CA2101181A1 - Process for the separation of printing ink from composite materials - Google Patents
Process for the separation of printing ink from composite materialsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2101181A1 CA2101181A1 CA 2101181 CA2101181A CA2101181A1 CA 2101181 A1 CA2101181 A1 CA 2101181A1 CA 2101181 CA2101181 CA 2101181 CA 2101181 A CA2101181 A CA 2101181A CA 2101181 A1 CA2101181 A1 CA 2101181A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- composite material
- printing ink
- polyethylene
- separation
- liquid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
- D21C—PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE BY REMOVING NON-CELLULOSE SUBSTANCES FROM CELLULOSE-CONTAINING MATERIALS; REGENERATION OF PULPING LIQUORS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- D21C5/00—Other processes for obtaining cellulose, e.g. cooking cotton linters ; Processes characterised by the choice of cellulose-containing starting materials
- D21C5/02—Working-up waste paper
- D21C5/025—De-inking
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
- C08J11/00—Recovery or working-up of waste materials
- C08J11/04—Recovery or working-up of waste materials of polymers
- C08J11/10—Recovery or working-up of waste materials of polymers by chemically breaking down the molecular chains of polymers or breaking of crosslinks, e.g. devulcanisation
- C08J11/14—Recovery or working-up of waste materials of polymers by chemically breaking down the molecular chains of polymers or breaking of crosslinks, e.g. devulcanisation by treatment with steam or water
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
- Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
- Y02W30/64—Paper recycling
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Separation, Recovery Or Treatment Of Waste Materials Containing Plastics (AREA)
- Extraction Or Liquid Replacement (AREA)
- Manufacture Of Porous Articles, And Recovery And Treatment Of Waste Products (AREA)
- Ink Jet (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Process for the separation of printing ink from composite materials The instant invention relates to a process for the separation of printing ink from composite material, which comprises printed and unprinted foils, by treatment of the composite material with a liquid under conditions, where the foils essentially remain undissolved and the printing ink and/or the foil comprising printing ink separate from the remaining composite material and ascend within the liquid on grounds of their density.
Process for the separation of printing ink from composite materials The instant invention relates to a process for the separation of printing ink from composite material, which comprises printed and unprinted foils, by treatment of the composite material with a liquid under conditions, where the foils essentially remain undissolved and the printing ink and/or the foil comprising printing ink separate from the remaining composite material and ascend within the liquid on grounds of their density.
Description
2 ~
RWE Entsorgung Aktiengesellscha-~t Essen, 6. Juli 1993 T-2 Dr.Hov/sc Process for the _eparation of printinq ink from composite materials The instant invention relates to a process for the separation of printing ink from composite material, which comprises printed and unprinted foils, by treatment of the composite material with a liquid under conditions, where the foils essentially remain undissolved and the printing ink and/or the fo;l comprising printing ink separate from the remaining composite material components and ascend within the liquid on grounds of their density.
Composite materials are packaging materials for example for coffee, tea, tooth paste, chemicals, beverages and other products, which are on the market in huge quantities.
Metal foils in composite materials in general consist of aluminum, whereas the coating may consist of various plastic materials, for example oF
different polyethylene types, of polypropylene, oF polyester, of polycarbonate, of copolymers for example of ethylene-vinylacetate, ethylene-propylene or polyvinylchloride or of epoxy reslns.
Also multi-layer composite materials, which contain different plastic materials are on the market.
Furthermore the metal foil can be coated with materials containing cellulose, for example with paper. Alternatively paper coatings can be present in combination with plastic materials. The foils can be combined with each other by using glues or adhesives or without these materials only by being compressed. Metal containing composite materials are not only used as packaging materi-ls. Examples for other uses are ~ables, coated wires, . . .
. - .. . . . - .
, - . - . . . . . . .:
.'-, .. . . .. .: ' . :.: : ` - :
:: - . . .. : .. .
.
.
plugs, closing caps and other coated articles for daily use, like for example door-handles or tools, electric devices, printed circuit boards and numerous other articles.
The recovery of metals from composite materials, in particular from aluminum laminates, is of considerable economical value. The importance of recovering metals increases with the value of the metal. Thus besides aluminum the recovery of copper is very desirable. Another important point of view with respect to the recovery may be environmental reasons, since it is well known that heavy metals emerge into the atmosphere if the complete composite materials are incinerated.
From composite materials, which contain a paper layer, the long-fiber cellulose is recovered already to a large extent in paper producing plants by treatment of the composite material with steam or water.
It is also of economical significance, to recover the thermoplastic materials of the composite materials, in particular polyethylene foils, which are applied in huge quantities.
