EP2411155B1 - Method for electrostatically separating a granule mixture made of different materials, and device for implementing the same - Google Patents

Method for electrostatically separating a granule mixture made of different materials, and device for implementing the same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2411155B1
EP2411155B1 EP10726143.0A EP10726143A EP2411155B1 EP 2411155 B1 EP2411155 B1 EP 2411155B1 EP 10726143 A EP10726143 A EP 10726143A EP 2411155 B1 EP2411155 B1 EP 2411155B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
granules
air flow
air
electrodes
separation
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EP10726143.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2411155A1 (en
Inventor
Laur-Florentin Calin
Lucien Dascalescu
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Universite de Poitiers
Skytech
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Universite de Poitiers
Skytech
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03C—MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03C7/00—Separating solids from solids by electrostatic effect
    • B03C7/02—Separators
    • B03C7/12—Separators with material falling free
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03C—MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03C3/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapour, e.g. air, by electrostatic effect
    • B03C3/02—Plant or installations having external electricity supply
    • B03C3/04—Plant or installations having external electricity supply dry type
    • B03C3/14—Plant or installations having external electricity supply dry type characterised by the additional use of mechanical effects, e.g. gravity
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03C—MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03C3/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapour, e.g. air, by electrostatic effect
    • B03C3/28—Plant or installations without electricity supply, e.g. using electrets
    • B03C3/30—Plant or installations without electricity supply, e.g. using electrets in which electrostatic charge is generated by passage of the gases, i.e. tribo-electricity
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03C—MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03C3/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapour, e.g. air, by electrostatic effect
    • B03C3/34—Constructional details or accessories or operation thereof
    • B03C3/36—Controlling flow of gases or vapour
    • B03C3/368—Controlling flow of gases or vapour by other than static mechanical means, e.g. internal ventilator or recycler
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03C—MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03C7/00—Separating solids from solids by electrostatic effect
    • B03C7/006—Charging without electricity supply, e.g. by tribo-electricity or pyroelectricity

