DE102012100922B4 - Method and device for determining at least one category of at least one insulating medium and / or for determining at least one blowing agent in an insulating medium - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for determining at least one category of at least one insulating medium (02) and for determining at least one propellant in an insulating medium (02), wherein an opening (21) is at least temporarily introduced into the insulating medium (02), wherein the opening (21 ) of the insulating medium (02) sample gas (28) flows, said sample gas (28) is detected by at least one first sensor (06) and at least one second sensor (07), wherein by means of the at least one first sensor (06) at least one presence at least one propellant of a first category in the sample gas (28) is determined, wherein at least one presence of at least one propellant of a second category in the sample gas (28) is determined by means of the at least one second sensor (07), wherein the at least one propellant of the first Category CFC and / or HFC, wherein the at least one propellant of the second category pentane and wherein due to a sign as the at least one first sensor (06) and as a result of a signal of the at least one second sensor (07), the category of the insulating medium (02) is determined by means of at least one evaluation device (17).

Description

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining at least one category of at least one insulating medium and for determining at least one propellant in an insulating medium according to the features of claim 1 and 8.

Due to legislative changes, the use of CFCs in refrigerators has ceased. Currently, CFC-free substitutes are used as refrigerants. As blowing agent for foaming an insulating body of the refrigeration device, cyclopentane is used almost exclusively here. For refrigerators containing CFCs, the cooling circuit and insulating foam in the insulating body may contain CFCs. Furthermore, it may be that the body CFC is free, but the door is CFC-containing.

Usually, the refrigerants are removed from the refrigerators in a first stage and fed to disposal in a refrigerator recycling plant. This is followed in a second stage, a utilization of the insulating body with the door. In mixed operation of the disposal plant (cyclopentane and CFC), a complex waste gas purification must always be carried out in order to recover the CFCs contained. By contrast, when dealing with pure cyclopentane refrigerators, something different must be done. In some countries, it is required by law that the propellant must be recovered. This can happen, for example, as with CFCs, by low-temperature condensation. In other countries, it is sufficient to dilute the exhaust air flow until a gas explosion can be ruled out. This exhaust air stream can then be discharged into the environment. However, in none of the cases mentioned above can gastric treatment be dispensed with.

By the DE 198 21 470 A1 is a method for the treatment of waste refrigeration equipment known, wherein a concentration of combustible blowing agent of the insulating layer in the exhaust air of chambers is measured. This exhaust air can be treated by means of thermal afterburning.

The DE 10 2009 036 649 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for disposing of refrigerated appliances. In this case, refrigerant and release agent is fed to a pore burner. An exhaust gas of the pore burner is treated by means of a lye scrubber, wherein hydrochloric acid or hydrofluoric acid is formed.

The DE 89 00 164 U1 describes a device for the disposal of refrigeration units with which the intended for cooling medium from the cooling circuit is removable.

The post-published DE 10 2011 005 525 B3 discloses a recycling plant for refrigerators, in which a concentration of CFC and / or pentane is measured in a raw gas and an exhaust gas of a combustion chamber.

The invention has for its object to provide a method and apparatus for determining at least one category of at least one insulating medium and / or for determining at least one blowing agent in an insulating medium.

The object is achieved by the features of claim 1 or 8.

The achievable with the present invention consist in particular that an efficient, environmentally friendly treatment of propellant-containing insulating media, in particular insulating foams is possible. It is possible to dispose of several different insulating media environmentally friendly and / or to recycle.

In particular, the invention is suitable for the disposal and / or recycling of refrigerators, in particular refrigerators.

Preferably, it is possible to treat cyclopentane-containing insulating foam in a simplified disposal stage. This ensures that no CFC-containing insulating foam is treated in this process.

It is advantageous that by means of a metrological evaluation, a reliable distinction is made whether an insulating foam, in particular a cooling device contains cyclopentane or not. Thus, a machine evaluation is possible, which clearly states, with which method the insulating medium of the respective Device is disposed of. This ensures that confusion between CFCs and cyclopentane by plant personnel can be ruled out

It is advantageous that in a version as a handheld device, a partially automated measurement can be performed, which is independent of location. Preferably, the measurement takes place within a logistics route directly after a first stage (for example, at least refrigerant and / or at least one compressor is removed in the first stage). Following this, it can be decided with the determined finding whether the cooling device has to be supplied to a second stage with exhaust gas treatment or whether it can be supplied to a simplified, professional cooling appliance disposal in the form of a cooling device recycling plant with exhaust gas dilution.

