DE10326457A1 - Recycling process for organic and/or inorganic composite materials involves introduction of additional fluid flow across flow of composite particles in transporting medium - Google Patents

Abstract

Composite products comprising metal/plastic, plastic/plastic, metal/metal and a range of other material combinations are broken down to form solid particles and added to a transporting fluid, e.g. air. An additional fluid flow (z) forming a barrier is introduced via nozzles aligned either with the mixture flow or transverse to the latter. The additional flow stream extracts heat from the particles and/or the transporting air flow and cools the solid particles. Dust in the flow stream is bound together by the additional flow stream. Nozzle operation is controlled by signals (67,67a) and the nozzles, which can be movable are capable of adjustment to suit their output. An independent claim is included for the process plant which includes a separating unit (20) with rotating tools forming a rotor inside an outer housing and one or more additional nozzles for introducing the additional fluid flow (z), e.g. water or a mist.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for treating composite elements made of solid organic and / or inorganic composite materials such as bonded from metal / metal, plastic / plastic, metal / plastic or mineral compounds with metals and / or plastics according to the preamble of claim 1. In addition, the invention covers an installation or device for carrying out this method.

composite elements of this type are, for example, tinned copper conductor tracks from Circuits, fiber reinforced Plastics or copper-plated aluminum wires in co-extruded or laminated form. So there are metal-metal composites - - for example Coaxial cables - primarily from a metal support, for example an aluminum wire with a galvanic or thermal applied copper layer, plastic-plastic composites at Use case packaging film for food from one of Polyamides (PA) formed plastic carrier with laminated on laminated or co-extruded polyethylene (PE). Also plastic-metal composites are connected to each other by a lamination or lamination process, z. B. in a glass fiber epoxy plate as a support with copper application as the base material for printed Circuits. Metal-plastic composites include a carrier Aluminum sheet with a protective film made of polypropylene (PP) for Facade panels' and Weatherproof coverings.

issues form these composite elements especially during disposal. you will be today still partially –– in less environmentally compatible Way –– burned or deposited and thus removed from the economic cycle.

at conventional processing, the composite element is disrupted via the Grain or particle size, the is smaller than the respective layer thickness of the components. This Digestion is usually about an at least one-stage fine grinding in corresponding Mills –– about hammer, Impact or counterflow mills –– carried out, if necessary with support of nitrogen for inerting and deep-freezing.

With the EP 0 751 831 B1 a method and a device was presented with which composite elements can be treated in such a way that valuable materials are recovered. For this purpose, it is proposed to generate solid particles from the composite elements mentioned and to supply them to a transport fluid - such as air - whereby, relative to the flow of the mixture of solid particles and transport fluid, at least one mechanical flow obstacle crossing this flow in the form of a tear-off edge to form the mixture accelerates subsequent tail swivels is moved. When transitioning into these tail swirls, there is a sudden increase in the acceleration of the solid particles as well as their friction, which unlocks them.

In Knowledge of these facts, the inventor set the goal a method for operating a plant for the treatment of used Composites using the physical measured variables for To determine, control and regulate quality and throughput considering the optimal service life of tools subject to wear as well as the optimization of production interruptions for maintenance and maintenance purposes under consideration manual intervention options. There should be material-related recipes that have properties or throughput-related –– the process Start and operate, monitor and operate within defined tolerance bands control / regulate.

to solution accomplishes this task the teaching of the independent claim; the subclaims give cheap Further training. In addition, all fall within the scope of the invention Combinations of at least two of those in the description, the drawing and / or the claims disclosed features.

According to the invention Treatment of composite materials as an additional obstacle flow medium such as water or fog and thus an improvement of the process - especially one Throughput increase of 30%, for example - in the accelerator, for example Size –– by means of Feeding that additional flow medium achieved, which the particles together with the neighboring environment during the digestion process Deprives heat and thus the cooling of solid parts conducive is. Here, –– at constant highest possible Throughput –– maintain the solid fraction quality stay. By cooling the melting of the solid particles is prevented. When crushing of the material can be injected of the additional flow medium on the one hand bind emerging dust, on the other hand with heat sensitive Protect materials from material-destroying heat; there are fewer attachments through melting.

at the device according to the invention are preferred several –– nozzles available, with or without the addition of air, which are arranged rigidly or movably and –– adjustable –– large drops of water until fog comes out to let. It is controlled by signals (e.g. temperature, rel. Humidity, volume flow, process medium etc.) as control or scheme, is also advantageous if there is a link to the input material type.

