MXPA97006363A

MXPA97006363A - System and method to clean, process and recycle matter

Info

Publication number: MXPA97006363A
Application number: MXPA/A/1997/006363A
Authority: MX
Inventors: L Watson Dana; Harris Poy Russell; Mark Kulakowuski Christopher; Brian Mulligan Dsniel
Original assignee: Kulakowski Christopher Mark; Mulligan Daniel Brian; Harris Poy Russell; L Watson Dana
Priority date: 1995-02-21
Filing date: 1997-08-21
Publication date: 1998-11-12

Abstract

The present invention relates to washing machines (13, 15) which are used to recycle plastic and cellulose from disposable diapers (49). The disposable diapers are loaded in a washing machine (13) and while they are shaken, they are washed in water, alkali and soap. During washing, the cellulose is separated from the plastic. The cellulose is discharged from the washing machine (13) with the water, leaving the plastic (51) in the washing machine (13). A pump (17) transfers the cellulose (53) and the water to another washing machine (15) for further cleaning. In addition, other products can be processed such as milk cartons and beverage box containers (251, 259), newspaper and office waste paper.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLEANING, PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTING MATRRI rKfi SPECIFICATION Field of the invention The present invention relates to systems and methods for cleaning, processing and / or recycling materials from disposed or disposable products such as diapers, newspaper, office, cartons for milk products, containers in boxes for drinks and juices and glass and rubber products. HXBCBPBM BS PB t * A IMVffl QN Disposable diapers are primarily made of plastic and cellulose. The plastic provides a waterproof liner on the outside of the diaper and the cellulose provides the bulky absorbent medium inside. The diaper essentially provides a bag that is worn or worn by a human being. The cellulose maintains and retains all moisture, while the plastic ensures that there is no leakage through the bag. Some disposable diapers are distributed in the market under names such as "ultra thin", or the like. These diapers use less cellulose and include a super absorbent molecule. { SAM * • * super abosorbent molecule) that absorbs as much as a thousand times its own mass in water.

Disposable diapers have become immensely popular. Disposable diapers are of course used only once they are discarded after they have been soiled with waste material. The final disposal of the diapers typically involves transporting them to the local embankment. Environmentalists censor this diaper waste because it is wasteful in both the manufacture of and the disposal of diapers. The manufacture of disposable diapers requires forest products to obtain the necessary cellulose while the disposal of the diapers uses valuable fill space. Many communities in the country are seeing the depletion of their embankment space in conjunction with the political difficulty of finding new embankment space. In this way, there is a real need to recover the materials in disposable diapers. The same can also be said of newspaper that is read and then discarded. The recycling of newspaper printing paper has been for some time. There is also a need to recycle paper found in discarded products such as office trash. These products include writing paper, typewriting paper, copy paper, and printer paper (as used in conjunction with computers). A typical first step to recycling materials such as newsprint is to clean to remove any contaminants. In the case of newspaper, the paper is wiped to remove the ink. Prior art method to recycle newspaper involves soaking newspaper in vats. The newspaper is then transferred to other vats, successively cleaner. Unfortunately, the ink follows the periodic paper from vat to vat, making it difficult to satisfactorily clean the newsprint. Other materials such as rubber and glass are cleaned in the early stages of recycling. There is also a need to recycle the materials from laminated paper items such as milk cartons and containers in cardboard boxes for beverages or juices. These items use sheets of materials that include multiple layers of plastic or paper. The paper is typically sandwiched between layers of plastic, essentially providing some measure of paper impermeability. In addition, the paper can be of high strength and number, where the paper is difficult to separate from the plastic layers and also difficult to pulp. In the prior art, there is the U.S. Patent. No. 4,760,717 granted to Ponzielli, who uses a hydrapulpador-type apparatus to process these items. Ponzielli acts as a blender to shred items during processing. This shredding decreases the commercial value of the recycled materials. COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION A goal of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for recycling materials such as plastic and cellulose from discarded products such as disposable diapers. An additional objective is to recycle products that contain plastic and cellulose by separating plastic and other non-cellulose materials from cellulose and cleaning materials. A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for cleaning soiled wood pulp articles such as cellulose and newsprint and ink or dirty paper (such as office paper). Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for cleaning rubber articles such as used tires., for recycling. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for cleaning glassware for recycling. A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method for processing materials from laminated paper articles, such as milk cartons and beverage container boxes. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for composting organic waste such as food and yard waste.

The method of the present invention recycles cellulose material and non-cellulosic material such as plastic from discarded products. First and second washing machines that are suitable for washing textile articles are provided for washing the discarded products. Discarded products, water, alkali and a surfactant are loaded into the first washing machine. The discarded products are then agitated in the first washing machine to separate the cellulose material from the non-cellulosic material. The cellulose material and water are discharged from the first washing machine while retaining the non-cellulose material inside the first washing machine. The non-cellulose material is washed in the first washing machine until the non-cellulose material is clean. The cellulose material is transferred to the second washing machine and washed there with water, alkali and soap until the cellulose material is clean. The system of the present invention recycles cellulose material and that which does not have cellulose from discarded products. The system includes a first washing machine, a second washing machine and transfer means. The first washing machine is for washing items and includes a first chamber and a first basket. The first chamber is adapted to contain water and has a discharge for the contents of the first chamber. The first basket is contained in the first chamber and is adapted to contain the products. The first basket has openings to pass a mixture of the cellulose material and water and in order to retain the non-cellulose materials inside the first basket. The first basket is mobile to stir the products inside. The second washing machine is also for washing items and includes a second chamber and a second basket. The second basket is contained in the second chamber. The second chamber is adapted to contain water and has a discharge for the contents of the second chamber. The second basket has openings, with openings smaller than the openings in the first basket in order to pass water while retaining the cellulose material there. The second basket is mobile to shake its contents. The second washing machine has feeding means for receiving the cellulose material to the second washing machine. The transfer means are for mixing the cellulose material and water from the first washing machine to the second washing machine feed means. The transfer means have a power that is connected to the first chamber discharge and has an outlet that discharges to the second chamber supply means. In one aspect, the system of the present invention provides that the first basket is lined with a first mesh, this first mesh provides perforations of the first basket of appropriate size, in order to pass a mixture of the cellulose material and water, while Hold the plastic inside the first basket. The second basket is lined with a second mesh, this second mesh provides the second suitable basket perforations to pass water while retaining the cellulose material inside the second basket. With the present invention, the primary materials that constitute disposable diapers and other cellulose type products are recovered and cleaned for subsequent use. Disposable diapers are made of cellulose and a plastic barrier to keep moisture and waste material inside the diaper. Discarded and dirty diapers are first washed in a first washing machine to separate the plastic and cellulose from each other. Cellulose is discharged from the first washing machine with water and waste material. The plastic remains in the first washing machine and is cleaned there. The cellulose, water and waste material are transferred to a second washing machine that cleans cellulose of all waste material. The waste material discharges the second washing machine with the washing water, while cellulose is retained in the second washing machine. The cellulose plastic is cleaned with water, alkali and soap. Plastic and cellulose cleaned in this way are produced from dirty discarded diapers. A method is also provided for cleaning dirty wood pulp articles, such as cellulose and newspaper. The method provides a washing machine suitable for washing textiles and having a basket with openings in order to pass water while retaining the items inside the basket. Items, water, alkali and soap are loaded into the basket. The basket moves in order to shake the items and where the items are cleaned of contaminants such as ink. Water, alkali, soap and contaminants are discharged from the basket through the openings while items are held in the basket. The articles are then rinsed in the basket with water. A method for cleaning rubber articles such as used tires is also provided. The method crumbles the rubber articles to produce rubber particles. A washing machine that is suitable for washing textiles and having a basket with openings for passing water while retaining the rubber particles is provided. The particles of rubber, water, alkali and surfactants are loaded into the basket, the basket moves in order to agitate the rubber particles until the particles are clean. The water is discharged from the basket through the apertures while retaining the rubber particles inside the basket. A method for processing waste material such as food and yard waste is also provided. A washing machine is provided that is suitable for washing textiles. The washing machine has a basket that has openings in order to pass water but retain the waste material. The waste material, water and either acid or alkali are loaded into the basket. The basket moves in order to shake the waste material. While the waste material moves, air is injected into the basket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION PB WS PIPUJQS Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the system of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment. Figure 2 is a detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the first basket and first chamber in the first washing machine. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of one of the baskets, showing the range of normal rotation and ribs. Figure 4 is a detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of one of the baskets and associated chamber in the second washing machine. Figure 5 is an isometric view of a sling or sling to discharge clean cellulose. Figure 6 is an isometric view of an extractor for extracting water by pressing clean cellulose. Figure 7 is a schematic isometric view of the system of the present invention according to another embodiment. Figure 8 is a detailed view of the holding tank of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a schematic side view of the system showing the washing machine configured to compost and process the waste material such as food and yard waste. Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for treating waste water. Figure 11 is an end view of the basket assembly in the last chamber or module of each of the continuous batch washing machines in Figure 1. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a wall of a cardboard carton for milk. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a wall for a container in beverage box or juice container box. Figure 14 is a schematic view of the system of the present invention according to another embodiment. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of an abrasive device according to a preferred embodiment. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of an abrasive device according to another embodiment. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a rib device modified according to yet another embodiment. Figure 18 is a view of one of the faces of the modified rib of Figure 17 showing the openings.