The PCT Patent-Application PCT/DE 91/00 682 discloses a process for the recovery of metals and coating materials from composite materials, according to which the polyethylene foil is dissolved in specific solvents, ;n particular in Cg-ClO-aromatics, after having first separated the paper layer. As a consequence the metal foil, which usually consists of aluminum can be recovered practically quantitative in a pure state. By separation of the solvent from the polyethylene solution, polyethylene can also be recovered practically quantitative by using an extruder, which produces polyethylene pellets and which can be operated under vacuum.
Although this patent application represents a landmark in the field of recycling technology, printing ink cannot be separated. As a consequence the polyethylene pellets recovered, exhibit slight discoloration, depending on the printing ink used.
In the instant invention printing inks include not only colored printing, but also black and white printing.
. . .
.
`' . ~' , ` . :' ' : ' ` ` ' ` `
.
- ` 2 ~
RWE Entsorgung Aktiengesellscha-~t Essen, 6. Juli 1993 T-2 Dr.Hov/sc Process for the _eparation of printinq ink from composite materials The instant invention relates to a process for the separation of printing ink from composite material, which comprises printed and unprinted foils, by treatment of the composite material with a liquid under conditions, where the foils essentially remain undissolved and the printing ink and/or the fo;l comprising printing ink separate from the remaining composite material components and ascend within the liquid on grounds of their density.
Composite materials are packaging materials for example for coffee, tea, tooth paste, chemicals, beverages and other products, which are on the market in huge quantities.
Metal foils in composite materials in general consist of aluminum, whereas the coating may consist of various plastic materials, for example oF
different polyethylene types, of polypropylene, oF polyester, of polycarbonate, of copolymers for example of ethylene-vinylacetate, ethylene-propylene or polyvinylchloride or of epoxy reslns.
Also multi-layer composite materials, which contain different plastic materials are on the market.
Furthermore the metal foil can be coated with materials containing cellulose, for example with paper. Alternatively paper coatings can be present in combination with plastic materials. The foils can be combined with each other by using glues or adhesives or without these materials only by being compressed. Metal containing composite materials are not only used as packaging materi-ls. Examples for other uses are ~ables, coated wires, . . .
. - .. . . . - .
, - . - . . . . . . .:
.'-, .. . . .. .: ' . :.: : ` - :
:: - . . .. : .. .
.
.
plugs, closing caps and other coated articles for daily use, like for example door-handles or tools, electric devices, printed circuit boards and numerous other articles.
The recovery of metals from composite materials, in particular from aluminum laminates, is of considerable economical value. The importance of recovering metals increases with the value of the metal. Thus besides aluminum the recovery of copper is very desirable. Another important point of view with respect to the recovery may be environmental reasons, since it is well known that heavy metals emerge into the atmosphere if the complete composite materials are incinerated.
From composite materials, which contain a paper layer, the long-fiber cellulose is recovered already to a large extent in paper producing plants by treatment of the composite material with steam or water.
It is also of economical significance, to recover the thermoplastic materials of the composite materials, in particular polyethylene foils, which are applied in huge quantities.
The PCT Patent-Application PCT/DE 91/00 682 discloses a process for the recovery of metals and coating materials from composite materials, according to which the polyethylene foil is dissolved in specific solvents, ;n particular in Cg-ClO-aromatics, after having first separated the paper layer. As a consequence the metal foil, which usually consists of aluminum can be recovered practically quantitative in a pure state. By separation of the solvent from the polyethylene solution, polyethylene can also be recovered practically quantitative by using an extruder, which produces polyethylene pellets and which can be operated under vacuum.
Although this patent application represents a landmark in the field of recycling technology, printing ink cannot be separated. As a consequence the polyethylene pellets recovered, exhibit slight discoloration, depending on the printing ink used.
In the instant invention printing inks include not only colored printing, but also black and white printing.
. . .
.
`' . ~' , ` . :' ' : ' ` ` ' ` `
.
- ` 2 ~
Object of the instant invention was the development of a process for the recovery o~ the components of the composite material, which also permits the separation o~ printing ink from at least the predominant part of the composite material.
Applicant has succeeded in developing such a process, which non-obvious to the artisan allows the separation of printing ink trom composite materials, whereby first the paper layer is separated by treatment with steam and/or water, characterized in -that the composite material is treated with a liquid, which treatment leads to the separation of printing ink particles and/or foils, which contain printing ink, from the remaining composite material by ascending within the liquid, whereas the remaining composite material sinks down within the liquid.
In the following more detailed description of the process, composite material is used, which is already free of paper, which has been present originally.-Figur 1 represents an inventive separating device.Figur 2 represents a unit for work-up of composite material, which contains an inventive separating device.