It is advantageous that different blowing agents having insulating foams can be safely categorized by means of simple sensors.

Also, a means for opening and / or destroying at least a portion of the insulating foam ensures a simple, safe discharge of propellant.

Except the introduction of a small opening in the insulating foam and / or in associated cover layer no destruction of the insulating body, in particular a body of the cooling device is necessary. This can be a decision on a further treatment of refrigerators before a crushing device (before disassembly of the refrigerator in fractals) are taken in the disposal of refrigerators.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below.

• 1 Eine schematische Darstellung eines Gerätes;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts des Gerätes;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung des Gerätes in einer Anlage zur Behandlung von Kühlgeräten.

Show it:

• 1 A schematic representation of a device;
• 2 a schematic representation of a section of the device;
• 3 a schematic representation of the device in a system for the treatment of refrigerators.

In a method and a device 01 is at least one category of at least one insulating medium 02 and at least one blowing agent in an insulating determined. In this case, at least one presence of at least one blowing agent in the at least one insulating medium 02 determined. In particular, it is the insulating medium 02 to insulating foam 02 in particular a cooling device.

This insulating foam 02 is formed, for example, as a porous plastic, in particular polyurethane (PUR). On this insulating foam 02 For example, there is at least one cover layer 03 that differ from a material and / or construction of insulating foam 02 different. Also, at least one other topcoat 04 be arranged, that of the first cover layer 03 opposite. This at least one cover layer 03 and / or the further cover layer 04 is (are) especially made of metal (steel or aluminum). The insulating medium to be examined 02 , in particular the insulating foam to be examined 02 is contained in particular in a sandwich element. The insulating medium 02 , in particular the insulating foam 02 is in particular part of a body and / or a door and / or a lid of a refrigerator or freezer.

For the production of insulating foam 02 For example, at least CFCs and / or HFC-containing blowing agents ( R11 and or R12 and or R134a and or R141b ) or at least pentane (especially C ₅ H ₁₀ cyclopentane) containing propellant used.

This is a propellant especially containing CFCs (fluorochlorohydrocarbon) and / or HFCs (fluorohydrocarbon) and / or HCs (pentanes and / or propanes and / or butanes).

In particular, the following hydrocarbons are provided individually and / or in combination and are part of the blowing agent to be determined: R 11 CFCl ₃ trichlorofluoromethane CFC R 12 CF ₂ Cl ₂ Dichlorodifluoromethane CFC R134a C ₂ H ₂ F ₄ 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane HFCs R141b C ₂ H ₃ FCl ₂ 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane HCFCs R290 C ₃ H ₈ propane KW R600 C ₄ H ₁₀ butane KW R600a C ₄ H ₁₀ Methylpropane isobutane KW R601 C ₅ H ₁₂ n-pentane KW R601a C ₅ H ₁₂ isopentane KW R601b C ₅ H ₁₂ neopentane KW C ₅ H ₁₀ cyclopentane KW

These abovementioned hydrocarbons are referred to as refrigerants. These refrigerants are also used as blowing agents (in particular C ₅ H ₁₀ cyclopentane), in particular in foams of, for example, porous plastic, in particular in polyurethane (PUR).

The device 01 for determining the at least one category of the at least one insulating medium 02 , Preferably for determining the at least one propellant in the insulating medium, has at least one first sensor 06 , at least one second sensor 07 and at least one agent 08 for opening at least part of the insulating medium to be examined 02 , in particular of the insulating foam 02 on.

The at least one first sensor 06 (At least its one measuring medium to be detected measuring surface), the at least one second sensor 07 (at least its measuring surface detecting a medium to be detected) and the at least one means 08 for opening are preferably at least partially in and / or on a common housing 09 arranged. This case 09 has at least one opening 11 on and is except this opening 11 especially closed on all sides, preferably gas-tight. Preferably, an edge region of this opening 11 with at least one sealant twelve Mistake.