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for the electrostatic separation of granular materials and to an implementation device.
  • Electrostatic separation processes are already used to sort mixed granular materials from, for example, industrial waste grinding. Preferably, these materials are insulating.
  • the recycling of electrical and / or electronic waste requires the separation of the various components before valuing the materials obtained. This separation must be as effective as possible to obtain a substantially constant quality of the materials obtained. It is then possible to create and sustain a downstream value chain for these materials.
  • plastic materials recovered from electrical and / or electronic waste can be used for the manufacture of terrace decking boards. To sustain this activity, the boards must have a quality and a substantially constant color.
  • Another solution is to grind the insulating materials to make granules and, in a first step, to load these granules by triboelectric effect in a vibration or rotary device. In a second step, the charged granules are conveyed to an electrostatic sorting device in which they are separated by an electric field.
  • the granules are injected from the top of the sorting device where they fall by gravity between two parallel and vertical electrodes.
  • the positively charged granules are attracted to the anode (the negative electrode), while the negatively charged granules are attracted to the cathode (the positive electrode).
  • the granules thus deviated in their fall are separated and fall into two different collectors arranged at the bottom of the device and at the right of the electrodes.
  • Granules that have not been attracted to the electrodes fall into a third central collector where they are recovered. They can then be recirculated in the sorting device.
  • These granules may have lost their charge during conveying between the triboelectric charging device and the sorting device. They may also have acquired a charge too low to be attracted to an electrode.
  • the electrical charge acquired by the granules in the aforementioned devices is not homogeneous. Some granules are able to charge properly and can be separated in a fairly intense electric field, while others leave the triboelectric charging devices with insufficient charge to allow their separation. As a result, a large quantity of unseparated granules must be recovered and then returned to the triboelectric charging device. The productivity of the process is low since the return of the granules in the triboelectric charging device limits the loading of new granules.
  • the state of charge of the granules could be improved by increasing the duration of the triboelectric charging process.
  • productivity of the process would not be improved since the granules would remain longer in the triboelectric charging device, which consumes time and energy.
  • the amount of charge actually acquired by the granules can vary significantly with the surface condition of the granules and, more particularly, their size. Indeed, when two granules of different sizes collide, they acquire two opposite electric charges and of the same value. However, if this value is sufficient for the smaller granule to be attracted to one electrode, it is insufficient for the larger granule to be attracted to the other electrode. It is then evacuated and redirected to the charging device.
  • the known installations therefore preferably have a size sieving means of the granules, arranged upstream of the triboelectric charging device. Then each type of granule is loaded and then electrically separated.
  • the amount of filler actually acquired by the granules can also vary significantly with ambient temperature and humidity.
  • the present invention aims to overcome the above disadvantages and proposes a method of electrostatic separation of granular insulating materials and an implementation device, performing in terms of quality and productivity of the triboelectric charge and sorting. They are also versatile, energy efficient and easily adapt to ambient atmospheric conditions and physicochemical properties of the granules to be separated.
  • the invention provides a method and a device for simultaneously, within a single chamber, the electrical charge of the granules and their electrostatic separation.
  • the method and the device according to the invention make it possible to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by simultaneously carrying out the charging of the granules by triboelectric effect and their separation in an electric field.
  • the granules can not lose their charge between the moment they are charged and the moment when they are subjected to the electric field.
  • the air stream separates the granules by size, so the triboelectric charge is optimal because it is made on granules of substantially the same size.
  • each granule remains in the air stream only the minimum time necessary to acquire a triboelectric charge sufficient to be attracted to one of the electrodes.
  • the uncharged granules can not leave the air stream, which guarantees the purity of the granules collected.
  • the method and the device according to the invention optimize the sorting efficiency and adapt naturally to each granule.
  • a device according to the invention has a significantly improved efficiency and quality of sorting compared to a device of the state of the art of equivalent useful dimensions.
  • an electrostatic separation device comprises a separation chamber 100 delimited by side walls 101 (only two of which have been illustrated) and provided with an air inlet 102 and an air outlet 103 allowing respectively the admission and the discharge of compressed air.
  • the air inlet 102 is provided with an air diffuser 102a, and the air outlet 103 is provided with a filter 103a.
  • Two electrodes 105-106 extend in the separation chamber between and on either side of the inlet and the air outlet. Thus, the flow of air flowing between the inlet and the air outlet is located between the electrodes 105-106. These electrodes are connected to a continuous high voltage generator 107, preferably adjustable: the electrode 105 is connected to the negative terminal of the generator 107, and the electrode 106 is connected to the positive terminal of the generator 107. This arrangement generates a electric field between the two electrodes 105-106 when the current flows.
  • the electrodes are arranged divergently from the air inlet to the air outlet.
  • the device also comprises an injection means 108, between the two electrodes 105-106, of a stream of air in a determined direction represented by the arrow F1.
  • the air stream thus passes through the separation chamber 100 between the inlet 102 and the air outlet 103.
  • This stream of air forms a fluidized bed.
  • the air inlet 102 is advantageously arranged so that the air stream is, in use, substantially in an upward vertical direction.
  • a means 109 is arranged to allow the introduction of a mixture M of granules into the stream of fluidization air.
  • the introduction means 109 of the mixture of granules M is arranged to introduce the granules, in the separation chamber 100, by free fall and countercurrent with respect to the fluidization air stream.
  • the means 109 is preferably variable rate controlled by flow control means (not shown).
  • the mixture M comprises at least two different materials M1-M2, illustrated in the figures, by white disks M1 and black disks M2.
  • the granules can be of different sizes.
  • two sizes small size: M1p and M2p, and large size: M1g and M2g
  • M1p and M2p small size
  • M1g and M2g large size
  • the means 108 for injecting the fluidization air stream is connected to a means for controlling the fluidization air stream such that, in use, the granules levitate in the air stream in a turbulent regime and charge electrically. by contact between them and / or with the walls 101 of the separation chamber 100.
  • the device according to the invention allows the implementation of the electrostatic separation process of the mixture of granules of different materials according to the invention. It includes the following steps.
  • a stream of fluidizing air is injected between the two electrodes.
  • This stream of air comes from the air inlet 102 and is discharged through the air outlet 103.
  • the fluidization air stream is injected substantially vertically ascending. Combined with this updraft, the divergent configuration of the electrodes creates a negative pressure gradient in the upward vertical direction. In other words, the air pressure decreases in the direction of the air flow.
  • the air pressure at the air outlet 103 at the top of the chamber 100 is less than the air pressure at the air inlet 102 at the bottom of the chamber 100.
  • a step b) the mixture of granules M of different materials is introduced into the stream of fluidization air.
  • the granule mixture is introduced by free fall and countercurrently with respect to the fluidization air stream.
  • a step c) the flow of fluidizing air is controlled so that the granules levitate in the air stream according to a turbulent regime and charge electrically by contacts between them and / or with the walls of the separation chamber.
  • the negative pressure gradient makes it possible to distribute the granules at different heights, in relation to their dimensions: the larger or heavier granules remain below, while the smaller or lighter granules rise more in the fluidized bed.
  • the upper limit of the fluidized bed is established by the smaller or lighter granules, but the air flow is controlled so that this upper limit does not exceed, preferably, two thirds of the height of the separation chamber 100.
  • the method and the device according to the invention therefore allow a natural distribution of the granules according to their mass within the chamber itself. It is therefore not necessary to carry out a size-screening of the mixture M before introduction into the separation chamber 100.
  • the characteristic diameter of the granules of the mixture M may advantageously be between 0.5 and 5 mm.
  • the method and the device according to the invention thus make it possible to obtain a dimensional homogeneity of the granules which come into contact with each other. This ensures the best triboelectric charging conditions because two granules of substantially the same mass, but of different materials, acquire two opposite charges of the same value. This allows the granules to be each attracted by an electrode.
  • an electric field E is generated between the two electrodes, substantially perpendicular to the F1 direction. of the air stream, and directed from the cathode to the anode.
  • the electric field required for carrying out the invention is preferably greater than 1 kV / cm. It is typically between 4 and 5 kV / cm.
  • the granules charged in step c) move either in the direction of the electric field if they are positively charged, or in the opposite direction if their charge is negative.
  • the granules M1p and M1g are negatively charged and move towards the cathode 106, in the opposite direction of the electric field E.
  • the granules M2p and M2g are positively charged and move towards the anode 105, in the same direction as that of the electric field E.
  • the positively charged granules M2p and M2g adhere, in a step e), to the anode 105.
  • the negatively charged granules M1p and M1g adhere, in a step e ), at the cathode 106.
  • the method according to the invention comprises a step f) of discharging and collecting the granules adhered to each electrode.
  • this step f) is implemented using treadmill type electrodes, advantageously electrically conductive material such as a metal.
  • the conveyor belt is made of stainless steel with a smooth surface. It is also possible to use treadmills made of plastic materials with metal inserts.
  • the electrodes 105 and 106 are set in translation to evacuate the granules deposited on their surface in a direction schematized by the arrow F2, substantially concurrent with the air flow. It is also possible to drive the treadmill in the opposite direction, that is to say substantially counter-current relative to the air stream. However, the granules adhered to the surface of the treadmills may be peeled off by the air stream.
  • the tread convey the granules away from the air flow relative to the electrodes. Then, the granules are collected on the treadmill by scraping, using doctor blades 110. These take off the granules of the treadmill and direct them to a collector 111 - 112.
  • the speed of the belt is correlated with the flow of granules from the means 109 for introducing the mixture M of granules, the initial composition of the granular mixture to be separated and the width of the belt.
  • the granules would remain in contact with the electrode mat long enough for them to discharge. This has the effect of decreasing the electrical image force which adheres the granules to the carpet surface. The granules may then become detached from the carpet before they can be recovered by the collectors 111-112, and fall back to the base of the electrodes. If the air flow is as wide as the distance separating the base of each electrode, the falling granules can be recirculated into the air stream. Otherwise the granules fall in the bottom of the chamber 100 and must be recovered and reintroduced into the chamber via the means 109.
  • a flow rate of about 300 kg / hour and a carpet having a width of 1 m a speed of the order of 5 m / min may be sufficient.
  • the method according to the invention may further comprise a step g) of cleaning the electrodes, subsequent to step f).
  • the separation device according to the invention comprises a means for cleaning the electrodes, schematized on the figures 1 and 2 by brushes 113. These allow to take off the granules that would not have been by the scrapers 110. They allow especially to rid the treadmill dust P inevitably generated by the implementation of the process. Indeed, the shocks of the granules together, during triboelectric charging, cause some erosion of these granules which is materialized by dust. This accumulates on the treadmill and can decrease the adhesion of the granules by the electric image force. The brushes 113 make it possible to rid the carpets of this dust and to maintain the power of attraction and adhesion during the entire operating life of the device.
  • the collectors 111-112 are in sealing contact with the corresponding treadmill 106-105 to collect the dust and evacuate it from the chamber 100.
  • the dust P can be evacuated by a dedicated collector 114.
  • rotary electrodes combined with a doctor blade disposed opposite the fluidizing air stream relative to the electrodes can be used.
  • Mobile evacuation and collection means may also be used with respect to a stationary electrode.
  • the charge is made within the separation chamber, so that the granules are not likely to lose their charge before being subjected to the electric field.
  • the fact that the granules are immediately discharged as soon as they adhere to an electrode also optimizes the yield, since the granules do not have time to lose their charge, and leaves room for other granules to adhere to the electrodes .
  • the device comprises a granule introduction rate control means connected to a measurement means (not shown) of the mass of granules collected by the collectors 111 and 112.
  • the introduction of the mixture of granules in step b) is carried out according to a flow rate, expressed as mass of granules introduced per unit of time, regulated to a value substantially equal to the mass of granules collected in step f) per unit of time.
  • the flow control means is adapted to control the rate of introduction of the granules as a function of the mass measured by the measuring means.
  • the air stream is preheated before entering the separation chamber.
  • the electrostatic separation device comprises a heating means 120 of the air stream, arranged upstream of the air inlet 102 of the separation chamber 100. adjust the temperature of the fluidizing air to an optimum temperature to reduce the surface moisture of the granules and improve the conditions of electrification by tribo-electric effect.
  • a heating means 120 of the air stream arranged upstream of the air inlet 102 of the separation chamber 100.
  • adjust the temperature of the fluidizing air to an optimum temperature to reduce the surface moisture of the granules and improve the conditions of electrification by tribo-electric effect.
  • this optimum temperature is between 35 ° C and 45 ° C.
  • the electrostatic separation device may also comprise an air chamber 130, arranged downstream of the air inlet 102 of the separation chamber 100, and comprising means for homogenizing the incoming air flow. in the separation chamber 100.
  • this air chamber 130 is arranged upstream of the air diffuser 102a and is connected to a compressor 131.
  • the means for homogenizing the air stream are, for example, glass balls 132. Their distribution in the air chamber 130 divides the stream of compressed air, so that the air stream is homogeneous along its entire width when it enters the chamber 100 and ensures a uniform horizontal pressure in the separation chamber 100.
  • the introduction of the granules can be made by spraying from the bottom of the separation chamber, with the flow of air (and optionally a complementary air stream) so that the projected granules upwards levitate in the air stream in a turbulent regime and are electrically charged by contacts between them and / or with the walls of the separation chamber.

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  • Electrostatic Separation (AREA)

Description

L'invention se rapporte à un procédé de séparation électrostatique de matériaux granulaires et à un dispositif de mise en oeuvre.The invention relates to a method for the electrostatic separation of granular materials and to an implementation device.

Des procédés de séparation électrostatique sont déjà utilisés pour trier des matériaux granulaires mélangés provenant, par exemple, du broyage des déchets industriels. De préférence, ces matériaux sont isolants.Electrostatic separation processes are already used to sort mixed granular materials from, for example, industrial waste grinding. Preferably, these materials are insulating.

Ainsi, le recyclage de déchets électriques et/ou électroniques nécessite de séparer les différents composants avant de valoriser les matériaux obtenus. Cette séparation doit être la plus efficace possible pour obtenir une qualité sensiblement constante des matériaux obtenus. Il est alors envisageable de créer et de pérenniser une filière aval de valorisation de ces matériaux. Par exemple, les matériaux plastiques récupérés des déchets électriques et/ou électroniques peuvent servir à la fabrication de planches de contours de terrasse. Pour pérenniser cette activité, les planches doivent avoir une qualité et une couleur sensiblement constantes.Thus, the recycling of electrical and / or electronic waste requires the separation of the various components before valuing the materials obtained. This separation must be as effective as possible to obtain a substantially constant quality of the materials obtained. It is then possible to create and sustain a downstream value chain for these materials. For example, plastic materials recovered from electrical and / or electronic waste can be used for the manufacture of terrace decking boards. To sustain this activity, the boards must have a quality and a substantially constant color.