DEPLOYMENT AND DB PREFERRED MODALITIES The system and method of the present invention involve recycling discarded products such as disposable diapers that have been soiled with waste material. Disposable diapers are typically made of plastic and cellulose. The plastic provides a barrier impervious to moisture, while the cellulose that is located inside the plastic acts as a cellulose medium to retain and maintain the fluids. The system and method of the present invention recycle plastic and cellulose in dirty diapers. The plastic and cellulose are separated from one another during an initial cleaning step. Then, the plastic and cellulose are cleaned separately from all waste material. The waste material is discharged, typically to a sewer system, for proper sanitary disposal. The clean plastic and cellulose can be sold and reused in manufactured products. In Figure 1, a schematic side view of the system 11 employed to practice the method of the present invention is illustrated according to a preferred embodiment. The system includes a first washing machine 13, a second washing machine 15, a transfer pump 17 between the first and second washing machines, a first feed conveyor 19, a second feed conveyor 21 and blowers 23. The first and second washing machines, 13, 15 are substantially similar to each other. Washing machines are continuous batch washing machines, which are typically used for washing textile articles such as clothes. Conventional washing machines are and are commercially available. Washing machines in the preferred embodiment are continuous batch washers Model 76032 manufactured by Pellerin Milnor Corporation of Kenner, Louisiana, E.U.A. Each machine has multiple chambers 25 for washing items. The chambers 25 are waterproof to retain the wash water. With reference to Figure 2, each chamber is formed by side walls 27 and a cylindrical outer wall 29. The chambers 25 in each washing machine are arranged side-by-side in a row such that the side walls 27 are adjacent to each other. Each chamber 27 in a washing machine has a basket 37 for holding the items to be washed. Each basket 37 has a cylindrical outer wall 39 and two side or end walls 41. A longitudinal axis extends between the side walls 41. The baskets 37 in each washing machine are arranged such that their longitudinal axes are collinear.

Each washing machine has an entrance 31 that communicates with one of the end baskets and an exit 33 that communicates with the other of the end baskets. Each basket 37 communicates with its adjacent baskets through openings 35 in the side walls 41. The articles to be washed are loaded in the washing machines at the respective entrance 27, they travel through the baskets 37 one by one, while they are washed, moving from chamber to chamber through the openings 35 and discharged from the machines at the respective outlet 33. Each washing machine has an engine 37 for turning the baskets 37 with respect to its horizontal longitudinal axes within the fixed cameras 25. All baskets rotate in unison and in the same direction. The rotation of the baskets causes the items inside to be agitated, thereby increasing the washing effectiveness. Each basket 37 is provided with ribs 43 as illustrated in Figure 3 to further increase the agitation of the articles. The ribs 43 are mounted on the inner surface of the outer wall 39 and are spaced apart. As the basket 37 is rotated, the articles are raised and dropped by the ribs 43. The basket 37 rotates approximately 300 ° in one direction and then rotates in the opposite direction 300 ° in the other direction. This reversal of rotation direction further increases the agitation of the articles. The time it takes for a basket to rotate 300 ° in one direction and 300 ° in the other is approximately 11 seconds. Items are transferred from one basket to the next basket in a conventional manner by turning the baskets beyond 300 °. As a basket rotates beyond 300 °, items enter a conventional bucket in the basket that allows items to pass from the basket to the next basket (or if the basket is the last basket, all items go abroad) the machine loves her). The outer wall 39 of each basket 37 is pierced with numerous openings 45, 47. The openings 45 allow water to be discharged from the baskets. The size of the openings 45, 47 in the baskets in the first and second washing machines 13, 15 differs. In the first washing machine 13, the first two baskets 35a, 35b have openings 45 which are dimensioned to retain the plastic portion of the diapers while allowing cellulose, waste material and water to pass. It has been found to work satisfactorily stainless steel screen mesh 304, 46, with a wire diameter of .3048 mm (.012") and having 30 wires per 2.54 centimeters (1 inch.) In the second washing machine 15, all baskets 35c have openings 47 that are dimensioned to retain the cellulose within the basket, while allowing water and waste material to pass through (see Figure 4). Stainless steel screen mesh 316, 48 has been found with a Wire diameter of .254 mm (.01") and having 40 wires per 2.54 cm (inch) works satisfactorily. In Figures 2 and 4, the screen mesh 46, 48 and the openings 45, 47 are illustrated schematically, in order to better show the openings. The baskets 37 are modified to provide openings of appropriate size. The baskets of a washing machine are manufactured with relatively large openings in the outer wall. To provide the appropriately sized openings, the appropriately sized screen mesh is coupled to the inner surface of the outer wall 39 of a basket, by welding. Alternatively, the screen mesh can be attached to the outer wall by buttons, these buttons are attached to the screen mesh and coupled by quick actuation into some of the openings in the outer wall 39. Each chamber 25 has an opening of discharge 55 located at the bottom of the chamber. Discharge pipes 57 lead from the discharge openings 55 to the next adjacent chamber that is closest to the inlet 31. This provides a flow of wash water from chamber to chamber which is contrary to the flow of the chamber to chamber articles. The articles come from the entrance 31 to the exit 33, while the washing water comes from the exit to the entrance. This counterflow conserves water. Fresh or clean water inlets 59 are provided in the last chamber and can be provided in other chambers as desired. The last chamber that is adjacent to outlet 33 has its discharge connected to a replenishment tank 34. In this way, the water that is discharged in the last chamber goes to the replenishment tank 34. The replenishment tank has an outlet 34a, which is connected to an inlet 59a in the first chamber. In this way, the replacement tank can be used to supply water to the first chamber. The first two chambers of the first washing machine 13 have discharge pipes 61 which lead from the respective openings 55. The discharge pipes 61 are both connected to the inlet of the pump 17. The pump 17 is a commercially non-sealing process pump. Available, conventional, which is suitable for pumping fluids with trapped solids and fibrous materials. The outlet of the pump 17 is connected to a conduit 33 which is discharged to the second conveyor 21 for the second washing machine 15. The conduit 63 is discharged to the conveyor 21 at a site that is inside a discharge tank 65. rapid discharge 67 are provided in each of the discharge pipes 61 leading from the first two chambers of the first washing machine. The quick discharge valves 67 control the discharge of the fluids from the first two chambers. A check valve 69 is provided in the discharge conduit 63 from the pump. Check valve 69 prevents backflow to the pump and chambers.

Each washing machine 13, 15 has a feed conveyor 19, 21 for loading the articles to be washed in the respective first basket. Each washing machine is provided with a funnel 71 for receiving the articles and channeling them to the inlet 31. The inlet conveyors 19, 21 transport the articles from the unloading tanks 73, 65 usually located on the ground, upwards to the funnels 71, where the articles are downloaded. Each of the conveyors has a perforated surface to allow materials to drain before being charged to the washing machines. Each draining tank 73, 65 is provided with a floor drain 75 that is connected to a drainage system. Other loading devices such as slings or channels can be used instead of the conveyors. Each washing machine is also provided with a blower 23 for injecting air into each of the washing machine chambers. The blowers are connected to the washing machine chambers via the ducts 76. The air ducts 76 are connected to the chambers at sites that are below the respective baskets, so that the air bubbles ascend to the chambers. Now with reference to Figure 3 illustrating a portion of the outer wall of the chamber 29, the duct 76 is connected to a plenum 78 coupled to the outer wall 29. An opening 30 is provided for air to escape from the plenum chamber and inside the camera. The opening extends from one side wall of chamber 27 to the other side wall, to distribute the air through the basket. The opening 30 is located approximately 45 ° from the bottom of the chamber. This ensures that the air flow is not blocked by material that accumulates in the bottom of the chamber. The addition of air to the washing process initiates and accelerates the biological decomposition of the waste material in the discarded diapers. Pumped blowers are conventional commercially available units. In the preferred embodiment, the blowers provide 64.4 to 236 liters / second (200 to 500 cubic feet per minute) of air at approximately 3515 kg / cm2 gauge (5 psig) to each washing machine. In addition to the blowers, an ozone generator is provided for each washing machine (see Figure 1). The ozone generator 24 is conventional and commercially available, and typically includes a spark gap circumscribed in a housing. As a spark forms through the electrode space, ozone forms. A pump 26 transfers the ozone from the generator 24 to the respective conduit 76. The ozone disinfects the articles in each washing machine by exterminating bacteria. When using ozone, the use of bleaching or chlorine leaching can be eliminated. Ozone is also introduced to the replenishment tank 34.

The output of each washing machine is constituted by a ramp 77 that unloads the articles from the last chamber to a hopper 79. The articles in the hopper 79 of the second washing machine are transferred to a sling 81 (see Figure 5) to unload and transport to an extractor 83 (see Figure 6). The sling is made of mesh material, in order to allow the items to drain while being transported by a cable 85. The extractor 83 is conventional and commercially available. The extractor compresses the humidity of the articles. The extractor 83 is modified by coupling it with the same type of mesh screening as in the second washing machine 15. As the extractor presses the cellulose, the screening retains the cellulose within the operating volume of the extractor. The method of the present invention will now be described. Now with reference to Figure 1, the discarded diapers 49 are loaded on the first washing machine conveyor 19 at a collection point. The collection point is located inside the discharge tank 73, so that the fluid can be discharged. Discarded diapers are dirty with urine and fecal material. Pre-processing such as shredding or diaper opening is not required. The diapers 49 are loaded to the first basket 35a of the first chamber of the first washing machine 13. There, the diapers are mixed with water, alkali and soap (or a surfactant). The water is fresh, clean, cold (23.9 ° C (75 ° F)) from a water inlet 59 connected to the first chamber. The particular alkali used in the preferred embodiment is orthosilicate. A sufficient amount of alkali is added to raise the pH of the mixture to the desired level, between 10.5 to 14. Mixtures with higher pH are required for more fatty items. In practice, it has been found that pH levels of 13 to 14 work well. The soap has a neutral pH of 7. The first basket is turned in both directions around its longitudinal axis in order to shake the mixture. While it is shaken, the cellulose in the diapers is separated from the plastic. In addition, the process of cleaning the waste material from cellulose and plastic starts. The high pH caused by alkali makes it much easier to deeprender dirt or waste from cellulose and plastic. The neutral soap keeps the waste material or detached in solution in the water, preventing the waste material is reconnected to cellulose and plastic. The air supplied by the impeller blower 23 and the ozone provided by the ozone generator 24 bubble from the bottom of the chamber to enter the basket and also increase the agitation of the mixture, thus assisting the separation of cellulose from the plastic. The implemented agitation that is provided by the air also serves to mix the chemicals faster in the wash liquor, causing a rapid movement of the chemicals through the wash liquor and into the articles. Wash times are trimmed when air is injected.