Composite materials very often consist of an aluminum foil and several polyethylene or polypropylene foils. Also other thermoplastic materials are used for specific applications, for example polyester and polyvinylchloride.
Appl;cat;ons of composite materials have already been described above.
Packag;ng is of particular importance. Usually, packaging materials are pr;nted. Usually, printing is present on the paper layer, but also at the outside oF the outer thermoplast;c foil adhering to the paper layer.
The different foils are either adhered ~o each other with glues or adhesives or only compressed. Application of a suitable solvent at a . . .
-, .
. '' . .
:. , ' . ' ..
2lallsl suitable temperature leads to dissolving not only of the outer thermoplastic foil but also to dissolving of the total thermoplastic material.
The printing ink used in composite materials are usually pigments distributed in polyacrylates or other carriers, which also exhibit ylue or adhesive properties.
The printing may be on the paper layer or at the outside of the thermoplastic foil adhering to the paper layer. Usually it is a polyethylene foil.
When the composite material is treated with steam and/or water in order to separate cellulose, water penetrates into the paper layer, whereby the paper respectively cellulose separates from the remaining composite material and can be isolated for re-use. Since the printing ink, in the case of the printing, being on the paper layer, may s-tick at least in part to the inside of the outer polyethylene foil, which originally covered the paper layer, in general small quantities of cellulose also adhere to the pr;nting ink particles or to the outer foil.
After separation of the paper a mixture of printing ink particles, foilwith small quantities of printing ink and remaining composite material is obtained.
Non-obviously applicant has found, that numerous liquids cause at a certain range of temperature, below the temperature, where the plastic foils dissolve, printing ink particles and foil containing small quantities of print;ng ink to separate from the remaining composite material.
These components are specifically lighter than the remaining composite material, which consists of aluminium foil and the larger quantity of thermoplastic foils.
Suprisingly it has been found that the difference in density, iF a suitable liquid has been chosen, is sufficient to cause the mixture of printing ink particles and printing ink con-taining foil to rise within the liquid and to separate completely from the remaining composite material, which contains . . .
- . :. , .:
: ... .
- , , 2 ~
- 5 - ~
the metal foil and which s;nks down within the liquid. The separation can be supported by adjusting a suitable flow rate of the liquid within the separating device.
After separation of the remaining composite material, which contains the metal foil, the thermoplastic part of this material can be dissolved and after work-up of the solution, colorless thermoplast pellets and pure aluminum can be recovered.
The thermoplastic material which still contains some printing ink can he used as a slightly colored product of lower quality for suitable applications.
Numerous liquids, can be used according to the instant invention, in particular organic solvents or their mixtures, but also water or mixtures of water with other liquids or solutions.
Examples are aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons with 4 - 8 C-atoms, but also ethers, ketones, esters, alcohols and other liquids can be used.
Particularly well suited liquids are according to the instant inventionalkylbenzene derivatives, like toluene, xylenes, ethylbenzene, isopropyl-and propylbenzene, methylated respectively alkylated Cg- and C10-benzenes and mixtures of these solvents.
They have the additional advantage that they can be used, after having separated printing ink particles and printing ink containing foil, to dissolve the thermoplastic foils adhered to the metal foil by increase of temperatur. Thus pure metal foil, in general aluminum can be obtained.
A~ter separation of the solvent the thermoplastic material free of color, can alsb be obtained, in general in the shape of pellets.
Techn;cal C8-C10-aromatics fractions are for example available from xylene units, ethylene units and platforming units. A mixed Cg-ClO-aromatics fraction may for example consist of approximately 15 % Cg-aromatics, 75 %
C10-aromatics and 10 % > C10-aromatics, whereby variable quantities of for example 15 - 25 % of non-aromatics may be present.
2 '~1 0 ~
The concentrations of the individual components oF the technical fraction may vary in a broad range according to the invention.
The temperature for separating printing ink particles and printing ink containing foil or originally printed foil should be chosen low enough in order to avoid or nearly avoid the dissolving of the thermoplastic foils.
Since the separation of the two parts of the original composite material takes place on the basis of different densities, in principle any device can be used, which permits separation according to this principle.
For example classifying, decanting, centrifuging and other separating devices can be used. Since such devices are well known to the artisan, they are not to be identified and described in detail.
A prefered device according to the invention is one, which permits so-called up-stream classifying. Useful in this case is a cylindrical pipe, in which preferably a stirring device is installed in the lower part or another device, which permits mixing of the pipe content.
Furthermore, accord;ng to the invention it is of advantage, that the liquid flows from below up-stream through the separating device. Separation of the components can be supported by this measure.
The liquid can be heated up to the desired temperature outside of the separating device. Alternatively the separating device itself can be provided with a heating device.