On a également besoin de pouvoir séparer et récupérer des matériaux plastiques de natures différentes, de manière efficace et automatisée.It is also necessary to be able to separate and recover plastic materials of different natures, efficiently and automatically.

Plusieurs types de procédés ont été proposés, tels que des procédé optiques ou par flottaison. Cependant, ces procédé ne sont pas assez précis et génèrent trop d'impuretés.Several types of processes have been proposed, such as optical or float methods. However, these processes are not precise enough and generate too much impurities.

Une autre solution consiste à broyer les matériaux isolants pour en faire des granules et, dans une première étape, à charger ces granules par effet triboélectrique dans un dispositif à vibration ou rotatif. Dans une deuxième étape, les granules chargés sont convoyés vers un dispositif de tri électrostatique dans lequel ils sont séparés par un champ électrique.Another solution is to grind the insulating materials to make granules and, in a first step, to load these granules by triboelectric effect in a vibration or rotary device. In a second step, the charged granules are conveyed to an electrostatic sorting device in which they are separated by an electric field.

A cette fin, les granules sont injectés par le haut du dispositif de tri où ils tombent par gravité entre deux électrodes parallèles et verticales.For this purpose, the granules are injected from the top of the sorting device where they fall by gravity between two parallel and vertical electrodes.

Dans la suite de la présente Demande, on entendra par « verticale », la direction sensiblement parallèle à la force de gravitation. De même, on entendra par « horizontale », la direction sensiblement perpendiculaire à la force de gravitation.In the remainder of this Application, the term "vertical", the direction substantially parallel to the gravitational force. Similarly, the term "horizontal", the direction substantially perpendicular to the gravitational force.

Les granules chargés positivement sont attirés par l'anode (l'électrode négative), alors que les granules chargés négativement sont attirés par la cathode (l'électrode positive).The positively charged granules are attracted to the anode (the negative electrode), while the negatively charged granules are attracted to the cathode (the positive electrode).

Les granules ainsi déviés dans leur chute sont séparés et tombent dans deux collecteurs différents, disposés en bas du dispositif et au droit des électrodes.The granules thus deviated in their fall are separated and fall into two different collectors arranged at the bottom of the device and at the right of the electrodes.

Les granules qui n'ont pas été attirés par les électrodes tombent dans un troisième collecteur central où ils sont récupérés. Ils peuvent alors être remis en circulation dans le dispositif de tri.Granules that have not been attracted to the electrodes fall into a third central collector where they are recovered. They can then be recirculated in the sorting device.

Ces granules peuvent avoir perdu leur charge lors du convoyage entre le dispositif de charge triboélectrique et le dispositif de tri. Ils peuvent également avoir acquis une charge trop faible pour être attirés par une électrode.These granules may have lost their charge during conveying between the triboelectric charging device and the sorting device. They may also have acquired a charge too low to be attracted to an electrode.

En effet, la charge électrique acquise par les granules dans les dispositifs précités n'est pas homogène. Certaines granules arrivent à se charger convenablement et pourront donc être séparés dans un champ électrique assez intense, alors que d'autres sortent des dispositifs de charge triboélectriques avec un niveau de charge insuffisant pour permettre leur séparation. Il résulte qu'une quantité importante de granules non séparés doit être récupérée puis retournées vers le dispositif de charge triboélectrique. La productivité du procédé est faible puisque le retour des granules dans le dispositif de charge triboélectrique limite le chargement de nouveaux granules.Indeed, the electrical charge acquired by the granules in the aforementioned devices is not homogeneous. Some granules are able to charge properly and can be separated in a fairly intense electric field, while others leave the triboelectric charging devices with insufficient charge to allow their separation. As a result, a large quantity of unseparated granules must be recovered and then returned to the triboelectric charging device. The productivity of the process is low since the return of the granules in the triboelectric charging device limits the loading of new granules.

L'état de charge des granules pourrait être amélioré en augmentant la durée du processus de charge triboélectrique. Cependant, la productivité du procédé ne serait pas améliorée puisque les granules resteraient plus longtemps dans le dispositif de charge triboélectrique, ce qui consomme du temps et de l'énergie.The state of charge of the granules could be improved by increasing the duration of the triboelectric charging process. However, the productivity of the process would not be improved since the granules would remain longer in the triboelectric charging device, which consumes time and energy.

En outre, pour une durée de charge fixée, la quantité de charge effectivement acquise par les granules peut varier d'une façon significative avec l'état de surface des granules et, plus particulièrement, leur taille. En effet, lorsque deux granules de tailles différentes s'entrechoquent, ils acquièrent deux charges électriques opposées et de même valeur. Cependant, si cette valeur est suffisante pour que le plus petit granule soit attiré par une électrode, elle est insuffisante pour que le plus gros granule soit attiré par l'autre électrode. Il est alors évacué et redirigé vers le dispositif de charge.In addition, for a fixed charging time, the amount of charge actually acquired by the granules can vary significantly with the surface condition of the granules and, more particularly, their size. Indeed, when two granules of different sizes collide, they acquire two opposite electric charges and of the same value. However, if this value is sufficient for the smaller granule to be attracted to one electrode, it is insufficient for the larger granule to be attracted to the other electrode. It is then evacuated and redirected to the charging device.

Pour améliorer la qualité de la charge triboélectrique des granules, les installations connues présentent donc, de préférence, un moyen de tamisage par taille des granules, disposé en amont du dispositif de charge triboélectrique. Ensuite, chaque type de granules est chargé puis séparé électriquement.In order to improve the quality of the triboelectric charge of the granules, the known installations therefore preferably have a size sieving means of the granules, arranged upstream of the triboelectric charging device. Then each type of granule is loaded and then electrically separated.

On peut citer le document JP-57042355 qui décrit une installation de tri par effet électrostatique dans lesquelles la charge des particules et leur séparation se font de manière séparée, dans des structures séparées.We can quote the document JP-57042355 which describes an electrostatic sorting plant in which the charge of the particles and their separation are carried out separately, in separate structures.

En outre, on peut citer le document EP 0 279 200 A2 qui décrit un procédé et un dispositif de séparation de pièces non conductrices d'électricité, en particulier du plastique et / ou du papier. Un flux de matériel hétérogène est soumis, dans une première station, à un traitement de chargement électrostatique des parties du matériel non conducteur et, dans une suivante station, les parties chargées d'électrostatique sont extraites du flux ou est la matière suspendue au moyen d'au moins un récepteur de charge électrostatique opposée.In addition, the document EP 0 279 200 A2 which describes a method and a device for separating non-electrically conductive parts, in particular plastic and / or paper. A heterogeneous material stream is subjected, in a first station, to an electrostatic charging treatment of the non-conductive material parts and, in a next station, the electrostatic charged parts are extracted from the stream or is the suspended material by means of at least one opposite electrostatic charge receiver.

La quantité de charge effectivement acquise par les granules peut également varier d'une façon significative avec la température et l'humidité ambiantes.The amount of filler actually acquired by the granules can also vary significantly with ambient temperature and humidity.

Pour résoudre le problème des conditions atmosphériques, il est souhaitable d'utiliser des moyens de contrôle de l'humidité et de la température de l'atmosphère ambiante et des granules.To solve the problem of atmospheric conditions, it is desirable to use means for controlling humidity and temperature of the ambient atmosphere and granules.

Cependant, ces équipements supplémentaires compliquent sensiblement la gestion de l'installation globale et augmentent notablement le coût du procédé.However, these additional equipment significantly complicate the management of the overall installation and significantly increase the cost of the process.

La productivité des installations connues pour la séparation des matériaux isolants granulaires est assez faible et la qualité des produits obtenus ne répond pas toujours aux exigences des clients. Les procédés actuels sont trop sensibles aux variations aléatoires des conditions ambiantes et des propriétés physico-chimiques des granules à séparer.The productivity of known installations for the separation of granular insulating materials is quite low and the quality of the products obtained does not always meet the requirements of the customers. Current methods are too sensitive to random variations in ambient conditions and physicochemical properties of the granules to be separated.