In addition, air aerates the water mixture to provide favorable conditions for biological decomposition of waste materials and ozone disintegrates plastic and cellulose. In addition, injecting air from the outside of the basket prevents plugging the perforations of the basket with the items that are washed. After the diapers have been washed for a pre-determined period of time in the first basket, for example about 10 minutes, the quick discharge valves 67 open, allowing the first chamber and the first basket 37a (and the second camera and the second basket 37b) download. The plastic 51 is retained within the first basket by the screen mesh, while a mud-like fluid is discharged from the basket 37a and the chamber. The mud type fluid is made up of water, separated cellulose, waste materials and alkali and soap. The first basket, in conjunction with the other baskets in the first washing machine, is then rotated more than 300 ° in order to transfer the contents to the next basket, ie the second basket 37b. The contents of the second basket are washed as described with respect to the first basket in order to separate any remaining cellulose from the plastic. After the wash cycle has been completed in the second basket, the quick discharge valves 67 are opened, allowing the second basket 37b and the second chamber to discharge.

Because the first washing machine 13 ee of the continuous type, the first canaeta 37a is loaded with dirty diapers 49 each time it is emptied in the discharge and towards the second canaeta. This maintains a continuous flow of materials through the seventh. The operation of the load conveyors 19, 21, is intermittent, to operate only when the first respective basket requires loading with article. Both quick discharge valves 67 operate together to open and then close in unison. The contents of the second basket are emptied to the third basket. By this stage, the contents of the third basket are plastic 51 that is free of cellulose, the cellulose is separated and charged in the first two baskets. As the plastic continues through the remaining chambers of the first washing machine 13, the plastic is washed in hot water (54.4 ° C (130 ° F)) and in alkali and soap to clean the plastic of all waste material. Approximately halfway through the first washing machine 13, sand is introduced to the machine at the inlet 60 to form a sludge of sand, plastic and water. The sand is used to help clean the typically smooth plastic material. The sand provides friction points in such a way that the agitation of the plastic by the basket and air clears the plastic more completely. The sand is of the type used for cleaning by sand injection.

The sand travels with the plastic through the first washing machine in the basket where the last basket is inserted. The baskets are modified by fitting screen mesh 316 to the inside of the basket wall. The mesh retains the plastic inside the basket to prevent smaller plastic material from entering the respective chamber discharge. In the last basket or module, the basket is modified to provide two mesh layers. An inner layer of mesh is 304 mesh and during the wash cycle (and rotation of the basket) the sand passes while retaining the plastic. Circling the outer circumference of the inner layer of the mesh is an outer layer of 316 mesh. The inner and outer layers of the mesh are separated from each other by a space of 30.48 to 45.72 cm (12 to 18"). of meshes or baskets is illustrated in Figure 11 and is described in more detail below.) This space traps the sand, since the sand does not pass through the outer mesh layer.In the last module then, the sand is The sand passes to the trap between the two layers, the sand is recovered from the trap and then pumped back into the machine through the inlet 60. The plastic is removed from the washing machine and loaded to a wet conveyor The transfer of the washing machine can be manual or by mechanical means, while it is on the conveyor, the plastic can be classified according to color, etc. One problem with prior art methods for recycling plastics has been the separation of tapes from the plastic. Inks are typically used to print information on plastic. If the ink is not removed, then the recycled plastic is typically painted by the inks, thereby reducing the commercial appeal of the recycled plastic. The use of abrasive sand cleans the inks by detaching them from the plastic, allowing the plastic to be recycled to its original color and free of coloration by the inks. This method of cleaning the inks from the plastic is applied to any type of plastic, not just to the plastic components of the diapers. For example, plastic candy wrappers can be dyed with this method. The plastic can be laminated with multiple layers of plastic or with layers of paper. As an alternative to sand, a water-soluble aromatic solvent, such as mineral spirits or paint remover, can be used to remove any elastic and labeling that is attached to the plastic. As another alternative, both sand and aromatic solvent can be used. During the washing process, a sterilizing agent can be added to sterilize the plastic. Ozone generator 24 can be used, alternatively, chlorine leaching can be used. However, the use of sand reduces the need for ozone or bleach. The water-cellulose sludge has been discharged from the first two baskets of the first washing machine 13 into the pump 17 which then directs through the conduit 63 to discharge on the second conveyor 21 by loading the second washing machine 15. The point of The load of the second conveyor 21 is located inside the discharge tank 65, where a large part of the water and associated waste material is discharged from the cellulose before the cellulose is loaded to the second washing machine 15. The water-cellulose sludge 89 then the first basket of the second washing machine is loaded 15. The cellulose is washed in hot water (approximately 76.6 ° C (170 ° F)), alkali and soap. After the washing cycle, the discharge valve 91 in the first chamber opens, allowing the first chamber to drain the drainage system through the drain line 90. The screen mesh in the baskets of the second washing machine that has more small openings that the screen mesh in the first washing machine, retains the cellulose inside the basket. The cellulose in the first basket is then transferred to the second basket, where it is washed again in hot water, alkali and soap. A sufficient amount of alkali is added to raise the pH of the mixture to the desired level, between 10.5 to 14. In practice, it has been found that pH levels of 13 to 14 work well. In the next basket, the cellulose is rinsed with hot water and in the fourth basket, the cellulose is washed with bleach. The bleach, which can be chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide or oxalic acid, whitens and disinfects cellulose. The cellulose is then rinsed with water and then rinsed with water and citric or sodium fluorocarbate to reduce the pH to about 6.5 to 7.0. The cellulose 53 is discharged from the last basket of the second washing machine 15 and is loaded into a pellet 81 as illustrated in Figure 5. The sling 81 is formed of a net that retains clean cellulose and allows the cell to discharge. Water. The sling is mounted on a cable 85 that moves the sling from the outlet of the second washing machine 15 to the inlet of the extractor 83. The contents of the sling are loaded into the feed of the extractor. The extractor 83 presses the cellulose in a block 93 in order to extract the water in the cellulose. The screen mesh in the extractor retains the cellulose inside while allowing the water to wander. The resulting block 93 of the cellulose is then moved over the conveyor 95 from the extractor to a shipping or storage location. Deepuée of pressing in the extractor, cellulose can be charged to a dryer to remove all moisture. The dryer is a conventional, commercially available device that has been modified. The dryer has a rotating basket. The perforations in the basket are reduced to coupling the same type of screen mesh as in the second washing machine. The screening mesh retains the cellulose inside the basket. The plastic can also be dried in a dryer, although separately in cellulose. Some diapers reduce the amount of cellulose required to absorb moisture, by adding a substance referred to in the industry, super absorbent molecule (SAM). It is considered that SAM is a type of acrylic polymer. SAM absorbs many times his own peeo in the humidity. SAM is separated from the plastic in the first washing machine 13 together with the cellulose. SAM is then pumped with the cellulose to the second washing machine 15. In the second SAM washing machine it can be neutralized and removed from the cellulose. Before and after the cellulose has been washed with alkali and soap, the cellulose is washed in water and either sodium silicofluoride (or sodium fluorosilicate) or sodium chloride. The sodium silicofluoride neutralizes SAM, and allows the cellulose to be discharged with the rinse water. The water that enters the unloading system of the washing machines 13, 15 is of course contaminated with the waste material from the discarded diapers. This wastewater can be discharged to a municipal sewerage system. Where it will be treated by the municipal sewage treatment plant. Alternatively, a dedicated wastewater treatment plant can be used to treat the wastewater from the recycling process.