The last switch-off state is compared with the new input of material, and the controller gives information based on an experience file, how long the material can be driven in the defined quality - this as The basis for deciding whether it is economically worthwhile is the planned one Material to be started up, whether it was serviced first or whether a material should be driven that has a relatively long time Term - and thus economical production is allowed. This also applies everything for the entire system.

moreover it turned out to be cheap proven the nozzle or the injection station a pre-shredder and / or a digester or a separator assigned. In addition, the nozzle or the injection station at least one filter device downstream of a dedusting station his.

in the The scope of the invention also includes a cyclone upstream breaking-up or separation unit, in the material inlet of which there is an adjustable feed line for fluids empties.

• 1. Die Prozesswerkzeuge –– insbesondere die der Beschleunigung dienenden Werkzeuge –– sind in Stufen oder stufenlos verstellbar.
• 2. Die Verstellung erfolgt im Stillstand.
• 3. Die Verstellung erfolgt im Betrieb, der Abstand zwischen Rotortool und Statortool ist auf der ganzen Überdeckungslänge überwacht.
• 4. Die Überwachung erfolgt mittels berührungsloser Sensoren, wobei die Verstellung schrittweise je Umdrehung durchgeführt wird, damit ein Kollisionsrisiko der Werkzeuge ausgeschlossen zu werden vermag.
• 5. Die Überwachung erfolgt auf der Statorseite wie auf der Rotorseite, damit der Abnutzungszustand der Werkzeuge gegeneinander abgestimmt werden kann.
• 6. Die automatische Einstellung der Werkzeuge kann mit einer in der Steuerung hinterlegten Rezeptureinstellung verglichen werden.
• 7. Die Rezeptureinstellung kann materialbezogen sein.
• 8. Zur Erzeugung einer definierten Qualität kann eine Einstellungsbandbreite festgelegt werden, wird diese überschritten so erfolgt ein Signal.
• 9. Die Qualität des Austrags oder Outputs wird online oder in Chargen automatisch überprüft; die Resultate dieser Überprüfung führen zu Einstellungsänderungen.
• 10. Die Einstellungsänderungen können die Parameter am Beschleuniger (Werkzeuge, Unterdruck, Drehzahl, Wassereindüsung zur Temperatursenkung, Strömung) beeinflussen.
• 11. In der Gesamtanlage werden Schredder und Granulator ebenfalls beeinflusst (Drehzahl, Werkzeugabstand, Kühlung).
• 12. Alle Informationen der gesamten Anlage stehen für statistische Auswertungen zur Verfügung.

Further advantages of the device are listed below:

• 1. The process tools - especially the tools used for acceleration - are adjustable in steps or infinitely.
• 2. The adjustment takes place at a standstill.
• 3. The adjustment is made during operation, the distance between the rotor tool and the stator tool is monitored over the entire overlap length.
• 4. The monitoring is carried out by means of non-contact sensors, the adjustment being carried out step by step per revolution, so that a risk of collision between the tools can be excluded.
• 5. Monitoring takes place on the stator side as well as on the rotor side so that the state of wear of the tools can be coordinated with one another.
• 6. The automatic setting of the tools can be compared with a recipe setting stored in the control.
• 7. The recipe setting can be material-related.
• 8. A setting bandwidth can be defined to generate a defined quality. If this is exceeded, a signal is issued.
• 9. The quality of the discharge or output is automatically checked online or in batches; the results of this review lead to changes in attitudes.
• 10. The changes in settings can influence the parameters on the accelerator (tools, negative pressure, speed, water injection to lower the temperature, flow).
• 11. In the overall system, the shredder and granulator are also influenced (speed, tool spacing, cooling).
• 12. All information of the entire system is available for statistical evaluations.

Further Advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments and based on the drawing; this shows in

1 : the top view of a system for treating composite elements;

2 : the partial side view too 1 according to their arrow II;

3 : the cut through 1 along the line III-III;

4 : a separation or digestion unit from the system after 1 in partially sectioned elevation;

5 : the partial cross section through 4 along their line VV with enlarged detail;

6 : an enlarged tool of the separating or unlocking unit in oblique view;

7 . 8th : each a sketchy elevation of a rotor;

9 to 11 : each a sketchy top view of a rotor;

12 : Top view and elevation to another rotor;

13 . 14 : each a sketchy elevation of a stator;

15 . 16 : each a sketchy top view of a rotor;

17 . 18 : sketchy side views of a stator / rotor;

19 : sketchy side view of a rotor in a stator;

20 . 21 . 22 : each a procedural scheme;

23 to 26 : Diagrams for the functional description of a water injection.