La présente invention vise à pallier les inconvénients précédents et propose un procédé de séparation électrostatique de matériaux isolants granulaires et un dispositif de mise en oeuvre, performants en termes de qualité et de productivité de la charge triboélectrique et du tri. Ils sont également polyvalents, économes en énergie et s'adaptent facilement aux conditions atmosphériques ambiantes et aux propriétés physico-chimiques des granules à séparer.The present invention aims to overcome the above disadvantages and proposes a method of electrostatic separation of granular insulating materials and an implementation device, performing in terms of quality and productivity of the triboelectric charge and sorting. They are also versatile, energy efficient and easily adapt to ambient atmospheric conditions and physicochemical properties of the granules to be separated.

A cette fin, l'invention propose un procédé et un dispositif permettant, simultanément, au sein d'une même enceinte, la charge électrique des granules et leur séparation électrostatique.To this end, the invention provides a method and a device for simultaneously, within a single chamber, the electrical charge of the granules and their electrostatic separation.

Ainsi, l'invention a pour objet un procédé de séparation électrostatique d'un mélange de granules de matériaux différents, comprenant les étapes suivantes :

  1. a) entre deux électrodes dans une chambre de séparation délimitée par des parois et munie d'une entrée et d'une sortie d'air, injection d'un courant d'air de fluidisation ;
  2. b) introduction du mélange de granules de matériaux différents, dans le courant d'air de fluidisation ;
  3. c) contrôle du courant d'air de fluidisation, pour que les granules lévitent dans le courant d'air selon un régime turbulent et se chargent électriquement par contacts entre eux et/ou avec les parois de la chambre de séparation ;
  4. d) génération d'un champ électrique entre les deux électrodes, sensiblement perpendiculairement au sens du courant d'air, tels que les granules chargés à l'étape c), se déplacent, soit dans le sens du champ électrique s'ils sont chargés positivement, soit en sens opposé si leur charge est négative ;
  5. e) adhésion des granules chargés à la surface des électrodes ;
  6. f) évacuation et collecte des granules adhérés à chaque électrode.
Thus, the subject of the invention is a process for the electrostatic separation of a mixture of granules of different materials, comprising the following steps:
  1. a) between two electrodes in a partition chamber defined by walls and provided with an inlet and an air outlet, injecting a stream of fluidizing air;
  2. b) introducing the mixture of granules of different materials into the fluidization air stream;
  3. c) controlling the flow of fluidization air, so that the granules levitate in the air stream in a turbulent regime and charge electrically by contacts between them and / or the walls of the separation chamber;
  4. d) generating an electric field between the two electrodes, substantially perpendicular to the direction of the air current, such as the granules charged in step c), move in the direction of the electric field if they are charged positively, or in opposite directions if their load is negative;
  5. e) adhesion of charged granules to the surface of the electrodes;
  6. f) evacuation and collection of granules adhered to each electrode.

Selon d'autres modes de réalisation :

  • lors de l'étape a), le courant d'air de fluidisation peut être injecté sensiblement en direction verticale ascendante, et lors de l'étape b), le mélange de granule peut être introduit par chute libre et à contre-courant par rapport au courant d'air de fluidisation ;
  • le courant d'air de fluidisation, injecté dans la chambre de séparation à l'étape a), peut présenter un gradient négatif de pression en direction verticale ascendante ;
  • l'introduction du mélange de granules à l'étape b) peut être réalisée selon un débit, exprimé en masse de granules introduite par unité de temps, régulé à une valeur sensiblement égale à la masse de granules collectés à l'étape f) par unité de temps ;
  • le courant d'air peut être préalablement chauffé avant d'entrer dans la chambre de séparation ;
  • le courant d'air peut être homogénéisé en entrant dans la chambre de séparation ;
  • l'étape f) peut être mise en oeuvre au moyen d'électrodes de type tapis roulant en matériau conducteur électrique, l'évacuation des granules étant effectuée par la mise en translation des tapis roulants, et la collecte étant réalisée par raclage ; et/ou
  • le procédé peut comprendre, en outre, une étape g), postérieure à l'étape f), de nettoyage des électrodes.
According to other embodiments:
  • during step a), the flow of fluidization air can be injected substantially in the upward vertical direction, and in step b), the granule mixture can be introduced by free fall and countercurrently relative to to the fluidizing air stream;
  • the fluidization air stream, injected into the separation chamber in step a), may have a negative pressure gradient in the upward vertical direction;
  • the introduction of the mixture of granules in step b) can be carried out according to a flow rate, expressed as mass of granules introduced per unit of time, regulated at a value substantially equal to the mass of granules collected in step f) by unit of time;
  • the air stream can be preheated before entering the separation chamber;
  • the air stream can be homogenized by entering the separation chamber;
  • step f) can be implemented by means of treadmill-type electrically conductive electrodes, the discharge of the granules being carried out by translating the treadmills, and the collection being carried out by scraping; and or
  • the method may further comprise a step g), subsequent to step f), of cleaning the electrodes.

L'invention a également pour objet un dispositif de séparation électrostatique d'un mélange de granules de matériaux différents, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend :

  • une chambre de séparation délimitée par des parois et munie d'une entrée et d'une sortie d'air ;
  • deux électrodes s'étendant dans la chambre de séparation entre l'entrée et la sortie d'air ;
  • un moyen d'injection, entre les deux électrodes, d'un courant d'air de fluidisation selon une direction déterminée ;
  • un moyen d'introduction du mélange de granules dans le courant d'air de fluidisation ;
  • un moyen de contrôle du courant d'air de fluidisation tel que, en utilisation, les granules lévitent dans le courant d'air selon un régime turbulent et se chargent électriquement par contacts entre eux et/ou avec les parois de la chambre de séparation ;
  • un moyen de génération, entre les deux électrodes, d'un champ électrique sensiblement perpendiculairement à la direction du courant d'air ;
  • un moyen d'évacuation et de collecte des granules adhérés à chaque électrode.
The invention also relates to a device for electrostatically separating a mixture of granules of different materials, characterized in that it comprises:
  • a partition chamber defined by walls and provided with an inlet and an air outlet;
  • two electrodes extending into the separation chamber between the inlet and the air outlet;
  • means for injecting, between the two electrodes, a stream of fluidizing air in a determined direction;
  • means for introducing the mixture of granules into the fluidization air stream;
  • means for controlling the fluidization air stream such that, in use, the granules levitate in the air stream in a turbulent regime and are electrically charged by contacts between them and / or with the walls of the separation chamber;
  • means for generating, between the two electrodes, an electric field substantially perpendicular to the direction of the air current;
  • means for discharging and collecting granules adhered to each electrode.

Selon d'autres modes de réalisation :

  • l'entrée d'air peut être agencée de telle sorte que le courant d'air soit, en utilisation, sensiblement en direction verticale ascendante ;
  • le moyen d'introduction du mélange de granules peut être agencé pour introduire les granules, dans la chambre de séparation, par chute libre et à contre-courant par rapport au courant d'air de fluidisation ;
  • les électrodes peuvent être agencées de manière divergente depuis l'entrée d'air vers la sortie d'air ;
  • le dispositif de séparation peut comprendre un moyen de chauffage du courant d'air agencé en amont de l'entrée d'air de la chambre de séparation ;
  • le dispositif de séparation peut comprendre une chambre d'air agencée en aval de l'entrée d'air de la chambre de séparation et comprenant des moyens d'homogénéisation du courant d'air ;
  • les moyens d'homogénéisation du courant d'air peuvent être des billes en verre ;
  • le dispositif de séparation peut comprendre un moyen de contrôle du débit d'introduction des granules ;
  • le dispositif de séparation peut comprendre un moyen de mesure de la masse de granules collectés relié au moyen de contrôle du débit, celui-ci étant adapté pour commander le débit d'introduction des granules en fonction de la masse mesurée par le moyen de mesure ;
  • le moyen de collecte des granules peut être une racle ;
  • le dispositif de séparation peut comprendre un moyen de nettoyage des électrodes ;
  • les électrodes peuvent être de type tapis roulant ; et/ou
  • le moyen de génération du champ électrique peut être ajustable.
According to other embodiments:
  • the air inlet can be arranged so that the air stream is, in use, substantially in ascending vertical direction;
  • the means for introducing the mixture of granules can be arranged to introduce the granules, in the separation chamber, by free fall and countercurrent with respect to the flow of fluidization air;
  • the electrodes may be arranged divergently from the air inlet to the air outlet;
  • the separating device may comprise a heating means of the air stream arranged upstream of the air inlet of the separation chamber;
  • the separation device may comprise an air chamber arranged downstream of the air inlet of the separation chamber and comprising means for homogenizing the air stream;
  • the homogenization means of the air stream may be glass beads;
  • the separation device may comprise a means for controlling the rate of introduction of the granules;
  • the separation device may comprise a means for measuring the mass of collected granules connected to the flow control means, the latter being adapted to control the introduction rate of the granules as a function of the mass measured by the measuring means;
  • the means for collecting the granules may be a doctor blade;
  • the separation device may comprise a means for cleaning the electrodes;
  • the electrodes may be of the treadmill type; and or
  • the electric field generation means can be adjustable.