An alternative method will now be described. In this method, the first washing machine 13 is provided with four modules or cameras, while the second washing machine 15 is provided with 7 modules or cameras. The dirty diapers are loaded onto the first basket of the first washing machine 13, which is in the first module. Water at 37.8 ° C (100 ° F) and citrus are added to the first module. Sufficient citrus is added to achieve an approximate wash liquor pH of 5.5. The basket is then rotated and air blown with the impeller blower 23. During the washing process in the first module, the diapers remain intact and are cleaned of some of the waste material. The dirty wash water and the waste material leave the module through the discharge leaving the diapers inside the basket of the first module. The water from the waste material goes to the sewer system. The citrus actually reduces the superabsorbent molecules or another absorbent polymer that is located in the diapers to a smaller size. The washing process in the first module reduces the weight and volume of the cloth approximately in half. After washing in the first module, the diapers are transferred into the basket of the second module. There, it washes in water at 90.6 ° C (195 ° F), a neutral surfactant and enough alkali to raise the pH of the wash liquor to approximately 12.5. The diapers are agitated by movement of the basket and by blowing in air. The diapers are broken or broken, allowing cellulose and plastic to separate. Much of the cellulose leaves the basket during discharge or drainage, where the cellulose is pumped to the second washing machine. What remains of cellulose inside the basket, along with the plastic, is transferred to the basket from the module. There, cellulose and plastic are rinsed with water. The cellulose in the third module is discharged from the respective basket, where it is pumped to the second washing machine. The plastic remaining in the third basket is transferred to the basket in the fourth or last module. The plastic is rinsed again with water in the last module, after which it is removed from the washing machine. The fourth module can be adapted with an inner basket to remove insoluble plastic contaminants. This structure is illustrated in Figure 11 and will be described in more detail below. Both in the first and in the second washing machines, the articles located inside the baskets are agitated by rotation of the respective basket and by blowing air from the bottom of the module to the basket. The cellulose which is loaded in the second washing machine 15 is washed as previously described. The superabsorbent molecule that is reduced in the first washing machine is separated from the cellulose and discharges from the basket through the perforations of the basket. As the cellulose advances through the modules of the second washing machine, more and more of the superabsorbent molecule is washed out of the cellulose. In this way, the cellulose that is removed from the end of the second washing machine is clean and free of superabsorbent molecules. In Figure 7, a recycled seventh 101 is illustrated according to another embodiment. The system of Figure 7 uses first and second washing machines 103, 105 of the batch type instead of the continuous type, as previously described with reference to Figure 1. Each of the first and second washing machines 103, 105 has a Single basket or bed there. This seventh is used for small recycling operations, where the amount of diapers that are recycled does not justify the expense of purchasing the continuous washers of Figure 1. The basket of the first washing machine 103 is lined with screen mesh that is similar to the screen mesh 46, in the first continuous type washing machine 13, to retain the plastic there and pass the cellulose. The first washing machine 103 has a discharge duct 107 for discharging all waste water and cellulose. The discharge conduit has a T-fitting with a branch of the discharge that drives a pump 109 and the other branch that leads to a discharge system 111. Both branches have quick discharge valves., 115 to control the flow through. A section of the conduit 117 is connected to the outlet of the pump 109 and a check valve 119 is provided in the conduit 117 adjacent to the pump 109. The conduit 117 discharges to the top of a holding tank 121 located on the second one. washing machine 105. Holding tank 121, which is illustrated in the Figures 7 and 8, allow the cellulose to discharge before loading it to the second washing machine 105. The holding tank 121 is supported on the second washing machine 105 when mounting the structure 122. The holding tank 121 which is open in the part upper, has four side walls 123, 125 and a bottom wall 127. One of the side walls is operated as a leg 125, moving between open and closed positions. The tank 121 has a false bottom wall 129 of screen mesh, such that there is space between the two bottom walls 127, 129. The screen mesh 129 allows it to discharge water but retain the cellulose. A discharge opening 131 is located in the bottom wall 127. A discharge conduit 133 connects the discharge opening 131 to the discharge system. The holding tank 122 is provided with a water injection 135 below the screen mesh to clean the screen mesh 129 with a water spray. The holding tank 121 is movable between a holding position and a deepening portion. In the holding position, the tank 121 is subetanially level to hold the cellulose there; except that the tank is tilted only slightly to locate the discharge opening 131 in the lowermost portion. A hydraulic piston actuator 137 moves the tank 121 to the unloading position, where the tank is tilted upward as illustrated by the dotted lines in Figures 7 and 8. In the unloading position, the door 125 swings open, and allows the cellulose to fall into the basket of the second washing machine 105 by means of a loading gate 139. The second washing machine 105 is provided with the upper side loading gate 139, a discharge conduit 141 and a drain valve 143. The basket of the second washing machine 105 is lined with screen mesh which is similar to the screen mesh 48 in the second continuous type washing machine 15 for retaining the cellulose there while passing water and waste material. Ambae washing machines 103, 105 are provided with blowers 145 for venting washed articles. The ozone generators 24 and the pumps 26 of Figure 1 can also be used with the structure of Figure 7 to provide ozone to the washing machines 103, 105. To recycle diapers with the system of Figure 7, a diaper loading is placed in the first washing machine 103. The first washing machine has a door 147 which is used for loading and unloading. Considering that the first washing machine 103 has a capacity of 124.9 g (275 pounds), the diapers are first washed in water at 23.9 ° C (75 ° F) with 226.8 g (8 ounces) of alkali for ten minutes. Then, the quick discharge valve 113 to the pump 109 opens and the first washing machine drains, with the pump 109 circulating the water-cellulose sludge from the holding tank 121. After draining for a few minutes, the valve fast download 113 closes. Next, the contents of the first washing machine 103 are washed in hot water at 54 ° C (130 degrees F) with 113.4 g (4 ounces) of alkali and soap, for ten minutes. Then, the quick discharge valve 113 to the pump is opened for ten minutes, where the pump 109 transfers the sludge from the first washing machine 103 to the holding tank 121. The pump 109 operates each time the discharge valve is opened fast 113. All the cellulose in the first washing machine has now been drained, leaving the plastic. Sand (and / or an aromatic solvent) introduces the first washing machine, to clean the tub plastic and other contaminants. The plastic is washed as described above, using water, a surfactant, alkali (if required) and a sterilizing agent such as ozone and agitation (both from the movement basket and air blowing).

When the plastic is cleaned, the sand is separated from the plastic by a perforated basket. The sand can be separated in the first washing machine 103, if the basket has perforations of suitable size (such as a double wall described above with respect to the machine 13) or in another machine. The water-cellulose slurry that has been pumped by the pump 109 is allowed to drain into the holding tank 121. The cellulose is then emptied to the second washing machine 105 by a loading gate 139, where it is washed in water to tank (77 ° C (170 ° F)), 226.8 g (8 ounces) of alkali and soap for ten minutes. The quick discharge valve 143 is then opened for two minutes, allowing the water and waste material to drain into drainage system III. The cellulose is again washed in water 77 ° C (170 ° F) with 283.5 g (10 ounces) of alkali and soap for ten minutes. The quick discharge valve 143 opens for two minutes. The cellulose is rinsed for two minutes with water (77 ° C (170 ° F)), followed by the vacuum valve for two minutes, then the cellulose is washed in .946 liter (1/4 gallon) of bleach and Water at 66 ° C (150 ° F) for ten minutes, followed by opening the drain valve for two minutes. Alternatively, ozone can be used as a sterilizing agent. The cellulose is rinsed with water at 54 ° C (130 ° F) for two minutes, followed by opening the rapid discharge valve for two minutes. Next, the cellulose is rinsed in water at 43.3 ° C (110 ° F) for two minutes before the washing machine is discharged to the draining boiler for two minutes, then the cellulose is washed for five minutes in a water rinse at 23.9 ° C (75 ° F) and 170 g (6 ounces) of citrus. The washing machine is discharged to the DRl system and the clean cellulose is discharged. The cellulose is placed in a sling 81 and then transferred to a structure 83 to extract moisture as described above. In addition to recycling plastic and cellulose from discarded diapers, I have found that the method and system of the present invention also recycles many other discarded products and articles. Before reprocessing recycled materials into new products and articles, the materials must first be cleaned of oils and fats, dirt, etc. Many products are similar to disposable diapers because they contain cellulose materials and non-cellulosic materials (such as plastic, metal parts, etc.). I have found that items such as peanut cans, frozen juice cans, corrugated boxes and similar can be recycled. With peanut cans and frozen juice cans, the metal edges and plastic caps are retained and washed in the first machine and the cellulose or paper that make up the rigid paper walls of the cans are washed in a second washing machine as described above with respect to diapers. With corrugated boxes, the metal and plastic (for example metal staples and plastic shipping labels) are separated from the cellulose and constitute the walls of the boxes in the first washing machine. The cellulose passes outside the first washing machine to be washed in the second washing machine. Cereal boxes (rectangular and cylindrical, such as Cereal Quaker containers) can be recycled in celluloid (the walls of the box) and plastic (the inner lining). Cartons for milk and juice can be recycled in cellulose and plastic materials. Disposable food containers, such as cups and utensils can be recycled into plastic and cellulose materials. A vapor barrier bag can recycle in cellulose and plastic materials. By rotating the basket and blowing air to agitate the articles, the cellulose that forms the walls of these containers decomposes enough to pass through the first basket, thus allowing separation of cellulose and non-cellulosic materials. . Other items that can be processed are plastic items such as plastic wrappers (eg, candy wrappers, cigarette wrappers). Also plastic containers can be washed and recycled. A particularly difficult type of plastic container for recycling is a motor oil container. Even when the containers are made of recyclable plastic, recycling is discouraged due to the difficulty in cleaning the oil from the plastic. One method of processing plastic oil containers is to grind or cut the containers into small pieces. These parts can be the same size as the tires discussed above, then washed in a washing machine 13. The parts are washed in water at 82 ° C (180 ° F), sand, a neutral surfactant and alkali. The washing removes the oil from the parts. In addition, the sand cleans any paint, labels and other materials that are not plastic from the plastic parts. I have also found that the method and system of the present invention also recycle dirty wood pulp products such as newsprint and waste paper. Waste paper includes discarded office products such as writing paper, typing paper, copier paper and computer printer paper. The present invention releases the tape from the newspaper and waste paper. The newspaper is similar to the cellulose found in diapers and as such can be cleaned with the same system and cellulose cleaning method. Newsprint and cellulose are both made from wood pulp. To recycle waste paper such as newsprint, a load of newspaper is placed in the second washing machine 15, 1Q5. The same washing process as described above with the washing of cellulose in the second washing machine is used to wash the newspaper. However, water slightly warmer (71 to 85 ° C) 160 to 185 ° F)) is employed in order to assist in breaking the inks in the newsprint, and the pH may be between 10 to 13, such as 10.5. The washing process removes the ink from the paper and discharges it to the drainage system III. The screen mesh 48 on the second washing machine removes the paper inside the basket, while allowing the ink and water to lap. The newspaper is wiped cleanly of the second washing machine 15, 105 and loaded into the sling 81 and the structure 83 to extract moisture from the paper. A problem with the prior art methods for recycling newsprint is that the quality (and thus the commercial value) of the final product is determined by the condition of the wastepaper that constitutes the feedstock. Dirty, sunny newspaper is considered to have a commercial value that relatively clean newspaper (except for ink) my invention is also capable of cleaning and processing dirty sunny newspaper to implement its commercial value. When washing the newspaper on a modified clothing machine, any of the newspaper paper is deeprende. The sunny, typically makes newspaper yellow, due to the high acid content of newsprint. The high acid content is a by-product of the paper production process. Contrary to the paper production process, my invention uses alkali to clean newspaper, where the pH rises to high levels. Using alkaline wash liquor and either ozone or chlorine bleach (or both, the newsprint is bleached, thus elevating its commercial appeal.) Alkali rejuves cellulose to reduce the brittleness of cellulose fibers, too, due to that newspaper is washed in alkaline wash liquor, it is no longer an acidic paper, as such, the recycled newspaper would not deteriorate as quickly as the acidic paper Some pigments are difficult to remove using the alkaline wash described above. Therefore, a subsequent optional whitening step can be used.The paper can also be bleached by washing it in subequential modules of the washing machine in water (82 ° C (180 ° F)) and hydrogen sulfide.The pH of the wash liquor is about 4 to 5. An intermediate rinse step can be used to help reduce the pH from an alkaline level to a natural level, where the pH can then be reduced by below the neutral by the addition of hydrogen sulfide. If the newspaper is mixed with non-paper contaminants, such as metal, then the bleaching can be carried out in a second washing machine. For example, newsprint is loaded into a first washing machine, where the newspaper is pulped and then separated from the contaminants. The contaminants remain in the first washing machine, where they are removed from the last module. Newspaper comes out of the baskets in the last modules of the first washing machine. The newspaper is then transferred to a second washing machine for bleaching. By separating the contaminants, the occurrence of oxide from the contaminants during the bleaching stage is minimized. In addition, it can direct RF (radio frequency) energy to the wash liquor or water to improve the ink release process. Conventional network generators 341 are located in the bottom of each module (for example in the discharge channel). For illustrative purposes, Figure 14 only shows a few modules equipped with RF generators). RF generators can also be located adjacent to the pumps to treat the water, before the water is introduced to the washing machine. The treated water is used to wash the paper, whether it is newspaper, office paper or some other paper that is going to come off the ink. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses enzymes to detach the ink from the paper (either newspaper, office paper, etc.). The paper is washed in a washing machine as described, however the pH of the wash liquor is about 7.0 and the temperature is about 60 ° C (140 ° F) in order to allow the enzymes to be effective. The enzymes that are used to remove the ink from the paper are already of the cellulose type or the amine type. In addition to recycling materials with cellulose, I have found that the present invention also recycles materials without any cellulose. For example, the present invention recycles rubber tires for vehicles, which have been discarded. Prior art method handles discarded tires involve either storing tires on embankments or shredding tires to burn in an incinerator. Storing tires on embankments removes production land. The tire interiors also retain water and therefore are a fertile breeding area for insects such as mosquitoes. Burning tires is waste and produces air pollution. Before tires can be recycled they must be cleaned. Used tires get dirty with grease, oil and road dirt. Bands and polyester and belts are two places in particular where it is difficult to remove fats, oils and accumulated grime. To recycle tires with the present invention, the tires are shredded to produce small pieces or nodules of rubber. Conventional and commercially available shredders are employed. In the preferred embodiment, the nodes have a size range of .254 to 2.54 cm (.1 to 1.0") Many tires contain steel and other types of belts.The entire tire, including the belts, crumbles. they are loaded directly into the second washing machine 15. The tire nodules are washed in water, soap (or other surfactant) and alkali The same washing process as described with respect to cellulose in the second washing machine is employed. The baskets and air agitate the nodules, where the nodules are cleaned of dirt, grease and oil.The ozone injected into the washing machine 15 together with the blower air serves to sterilize the tire pieces. pieces of tire, are removed from the washing machine and dried The drying is done by placing the pieces of tire in a dryer.The dryer is modified by lining the inside of your basket with 316 mesh, to retain the pieces of ne umático within the canaeta. Deepuée to dry, the clean rubber can be mixed with new rubber to become new rubber products. For example, clean rubber can be vulcanized or fused. Additionally, the present invention can wash other non-cellulosic materials such as glass containers for recycling. Glass containers such as bottles and the like are loaded in the first basket of the second washing machine. Hot water (71 ° C (160 ° F)) and a neutral surfactant such as mild soap are added to the first basket. Because the glass is impenetrable by water, strong surfactants are not considered necessary. The first basket is turned and air is blown to the first basket by the blower, to shake the glass containers. During shaking, it is likely that something ruptures and possibly glassware will occur. The 316 mesh that lines the inside of the first basket will retain everything except the smallest pieces of glass inside the first basket.