According to 1 production residues, waste or the like. as composite elements 10 Made of solid organic and / or inorganic composite materials - such as metal / metal, plastic / plastic, metal / plastic or mineral compounds with metals and / or plastics - by producing solid particles in a pre-shredder 12 crushed to a grain size of 5 to 30 mm and via a screw conveyor 14 for dosing silo containers 16 fed. From these convey dosing screws 18 the resulting solid particles to a separation or digestion unit 20 in which they are selectively unlocked.

In the separation or digestion unit 20 become the composite elements 10 disassembled into its components as well as the separated layers as a mixture via pipelines 22 to a cyclone filter 24 led to over a rotary valve 26 on an elevator 28 to promote the mixture of components in other silos 30 to be promoted for interim storage. This is a screw conveyor 32 downstream, via and another elevator 28a the mixture in a sieving device 34 reached, in which the mixture is subjected to a separation.

The unmixed mixture then becomes a fluid bed separator for separation 36 fed. The sorted components are from the screening device 34 or the fluid bed separators 36 to an extruder 38 or to a filling or bagging station 40 brought; the components of the composite elements that are now available as single types 10 are recycled.

The separation or digestion unit 20 contains in 4 . 5 inside a cylindrical housing 42 enclosed 44 indicated –– radial arms of a vertical driven shaft 45 Tools 46 , The wall 43 of the housing 42 has a cross-sectional profiled inner surface 43 _f on, for example in 5 a waveform and in 6 a sawtooth-like cross section.

The housing serving as a stator 42 limits one side of the flow path for the mixture of solid particles and carrier fluid, for example air; the other side is in the four in 4 indicated floors by the tools 46 limited or by a within the design circle K 5 for the tool positions of the radius r lying pipe wall 48 , which are between two plates provided at an axial distance c from one another 50 every floor extends. The plate radius is designated r ₁ and measures 5 to 10 times the width b of a narrow axial annulus 56 that is inside the case 42 extends parallel to its central axis M; the latter is also the longitudinal axis of the shaft 45 ,

The wave 45 forms with these protruding floors from radial arms 44 , Tools 46 , Pipe wall 48 and plates 50 a rotor 52 , between the levels of which the two plates adjacent to one another at a gap distance e 50 a radial gap 54 limit.

The mixture of solid particles and transport air becomes between the stator 42 and rotor 52 existing annulus 56 the lowest floor so that it is against the direction of rotation x of the rotor 52 flows. This creates –– in this direction of rotation x –– behind each tool 46 that has a tear-off edge 47 offers a vertebrae like the one in 6 is indicated at Q. In this tail vortex Q, the mixture flow is accelerated abruptly, the solid particles are rubbed against one another and thereby dissolved into their components. This includes the peripheral speed of the tear-off edge 47 of the tool 46 , Process temperature and air flow rate can be selected as well as the shape of the vortex formation by the pairing of stator profile / movement convincing form.

Before entering the next floor, the mixture flow can be in that gap 54 expand briefly, then in the downstream section of the annulus 56 to get.

Different tool shapes can be used, the simplest of which - one in the annulus 56 protruding radial plate –– is not shown. The one in the tool 46 _a the 6 of vertical ribs 59 limited breakthroughs form chambers 60 which change the vortex formation described; through the design of the tools 46 . 46 _a the intensities of the resulting turbulence and thus the effects on the composite elements are changed (acceleration, impact energy or the like). The vertical ribs 59 create –– as I said –– vertically stretched chambers 60 , Wall webs, not shown, several chambers also provided one above the other 60 ,

In 7 . 8th are two different types of rotor 52 outlines; the upper rotor 52 is with tools that can be plugged in the direction of the arrow 46b equipped, the rotor 52 the 8th with separately pluggable or screwable tools in the levels described above 46b , These designs lead to a simpler and faster rotor change, corresponding measures for the stator 13 . 14 for easier and faster stator changes. In case of 14 now have worn tool parts 41 are exchanged with the consequences of longer downtimes and a reduction in costs due to the larger number of parts.

