals (Mn, Fe, Ni, and Cr) from automobile shredder residue (ASR). The effects of pH, temperature, particle size, and liquid/solid ratio (L/S) on the extraction of heavy metals were investigated. The recovery rate of Mn, Fe, Ni, and Cr increased with increasing extraction temperature and L/S ratio. The lowest pH 2, the highest L/S ratio, and the smallest particle size showed the highest recovery of heavy metals from ASR. The highest recovery rates were in the following order: Mn>Ni>Cr>Fe. Reduction of mobility factor for the heavy metals was observed in all the size fractions after the recovery. The results of the kinetic analysis for various experimental conditions supported that the reaction rate of the recovery process followed a second order reaction model (R2⩾0.95). The high availability of water-soluble fractions of Mn, Fe, Ni, and Cr from the low grade ASR could be potential hazards to the environment. Bioavailability and toxicity risk of heavy metals reduced significantly with pH 2 of distilled water. However, water is a cost-effective extracting agent for the recovery of heavy metals and it could be useful for reducing the toxicity of ASR.

Characterization of Automobile Shredder Residue for Purpose of its Thermal Conversion

Characterization of Automobile Shredder Residue for Purpose of its Thermal Conversion

Why does the informal sector of end-of-life vehicle treatment thrive? A case study of China and lessons for developing countries in motorization process

Illegal end-of-life vehicle (ELV) treatment is a significant barrier to sound ELV management. The main issues concerning illegal ELV treatment in heavily motorized countries are random dumping of automobile shredder residue (ASR), and random abandoning of ELVs. Different from heavily motorized countries, a notable problem in China is that a large number of ELVs are flowing into the informal sector every year. This number seems to grow with the constant and tremendous rise of vehicle usage in China. The goal of this paper is to better understand this problem, and provide a document for references in the establishment of a high quality ELV management system in the motorization process. This paper combined desk research and field work in China to explore the underlying factors behind the problem, and the lessons which developing countries in the motorization process could learn from China. We found that the persistent existence of an extensive informal ELV treatment sector in China is due to a combination of economic, social, historical and administrative factors. It is unlikely that any of these factors on their own would prolong the existence of the informal ELV sector. However, it is difficult or nearly impossible to make a qualitative change to the economic, social and historical factors that prolong the existence of the informal ELV sector. On the other hand, administrative factors are comparatively easy to change. We thus provide recommendations about ELV management for developing countries in the motorization process, based on the analysis of administrative factors.

Studies on pyrolysis and gasification of automobile shredder residue in China.

With increasing automobile ownerships in China, the number of end-of-life vehicles has also rapidly increased. However, the automobile shredder residue generated during the dismantling of end-of-life vehicles in China is not treated properly and has caused great resource waste and environmental problems. In this work, automobile shredder residue from a domestic end-of-life vehicles dismantling company was comprehensively studied through element analysis, combustion heat experiment, proximate analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. The feasibility of using pyrolysis combined with gasification to treat and recycle automobile shredder residue was investigated. The produced gas, oil, and residue yield was measured and the correlation between their yield and the experimental temperature and ratio of air to automobile shredder residue feed was studied. It is found that when ratio of air and experimental temperature are 1.5 mol kg(-1) and 900 °C, respectively, the heat energy of the gas produced per kilogram treated automobile shredder residue reaches a maximum value of 11.28 MJ. The characteristics of pyrolysis oil and solid residue were studied. The solid residue takes up 4.65%~5.57% of the original end-of-life vehicles weight. This greatly helps to reach the target of a 95% recycling rate.