During agitation, any labels that were in the glass containers are separated from the glass. Cellulose or paper label will run out of the first canaeta through the mesh. Ozone can be injected into the chamber to sterilize the glass. If additional cleaning of the glass is required, then additional cleaning sites may occur in subsequent mesh-lined baskets. When the glass is cleaned, it is removed from the washing machine. Clean glass dries, either in a sling or drum dryer, or when passing glass through hot air. To complete the recycling process, clean glass melts and forms in one of the containers or other items. This fusion and forming are carried out in accordance with conventional techniques. The present invention also provides composting with organic material such as food and patio products (see Figure 9). To compost this waste, the material is loaded into the first basket 153 of a washing machine 151. The washing machine that is typically made to wash clothes and textiles is modified. The first basket 153 is lined with mesh 316 as in the second washing machine 15 of Figure 1. Subsequent baskets in the composting machine 151 are lined with finer meshes (which have smaller perforations than the mesh perforations in the first basket). In this way, the perforations of the mesh in the second basket 153a of the compost machine are smaller than the mesh perforations of the first basket; the perforations of the mesh in the third basket of the compost machine are smaller than the perforations for the mesh of the second basket; and so on with the mesh perforations that gradually decrease the size of the first basket to the last basket. The drains 155 of the compost machine are configured to provide return flow to the washing machine, instead of discharging the fluids to the sewer system. The first four modules or chambers have their drain 155 connected to a common line 157. A fluid pump 159 ee connects in line with the line 157 such that the pump supply is connected to line 157. The outlet of the pump is connects to a pipe 161 that opens the interior of the fourth chamber 163. The outlet of the pipe 161 can be configured to discharge into the basket of the fourth chamber 163. In this way the fluids collected by the drains of the first four chambers , they are circulated back to the fourth basket. A similar loop, with pipes and pumps, is used in the remaining chambers, which are the fifth to the last chambers of the machine. This other loop circulates fluids from the last cameras back to the last basket.

A blower 23 is provided as in the second washing machine of Figure 1 but there is no ozone generator. The blower circulates air in all the chambers. (In Figure 9, the blower connections have been shown only for the first few cameras, for simplicity). To form compost with the waste material, the waste material 165 is loaded into the first chamber 153 of the composting machine 151. Hot water 167 (36.7 to 49 ° C) 98 to 120 ° F)) and a small amount of Alkali are also loaded in the first basket or camera. The amount of water used is enough to create a frozen mass of waste. Too much water produces a diluted sludge for a Model 76032 Milnor continuous batch washing machine, the water level should be approximately 7.62 cm (3") from the lower portion of the basket, for a load of 50 kilos (110 pounds) of waste material The amount of alkali required to raise the mixing pH in the first basket to about 8.0 to 8.5.This promotes the growth of bacteria.Also, a food supply can be added to accelerate biological growth. of food that can be used is dry food or dog type food.Then, the first basket is rotated as described above.In addition, the blower 23 injects air into the first basket.Thus, the waste material is agitated by the movement of the basket and by the blowing of air that initiates the biological activity.

After a predetermined amount of time, such as 20 minutes, is agitated, the machine 151 automatically stops the rotation of the first canaeta (and draws another baskets like all the baskets in the machine, rotates in unison) and opens the drainage 155 (and the drains of all other cameras). The liquid in the basket passes through the first basket maya and into the drain. The drainage is then closed and the liquid is pumped to the fourth basket by the pump 159. The machine arrived automatically transfers the contents of the first basket 153 to the second basket 153a (and the contents of each basket to the next basket). The stirring cycle starts again, where the baskets are turned and air is injected into the baskets. In this way, the waste material is proceeded as it travels through the compost machine. When the material 169 leaves the machine of the last basket, it is placed in a hopper 171, where excess water can discharge through the perforations 173 to the bottom of the hopper. The processed material 169 can be used as the compost material, which would normally be used. For example, processed material can be mixed with soil in gardens. While waste material is being processed in the washing machine, methane gas 175 will be generated. This gas is evacuated from the chambers by an eduction pump 177 and sent to a storage tank 179. The cap is removed from the chamber 25 in The washing machine is sealed by a hood 181 that prevents escape of methane gas. Once stored in tank 179, methane can be sold or used as a source of fuel to heat water that is added to the washing machine through power 167. To use methane to heat water, methane is transported from the tank of storage 179 to a burner 185 in a water heater 183. In the burner 185, the methane is burned to produce heat, the hot water is then transported back to the water inlets 167 through a pipe 87. A valve 189 contains the flow of water. Although the method of composting the waste material has been described using an alkaline mixture, the waste material can be composted using an acidic mixture. An acid, such as acetic acid, carbonic acid or oxalic acid is added to waste material in the washing machine. Sufficient acid is added to reduce the pH to 2.3 to 4.0. During any of the recycling processes described above, the waste water discharged from the washing machine can be contaminated with heavy metals. To reduce the heavy metal content of the waste water, the waste water is exposed to ozone in the treatment unit 201 (see Figure 10). The waste water is transported to the treatment unit 291 by the discharge pipe 90 (or 111). The treatment unit receives ozone from an ozone supply 24. Ozone bubbles rise through the waste water causing a reduction of the heavy metals. The waste water leaves the treatment unit 201 through a pipe 203, where it is then transported to a seventh deepening. From there, the waste water can be treated in an installation for wastewater treatment. The treatment unit is periodically cleaned to remove accumulated contaminants. One of the chambers of the first and second washing machines 13, 15 can be modified to remove insoluble contaminants that are not affected by the processing operations in the preceding chambers, this modified chamber can be the last chamber that is adjacent to the outlet 33. The camera is modified by providing housed baskets. The other portions of the chamber are as described above. With reference to Figure 11, the basket assembly in the modified chamber has an inner basket 211 and an outer basket 213. The inner basket 211 is housed inside the outer basket 213. The inner basket is attached to the outer basket, so that both rotate in unison. A space 215 separates the inner basket and the outer basket. Each basket is provided with ribs 215 on its inner circumference. The space can be several centimeters wide between the canastae and in any case it is wider than the coetillae 217 in the canaeta, in such a way that allows any items located in the space to pass freely on the ribs. The size of the last chamber can be enlarged by 50% over the size of the preceding chambers so that the inner basket 211 can accommodate an entire load of articles. Both baskets are provided with wire mesh, this mesh provides the desired perforation size. The perforations of the inner basket mesh are larger than the perforations of the outer basket mesh. For example, when cellulose is processed through the washing machine, the mesh of the inner basket has 30 wires per 2.54 cm (inch) while the outer basket mesh has 40 to 60 wires per 2.54 cm (inch). During operation, the items that are processed enter the inner basket 211 through the opening 35 from the preceding chamber. The baskets are rotated as described above in order to shake the items. In addition, air can be blown in. The articles, such as cellulose, pass through the mesh of the inner basket 211 and are retained in the space 215 by the outer basket 213. This is because the articles are unable to pass through the mesh of the outer basket . Contaminants, which include husks, hair, food and digest, etc., are retained in the inner basket.