The 9 to 11 each indicate a rotor 52 in top view. The rotor 52 to 11 a –– running direction around that central or longitudinal axis M –– is possible in order to achieve a longer service life due to the symmetry of wear, in 12 is the rotor tool 46 _b adjustable for fine adjustment and increased service life. In 11 are the rotor tools 46 _c on the rotor 52 pivoted, which leads to a variable gap setting and also to an increase in tool life. 12 shows a rotor 52 in plan view and side view, in which the flow inlet is designed to be variable in order to achieve less wear in the first processing level.

A modular structure of the rotor, which is also provided, is not shown 52 to make its standard segments independent of the accelerator dimension. On the other hand, the rotor tool should be able to be used on several sides to increase the tool life by using as many tool surfaces as possible.

The multi-sided use of tools 41 also points 15 at the stator 42 on with the above to the rotor 52 discussed benefits. The stator 42 the 16 offers - - as for the rotor 52 to 9 described –– running direction on both sides with the already closed 9 mentioned consequences.

According to 17 are / is the stator 42 _e and / or the rotor 52e divided into radial planes R ₁ to R ₅ , which can be shifted against each other in order to improve the flexibility and the material-specific unlocking configuration. To 18 should the rotor tools 46 _c be vertically rotatable and create new setting parameters for the processing time-specific dwell time. The stator tools 41 _c here are possibly slanted grooves as new configuration partners.

By inserting the composite elements to be separated 10 in the stator 42 from above is in 19 using gravity instead of pneumatic conveying; the separated recyclables 64 step out of the stator down here 42 out.

20 shows the entry of an additional fluid Z such as water at the pre-shredder 12 –– for example a shredder, a granulator, a separator –– a first horizon E ₁ and / or on the separation or digestion unit 20 a second horizon E ₂ or a separator 62 a third horizon E ₃ . Through this entry in the aggregates mentioned 12 . 20 . 62 , each with filtering devices 24 after dedusting, heat is extracted from the process air and thus the cooling of the solid parts is improved; the cooling can prevent solid particles from melting together. The increase in throughput can amount to about 30%, for example. Despite this increase in throughput, the solid fraction quality is retained.

Preferred are 120 liters per hour of fluid at a regulated or controlled temperature of at most 80 ° C .; the lower limit can be 25 ° C, the temperature difference (ΔT) at most 2% to 3%. The mentioned value of 120 lt / h depends on the plant size and the one to be treated Material from and in this case applies to a 4.5 t / h system and electronic waste. In the case of a 0.5 t / h plant for aluminum composite materials, that value is 60 lt / h and the outlet temperature at the accelerator, also known as the ACC, is about 25 ° C.

The one from the separator 62 escaping recyclables are in 20 at 64 indicated; for example
Cu, Al, Fe, ...
PE, PVC, PET, ABS, ...
Cellulose.

The order after 21 is an example for the processing of electronic waste and contains options that can be operated offline in parallel to the main material flow, but can also be activated according to certain quantity criteria. From a –– conveyor belt 11 gets into a shredder in free fall –– or electronic scrap carried by a material feeder 12 _a , In front of this is a injection station 66 for water as a fluid Z –– including cooling arranged for this ––; that in the shredder 12 _a falling piles are wetted. The one in the shredder 12 _a A material conveyor transports shredded scrap to a defined size 15 to a downstream vibrating trough 17 brought and dosed into an overband magnet as a loose fill 68 conveyed; the Fe components deposited on this are transported on a conveyor belt 21 to an Fe collection container 25 brought.

The remaining heap goes to a screening device 34a , in which it is classified into material sizes and silo containers 16 is fed; a –– also with a injection station 66 overflow equipped for water as fluid Z. 19 the screening device 34 _a leads to a granulator 69 for the purpose of shredding to a defined size; a dust discharge pipe connected there is at 23 identified. From the silo container 16 the pile is dosed on a conveyor belt 11 _a abandoned with magnetic drum, which also has an Fe line 21 with Fe collecting tank 25 downstream is also a so-called zigzag sifter 70 , In this the pile is separated into heavy and light goods.

From the zigzag sifter 70 escaping heavy cargo is through a line 31 to a collection point 33 worn, whereas the light goods to a cyclone 72 with cellular wheel sluice 26 reached, in which non-ferrous metals (NE) are deposited; the Fe portions are through the Fe line 21 dissipated. The non-ferrous components are from another vibrating channel 17 added to a belt scale 73 is connected upstream and which is the supply quantity for a downstream accelerator 74 dosed in the –– through a line 75 supplied water is injected and the discharge organs of which are assigned at least one further water injection. Otherwise, the discharge is carried out on another classifier in the form of a cyclone 72 in material flow –– pipeline 78 –– and airflow divided; the exiting air is through an air duct 27 to a dust filter as a treatment device 80 led and there in –– by a fan 29 accelerates –– filtered air and dust separated from a rotary valve 26 _a in a collection container 35 arrives.

