With approximately 3.5 million metric tons of ELTs generated annually in Europe alone, the demand for recycling and circular-economy material solutions is growing.
Designed for high-throughput processing, the Mars Mineral rCB pin mixer converts recovered Carbon Black from pyrolyzed ELTs into high-quality, ASTM-grade pellets for use in applications including paint and coatings, green tires, EV batteries, and more.
“With this latest shipment, we are proud to continue supporting the rCB market in Europe,” said Elliott J. Woodward, PE., business manager at Mars Mineral. “This project reflects our ongoing commitment to serving our customers and helping build a more sustainable, circular future for carbon materials.”
Expanding Installed Capacity to Meet Growing Demand
Under typical operating conditions, these EU installations collectively represent the potential to process several million metric tons of material annually, depending on application and system configuration. Mars Mineral also maintains an additional twelve (12) rCB pin mixer installations worldwide, reflecting continued global demand for its agglomeration technology.
Engineered for Performance and Compliance
The Model 12D54Li-SS pin mixer supplied for this project is CE-certified under the EU Machinery Directive, ensuring compliance with European safety, health, and performance standards. In addition, the unit is designed for ATEX Zone 22 environments, making it suitable for operation in areas where combustible dust may be present under abnormal conditions. These certifications are critical for ensuring safe operation in industrial processes such as rCB production, in which fine particulate matter can create potentially explosive atmospheres.
Supporting Circular Economy Initiatives
As Europe continues to advance sustainability initiatives focused on waste reduction, resource efficiency, and emissions reduction, technologies that enable circular material flows are becoming increasingly important. The management of end-of-life tires remains a significant environmental challenge, driving increased adoption of recycling solutions such as pyrolysis, which converts scrap tires into valuable secondary products, including recovered carbon black.
Transforming Carbon-based Materials
Mars Mineral’s pin mixer technology plays an essential role in this value chain by conditioning and preparing rCB for downstream handling, pelletizing, and reuse. By improving material consistency, flowability, and handling characteristics, these systems support the integration of recycled materials into industrial supply chains, reducing reliance on virgin raw materials and contributing to broader decarbonization efforts aligned with net-zero goals.
A Legacy of Process Innovation
This continued expansion in Europe reflects both growing market demand and a long-standing commitment to process innovation. As a third-generation company founded in 1972, Mars Mineral has built its reputation on delivering reliable, engineered solutions that evolve alongside industry needs, increasingly shaped by sustainability, regulatory compliance, and resource efficiency.
About the 12D54Li-SS Pin Mixer
The Model 12D54Li-SS pin mixer is a high-speed powder conditioning and micro-pelletizing system designed for demanding industrial applications. A rotating shaft with radially arranged pins delivers intense mixing, combining fine powders with liquid binders to produce uniform, densified micro-agglomerates. This process supports effective dust control, material conditioning, and preparation of consistent feedstock for downstream pelletizing.
The unit is engineered to process carbon-rich materials, including virgin Carbon Black (vCB) and rCB, as well as biochar, graphite, and other fine powders. Improved flowability, reduced dust, and consistent material properties support the use of recycled materials in industrial applications.
The stainless-steel housing provides corrosion resistance, minimizes material contamination, and supports long-term durability in abrasive and moisture-sensitive environments.
Mars Mineral’s precision pelletizing equipment is engineered for high first-pass yields, producing pellets in the 125-to-1000-micron range with hardness values of 20 to 50 grams. These characteristics are engineered for use in rubber and plastics manufacturing, where consistency and handling performance are critical.
The rCB pin mixer can accommodate multiple feed streams and supports a range of functions, including micro-pelletizing, preconditioning, and dust wetting. This flexibility allows the system to be integrated into a variety of high-throughput material processing operations.