The inner basket is provided with a non-perforated perforation 219 that serves as the bucket for the outer basket. This portion 219 is located on the ribs using the orientation of Figure 11. Also on the ribs opposite the bucket 219 is a non-perforated portion 221 which prevents items located in the space 215 from returning to the inner basket. The inner basket also has a perforated bucket 223. When it is time to transfer items out of the chamber, the basket rotates a more complete revolution that is achieved during the shaking operation. This moves the cellulose that is located inside the space 215 to the bucket 219, where the cellulose is prevented from re-entering the inner basket and being transferred out of the chamber. The cellulose leaves through a ramp 77 (see Figure 1) where it is deposited in a hopper. The contaminants in the inner basket move inside the bucket 223 by rotation, where the contaminants exit through a separate ramp where they are directed to a separate hopper. As discussed above, laminated paper items such as milk carton packaging, and beverage cartons (juice cartons) can be processed with the present invention. These packages use sheets of material that include multiple layers of plastic and paper. The materials are used to build the walls of the packaging. The packages are typically made from a single sheet that is cut into a pattern and folded to form the package appropriately. For example, with reference to Figure 12, a milk carton 251 has a first layer 253 of plastic, a second or intermediate layer 255 of paper and a third layer of plastic 257. One of the layers of plastic is exposed to the milk or other liquid inside the container, while the other plastic layer is exposed to the external environment surrounding the milk carton. It is considered that the plastic layers consist of polyvinyl or polyester. The paper 225 is of a high wet strength type because the edges of the material (and thus the paper layer) are exposed to the liquid to the content. The high wet strength is typically imparted to the paper by a resin that is applied to the paper fibers during manufacture. High wet strength paper retains its structure when wet. Low wet re-release paper easily comes off when wet. Low wet strength paper is easier to pulp than high wet strength paper. The layers of the milk carton 251 are bonded together in some way. It is considered that the union occurs because either the materials themselves (for example the plastic) by an adhesive.

Now with reference to Figure 13, another type of packaging employing multilayer materials are cardboard boxes for beverages 259. A sheet of material used in a beverage carton 259 has 5 layers; that is, a first layer 261 that is plastic, a second layer 263 that is aluminum, a third layer 265 that is plastic, a fourth layer 267 that is paper, and a fifth layer 269, which is plastic. The fifth layer 269 is typically exposed to the contents of the package, while the first layer 261 is exposed to the exterior of the package. The paper 267 is of the low wet strength type. Yet another type of packaging uses sheets uses sheets of material that are similar to the cardboard box material for beverages of Figure 13 above, except that the paper layer 267 uses high-strength wet paper. This packaging is referred to as milk cartons, regular, containing aluminum and is typically used in circumstances where refrigeration is not employed. With reference to Figure 14, the system 311 will now be described for processing packages using multi-layer materials (such as milk cartons and beverage boxes). The system utilizes a tunnel or continuous batch washing machine 313 as discussed above with respect to Figures 1 to 4. The washing machine is described more fully in U.S. Pat. No. 4, 236,393, the specification, including drawings of which, is incorporated herein by reference. The washing machine has multiple 25 cameras or modules there. Within each module 25 is a pivotable perforated basket 37. Each basket uses an internal perforated bucket to dehydrate the articles during transfer from one module to the next (referred to in the industry as top transfer). The washing machine contains a multiple number of modules. The current number of modules can vary according to the specific application. The system 311 also includes other equipment, which is a shaker screen 321, a side mound 323, one or more holding tanks 325, a dissolved air flotation device (DAF = Dissolved Air Floatation) 327, a press 329 and various filters 331. The method for processing cardboard packaging for milk and beverage carton will now be described with reference to Figure 1. The articles are loaded into the first module of the washing machine 313. The articles are then processed by each module in turn, before moving on to the next module. The processing of the articles contains several stages or phases. In general, these steps are washing the articles to remove contaminants, wetting the articles, forming the pulp of the paper component contained in the articles, cleaning the paper and plastic components, rinsing and conditioning the paper (pulp) and plastic components and separation of the paper component from the plastic component. Although the washing machine has discrete modules, the various stages can be performed in each module. For example, after the contaminants have been removed from the articles, the articles can be moistened, cleaned and the pulp paper component, all in the same module or series of modules. The processing of the articles will now be described more specifically. The articles are loaded in the first module together with hot water (for example at 93 ° C (200 ° F)) and sufficient caustic to raise the pH of the wash liquor (which is constituted by water and chemicals (between 10 a 13) In the preferred embodiment, a pH of 12.0 is used, alkaline materials other than caustic can be used, such as metasilicate, orthosilicate, caustic or potassium soda or sodium peroxide, and a neutral or non-ionic surfactant is added to the liquor. After the articles have been loaded into the first module, and in this way inside the first basket, the basket (together with the other baskets in the washing machine) is turned to shake the items in the wash liquor. Items are cleaned of waste such as Subject with Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) Matter with Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) dirt and other contaminants. This BOD material includes milk and juice that remain in the container. Milk and juice are subject to biological action, due in part to the lack of refrigeration of the discarded packaging (which this discarded packaging refers to as post consumer waste). In addition, this waste may include inks in the package. In addition to being cleaned of contaminants, the articles are moistened for subsequent processing. After the washing step in the first module has been completed, the washing liquor is discharged from the first module. The wash liquor either empties into a sewer or processes to rinse the water. For example, the wash liquor may circulate to the dissolved air flotation device (DAF) 327, which is conventional and commercially available. Subsequent modules can be used to further wash items and clean them from waste. In addition to removing the waste from the articles, the first module and subsequent modules are employed to provide penetration of the wash liquor into the paper layer of the articles. When penetrating the paper with the wash liquor, the wet strength filters can be removed from the paper and the paper can be easily separated from the plastic (and metal) layer. The wet strength resins are removed from the paper by the washing process. The wet re-release resin is removed from the washing machine together with the waste. The items continue to run through the washing machine where separation of the plastic paper components occurs. Since separation occurs during the initial metal stage in processing. In separation stages, the articles are washed with hot water (93 ° C (200 ° F)) and sufficient caustic to provide the wash liquor with a pH between 10 and 13. In addition, hydrogen peroxide is added to the wash liquor . Hydrogen peroxide helps in breaking down the wet strength of the paper. Alternatives to hydrogen peroxide can be employed, such as ozone, persulfite, peracetic acid, hydrochloride, oxalic, ozone and other oxidizing agents. The wet strength resins are removed from the paper by the washing process. In addition, the washing process pulps the paper and cleans both the paper and the plastic components. The washing liquor for pulping and cleaning has the same constitution as the wash liquor to separate. The ratio of time to satisfactory penetration of the paper by washing liquor can be reduced by various mechanisms or techniques. One mechanism or technique is to use low water levels in the first modules. For example, for article loads weighing 22.7-54.5 kg (50-120 pounds), approximately 87 to 132.5 liters (23-35 gallons) of wash liquor are used (for the 193 cm (76-inch) seasoning basket This immerses in the articles approximately in 5.08 to 10.16 cm (2 to 4 inches) of wash liquor Typically (for example in the last stages of the processing) the articles are immersed in a washing liquor with a level of 20.32 to 32. cm (8 to 13 inches). By providing a smaller amount of wash liquor, the rotation of the articles is avoided and more surface-to-surface friction between the individual packages is generated, with the result that it is more rapid separation of the plastic layers from the paper layer.A advantage of this technique is that the plastic is removed from the paper in large pieces, because the plastic layers tend to detach from the paper layer.Maintain plastic in relatively large pieces simplifies the Separation of plastic pulp paper in subsequent modules of the washing machine. As well, providing a small amount of wash liquor increases the fiber-to-fiber mechanical action and aids in pulping paper. If the level of wash liquor is reduced, it is preferable to carry out that step after the articles have been washed of waste material. This is because washing takes less time if it is done at higher wash liquor levels. For example, if the articles are washed in the first module, then the wetting step may occur in the following several modules. Another mechanism or technique that can be used to cut the amount of time to separate the paper from the plastic is the use of abrasive devices located within the basket. One type of abrasive die uses inverted perforated plates (see Figure 15). Metal plates 341 are drilled 343 using a force with an impact component. The impact causes the edge of the plate around the perforations 345 to deviate outward, a shape much like a food grater. This deviated edge 345 provides a roughness. The plates 641 are connected to the ribs 43, so that the diverted edges can contact the articles 251, 259 within the basket 39. As the basket rotates, the articles contact the plateaus of the rugoeas, where the openings form in the outer layer of plastic 253 of the articles. This allows a faster penetration of wash liquor into the paper layer 255, without causing the formation of small pieces of plastic. Another type of abrasive device uses blades 351 inside the basket (see Figure 16). Each knife 351 has a cutting edge 353 and a coupling edge 351. The blades 352 have an inverted "U" shape and engage the ribs. The engaging edge 355 of each blade is coupled to the rear peg, such that the blade projects outwardly from the ribs. The blades are distributed over the length of each rib; the separation between each blade can be several centimeters. The cutting edge 353 of each blade has saw teeth 351. As the basket rotates, the articles 251, 259 contact the cutting edges of the cutter-cutting blades in the plastic layers 257, 267. This also allows liquor penetration. of laundry on the paper layer 255. The blades 351 can be used separately in combination with the inverted perforated plates 341. Yet another mechanic that can be employed to trim the amount of time to separate the paper from the plastic is the use of large perforations 361 in the ribs 43 (see Figures 17 and 18). The ribs are hollow inside. Canda rib has large openings 361 (between 1.27 and 3.81 cm (half one and a half inches in diameter). As the basket and ribs rotate, the wash liquor circulates through openings 361 in the ribs. The items are forced against the front faces of the ribs. However, openings 361 are too small to allow articles to pass through. It is considered that a pressure differential is produced through the articles, as the articles are found through the loading of ribs. This differential differential helps in separating the plastics paper. When the paper comes from the plastic, the paper circulates through the openings in the ribs. This also helps in pulping the paper. The plastic layers are detached in large segments of the paper layer, thus simplifying the separation of plastic and paper into sub-sequential stages. During basket rotation the plastic travels over the front face of the respective rib until it falls on the inner end of the rib.