Le procédé et le dispositif selon l'invention permettent de remédier aux inconvénients précités en réalisant de manière simultanée le chargement des granules par effet triboélectrique et leur séparation dans un champ électrique. Ainsi, les granules ne peuvent pas perdre leur charge entre le moment où ils sont chargés et le moment où ils sont soumis au champ électrique.The method and the device according to the invention make it possible to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by simultaneously carrying out the charging of the granules by triboelectric effect and their separation in an electric field. Thus, the granules can not lose their charge between the moment they are charged and the moment when they are subjected to the electric field.

Par ailleurs, le courant d'air sépare les granules par taille, de sorte la charge triboélectrique est optimale puisqu'elle se fait sur des granules sensiblement de même taille.Moreover, the air stream separates the granules by size, so the triboelectric charge is optimal because it is made on granules of substantially the same size.

En outre, chaque granule ne reste dans le courant d'air que le temps minimum nécessaire pour acquérir une charge triboélectrique suffisante pour qu'il soit attiré par l'une des électrodes. Les granules non chargés ne peuvent pas quitter le courant d'air, ce qui garantie la pureté des granules collectés. Ainsi, le procédé et le dispositif selon l'invention optimisent le rendement de tri et s'adapte naturellement à chaque granule.In addition, each granule remains in the air stream only the minimum time necessary to acquire a triboelectric charge sufficient to be attracted to one of the electrodes. The uncharged granules can not leave the air stream, which guarantees the purity of the granules collected. Thus, the method and the device according to the invention optimize the sorting efficiency and adapt naturally to each granule.

Enfin, grâce au fait que la charge et la séparation soient simultanées et dans une même enceinte, il est possible de maîtriser facilement, et de manière économique, les conditions atmosphériques ambiantes.Finally, thanks to the fact that the charge and the separation are simultaneous and in the same enclosure, it is possible to control easily, and economically, the ambient atmospheric conditions.

Ainsi, un dispositif selon l'invention présente un rendement et une qualité de tri notablement améliorés par rapport à un dispositif de l'État de la Technique de dimensions utiles équivalentes.Thus, a device according to the invention has a significantly improved efficiency and quality of sorting compared to a device of the state of the art of equivalent useful dimensions.

D'autres caractéristiques de l'invention seront énoncées dans la description détaillée ci-après faite en référence aux figures qui représentent, respectivement :

  • la figure 1, une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de séparation électrostatique selon l'invention ; et
  • la figure 2, une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale d'un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de séparation électrostatique selon l'invention.
Other features of the invention will be set forth in the following detailed description with reference to the figures which represent, respectively:
  • the figure 1 , a schematic view in longitudinal section of a first embodiment of an electrostatic separation device according to the invention; and
  • the figure 2 , a schematic view in longitudinal section of a second embodiment of an electrostatic separation device according to the invention.

En référence à la figure 1, un dispositif de séparation électrostatique selon l'invention comprend une chambre de séparation 100 délimitée par des parois latérales 101 (dont deux seulement ont été illustrées) et munie d'une entrée d'air 102 et d'une sortie d'air 103 permettant respectivement l'admission et l'évacuation d'air comprimé.With reference to the figure 1 , an electrostatic separation device according to the invention comprises a separation chamber 100 delimited by side walls 101 (only two of which have been illustrated) and provided with an air inlet 102 and an air outlet 103 allowing respectively the admission and the discharge of compressed air.

De préférence, l'entrée d'air 102 est munie d'un diffuseur d'air 102a, et la sortie d'air 103 est munie d'un filtre 103a.Preferably, the air inlet 102 is provided with an air diffuser 102a, and the air outlet 103 is provided with a filter 103a.

Deux électrodes 105-106 s'étendent dans la chambre de séparation entre et de part et d'autre de l'entrée et la sortie d'air. Ainsi, le courant d'air circulant entre l'entrée et la sortie d'air est localisé entre les électrodes 105-106. Ces électrodes sont reliées à un générateur de haute tension continue 107, de préférence ajustable : l'électrode 105 est reliée à la borne négative du générateur 107, et l'électrode 106 est reliée à la borne positive du générateur 107. Cet agencement génère un champ électrique entre les deux électrodes 105-106 lorsque le courant circule.Two electrodes 105-106 extend in the separation chamber between and on either side of the inlet and the air outlet. Thus, the flow of air flowing between the inlet and the air outlet is located between the electrodes 105-106. These electrodes are connected to a continuous high voltage generator 107, preferably adjustable: the electrode 105 is connected to the negative terminal of the generator 107, and the electrode 106 is connected to the positive terminal of the generator 107. This arrangement generates a electric field between the two electrodes 105-106 when the current flows.

De préférence, comme illustré dans les figures 1 et 2, les électrodes sont agencées de manière divergente depuis l'entrée d'air vers la sortie d'air.Preferably, as illustrated in the figures 1 and 2 the electrodes are arranged divergently from the air inlet to the air outlet.

Le dispositif comprend également un moyen d'injection 108, entre les deux électrodes 105-106, d'un courant d'air selon une direction déterminée représentée par la flèche F1. Le courant d'air traverse donc la chambre de séparation 100 entre l'entrée 102 et la sortie d'air 103. Ce courant d'air forme un lit fluidisé. L'entrée d'air 102 est agencée, avantageusement, de telle sorte que le courant d'air soit, en utilisation, sensiblement en direction verticale ascendante.The device also comprises an injection means 108, between the two electrodes 105-106, of a stream of air in a determined direction represented by the arrow F1. The air stream thus passes through the separation chamber 100 between the inlet 102 and the air outlet 103. This stream of air forms a fluidized bed. The air inlet 102 is advantageously arranged so that the air stream is, in use, substantially in an upward vertical direction.

Un moyen 109 est agencé pour permettre l'introduction d'un mélange M de granules dans le courant d'air de fluidisation.A means 109 is arranged to allow the introduction of a mixture M of granules into the stream of fluidization air.

De préférence, le moyen d'introduction 109 du mélange de granules M est agencé pour introduire les granules, dans la chambre de séparation 100, par chute libre et à contre-courant par rapport au courant d'air de fluidisation.Preferably, the introduction means 109 of the mixture of granules M is arranged to introduce the granules, in the separation chamber 100, by free fall and countercurrent with respect to the fluidization air stream.

Le moyen 109 est, de préférence, à débit variable commandé par un moyen de contrôle du débit (non illustré).The means 109 is preferably variable rate controlled by flow control means (not shown).

Le mélange M comprend au moins deux matériaux différents M1-M2, illustrés dans les figures, par des disques blancs M1 et des disques noirs M2. Les granules peuvent être de tailles différentes. Dans les figures, deux tailles (petite taille : M1p et M2p, et grande taille : M1g et M2g) ont été illustrées, mais dans la pratique, le procédé et le dispositif selon l'invention peuvent séparer efficacement des granules de nombreuses tailles.The mixture M comprises at least two different materials M1-M2, illustrated in the figures, by white disks M1 and black disks M2. The granules can be of different sizes. In the figures, two sizes (small size: M1p and M2p, and large size: M1g and M2g) have been illustrated, but in practice, the method and the device according to the invention can effectively separate granules of many sizes.

Le moyen 108 d'injection du courant d'air de fluidisation est relié à un moyen de contrôle du courant d'air de fluidisation tel que, en utilisation, les granules lévitent dans le courant d'air selon un régime turbulent et se chargent électriquement par contacts entre eux et/ou avec les parois 101 de la chambre de séparation 100.The means 108 for injecting the fluidization air stream is connected to a means for controlling the fluidization air stream such that, in use, the granules levitate in the air stream in a turbulent regime and charge electrically. by contact between them and / or with the walls 101 of the separation chamber 100.

