Distillation Column and Reboiler — Pricing
Indicative price ranges for distillation columns and reboilers used in tyre pyrolysis oil upgrading — covering the equipment that separates raw Tyre-derived Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) into light, diesel-range, and heavy oil fractions.
| Equipment | Low (3–6 TPD) | Mid (8–12 TPD) | High (15–20+ TPD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distillation Column | ₹8–15 lakh (100–250 L/hr) | ₹12–22 lakh (250–500 L/hr) | ₹20–40 lakh (500–1,000 L/hr) |
| Reboiler | ₹6–12 lakh | ₹12–20 lakh | ₹18–35 lakh |
Beyond definitions
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How to read this table
- Rows are the two equipment items; columns are the three capacity tiers (Low 3–6 TPD, Mid 8–12 TPD, High 15–20+ TPD).
- Column throughput rates shown in the cells refer to litres of oil per hour processed through the distillation column — match this to your expected oil production rate before specifying.
- Distillation is an optional upgrade — plants selling raw TPO without distillation avoid this equipment cost but receive a lower selling price per litre.
About this table
Not all tyre pyrolysis plants include a distillation section — some sell raw Tyre-derived Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) directly. But plants targeting higher-value diesel-range product or a blend of light and diesel fractions require a distillation column and reboiler to separate raw TPO into its fractions. This equipment adds capital cost but can significantly improve oil selling prices. This table gives indicative price ranges for both items across capacity tiers.
The Distillation Column separates raw TPO by boiling point into three fractions: the light fraction (approximately 150–250°C boiling range), the diesel-range middle fraction (250–370°C), and the heavy fraction (above 370°C). The column throughput (in litres per hour of oil processed) is the primary sizing parameter — it must match the plant's oil production rate. Low-tier columns process 100–250 litres per hour; high-tier columns handle 500–1,000 litres per hour. Column material should be SS 304 or better for corrosion resistance to pyrolysis oil's mildly acidic components (organic acids, sulfur compounds). Stainless steel columns at mid and high tiers are standard for commercial-grade distillation. The structured packing inside the column (see Equipment Selection table) determines separation efficiency — random packing in a low-cost column produces less clean fraction separation than structured packing in a commercial-grade column.
The Reboiler is the heat source for the distillation column — it heats the oil at the bottom of the column to drive vapour up through the separation stages. Reboiler sizing is matched to the column's heat load; a reboiler that is undersized relative to the column throughput limits the distillation rate. Shell-and-tube reboilers are standard; oil-fired or gas-fired indirect heating is the typical heat source, though some plants use reactor exhaust heat recovery to power the reboiler, reducing fuel consumption at the distillation stage.
Key insights
- Distillation adds capital cost but improves oil selling price — the financial case depends on the price differential between raw TPO and distilled diesel-range oil in the local market at the time of investment.
- Column throughput (100–1,000 L/hr across tiers) must match the plant's oil production rate — an oversized column runs inefficiently; an undersized column creates production bottlenecks.
- Reboiler heat integration with reactor exhaust (using waste heat from the reactor to run the reboiler) reduces fuel cost at the distillation stage — available in some plant designs at mid and high tier.
- SS 304 column material is the minimum appropriate specification for commercial pyrolysis oil distillation — carbon steel columns corrode in pyrolysis oil service and require more frequent replacement.
Methodology & sources
Price ranges are indicative for Indian market procurement as of 2024–2025. Prices vary with column material (carbon steel vs SS 304 vs SS 316), packing type (random vs structured), throughput rating, and vendor. All prices exclude GST, installation, piping, and heat source integration. Distillation unit specifications should be validated against the actual TPO composition and target fraction split for the specific reactor and feedstock combination.
Related data tables
Heat Exchanger and Condenser — Pricing
Indicative price ranges for heat exchangers and condensers at three tyre pyrolysis plant capacity tiers — covering the condensation train that converts pyrolysis vapours into liquid Tyre-derived Pyrolysis Oil (TPO).
Pyrolysis Reactor — Pricing by Capacity
Indicative price ranges for tyre pyrolysis reactors at four capacity configurations — 3–6 TPD ABAP semi-continuous, 8–12 TPD semi-continuous and continuous options, and 15–20+ TPD fully continuous — for capital planning.
TPO Refined Oil Fractions
A three-fraction breakdown of Tyre-derived Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) after distillation — light gasoline-range, diesel-range middle, and heavy oil — with boiling range, characteristics, and commercial applications for each.