The surface area of the ribs 43 may be increased in order to provide more abrasive devices. For example, the height (the distance the ribs extend from the basket wall to the basket interior) of the ribs can be increased from conventional ribs to provide more surface area. For example, a conventional rib may have a height of 7.62 cm (3") while a coil used by the present invention may have a height of 25.4 cm (10") for a basket with a diameter of 193 cm (76")) The increase in rib surface area allows for more inverted perforations 343 (Figure 15), saw teeth 357 (Figure 16) or rib openings 361 (Figure 17) .In addition, a rib with a greater height lifts items higher in For example, a short rib can lift most items only 30 or 45 ° from the lowest position in the module, a top rib can lift items by 90 ° or more, so when items are left fall from the upper ribs, drop from a higher position and land more strongly in the wash liquor.This further increases the mechanical agitation.The modified ribs can be present in all m module of the washing machine. As a practical matter, however, the modified coetillas do not need to be in the last few modules where the pulp leaves the washing machine. After the paper has been pulped, the pulp and plastic components are rinsed and conditioned. The pulp and plastic are rinsed in water and a weak acid (such as phosphoric, acetic or citrus laundry) to bring the pH of the components up to 6.5-7.0. In addition, the mechanical rinsing action causes more fiber-to-fiber action that helps a more complete pulping of the paper components. A more complete pulping reduces the occurrence of fiber flocs described below. In the last modules of the washing machine, the paper component of the articles, which has been pulped, leaves the washing machine through the deecargae in the bottom of each of the modules. The pulp and plastic are washed in fresh water in this stage of processing separation. As described above with respect to Figures 2 and 4, the basket has perforations or grooves that are small enough to retain the plastic but allow the pulp to pass. The basket can be supplemented with a sieve to obtain the perforation or size of desired slots. The screen can be extraction plates that are circumferentially slotted around the diameter of the basket.

The pulp can leave the last washing machine modules in various ways. One way is through the drain at the bottom of each module. The drain opens quickly to obtain a high velocity flow through the drain. Another way is to install a pipe or tube in the module, with the lower end of the tube located near the bottom of the module. The pulp is pumped out of the module through the pipe. Yet another way is to allow the pulp fibers to float on top of a scull or weir. The landfill is located between the basket and the walls of the module chamber. The pulp slurry circulates to the shaker screen 321, which is a conventional and commercially available piece of equipment. The agitator screen removes debris passing through the basket 37. The agitator screen 321 has a vibrating screen, having perforations and / or grooves that are sized to pass the pulp. For example, perforations or grooves may be .163 cm (.064") in size.) The pulp sludge of the washing machine is directed against the moving screen, the perforations of the moving sieve are chosen to pass pulp and reject lumps. undesirable material such as pulp lumps (lumps of pulp are referred to as flocs) .The pulp and other material that fails to pass through the shaker screen are referred to as "rechazadoe." The rejected are removed from the shaker screen and are already available or reintroduced into the washing machine for further processing Rejected materials are reintroduced to the first module of the washing machine at a time that occurs after the discharge in the first module has been opened, but before the articles in the first module are transferred to the second module. If the rejected materials are primarily pulp lumps, then further processing will help in breaking these lumps. The pulp passing through the shaker screen is referred to as "accepted materials". Accepted materials that are in the form of a pulp mud pass to the 323 side mound, which is also conventional and commercially available. Alternatively, materials accepted from the agitator screen may be directed to a second agitator screen having smaller perforations or grooves (eg .061 cm) (.024")) after which the slurry of pulp is directed to the mound. The second agitator sieve is used to further remove waste from the pulp.Alternatively, after the side mound, the pulp passes to a storage tank.The side mound 323 is to thicken the pulp and recycle the mud water. The side mound 323 has an inclined screen, such that the screen has an upper portion and a bottom portion.The perforations in the screen are small to pass water, but block the passage of the pulp. stirring screen is introduced to the upper edge of the slanting screen, the pulp is washed by the sieve to the bottom edge of the sieve, while the water passes through the sieve, the pulp is then removed from the mound The pulp can be placed in a storage container. The pulp can then be taken from the storage container, or directly from the side mound and subjected to a press or extractor 333, where the moisture content is reduced. The pulp can be sold in a wet condition (referred to as a coating or wet layer, where the pulp contains as much as 40% water). Alternately, the pulp can be air dried to reduce the moisture content to minimum levels. The pulp (either wet or air-dried) is then formed into bales or otherwise packed for shipment to an installation for reuse. The liquid that leaves the side mound flows into a holding tank 325A and from there to the DAF 327. The DAF 327 clarifies (when removing suspended solids) the liquid that leaves the washing machine for reuse. The DAF has a tank, into which the liquid is introduced, air is introduced into the liquid, this air causes it to discard and contaminants float to the liquid surface. A bucket removes the floating matter. The clean water leaves the DAF and passes to a holding tank 325B. The floating matter in the DAF is removed and discarded. Ozone can be introduced into the DAF liquid to further clean the liquid.

The holding tank 325B is used to provide water for the washing machine modules. Fresh water can be added to the holding tank as replacement water. The last module contains primarily packaging plastic (and metal if the articles are boxes for beverages). Other insolublee (such as straws, cellophane, etc.). They may also be present if they are introduced to the washing machine together with the post consumer waste. These components leave the last module of the washing machine and are taken to the press 329. The press 329 removes a large part of the liquid from the plastic. The plastic is then zipped for reuse. The liquid extracted from the plastic by the press is directed either to the DAF 327 for reuse or to the sewer system. Using the method here described, the pulp has a brightness of 86%, which is higher than what can be obtained using conventional methods (72%). However, in case the articles are especially dirty, or there is a need for a cleaner pulp, then the pulp of the side mound can be directed to a second washing machine, where the pulp is cleaned with hot water, caustic and a surfactant as described above. The washing process includes four parameters, that is, time, temperature, mechanical action and chemical products.

The amount of time required in each module depends on the number of modules available in the washing machine. For example, in a seven or eight module washing machine, the articles remain in each module for approximately 15 to 30 minutes. This is referred to as the transfer speed, where articles are transferred from one module to the next every 15 to 30 minutes. The first module is used to wash the articles and also to wet the paper layer. The next 3 to 4 modules are used to remove the wet strength chemicals from the paper layer and to break the pulp paper layer. The last 3 or 4 modules are used to remove the pulp from the washing machine, while leaving the plastic and other insolublee in the basket. The time spent in each module can be reduced, and consequently the performance of a washing machine can be increased, by increasing the number of modules. For example, a washing machine with 16 to 30 modules can be used where articles spend 3 to 10 minutes in each module. In this way, the output (typically measured in tons per day) of a 30-module washing machine (20 tons per day) greatly exceeds the output of a washing machine of 7 to 8 modules (less than 5 tons per day). Another parameter of the washing process is temperature. As described above, the temperature of the wash liquor is initially very hot (93 ° C (200 ° F)) in order to wash the contaminants from the articles and also assist in decomposing the wet strength of the paper. After the pulp has been separated from the plastic, and the articles are rinsed, lower temperatures can be employed (eg at about (7 ° C (160 ° F)) .Other parameter of the washing process is mechanical action. used in the washing process includes the rotation of the basket 37 (see Figures 2 and 3.) The ribs in the basket release the items of washing liquor in the bottom of the basket and then allow the items tamboreen back to the liquor In addition, the direction of rotation of the basket is reversed after the basket rotates approximately 240 to 290. This further increases the mechanical action.The mechanical action can also be increased by providing the abrasive devices described above in the basket. You can also blow air to the canaeta from a place below the basket, to increase the mechanical action, yet another alternative to increase the action. n is mechanical recirculate the wash liquor by removing some of the wash liquor and then reintroducing the removed wash liquor to the module from the top of the module. It is considered that recirculating the wash liquor in this way helps in cleaning the perforations in the basket. Another parameter of the washing process are the chemical products. The chemicals in each stage of the process are described above.