Le dispositif selon l'invention permet la mise en oeuvre du procédé de séparation électrostatique du mélange de granules de matériaux différents selon l'invention. Il comprend les étapes suivantes.The device according to the invention allows the implementation of the electrostatic separation process of the mixture of granules of different materials according to the invention. It includes the following steps.

Dans une étape a), on injecte, entre les deux électrodes, un courant d'air de fluidisation. Ce courant d'air provient de l'entrée d'air 102 et est évacué par la sortie d'air 103. Dans la configuration avantageuse illustrée aux figures 1 et 2, le courant d'air de fluidisation est injecté sensiblement en direction verticale ascendante. Combinée à ce courant ascendant, la configuration divergente des électrodes crée un gradient négatif de pression en direction verticale ascendante. Autrement dit, la pression d'air diminue dans le sens du courant d'air. Ainsi, la pression de l'air à la sortie d'air 103, en haut de la chambre 100, est inférieure à la pression de l'air à l'entrée d'air 102, en bas de la chambre 100.In a step a), a stream of fluidizing air is injected between the two electrodes. This stream of air comes from the air inlet 102 and is discharged through the air outlet 103. In the advantageous configuration illustrated in FIGS. figures 1 and 2 , the fluidization air stream is injected substantially vertically ascending. Combined with this updraft, the divergent configuration of the electrodes creates a negative pressure gradient in the upward vertical direction. In other words, the air pressure decreases in the direction of the air flow. Thus, the air pressure at the air outlet 103 at the top of the chamber 100 is less than the air pressure at the air inlet 102 at the bottom of the chamber 100.

Dans une étape b), on introduit le mélange de granules M de matériaux différents, dans le courant d'air de fluidisation. Dans la configuration avantageuse précitée, le mélange de granule est introduit par chute libre et à contre-courant par rapport au courant d'air de fluidisation.In a step b), the mixture of granules M of different materials is introduced into the stream of fluidization air. In the abovementioned advantageous configuration, the granule mixture is introduced by free fall and countercurrently with respect to the fluidization air stream.

Simultanément, on contrôle, dans une étape c) le courant d'air de fluidisation, pour que les granules lévitent dans le courant d'air selon un régime turbulent et se chargent électriquement par contacts entre eux et/ou avec les parois de la chambre de séparation.Simultaneously, in a step c), the flow of fluidizing air is controlled so that the granules levitate in the air stream according to a turbulent regime and charge electrically by contacts between them and / or with the walls of the separation chamber.

Le gradient négatif de pression permet de distribuer les granules à des hauteurs différentes, en rapport avec leurs dimensions : les granules plus gros ou plus lourds restent en bas, tandis que les plus petits ou plus légers montent plus dans le lit fluidisé. La limite supérieure du lit fluidisée est établie par les granules les moins gros ou moins lourds, mais on contrôle le courant d'air pour que cette limite supérieure ne dépasse pas, de préférence, deux tiers de la hauteur de la chambre de séparation 100.The negative pressure gradient makes it possible to distribute the granules at different heights, in relation to their dimensions: the larger or heavier granules remain below, while the smaller or lighter granules rise more in the fluidized bed. The upper limit of the fluidized bed is established by the smaller or lighter granules, but the air flow is controlled so that this upper limit does not exceed, preferably, two thirds of the height of the separation chamber 100.

Le procédé et le dispositif selon l'invention permettent donc une distribution naturelle des granules selon leur masse au sein même de la chambre. Il n'est donc pas nécessaire de procéder à un criblage par taille du mélange M avant introduction dans la chambre de séparation 100. Le diamètre caractéristique des granules du mélange M peut être compris, avantageusement, entre 0,5 et 5 mm.The method and the device according to the invention therefore allow a natural distribution of the granules according to their mass within the chamber itself. It is therefore not necessary to carry out a size-screening of the mixture M before introduction into the separation chamber 100. The characteristic diameter of the granules of the mixture M may advantageously be between 0.5 and 5 mm.

Le procédé et le dispositif selon l'invention permettent donc d'obtenir une homogénéité dimensionnelle des granules qui viennent en contact les uns avec les autres. Ceci assure les meilleures conditions de charge triboélectrique car deux granules sensiblement de même masse, mais de matériaux différents, acquièrent deux charges opposées de même valeur. Ceci permet aux granules d'être attirés chacun par une électrode.The method and the device according to the invention thus make it possible to obtain a dimensional homogeneity of the granules which come into contact with each other. This ensures the best triboelectric charging conditions because two granules of substantially the same mass, but of different materials, acquire two opposite charges of the same value. This allows the granules to be each attracted by an electrode.

Pendant que les granules M1p-M2p, M1g-M2g lévitent dans le courant d'air de fluidisation et se chargent par triboélectrisation, on génère, dans une étape d), un champ électrique E entre les deux électrodes, sensiblement perpendiculairement à la direction F1 du courant d'air, et dirigé de la cathode vers l'anode.While the granules M1p-M2p, M1g-M2g levitate in the flow of fluidization air and load by triboelectrisation, in a step d), an electric field E is generated between the two electrodes, substantially perpendicular to the F1 direction. of the air stream, and directed from the cathode to the anode.

Le champ électrique nécessaire à la mise en oeuvre de l'invention est supérieur, de préférence, à 1 kV/cm. Il est typiquement compris entre 4 et 5 kV/cm.The electric field required for carrying out the invention is preferably greater than 1 kV / cm. It is typically between 4 and 5 kV / cm.

Ainsi, les granules chargés à l'étape c) se déplacent, soit dans le sens du champ électrique s'ils sont chargés positivement, soit en sens opposé si leur charge est négative. Sur les figures 1 et 2, les granules M1p et M1g sont chargés négativement et se déplacent vers la cathode 106, en sens opposé du champ électrique E. Les granules M2p et M2g sont chargés positivement et se déplacent vers l'anode 105, dans le même sens que celui du champ électrique E.Thus, the granules charged in step c) move either in the direction of the electric field if they are positively charged, or in the opposite direction if their charge is negative. On the figures 1 and 2 , the granules M1p and M1g are negatively charged and move towards the cathode 106, in the opposite direction of the electric field E. The granules M2p and M2g are positively charged and move towards the anode 105, in the same direction as that of the electric field E.

Soumis à l'action de la force d'image électrique, les granules M2p et M2g chargés positivement adhèrent, dans une étape e), à l'anode 105. De même, les granules M1p et M1g chargés négativement adhèrent, dans une étape e), à la cathode 106.Under the action of the electric image force, the positively charged granules M2p and M2g adhere, in a step e), to the anode 105. Similarly, the negatively charged granules M1p and M1g adhere, in a step e ), at the cathode 106.

Le procédé selon l'invention comprend une étape f) d'évacuation et de collecte des granules adhérés à chaque électrode.The method according to the invention comprises a step f) of discharging and collecting the granules adhered to each electrode.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, cette étape f) est mise en oeuvre à l'aide d'électrodes de type tapis roulant, avantageusement en matériau conducteur électrique tel qu'un métal. De préférence, le tapis roulant est en acier inoxydable à surface lisse. Il est également envisageable d'utiliser des tapis roulants en matériaux plastiques à insertions métalliques.According to a preferred embodiment, this step f) is implemented using treadmill type electrodes, advantageously electrically conductive material such as a metal. Preferably, the conveyor belt is made of stainless steel with a smooth surface. It is also possible to use treadmills made of plastic materials with metal inserts.

Selon les modes de réalisation illustrés aux figures 1 et 2, les électrodes 105 et 106, de type tapis roulants, sont mises en translation pour évacuer les granules déposés à leur surface dans un sens schématisé par la flèche F2, sensiblement concourant au courant d'air. Il est également possible d'entraîner les tapis roulant en sens inverse, c'est-à-dire sensiblement à contre-courant par rapport au courant d'air. Cependant, les granules adhérés à la surface des tapis roulants risquent d'être décollés par le courant d'air.According to the embodiments illustrated in figures 1 and 2 the electrodes 105 and 106, of conveyor belt type, are set in translation to evacuate the granules deposited on their surface in a direction schematized by the arrow F2, substantially concurrent with the air flow. It is also possible to drive the treadmill in the opposite direction, that is to say substantially counter-current relative to the air stream. However, the granules adhered to the surface of the treadmills may be peeled off by the air stream.