In the present embodiment, one in a measuring position of the insulating medium to be examined 02 facing side of the housing 09 open. The housing 09 has at least one side wall 13 , in the present embodiment, four side walls 13 and at least one lid 14 , on. This at least one sidewall 13 , In the embodiment, the four side walls 13 , limit or limit the opening 11 and is preferably at its in the measuring position the insulating medium 02 facing end with the at least one sealant twelve Mistake.

The at least one sealant twelve preferably has at least one elastomer and / or at least one sealing lip.

The at least one first sensor 06 , the at least one second sensor 07 and the means 08 to open each other at a small distance a, in particular less than 100 mm, each other, particularly preferably arranged immediately adjacent.

The at least one first sensor 06 and the at least one second sensor 07 are for example in the at least one side wall 13 of the housing 09 , preferably directly to each other, arranged adjacent

For determining at least one presence of at least one blowing agent of a first category, in particular of a non-combustible blowing agent, in particular of at least one CFC and / or HFC ( R11 and or R12 and or R134a and or R141b ) is the at least one first sensor 06 intended.

The at least one first sensor 06 is preferably designed as a semiconductor sensor and preferably changes its conductivity and / or its resistance as a function of a quantity of at least one CFC and / or HFC. For example, the at least one first sensor 06 record the amount of at least one CFC from 10 ppm.

Particularly preferably, the at least one first sensor 06 a sensitivity to R134a. For example, the resistance of the at least one first sensor changes 06 increasing the amount of R134a from 100 ppm to 300 ppm to 30% to 80%, especially 45% to 70%.

By means of a line 16 is the at least one first sensor 06 with at least one control device and / or at least one evaluation device 17 connected.

To determine at least one presence of at least one propellant of a second category, in particular of a combustible propellant, in particular of at least one pentane (in particular C ₅ H ₁₀ cyclopentane), the at least one second sensor is 07 intended.

The at least one second sensor 07 is preferably designed as a semiconductor sensor and preferably changes its conductivity and / or its resistance as a function of an amount of at least one pentane (in particular C ₅ H ₁₀ cyclopentane) and / or of at least one butane (in particular C ₄ H ₁₀ isobutane). For example, the at least one second sensor 07 detect the amount of at least one pentane (in particular C ₅ H ₁₀ cyclopentane) from 50 ppm.

Particularly preferably, the at least one second sensor 07 sensitivity to isobutane. For example, the resistance of the at least one second sensor changes 07 increasing the amount of isobutane from 1000 ppm to 3000 ppm to 30% to 80%, especially to 45% to 65%.

By means of a line 18 is the at least one second sensor 07 with the at least one control device and / or the at least one evaluation device 17 connected.

The middle 08 For opening, for example, as a drill and / or tiller and / or saw and / or needle and / or plunger 08 be educated.

In the present embodiment, the means 08 for opening preferably as a plunger 08 educated. This pestle 08 For example, it is formed at its end with a taper, for example a tip.

The middle 08 for opening the insulating medium penetrates at least partially at least partially into the insulating medium 02 , especially in the insulating foam 02 and opens in the case of insulating foam 02 at least a second, at least one pore 19 , in particular several pores 19 of insulating foam 02 , A thereby at least temporarily existing opening 21 in the insulating medium 02 is preferably less than 250 mm ² , in particular less than 100 mm ² , particularly preferably less than 25 mm ² . Preferably, this agent brings 08 for opening also in the possibly existing cover layer 03 of the insulating medium 02 at least one at least temporary opening 22 one.

It is also possible, at least temporarily existing opening 22 the topcoat 03 with another means to open.

The opening 22 the topcoat 03 is preferably less than 250 mm ² , in particular less than 100 mm ² .

The middle 08 For its operation, a lifting movement preferably takes place along its longitudinal axis during its actuation and first penetrates the possibly present covering layer during a working stroke 03 and then penetrates at least partially into the insulating medium 02 , for example, in the insulating foam 02 one.

To operate the agent 08 to open is a drive 23 intended. This drive 23 can be designed as an electromagnet or electric motor or piezoelectric element or pneumatic cylinder.