The one from that cyclone 72 incoming material flow is in a separating sieve 76 into individual discharge materials 64 Cut; the relevant –– the separating sieve 76 downstream –– fluid bed separators 62 are also a processing facility 80 assigned to air and dust.

At A and B there are –– on both sides of the group of fluid bed separators 62 –– optional stations indicated. Station A contains at least one separating sieve 76 for the separation of heavy and light fractions of the emerging recyclables 64 , Station B a dosing silo 81 with electrostatic separation 82 , in the conductor (metals) and non-conductor (plastics or the like) as discharge materials 65 be separated.

22 shows a functional diagram with a material feed 15 to an accelerator 74 as a digestion or separation unit, through a line 22 _a with a cyclone 72 with discharge management 71 connected is. Its dust discharge 23 _a is a dust filter 80 as well as this a fan 29 _a downstream. At the material inlet 15 is for the inflow of water as fluid Z through a manually adjustable feed line 75 intended. The control valve 67 is an on / off switching valve 67 _a upstream, and the control valve 67 is with a regulator 84 connected and the latter - as well as the management 22a –– with one control 86 for signal recording.

The 23 to 26 illustrate the function of water injection. That's the way it is 23 the functional range for the regulation of the water injection quantity between the temperature-determined linear functional limits F, F _t over the time axis (in minutes). 24 illustrates the working tolerances and For this purpose, the mean or target value G can be recognized within a tolerance band T. To do this, step into 25 with normal function, curves of the actual value C and the amount of water H in percent, which can be 70% here, for example. The setpoint here is 57 ° C to release the water injection for use; the setpoint can be kept within the tolerance band T.

If the setpoint is exceeded, it functions as follows 26 by triggering an alarm due to excessive temperatures.

The The following table shows several possible combinations, including six combinations that are not recommended, for which the Legend of the sheet.

possible combinations

Claims (14)

Process for treating composite elements made of solid organic and / or inorganic composite materials such as composite metal / metal, plastic / plastic, metal / plastic or mineral composite with metals and / or plastics by producing solid particles from the composite elements and adding these solid particles to a transport fluid , wherein at least one flow obstacle crossing this flow is arranged relative to the flow of the mixture of solid particles and transport fluid, characterized in that an additional fluid (z) is used as an obstacle, the injection of which is carried out with the flow of the mixture or transversely to the latter. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that through the fluid heat is removed from the particles and / or the process air, with solid particles chilled become. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that that through the fluid Dust is bound. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that that the nozzle / n is controlled by signals. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by at least one more in the description and / or drawing feature disclosed. System for the treatment of composite elements made of solid organic and / or inorganic composite materials such as metal / metal, plastic / plastic, metal / plastic or mineral compounds with metals and / or plastics, in which a flow path for one of the composite element (s) produced transport fluid carrying solid particles from an outer wall ( 43 ) of a housing as a stator ( 42 ) and a group of successive shafts rotating around them ( 45 ) as the axis of a rotor ( 52 ) tools moved relative to the wall ( 46 . 46 _a to 46 _c ) is limited, characterized in that at least one additional nozzle is provided in the flow path for the use of a fluid (Z) such as water or fog. Installation according to claim 6, characterized in that the nozzle (s) is / are arranged to be movable. System according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the nozzle / n in terms of the size of your discharge is / are adjustable. System according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that that the nozzle / n are provided with a signal control. Installation according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the nozzle is part of a injection station ( 66 ) for the fluid (Z). Installation according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the nozzle or the injection station ( 66 ) a pre-shredder ( 12 ) and / or a digestion unit ( 20 ) or a separator ( 62 ) assigned. Plant according to claim 11, characterized in that the nozzle or the injection station at least one filter device ( 24 ) is downstream of a dedusting station. Plant according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterized by a cyclone ( 72 ) upstream digestion or separation unit ( 74 _a ), in the material supply ( 15 ) an adjustable feed line ( 75 ) for fluid (Z) opens. Plant according to one of claims 6 to 13, characterized by at least one more in the description and / or drawing feature disclosed.