Les tapis roulant évacuent les granules à l'opposé du courant d'air par rapport aux électrodes. Ensuite, les granules sont collectés sur les tapis roulant par raclage, à l'aide de racles 110. Celles-ci décollent les granules des tapis roulant et les dirigent vers un collecteur 111 - 112.The tread convey the granules away from the air flow relative to the electrodes. Then, the granules are collected on the treadmill by scraping, using doctor blades 110. These take off the granules of the treadmill and direct them to a collector 111 - 112.

La vitesse du tapis est corrélée avec le débit de granules provenant du moyen 109 d'introduction du mélange M de granules, la composition initiale du mélange granulaire à séparer et la largeur du tapis.The speed of the belt is correlated with the flow of granules from the means 109 for introducing the mixture M of granules, the initial composition of the granular mixture to be separated and the width of the belt.

Elle doit être suffisante pour que les granules attirés par l'électrode ne forment qu'une seule couche à la surface du tapis. Sinon, la force d'image électrique n'est pas assez importante pour adhérer les granules au tapis.It must be sufficient for the granules attracted by the electrode to form a single layer on the surface of the carpet. Otherwise, the Electric image strength is not important enough to adhere the granules to the carpet.

Par ailleurs, en utilisant une vitesse trop faible, les granules resteraient en contact avec le tapis des électrodes un temps suffisamment long pour qu'ils se déchargent. Ceci a comme effet de diminuer la force d'image électrique qui adhère les granules à la surface du tapis. Les granules risquent alors de se détacher du tapis avant de pouvoir être récupérés par les collecteurs 111-112, et de retomber à la base des électrodes. Si le courant d'air est aussi large que la distance séparant la base de chaque électrode, les granules qui retombent peuvent être remis en circulation dans le courant d'air. Sinon les granules tombent dans le bas de la chambre 100 et doivent être récupérés puis réintroduits dans la chambre via le moyen 109.In addition, using too low a speed, the granules would remain in contact with the electrode mat long enough for them to discharge. This has the effect of decreasing the electrical image force which adheres the granules to the carpet surface. The granules may then become detached from the carpet before they can be recovered by the collectors 111-112, and fall back to the base of the electrodes. If the air flow is as wide as the distance separating the base of each electrode, the falling granules can be recirculated into the air stream. Otherwise the granules fall in the bottom of the chamber 100 and must be recovered and reintroduced into the chamber via the means 109.

A titre d'exemple, avec les matériaux plastiques provenant des déchets informatiques, un débit d'environ 300 kg/heure et un tapis ayant une largeur de 1 m, une vitesse de l'ordre de 5 m/min peut être suffisante.For example, with plastic materials from computer waste, a flow rate of about 300 kg / hour and a carpet having a width of 1 m, a speed of the order of 5 m / min may be sufficient.

Le procédé selon l'invention peut comprendre en outre, une étape g) de nettoyage des électrodes, postérieure à l'étape f). A cette fin, le dispositif de séparation selon l'invention comprend un moyen de nettoyage des électrodes, schématisé sur les figures 1 et 2 par des brosses 113. Celles-ci permettent de décoller les granules qui ne l'auraient pas été par les racles 110. Elles permettent surtout de débarrasser les tapis roulant des poussières P générées inévitablement par la mise en oeuvre du procédé. En effet, les chocs des granules entre eux, lors de la charge triboélectrique, engendrent une certaine érosion de ces granules qui se matérialise par de la poussière. Celle-ci s'accumule sur les tapis roulant et peut diminuer l'adhésion des granules par la force d'image électrique. Les brosses 113 permettent de débarrasser les tapis de cette poussière et de maintient le pouvoir d'attraction et d'adhésion pendant toute la durée de fonctionnement du dispositif.The method according to the invention may further comprise a step g) of cleaning the electrodes, subsequent to step f). For this purpose, the separation device according to the invention comprises a means for cleaning the electrodes, schematized on the figures 1 and 2 by brushes 113. These allow to take off the granules that would not have been by the scrapers 110. They allow especially to rid the treadmill dust P inevitably generated by the implementation of the process. Indeed, the shocks of the granules together, during triboelectric charging, cause some erosion of these granules which is materialized by dust. This accumulates on the treadmill and can decrease the adhesion of the granules by the electric image force. The brushes 113 make it possible to rid the carpets of this dust and to maintain the power of attraction and adhesion during the entire operating life of the device.

De préférence, comme illustré en figure 1, les collecteurs 111-112 sont en contact étanche avec le tapis roulant correspondant 106-105 pour récolter les poussières et les évacuer de la chambre 100. De manière alternative, illustrée en figure 2, les poussières P peuvent être évacuées par un collecteur dédié 114.Preferably, as illustrated in figure 1 the collectors 111-112 are in sealing contact with the corresponding treadmill 106-105 to collect the dust and evacuate it from the chamber 100. alternative, illustrated in figure 2 the dust P can be evacuated by a dedicated collector 114.

D'autres moyens peuvent être utilisés, du moment qu'ils permettent l'évacuation et la collecte des granules adhérés à chaque électrode. On peut, par exemple, utiliser des électrodes rotatives combinées à une racle disposée à l'opposé du courant d'air de fluidisation par rapport aux électrodes. On peut également utiliser un moyen d'évacuation et de collecte mobile par rapport à une électrode immobile.Other means can be used, as long as they allow the evacuation and collection of granules adhered to each electrode. For example, rotary electrodes combined with a doctor blade disposed opposite the fluidizing air stream relative to the electrodes can be used. Mobile evacuation and collection means may also be used with respect to a stationary electrode.

Avec le procédé et le dispositif selon l'invention, la charge se fait au sein même de la chambre de séparation, de sorte que les granules ne risquent pas de perdre leur charge avant d'être soumis au champ électrique.With the method and the device according to the invention, the charge is made within the separation chamber, so that the granules are not likely to lose their charge before being subjected to the electric field.

En outre, dès qu'un granule est chargé, il est attiré par l'électrode de polarité opposée. Chaque granule ne reste donc dans le courant d'air de charge triboélectrique que le temps nécessaire à l'acquisition d'une charge suffisante pour qu'il soit attiré par une électrode. Ceci permet un rendement optimal, en laissant la place pour d'autres granules et en utilisant uniquement l'énergie mécanique du courant d'air strictement nécessaire à l'acquisition de la charge triboélectrique.In addition, as soon as a granule is loaded, it is attracted by the opposite polarity electrode. Each granule thus remains in the triboelectric charging air stream only the time necessary to acquire a charge sufficient to be attracted by an electrode. This allows an optimal yield, leaving room for other granules and using only the mechanical energy of the air flow strictly necessary for the acquisition of the triboelectric charge.

Enfin, le fait que les granules soient immédiatement évacués dès qu'ils adhèrent à une électrode optimise également le rendement, puisque les granules n'ont pas le temps de perdre leur charge, et laisse la place pour que d'autres granules adhèrent aux électrodes.Finally, the fact that the granules are immediately discharged as soon as they adhere to an electrode also optimizes the yield, since the granules do not have time to lose their charge, and leaves room for other granules to adhere to the electrodes .

De préférence, le dispositif comprend un moyen de contrôle du débit d'introduction des granules relié à un moyen de mesure (non représentés) de la masse de granules collectés par les collecteurs 111 et 112.Preferably, the device comprises a granule introduction rate control means connected to a measurement means (not shown) of the mass of granules collected by the collectors 111 and 112.

Ainsi, l'introduction du mélange de granules à l'étape b) est réalisée selon un débit, exprimé en masse de granules introduite par unité de temps, régulé à une valeur sensiblement égale à la masse de granules collectés à l'étape f) par unité de temps. Autrement dit, le moyen de contrôle du débit est adapté pour commander le débit d'introduction des granules en fonction de la masse mesurée par le moyen de mesure.Thus, the introduction of the mixture of granules in step b) is carried out according to a flow rate, expressed as mass of granules introduced per unit of time, regulated to a value substantially equal to the mass of granules collected in step f) per unit of time. In other words, the flow control means is adapted to control the rate of introduction of the granules as a function of the mass measured by the measuring means.