The finely divided feed material is preferably introduced into the separating device from the side. Feeding can take place however at d;fferent posit;ons, depending on residence time, flow rate, type of liquid used, temperature adjusted and particle size.
Residence time and temperature are chosen depending on the liquid used and other parameters named above.
.
.
.
210~
In many case it is preferred to work at room temperature. The ~emperature applied should not exceed 80 C.
Separation of the components may take place continuously or discontinuously.
Discontinuous tests are described in the -following examples.
Example 1 The finely divided and dried composite material is suspended in a Cg-aromatics fraction from a platformer unit, in a vertically installed glass tube (inner diameter 40 mm, length approximately 900 mm) at room temperature.
The particles are vigorously stirred, whereby printing ink particles, which may adhere to aluminum particles, are separated.
After sufficient suspending, liquid is pumped into the glass tube at the bottom, whereby the lighter fraction (printing ink particles and polyethylene foil, which contains printing ink) is flushed up-stream.
The overflowing mixture is collected on a filter.
The filtrate is recycled. Polyethylene and printing ink particles are not dissolved at the conditions applled.
The quantity of solvent used, was 2,2 liters.
The average particle size of the composite material was 6 mm. The quantity of the feed material was 10 g.
The total separating time was approximately 5 minutes at a flow rate of 0,25 cm/s.
Within the separating device the flow rate could be increased up to 1,25 cm/s. At a higher flow rate flooding occurred with regard to the composite material containing the aluminum foil.
210~
3,2 c of ?rir:inc nk particles and polyethylene foil containing printing ink ~ere obt~ined ~nd 6,2 9 of aluminum/polyethylene. Subsequently the produ ts ~/er~- tre-~ed with a solvent and the polyethylene foil was di,sGlveG, ~rereb! slightly green pellets were obtained from the product ov~rh~ad and a co~~rless respectively white product was obtained from the '~ràction dralin of at the bottom.
ExamDle 2 Th~ est was carr ed out in analogy to example 1, however the average particle Sjza was approximately 4 mm. The quantity of feed composite ma,erial was 10 g. The period of time for separation was 10 minutes (O,I~ cmls).
The test ~as carr-ed out at room -temperatur and at flow rates between 0,15 cm/s to 0,35 cm/s. At the latter flow rate, flooding was observed. 3,5 g of prin,ing ink part cles/polyethylene and 6,5 g of aluminum/polyethylene were obta i ned.
To provide c~mple.e separation of residual cellulose, possibly adhering to tha ramainin~ com?osite material, the isolated material, which is free of prin~ing in~, can be heated in a solvent in order to dissolve the plastic matarial.
B~ additional up-,tream classifying at elevated temperature the cellulose can ba obtained overhead of the glass column.
Aluminum is obtained in a pure state.
After separation of the solvent, high-cluality, colorless respectively white polyethylene is obtained.
.
In the folloi~ing examples 3 to 10 g of feed material were used in eachcase.
ExamDle ~
The ~ast was carried out discontinuously.
Ins.ead of C~-aromatics, toluene was used.
The stirring rate was 190 r!min.
.
.
21011~1 g The time of separatlon was 20 minutes.
1,5 9 of printing ink particles/polyethylene and 8,5 g of composite material consisting of aluminum and polyethylene foil were ob-tained.
Example 4 Example 3 was repeated.
However the separating temperature was 50 C.
2,9 9 printing ink particles/polyethylene and 7,1 g of aluminum/polyethylene were obtained.
Example 5 The separating liquid was a technical xylene''from a xylene unit fraction. `
The test was carried out at room-temperature. Other conditions corresponded to the conditions used in example 3.
2,1 9 of printing ink particles/polyethylene and 7,9 9 of aluminum/polyethylene were obtained.
Example 6 Example 5 was repeated; however test-temperature was 50 C.
2,4 9 of printing ink particles/polyethylene and 7,6 9 of aluminum/polyethylene were obtained.
Example 7 Example 3 was repeated, however a technical C10-fraction from an ethylene unit, was used at room-temperature.
2,1 g of printing ink particles/polyethylene and 7,9 9 of aluminum/polyethylene were obtained.
Example 8 Example'7 was repeated., Test temperature was 50 C.
2,4 g of printing ink particles/polyethylene and 7,6 9 alum;num/polyethylene were obtained.
. . .
i 21011~
Example 9 Example 3 was repeated, however tetrahydrofurane was used at room-temperature.
2,7 g of printing ink particles/polyethylene and 7,3 9 of aluminum/polyethylene were obtained.
Example 10 Example 9 was repeated.
Test temperature was 50 ~C.