With reference to Figure 14, a specific example of processing cartons for milk and boxes for beverages will be described. The washing machine 311 has 20 modules 25. The first module is used to wet the articles and wash them by removing the contaminants. Modules 2 to 12 are used to separate and clean paper and plastic components and pulp the paper component. The modules 13 to 17 are used to rinse and condition the components, to further separate the paper component from the plastic component and further pulp the paper component. Modules 18 to 20 are used to separate the pulp from the plastic by causing the pulp to come out of the washing machine. Water and chemicals can be introduced into each module in order to maintain the constitution of the desired wash liquor. In general, the wash liquor flows in the opposite direction from the module 17 back to the module 1, where the wash liquor is discharged from the washing machine. Each module is provided with a mechanism that allows adjustment of the water level there. This mechanism is typically a landfill. In general, the water level increases from the loading end of the washing machine to the outlet end. For example, the water level in the module can be 5.08 to 20.32 cm (2 to 8"), while the water level in module 17 can be 33 cm (13"). In addition, steam can be introduced into each module in order to obtain and maintain high temperatures. The steam is introduced into the bottom of the module. Water is introduced into each of the modules 18 to 20. The module leaves the washing machine of each of the modules 18 to 20. The opposite flow is not used in the latter modules in order to recover the pulp. The water that is introduced into the modules is provided by holding tank 325B. The present invention has several advantages in processing packaging material and other multilayer articles versus prior art methods using hydraulic breakers. The operating cost of the present invention is lower than with conventional hydraulic crushers. One reason for this is the energy requirements for the washing machine and that they are much lower than for a hydraulic breaker. The horsepower to rotate the baskets is much less than the energy requirements for a hydraulic crusher. Much less water is also used. In a hydraulic crusher, the articles are submerged in a water bath and chemical products. With the present invention, the basket drops the items in and out of the wash liquor at the bottom of each module. In addition, the present invention preserves the length of the fibers of the paper fibers. Hydraulic shredders that use shake pulping actions cut the length of the fibers. For example, one measure of fiber length is Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) using the same type of articles (containers for juice and milk), pulp fibers obtained with the present invention have a CSF of 631 millimeters, after a time of 90 minutes processing, while pulp fibers obtained with a hydraulic crusher after a processing time of 25 minutes, have a CSF of 254 millimeters. The shorter pulp fibers have a soft consistency. The above description and illustrations made in the drawings are merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and will not be construed in a limiting sense.

Claims

RBIVIMPI ACIQWBS 1, A method for recycling materials from discarded products, the waste products comprise cellulosic materials and non-cellulosic materials, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) providing first and second washing machines suitable for washing textile articles; b) load the discarded products, water, alkali and surfactant, into the first washing machine; c) washing the discarded products in the first washing machine by stirring the load of discarded products, water, alkali and surfactant to separate the cellulose material from the non-cellulosic material; d) unloading the cellulose material and water from the first washing machine, while the non-cellulosic material is removed in the first washing machine; e) continuing to wash the non-cellulosic material with water and a surfactant in the first washing machine until the non-cellulosic material is cleaned, where the non-cellulosic material is removed from the first washing machine; f) transferring the cellulose material to the second washing machine and loading the cellulose material into the second washing machine; g) washing the cellulose material with water, alkali and surfactant in the second washing machine until the cellulose material is cleaned, where the cellulose material is removed from the second washing machine.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of discharging the discarded products into the first washing machine further comprises the step of loading any of discarded diapers, containers or discarded items or corrugated boxes discarded.
The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective steps of washing in the first and second washing machines, further comprise the respective steps of rotating a respective basket within the first and second washing machines in order to provide the agitation.
4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective steps of washing in the first and second washing machines, further comprising the respective steps of blowing air from the outer panels of the first and second washing machines to respective interiors of the first and second washing machines to shake their contents.
The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective steps of washing in the first and second machine washers also comprise the respective steps of injecting ozone into the respective interiors of the first and second washing machines.
The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of deepening the cellulose material and the water of the first washing machine, further comprises the step of passing the cellulose material and the water through a sieve that has openings that are dimensioned to retain non-cellulosic material.
7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the step of discharging the water from the cellulosic material after the cellulosic material has been washed in the second washing machine, as the water passes through a second screen which has openings that are dimensioned to retain the cellulosic material.
The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of continuing to wash the non-cellulosic material in the first washing machine comprises the step of providing sand in the first washing machine in order to wash the non-cellulosic material with the sand.
9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of transferring the cellulosic material to the second washing machine comprises pumping a mixture formed by the cellulose material and water to the second washing machine.
The method of claim 1 characterized in that: a) the step of loading the discarded products to the first washing machine further comprises the step of loading any of discarded diapers, discarded food containers or corrugated boxes discarded; b) each of the respective washing steps in the first and second washing machines, further comprising the steps of turning a respective basket into the respective first and second washing machines, injecting air from the outside of the first and second washing machines to respective interiors of the first and second washing machines to agitate their contents and inject ozone into the respective interiors of the first and second washing machines; c) the step of discharging the cellulosic material and water from the first washing machine, further comprising the step of removing cellulose material and water through a screen having di-injected openings to retain the non-cellulosic material; d) charging the water from the cellulose material after the cellulose material has been washed in the second washing machine, as the water passes through a second screen having openings that are dimmed to retain the cellulose material; e) the step of continuing to wash the non-cellulosic material in the first washing machine, comprises the step of providing sand in the first washing machine to wash the non-cellulosic material with the sand; f) the step of transferring the cellulose material to the second washing machine comprises pumping in mixture formed by the cellulose material and water to the second washing machine.
11. Method for processing waste product materials, the product has various layers of materials comprising plastic, paper joined together, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) provides a washing machine having at least one module and one canaeta having aperture that is rotatable in mode; b) introduce water and alkali in the first of the canastae; c) load the products discarded in the first basket; d) rotate the first basket and / or a sub-basket in which the products have been loaded to stir the products, water and alkali and in this way cause separation of the paper materials from the plastic materials and pulp the material from paper? f) removing the pulped paper material from at least one of the channels through the openings while retaining the plastic material therein.
The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the step of providing a washing machine has at least one module and a basket having openings that is rotatable in the module, in addition complementable to provide ribs in the basket, the ribs have sharp edges.
13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the step of providing a washing machine has at least one module and a basket having openings that is rotatable in the module, further complements the step of providing perforations in a sheet metal that has protruding edges with respect to perforations.
14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the paper is of a wet strength type.
15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the materials include at least one layer of metal,
16. A method for recycling materials from discarded products, the discarded products comprise cellulose materials and non-cellulosic materials, non-cellulosic materials they comprise plastic material, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) providing a washing machine suitable for washing textile articles; b) load discarded products, water, alkali and surfactant into the washing machine; c) washing the discarded products in the washing machine by stirring the load of discarded products, water, alkali and surfactant to separate the cellulose material from the non-cellulosic material; d) unloading the cellulose material and water from the washing machine, while removing the non-cellulosic material in the washing machine; e) continuing to wash the non-cellulosic material with water and a surfactant in the washing machine until the non-cellulosic material is clean, where the non-cellulosic material is removed from the washing machine; f) wash the cellulosic material with water, alkali and a surfactant until the cellulose material is cleaned.
17. Method for cleaning dirty wood pulp articles comprising newspaper, wooden pulp articles are soiled with contaminants such as ink, characterized in that they comprise the steps of: a) providing a washing machine suitable for washing textiles, the machine washing has a basket that has openings to pass water while having the items inside the basket; b) load the articles water, alkali and soap to the basket; c) turn the basket to shake the items, where the items are clean of contaminants such as ink; d) discharge the water, alkali and soap and contaminants from the basket through the openings, the items are retained in the basket; e) Rinse the items in the basket with water.
18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the step of loading the articles, water, alkali and soap in the basket, comprises the step of adding enough alkali in such a way that the mixture has a pH between 10.5 and 14.
The method according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises the steps: a) injecting blown air during the stirring step to increase the agitation of the mixture; b) After discharging the water, alkali and soap and contaminants from the items, rinse the items with water and acetic, to reduce the pH of the items to approximately 7.0.
The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the step of shaking the articles when moving the basket, further comprises the step of turning the first basket in one direction and then rotating the basket in the reverse direction from the first direction.
21. Method for recycling materials from cellulosic and non-cellulosic materials, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) providing first and second washing machines; b) cleaning the cellulose and non-cellulosic materials in the first washing machine using water, alkali and eurfactant; c) removing the cellulosic material from the first washing machine; d) cleaning the cellulosic material in the second washing machine using water, alkali and surfactant; e) continuing to clean the non-cellulosic material in the first washing machine after the cellulose material has been removed using abrasive material; f) injecting ozone into the first and second washing machines during the cleaning steps to increase agitation.
22. Method for cleaning rubber articles such as used tires, characterized in that it comprises the step: a) deepening the rubber articles to produce rubber particles; b) provide a washing machine suitable for washing textiles and having a basket that has the openings for passing water while retaining the rubber particles there; c) load the rubber particles to the water, alkali and surfactant in the basket; d) move the basket to shake the rubber particles, until the particles are clean; e) discharge the water from the basket through the openings while retaining the rubber particles inside the basket.
23. Method for cleaning used glass objects such as glass containers, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) providing a washing machine that is suitable for washing textiles and providing openings in the basket in the washing machine, which are small to pass water while retaining pieces of broken glass; b) load the used glass objects, water and a surfactant in the basket; c) move the basket to shake the glass objects; d) discharge water from the basket through the openings.
24. Method for processing waste material such as food and yard products, characterized in that they comprise the steps of: a) providing a washing machine that is suitable for washing textiles and providing openings in the basket in the washing machine that are so small so that water passes but retains waste material; b) load the waste material, water and any acid or alkali in the basket; c) move the basket to shake the waste material; d) while moving the waste material, inject air into the basket.
25. Method for cleaning plastic, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) providing a washing machine that is suitable for washing textiles and providing openings in the basket of the washing machine that are small to allow water to pass to retain plastic; b) load the plastic, water and sand in the basket; c) move the basket to shake the plastic, where the plastic is cleaned of contaminants like ink; d) discharge water, sand and contaminants from the channel through the opening, the plastic is retained in the basket. RBSUMBN E h INVENTION The present invention relates to washing machines (13, 15) that are used to recycle plastics and cellulose from disposable diapers (49). Disposable diapers are loaded in a washing machine (13) and while they are shaken, they are washed in water, alkali and soap. During washing, the cellulose is separated from the plastic. Cellulose is discharged from the washing machine (13) with the water, leaving the plastic (51) in the washing machine (13) A pump (17) transfers the cellulose (53) and the water to another washing machine (15) for further cleaning. In addition, other products such as milk cartons and beverage box containers (251, 259), newspaper and waste paper can be processed.