The middle 08 can be opened by means of at least one actuatable fuse element, such as unlocking 26 , to be secured. This unlocking 26 is preferably by means of at least one sensor with the at least one control device and / or the at least one evaluation device 17 connected. In the present example is the unlocking 26 inside the case 09 arranged and has a mechanical button. With existing release 26 must be before the agent 08 To open, first actuates the fuse element, ie the device 01 be unlocked.

Preferably, the at least one first sensor 06 , the at least one second sensor 07 and the means 08 for opening on a common carrier element 24 arranged. Preferably, the agent 08 drive assigned for opening 23 also on the carrier element 24 arranged. In particular, this is the at least one first sensor 06 , the at least one second sensor 07 and the means 08 opening surrounding and / or receiving housing 09 on the common carrier element 24 arranged and / or transported together. In this case, the device is 01 for detecting propellant as a portable (portable by a person) handset 01 educated. This handset 01 is preferably with at least one portable control device and / or at least one portable evaluation device 17 connected.

In the method for determining the at least one category of the at least one insulating medium 02 , preferably the at least one propellant in the insulating medium 02 becomes the device 01 for determining propellant to at least one sample of an insulating medium to be examined 02 brought, preferably to the sample, for example, with the housing 09 placed.

In the case of cooling appliances to be examined, at least one wall of a body of the cooling appliance to be examined is provided as a sample, in particular a sample site of a first measuring position. This wall is not crushed, in particular largely completely present.

After a release (eg unlocking 26 the device) of the measuring process to a particular first measurement is by means of a signal (actuation of a trigger 27 ) the middle 08 pressed to open. These funds 08 For opening preferably penetrates first of all the possibly present cover layer 03 of the insulating medium 02 and penetrates into the insulating medium 02 , for example, in the insulating foam 02 one.

After opening the insulating medium 02 , in particular a temporary introduction of the opening 21 , preferably after removal of the agent 08 To open flows Probegas 28 , in particular as an insulating medium 02 trained insulating foam 02 Propellant containing Probegas 28 out of the opening 21 from and preferably passes through the opening 22 the possibly existing cover layer 03 for example, through the opening 11 of the housing 09 to the at least one first sensor 06 and the at least one second sensor 07 , In particular, the Probegas 28 (in the case of insulating foam 02 Propellant containing Probegas 28 ) of a common and / or single measuring position the at least one first sensor 06 and the at least one second sensor 07 preferably fed simultaneously.

A respective signal of the two sensors 06 . 07 becomes the evaluation device 17 supplied and evaluated with respect to a change, in particular with respect to a course. In particular, the respective signal is evaluated for rising edges. Preferably, no quantitative evaluation takes place, ie no absolute values are evaluated, but only a qualitative evaluation, ie only the presence is evaluated.

Preferably, the rise of a measured value at the time of the measurement to a previous value (not measurement time) is evaluated, for example, by means of an analog value evaluation. The measuring period is preferably less than 10 s, in particular less than 3 s. For example, the unlocking must be performed for the specified measuring duration 26 of the device 01 remain pressed, otherwise this measurement is considered invalid.

As a result of a signal of the at least one first sensor 06 and due to a signal of the at least one second sensor 07 is the presence of propellant and insulating medium 02 determined and / or specified and / or selected category.

The signal of the at least one first sensor changes 06 due to the sample gas 28 significantly (for example more than 5%, in particular more than 10%), the evaluation device determines 17 the presence of blowing agent of the first category, in particular of CFCs and / or HFCs.

Only the signal of the at least one second sensor changes 07 due to the sample gas 28 significantly (for example more than 5%, in particular more than 10%), the evaluation device determines 17 the presence of second category propellants, especially cyclopentane.

The respective signal of the at least one first sensor changes 06 and the at least one second sensor 07 significantly, the evaluation determines 17 the presence of blowing agent of the first category, in particular of CFCs and / or HFCs.

The respective signal of the at least one first sensor changes 06 and the at least one second sensor 07 not significant, as determined by the evaluation 17 no presence of propellant. This then leaves you with an insulating foam 02 distinctive insulating medium 02 , eg Styrofoam and / or mineral wool and / or glass wool and / or paper.