Applicant has succeeded in developing such a process, which non-obvious to the artisan allows the separation of printing ink trom composite materials, whereby first the paper layer is separated by treatment with steam and/or water, characterized in -that the composite material is treated with a liquid, which treatment leads to the separation of printing ink particles and/or foils, which contain printing ink, from the remaining composite material by ascending within the liquid, whereas the remaining composite material sinks down within the liquid.
In the following more detailed description of the process, composite material is used, which is already free of paper, which has been present originally.-Figur 1 represents an inventive separating device.Figur 2 represents a unit for work-up of composite material, which contains an inventive separating device.
Composite materials very often consist of an aluminum foil and several polyethylene or polypropylene foils. Also other thermoplastic materials are used for specific applications, for example polyester and polyvinylchloride.
Appl;cat;ons of composite materials have already been described above.
Packag;ng is of particular importance. Usually, packaging materials are pr;nted. Usually, printing is present on the paper layer, but also at the outside oF the outer thermoplast;c foil adhering to the paper layer.
The different foils are either adhered ~o each other with glues or adhesives or only compressed. Application of a suitable solvent at a . . .
-, .
. '' . .
:. , ' . ' ..
2lallsl suitable temperature leads to dissolving not only of the outer thermoplastic foil but also to dissolving of the total thermoplastic material.
The printing ink used in composite materials are usually pigments distributed in polyacrylates or other carriers, which also exhibit ylue or adhesive properties.
The printing may be on the paper layer or at the outside of the thermoplastic foil adhering to the paper layer. Usually it is a polyethylene foil.
When the composite material is treated with steam and/or water in order to separate cellulose, water penetrates into the paper layer, whereby the paper respectively cellulose separates from the remaining composite material and can be isolated for re-use. Since the printing ink, in the case of the printing, being on the paper layer, may s-tick at least in part to the inside of the outer polyethylene foil, which originally covered the paper layer, in general small quantities of cellulose also adhere to the pr;nting ink particles or to the outer foil.
After separation of the paper a mixture of printing ink particles, foilwith small quantities of printing ink and remaining composite material is obtained.
Non-obviously applicant has found, that numerous liquids cause at a certain range of temperature, below the temperature, where the plastic foils dissolve, printing ink particles and foil containing small quantities of print;ng ink to separate from the remaining composite material.
These components are specifically lighter than the remaining composite material, which consists of aluminium foil and the larger quantity of thermoplastic foils.
Suprisingly it has been found that the difference in density, iF a suitable liquid has been chosen, is sufficient to cause the mixture of printing ink particles and printing ink con-taining foil to rise within the liquid and to separate completely from the remaining composite material, which contains . . .
- . :. , .:
: ... .
- , , 2 ~
- 5 - ~
the metal foil and which s;nks down within the liquid. The separation can be supported by adjusting a suitable flow rate of the liquid within the separating device.
After separation of the remaining composite material, which contains the metal foil, the thermoplastic part of this material can be dissolved and after work-up of the solution, colorless thermoplast pellets and pure aluminum can be recovered.
The thermoplastic material which still contains some printing ink can he used as a slightly colored product of lower quality for suitable applications.
Numerous liquids, can be used according to the instant invention, in particular organic solvents or their mixtures, but also water or mixtures of water with other liquids or solutions.
Examples are aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons with 4 - 8 C-atoms, but also ethers, ketones, esters, alcohols and other liquids can be used.
Particularly well suited liquids are according to the instant inventionalkylbenzene derivatives, like toluene, xylenes, ethylbenzene, isopropyl-and propylbenzene, methylated respectively alkylated Cg- and C10-benzenes and mixtures of these solvents.
They have the additional advantage that they can be used, after having separated printing ink particles and printing ink containing foil, to dissolve the thermoplastic foils adhered to the metal foil by increase of temperatur. Thus pure metal foil, in general aluminum can be obtained.
A~ter separation of the solvent the thermoplastic material free of color, can alsb be obtained, in general in the shape of pellets.
Techn;cal C8-C10-aromatics fractions are for example available from xylene units, ethylene units and platforming units. A mixed Cg-ClO-aromatics fraction may for example consist of approximately 15 % Cg-aromatics, 75 %
C10-aromatics and 10 % > C10-aromatics, whereby variable quantities of for example 15 - 25 % of non-aromatics may be present.
2 '~1 0 ~
The concentrations of the individual components oF the technical fraction may vary in a broad range according to the invention.
The temperature for separating printing ink particles and printing ink containing foil or originally printed foil should be chosen low enough in order to avoid or nearly avoid the dissolving of the thermoplastic foils.
Since the separation of the two parts of the original composite material takes place on the basis of different densities, in principle any device can be used, which permits separation according to this principle.
For example classifying, decanting, centrifuging and other separating devices can be used. Since such devices are well known to the artisan, they are not to be identified and described in detail.