Selon le mode de réalisation illustré en figure 2, le courant d'air est préalablement chauffé avant d'entrer dans la chambre de séparation. A cette fin, le dispositif de séparation électrostatique selon l'invention comprend un moyen de chauffage 120 du courant d'air, agencé en amont de l'entrée d'air 102 de la chambre de séparation 100. Ce moyen de chauffage 120 permet d'ajuster la température de l'air de fluidisation à une température optimale pour réduire l'humidité superficielle des granules et améliorer les conditions d'électrisation par effet tribo-électrique. Par exemple, avec un mélange de granules de matériaux ABS (acrylonitrile butadiène styrène) et HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene ou polystyrène choc en français), de taille comprise entre 1,5 et 3 mm, cette température optimale est comprise entre 35°C et 45°C.According to the embodiment illustrated in figure 2 , the air stream is preheated before entering the separation chamber. To this end, the electrostatic separation device according to the invention comprises a heating means 120 of the air stream, arranged upstream of the air inlet 102 of the separation chamber 100. adjust the temperature of the fluidizing air to an optimum temperature to reduce the surface moisture of the granules and improve the conditions of electrification by tribo-electric effect. For example, with a mixture of granules of ABS materials (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene or polystyrene shock in French), of size between 1.5 and 3 mm, this optimum temperature is between 35 ° C and 45 ° C.

Le dispositif de séparation électrostatique selon l'invention peut aussi comprendre une chambre d'air 130, agencée en aval de l'entrée d'air 102 de la chambre de séparation 100, et comprenant des moyens d'homogénéisation du courant d'air entrant dans la chambre de séparation 100. De préférence, cette chambre d'air 130 est disposée en amont du diffuseur d'air 102a et elle est connectée à un compresseur 131.The electrostatic separation device according to the invention may also comprise an air chamber 130, arranged downstream of the air inlet 102 of the separation chamber 100, and comprising means for homogenizing the incoming air flow. in the separation chamber 100. Preferably, this air chamber 130 is arranged upstream of the air diffuser 102a and is connected to a compressor 131.

Les moyens d'homogénéisation du courant d'air sont, par exemple, des billes en verre 132. Leur répartition dans la chambre d'air 130 permet de diviser le courant d'air comprimé, de sorte que le courant d'air est homogène sur toute sa largeur lorsqu'il entre dans la chambre 100 et assure une pression horizontale uniforme dans la chambre de séparation 100.The means for homogenizing the air stream are, for example, glass balls 132. Their distribution in the air chamber 130 divides the stream of compressed air, so that the air stream is homogeneous along its entire width when it enters the chamber 100 and ensures a uniform horizontal pressure in the separation chamber 100.

Selon d'autres modes de réalisation, l'introduction des granules peut être faite par projection depuis le bas de la chambre de séparation, avec le courant d'air (et éventuellement un courant d'air complémentaire) de telle sorte que les granules projetées vers le haut lévitent dans le courant d'air selon un régime turbulent et se chargent électriquement par contacts entre eux et/ou avec les parois de la chambre de séparation.According to other embodiments, the introduction of the granules can be made by spraying from the bottom of the separation chamber, with the flow of air (and optionally a complementary air stream) so that the projected granules upwards levitate in the air stream in a turbulent regime and are electrically charged by contacts between them and / or with the walls of the separation chamber.

Claims (21)

  1. Electrostatic separation method of a granular mixture (M) made of different materials, comprising the following steps:
    a) injecting, between two electrodes (105, 106) in a separation chamber (100) defined by walls (101) and having an air inlet (102) and an air outlet (103), a fluidisation air flow;
    b) placing the granule mixture (M) made of different materials, in the fluidisation air flow;
    c) controlling the fluidisation air flow, such that the granules levitate in the air flow in a turbulent mode and become electrically charged by means of the contact therebetween and/or by means of the contact with the walls of the separation chamber (100);
    d) generating an electrical field between the two electrodes (105, 106), substantially perpendicular to the direction of the air flow, such that the charged granules in step c) move, either in the direction of the electric field if they are positively charged, or in the opposite direction if the charge thereof is negative;
    e) adhering the charged granules to the surface of the electrodes (105, 106);
    f) discharging and collecting the granules adhering to each electrode;
  2. Electrostatic separation method according to claim 1, wherein, during step a), the fluidisation air flow is injected substantially in the vertical ascending direction, and during step b), the granule mixture is placed via free fall and against the flow with respect to the fluidisation air flow.
  3. Electrostatic separation method according to claim 2, wherein the fluidisation air flow, injected into the separation chamber (100) in step a), has a negative pressure gradient in the vertical ascending direction.
  4. Electrostatic separation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the placing of the granule mixture (M) in step b) is carried out at a flow rate, expressed in mass of granules introduced per unit of time, adjusted to a value substantially equal to the mass of granules collected the step f) per unit of time.
  5. Electrostatic separation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the air flow is heated beforehand before entering into the separation chamber (100).
  6. Electrostatic separation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the air flow is homogenised when entering into the separation chamber (100).
  7. Electrostatic separation method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein step f) is implemented by means of electrodes of the treadmill type made of electrically conductive material, with the removal of the granules being carried out by the translation of the treadmills, and the collecting being carried out via scraping.
  8. Electrostatic separation method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a step g), subsequent to the step f), of cleaning electrodes (105, 106).
  9. Device for electrostatically separating a granule mixture made of different materials, comprising:
    - a separation chamber (100) delimited by walls (101) and provided with an air inlet (102) and an air outlet (103);
    - two electrodes (105, 106) extending in the separation chamber between the air inlet and the air outlet;
    - a means for injecting (108, 131), between the two electrodes, a fluidisation air flow along a determined direction (F1);
    - a means for placing (109) the mixture (M) of granules in the fluidisation air flow;
    - a means for controlling the fluidisation air flow such that, in use, the granules levitate in the air flow in a turbulent mode and become electrically charged by means of the contact therebetween and/or by means of contact with the walls of the separation chamber;
    - a means for generating (107), between the two electrodes, an electric field (E) that is substantially perpendicular to the direction (F1) of the air flow;
    - a means for discharging (105-106) and collecting (110-111-112) granules adhering to each electrode.
  10. Separation device according to claim 9, wherein the air inlet (102) is arranged such that the air flow is, in use, substantially in the vertical ascending direction.
  11. Separation device according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the means for placing (109) the granule mixture is arranged to place the granules, in the separation chamber, by free fall and against the flow with respect to the fluidisation air flow.
  12. Separation device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the electrodes (105, 106) are arranged in a diverging manner from the air inlet (102) to the air outlet (103).
  13. Separation device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, comprising a means for heating (120) the air flow arranged upstream of the air inlet (102) of the separation chamber (100).
  14. Separation device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, comprising an air chamber (130) arranged downstream of the air inlet (102) of the separation chamber and comprising means for homogenising (132) the air flow.
  15. Separation device according to claim 14, wherein the means for homogenising the air flow are glass beads.
  16. Separation device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, comprising a means for controlling the flow rate of the placing of the granules.
  17. Separation device according to claim 16, comprising a means for measuring the mass of granules collected connected to the means for controlling the flow rate, the latter being adapted to control the flow rate of the placing of the granules according to the mass measured by the measuring means.
  18. Separation device according to any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the means for collecting the granules is a scraper (110).
  19. Separation device according to any one of claims 9 to 18, comprising a means for cleaning (113) electrodes.
  20. Separation device according to any one of claims 9 to 19, wherein the electrodes are of the treadmill type.
  21. Separation device according to any one of claims 9 to 20, wherein the means for generating the electric field (107) is adjustable.
EP10726143.0A 2009-03-27 2010-03-23 Method for electrostatically separating a granule mixture made of different materials, and device for implementing the same Active EP2411155B1 (en)

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FR0901494A FR2943561B1 (en) 2009-03-27 2009-03-27 METHOD FOR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF A MIXTURE OF PELLETS OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SAME
PCT/FR2010/000245 WO2010109096A1 (en) 2009-03-27 2010-03-23 Method for electrostatically separating a granule mixture made of different materials, and device for implementing same

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MY160936A (en) 2017-03-31
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FR2943561B1 (en) 2011-05-20
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CA2756629A1 (en) 2010-09-30
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KR101736362B1 (en) 2017-05-16

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