In addition to the described first determination of the at least one category of the at least one insulating medium 02 , preferably the at least one propellant in the insulating medium 02 At least one further determination and evaluation takes place at another position. In the preferred embodiment of a cooling device, this second determination is carried out on a door and / or cover of the cooling device. This second determination is made according to the first determination already described.

The evaluation device 17 has, for example, counting functions for recorded evaluations for at least one category of propellant and / or insulating medium 02 , preferably for at least both categories of blowing agent and / or insulating medium 02 , This can be used to determine the quantity of refrigerators of the three different categories of insulating media (CFC insulating foam, cyclopentane insulating foam, other insulating media). These can be statistical functions in the evaluation device 17 and / or a forwarding of the data via an interface, in particular to a control device of a refrigerator recycling plant be possible. The control device and / or evaluation device 17 has, for example, an optical display and / or an additional display which in particular signals or signals readiness for measurement and / or measurement request and / or fault and / or displays or displays status information and / or counter values (day counter and / or total counter) ,

In the simplest case, the determination of the blowing agent, in particular the category of the blowing agent and / or the insulating medium 02 already done in a collection point for refrigerators. Here, preferably, the execution comes as a handheld device 01 with at least one transportable control device and / or at least one transportable evaluation device 17 for use. Depending on the respective category of insulating medium, the corresponding cooling devices can be supplied to different storage locations and / or different recycling processes.

Preferably, the device 01 for determining the at least one category of the at least one insulating medium 02 , Preferably for determining the at least one blowing agent in the insulating medium 02 , especially in insulating foam 02 arranged in a refrigerator recycling plant.

In a refrigerator recycling plant, at least first of all, at least the refrigerant and / or at least one compressor are removed from the cooling device, for example in a first stage. Thereafter, for example, in a second stage, a treatment of the insulating medium 02 the body and / or the door and / or the lid of the refrigerator. The treatment comprises in particular a comminution of the insulating medium 02 , in particular in a refrigerator recycling plant by means of at least one crushing device.

Particularly preferably, the determination of the propellant after removal of the at least one refrigerant and / or the at least one compressor on, for example, a transport device in front of the comminution device. Preferably, after the determination of the propellant, in particular after the device 02 for determining the propellant in relation to a transport route 29 the cooling device at least a first transport path 29 , in particular a first transport device and at least one second transport path 31 , In particular arranged at least one second transport device. Preferably, the first transport path 29 and the second transport route 31 selectable by means of at least one first turnout.

The first transport route 29 leads to a first plant 32 for treating CFC and / or HFC (containing) insulating media 02 , This first plant 32 may include condensation and / or combustion processes.

The second transport route 31 leads to a second plant 33 for treating cyclopentane (containing) insulating media 02 , This second plant 33 is different from the first plant 32 For example, in the treatment of the respective insulating medium and may include dilution methods.

After determining the category of insulating medium 02 is at least a part of the cooling device in dependence of the determined category of the insulating medium 02 the at least first transport route 29 or the at least second transport route 31 fed.

In the two separate plants 32 . 33 In parallel, CFC refrigerators with, for example, exhaust gas condensation and / or exhaust gas combustion and cyclopentane refrigeration units with, for example, exhaust gas dilution can be disposed of. The fractions can be separated in a common separation.

It is also possible in a plant for treating insulating media 02 depending on the operating mode, optionally to treat CFC refrigeration units with, for example, exhaust gas condensation and / or exhaust gas combustion or cyclopentane cooling units with, for example, exhaust gas dilution.