A prefered device according to the invention is one, which permits so-called up-stream classifying. Useful in this case is a cylindrical pipe, in which preferably a stirring device is installed in the lower part or another device, which permits mixing of the pipe content.
Furthermore, accord;ng to the invention it is of advantage, that the liquid flows from below up-stream through the separating device. Separation of the components can be supported by this measure.
The liquid can be heated up to the desired temperature outside of the separating device. Alternatively the separating device itself can be provided with a heating device.
The finely divided feed material is preferably introduced into the separating device from the side. Feeding can take place however at d;fferent posit;ons, depending on residence time, flow rate, type of liquid used, temperature adjusted and particle size.
Residence time and temperature are chosen depending on the liquid used and other parameters named above.
.
.
.
210~
In many case it is preferred to work at room temperature. The ~emperature applied should not exceed 80 C.
Separation of the components may take place continuously or discontinuously.
Discontinuous tests are described in the -following examples.
Example 1 The finely divided and dried composite material is suspended in a Cg-aromatics fraction from a platformer unit, in a vertically installed glass tube (inner diameter 40 mm, length approximately 900 mm) at room temperature.
The particles are vigorously stirred, whereby printing ink particles, which may adhere to aluminum particles, are separated.
After sufficient suspending, liquid is pumped into the glass tube at the bottom, whereby the lighter fraction (printing ink particles and polyethylene foil, which contains printing ink) is flushed up-stream.
The overflowing mixture is collected on a filter.
The filtrate is recycled. Polyethylene and printing ink particles are not dissolved at the conditions applled.
The quantity of solvent used, was 2,2 liters.
The average particle size of the composite material was 6 mm. The quantity of the feed material was 10 g.
The total separating time was approximately 5 minutes at a flow rate of 0,25 cm/s.
Within the separating device the flow rate could be increased up to 1,25 cm/s. At a higher flow rate flooding occurred with regard to the composite material containing the aluminum foil.
210~
3,2 c of ?rir:inc nk particles and polyethylene foil containing printing ink ~ere obt~ined ~nd 6,2 9 of aluminum/polyethylene. Subsequently the produ ts ~/er~- tre-~ed with a solvent and the polyethylene foil was di,sGlveG, ~rereb! slightly green pellets were obtained from the product ov~rh~ad and a co~~rless respectively white product was obtained from the '~ràction dralin of at the bottom.
ExamDle 2 Th~ est was carr ed out in analogy to example 1, however the average particle Sjza was approximately 4 mm. The quantity of feed composite ma,erial was 10 g. The period of time for separation was 10 minutes (O,I~ cmls).
The test ~as carr-ed out at room -temperatur and at flow rates between 0,15 cm/s to 0,35 cm/s. At the latter flow rate, flooding was observed. 3,5 g of prin,ing ink part cles/polyethylene and 6,5 g of aluminum/polyethylene were obta i ned.
To provide c~mple.e separation of residual cellulose, possibly adhering to tha ramainin~ com?osite material, the isolated material, which is free of prin~ing in~, can be heated in a solvent in order to dissolve the plastic matarial.
B~ additional up-,tream classifying at elevated temperature the cellulose can ba obtained overhead of the glass column.
Aluminum is obtained in a pure state.
After separation of the solvent, high-cluality, colorless respectively white polyethylene is obtained.
.
In the folloi~ing examples 3 to 10 g of feed material were used in eachcase.
ExamDle ~
The ~ast was carried out discontinuously.
Ins.ead of C~-aromatics, toluene was used.
The stirring rate was 190 r!min.
.
.
21011~1 g The time of separatlon was 20 minutes.
1,5 9 of printing ink particles/polyethylene and 8,5 g of composite material consisting of aluminum and polyethylene foil were ob-tained.
Example 4 Example 3 was repeated.
However the separating temperature was 50 C.
2,9 9 printing ink particles/polyethylene and 7,1 g of aluminum/polyethylene were obtained.
Example 5 The separating liquid was a technical xylene''from a xylene unit fraction. `
The test was carried out at room-temperature. Other conditions corresponded to the conditions used in example 3.
2,1 9 of printing ink particles/polyethylene and 7,9 9 of aluminum/polyethylene were obtained.
Example 6 Example 5 was repeated; however test-temperature was 50 C.
2,4 9 of printing ink particles/polyethylene and 7,6 9 of aluminum/polyethylene were obtained.
Example 7 Example 3 was repeated, however a technical C10-fraction from an ethylene unit, was used at room-temperature.
2,1 g of printing ink particles/polyethylene and 7,9 9 of aluminum/polyethylene were obtained.
Example 8 Example'7 was repeated., Test temperature was 50 C.
2,4 g of printing ink particles/polyethylene and 7,6 9 alum;num/polyethylene were obtained.
. . .
i 21011~
Example 9 Example 3 was repeated, however tetrahydrofurane was used at room-temperature.
2,7 g of printing ink particles/polyethylene and 7,3 9 of aluminum/polyethylene were obtained.
Example 10 Example 9 was repeated.
Test temperature was 50 ~C.
4,6 g of printing ink particles/polyethylene and 5,4 g of aluminum/polyethylene were obtained.
The following table discloses a typical structure of a multi-layer composite packaging material.
Table __ _ .
PE OL paper PE Al adhe- PE
foil layer foil foil sive foil .
quantities Z0 250 20 18 10 40 - 60 (g/m2) density 940 940 270 940 940 (kg/m3) . _ . _ thicknes~ 21 _ 21 6,5 10 4~ C' product 5,4 68 5,4 4,9 2,7 13,6 (weight-%) weight-%
w;thout 17 17 15 8,5 42,5 paper OL = outside layer . . .
- . - : ~ - .
- , .. -' , ~ ,~.... .
., The paper layer is printed outside.
The quantity of printing ink is approximately 50 x 10-3 g/m3.
With the aid of the figures the instant invention is additionally described.
In Fiqur 1 1 is a cylindrical separating device, equipped with stirrer 2.
At 3 the f;nely divided feed material is introduced. At 4 the remaining composite material containing aluminum is withdrawn. At 5 the mixture of printing ink particles and polyethylene are withdrawn.
At 6 inert gas is introduced.
Gas exit is 7.
At 8 recycled solvent is introduced.
In Fiqur 2 the separating device is again designated by 1.
Printing ink particles/polyethylene are collected in filter 11 by passing through 5. Solvent flows through intermediate vessel 9, which is connected through 14 to the inert gas supply, and through piping 8 back to 1.
The printing ink particle/polyethylene mixture passes from 11 through piping 12 into the stirring vessel 10, which can be heated. In 10 polyethylene is dissolved. Finally the solvent is distilled off and the remaining polyethylene pel1etized. It is slightly discolored.
13 represents pumps.
Product steam 4 is treated in a stirring vessel with hot solvent. A
colorless polyethylene solution is obtained with suspended small aluminum particles. After separation of the aluminum the solvent is distilled off and the remaining polyethylene pelletized.
According to the instant invention it is also possible to separate the pr;nting ink without preceding separation of the paper layer.
Inv~ntive treatment with a liquid leads to penetration of the liquid into the paper layer, whereby a mixture of printing ink particles, outer polyethylene foil still containing some printing ink and cellulose, which may to some extent adhere to the outer polyethylene foil is obtained.
Additionally remaining composite material is obtained consisting of aluminum and polyethylene foils. `~
:' ' ' ' ', ' .
12~01~81 Again printing ink particles, outer polyethylene and possibly some cellulose ascend within the liquid and aluminum/polyethylene descend to the bottom.
The inventive separation is also possible with materials, which don't consist of foils, like for example belts, ribbons, stripes, tapes, sheets or disks and panes.
. ' . ', ' ,:
' `' `: ' ' ~
.
. .
, ' ' ,
The following table discloses a typical structure of a multi-layer composite packaging material.
Table __ _ .
PE OL paper PE Al adhe- PE
foil layer foil foil sive foil .
quantities Z0 250 20 18 10 40 - 60 (g/m2) density 940 940 270 940 940 (kg/m3) . _ . _ thicknes~ 21 _ 21 6,5 10 4~ C' product 5,4 68 5,4 4,9 2,7 13,6 (weight-%) weight-%
w;thout 17 17 15 8,5 42,5 paper OL = outside layer . . .
- . - : ~ - .
- , .. -' , ~ ,~.... .
., The paper layer is printed outside.
The quantity of printing ink is approximately 50 x 10-3 g/m3.
With the aid of the figures the instant invention is additionally described.
In Fiqur 1 1 is a cylindrical separating device, equipped with stirrer 2.
At 3 the f;nely divided feed material is introduced. At 4 the remaining composite material containing aluminum is withdrawn. At 5 the mixture of printing ink particles and polyethylene are withdrawn.
At 6 inert gas is introduced.
Gas exit is 7.
At 8 recycled solvent is introduced.
In Fiqur 2 the separating device is again designated by 1.
Printing ink particles/polyethylene are collected in filter 11 by passing through 5. Solvent flows through intermediate vessel 9, which is connected through 14 to the inert gas supply, and through piping 8 back to 1.