After determining the category of insulating medium 02 the examined cooling unit is dependent on the determined category of insulating medium 02 different processing methods such as exhaust gas treatment or exhaust gas dilution supplied.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

01

device

02

Insulating medium, insulating foam

03

topcoat

04

topcoat

05

-

06

Sensor, first

07

Sensor, second

08

Means for opening, pestle

09

casing

10

-

11

Opening (09)

12

sealant

13

Sidewall (09)

14

Cover (09)

15

-

16

management

17

evaluation

18

management

19

Pore (02)

20

-

21

Opening (02)

22

Opening (03)

23

Drive (08)

24

support element

25

-

26

unlocking

27

trigger

28

sample gas

29

Transport route, first

30

-

31

Transport route, second

32

Plant, CFC insulation medium

33

Plant, cyclopentane insulating medium

Claims (19)

Method for determining at least one category of at least one insulating medium (02) and for determining at least one propellant in an insulating medium (02), wherein an opening (21) is at least temporarily introduced into the insulating medium (02), wherein the opening (21 ) of the insulating medium (02) sample gas (28) flows, said sample gas (28) is detected by at least one first sensor (06) and at least one second sensor (07), wherein by means of the at least one first sensor (06) at least one presence at least one propellant of a first category in the sample gas (28) is determined, wherein at least one presence of at least one propellant of a second category in the sample gas (28) is determined by means of the at least one second sensor (07), wherein the at least one propellant of the first Category CFC and / or HFC, wherein the at least one propellant of the second category pentane and wherein due to a sign as the at least one first sensor (06) and as a result of a signal of the at least one second sensor (07), the category of the insulating medium (02) is determined by means of at least one evaluation device (17). Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a at least one first sensor (06) and the at least one second sensor (07) receiving housing (09) is placed on at least one sample of at least one insulating medium (02) for detecting the sample gas (28). Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that in the case of Isolierschaum (02) formed insulating medium (02) at least temporarily at least one pore (19) is opened. Method according to Claim 1 or 3 , characterized in that at least temporarily an opening (22) is introduced into a cover layer (03) which differs from the insulating medium (02). Method according to Claim 4 , characterized in that after the outflow of the sample gas (28) from the opening (21) of the insulating medium (22) the Probegas (28) through the opening (22) of the cover layer (03) to the at least one first sensor (06) and the at least one second sensor (07) passes. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one insulating medium (02) is arranged in at least one part of a body of a cooling device. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one propellant of the first category R11 and / or R12 and / or R134a and / or R141b has and that the at least one propellant of the second category C ₅ H ₁₀ (cyclopentane). Device for determining at least one category of at least one insulating medium (02) and for determining at least one propellant in an insulating medium (02) with at least one first sensor (06), with at least one second sensor (07) and with at least one means (08 ) for opening at least a part of the insulating medium (02) to be examined, wherein the at least one first sensor (06) is present for determining at least one presence of at least one propellant of a first category, wherein the at least one propellant of the first category is CFC and / or HKW, wherein at least one presence of at least one propellant of a second category, the at least one second sensor (07) is present, wherein for determining at least one category of at least one insulating medium (02) due to a signal of the at least one first sensor ( 06) and at least as a result of a signal of the at least one second sensor (07) ens an evaluation device (17) is present. Device after Claim 8 , characterized in that the at least one first sensor (06), the at least one second sensor (07) and the at least one means (08) for opening at least partially in and / or on a common housing (09) are arranged. Device after Claim 9 , characterized in that the housing (09) has at least one opening (11) and that the housing (09) except the opening (11) is closed on all sides. Device after Claim 10 , characterized in that an edge region of the at least one opening (11) is provided with at least one sealing means (21). Device after Claim 8 and / or 9, characterized in that the at least one first sensor (06), the at least one second sensor (07) and the opening means (08) are each arranged at a small distance (a). Device after Claim 8 , characterized in that for actuating the means (08) for opening a drive (23) is present. Device after Claim 8 , characterized in that the at least one first sensor (06), the at least one second sensor (07) and the means (08) for opening on a common carrier element (24) are arranged. Device after Claim 9 and 14 , characterized in that the at least one first sensor (06), the at least one second sensor (07) and the means (08) for opening receiving housing (09) on the common carrier element (24) is arranged. Device after Claim 13 and 14 , characterized in that the means (08) for opening associated drive (23) on the common carrier element (24) is arranged. Device after Claim 8 and / or 14 and / or 15 and / or 16, characterized in that the device (01) is designed as a portable handset (01). Device after Claim 17 , characterized in that the handset (01) with at least one portable control device and / or at least one portable evaluation device (17) is connected. Device after Claim 8 , characterized in that the at least one first sensor (06) and the at least one second sensor (07) are each formed as a semiconductor sensor.

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