The printing ink particle/polyethylene mixture passes from 11 through piping 12 into the stirring vessel 10, which can be heated. In 10 polyethylene is dissolved. Finally the solvent is distilled off and the remaining polyethylene pel1etized. It is slightly discolored.
13 represents pumps.
Product steam 4 is treated in a stirring vessel with hot solvent. A
colorless polyethylene solution is obtained with suspended small aluminum particles. After separation of the aluminum the solvent is distilled off and the remaining polyethylene pelletized.
According to the instant invention it is also possible to separate the pr;nting ink without preceding separation of the paper layer.
Inv~ntive treatment with a liquid leads to penetration of the liquid into the paper layer, whereby a mixture of printing ink particles, outer polyethylene foil still containing some printing ink and cellulose, which may to some extent adhere to the outer polyethylene foil is obtained.
Additionally remaining composite material is obtained consisting of aluminum and polyethylene foils. `~
:' ' ' ' ', ' .
12~01~81 Again printing ink particles, outer polyethylene and possibly some cellulose ascend within the liquid and aluminum/polyethylene descend to the bottom.
The inventive separation is also possible with materials, which don't consist of foils, like for example belts, ribbons, stripes, tapes, sheets or disks and panes.
. ' . ', ' ,:
' `' `: ' ' ~
.
. .
, ' ' ,
Claims (8)
1. Process for the separation of printing ink from composite material, whereby preferably a paper layer, present in the composite material, is separated by treating the composite material with steam and/or water, characterized in that the composite material is treated with a liquid, which causes separation of the printing ink and/or outer plastic foil, which may still contain adhering printing ink, from the remaining composite material and that the printing ink particles and the outer plastic foil ascend within the liquid.
2. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the treatment of the composite material with the liquid is carried out at a temperature, at which the thermoplastic material of the composite material is not dissolved respectively only to a small extent.
3. Process according to at least one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the composite material essentially consists of foils.
4. Process according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the liquid used, consists at least predominantly of a C9-aromatics fraction from a xylene-, ethylene- or platforming-unit.
5. Process according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the liquid flows within the separating device from the bottom to the top.
6. Process according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the separating device is a column-like unit.
7. Process according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the composite material contains polyethylene and aluminum foils.
8. Process according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the finely divided composite material is introduced into the separating device from the side.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP4225505.8 | 1992-08-01 | ||
| DE19924225505 DE4225505C1 (en) | 1992-08-01 | 1992-08-01 | Process for separating printing inks from composite films |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2101181A1 true CA2101181A1 (en) | 1994-02-02 |
Family
ID=6464662
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2101181 Abandoned CA2101181A1 (en) | 1992-08-01 | 1993-07-23 | Process for the separation of printing ink from composite materials |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0584507A2 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH07216130A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR940005367A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU4434893A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2101181A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4225505C1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9304605A (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA935132B (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2013144400A1 (en) | 2012-03-26 | 2013-10-03 | Universidad De Alicante | Method for removing ink printed on plastic films |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR100361735B1 (en) * | 2002-02-25 | 2002-11-23 | Korea Ind Tech Inst | Method for recycling multi-layered film waste for packing |
| KR100877202B1 (en) * | 2007-11-30 | 2009-01-07 | 김태규 | Method for recycling wasted frame of windows and doors |
| JP6850076B2 (en) * | 2016-03-04 | 2021-03-31 | 株式会社クリーンシステム | Separation method of metal composite material |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE4028999A1 (en) * | 1990-09-13 | 1992-03-19 | Rwe Entsorgung Ag | Recovering metals for composite materials - by heating with alkylbenzene(s), THF and/or dioxan, and water contg. alcohol or ketone to remove non-polar, polar and cellulosic materials |
-
1992
- 1992-08-01 DE DE19924225505 patent/DE4225505C1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1993
- 1993-07-13 EP EP19930111154 patent/EP0584507A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1993-07-15 ZA ZA935132A patent/ZA935132B/en unknown
- 1993-07-23 CA CA 2101181 patent/CA2101181A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-07-30 MX MX9304605A patent/MX9304605A/en unknown
- 1993-07-30 JP JP19017993A patent/JPH07216130A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1993-07-30 AU AU44348/93A patent/AU4434893A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-07-31 KR KR1019930014797A patent/KR940005367A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2013144400A1 (en) | 2012-03-26 | 2013-10-03 | Universidad De Alicante | Method for removing ink printed on plastic films |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0584507A2 (en) | 1994-03-02 |
| DE4225505C1 (en) | 1994-04-14 |
| JPH07216130A (en) | 1995-08-15 |
| ZA935132B (en) | 1994-02-09 |
| AU4434893A (en) | 1994-02-10 |
| MX9304605A (en) | 1994-04-29 |
| KR940005367A (en) | 1994-03-21 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |