US20120031814A1 - Recycling of artificial turf - Google Patents

Recycling of artificial turf Download PDF

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Publication number
US20120031814A1
US20120031814A1 US13/148,073 US201013148073A US2012031814A1 US 20120031814 A1 US20120031814 A1 US 20120031814A1 US 201013148073 A US201013148073 A US 201013148073A US 2012031814 A1 US2012031814 A1 US 2012031814A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
synthetic turf
strips
recovering
infill
recovery tank
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/148,073
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English (en)
Inventor
Joseph Hinkel
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Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of US20120031814A1 publication Critical patent/US20120031814A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C13/00—Pavings or foundations specially adapted for playgrounds or sports grounds; Drainage, irrigation or heating of sports grounds
    • E01C13/08—Surfaces simulating grass ; Grass-grown sports grounds

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for recovering and recycling synthetic turf and in particular for recovering and recycling the synthetic turf covering laid on football pitches, tennis courts, playgrounds, golf courses or dog training grounds etc.
  • Synthetic turf has numerous advantages over natural turf for outdoor sports use. It is very easy to maintain and the playing surfaces can be used in all weathers and in any season.
  • Major sporting federations such as FIFA have approved a certain number of synthetic turf surfaces on which even high level football matches may be played.
  • a playing surface with synthetic turf typically comprises a foundation with a drainage system, a permeable layer e.g. a permeable bituminous paving mix and optionally a resilient layer on which the artificial turf is laid.
  • This artificial turf is composed of a backing, generally made of polypropylene, in which spaced rows of filaments or fibers are incorporated by tufting.
  • An infill layer is spread between the filaments.
  • This infill layer is generally made up of a first weighting layer, generally sand, onto which are then spread one or more additional layers for example comprising rubber granules or a mixture of sand and rubber granules.
  • Synthetic turf is only infilled to a certain height such that the ends of the fibers extend beyond the infill layer.
  • Synthetic turf is marketed for example by the companies POLYTAN, FIELDTURF TARKETT etc. Synthetic turf is described in greater detail for example in patent application WO98/40559.
  • the invention is directed toward removal of the synthetic turf to clear the surface as quickly as possible without contaminating the underlying resilient/drainage or drainage layer.
  • a method for recovering synthetic turf installed on a surface the synthetic turf comprising a backing in which are incorporated fibers and one or more infill particle layers, in which the synthetic turf is raised and continuously cut into strips, the strips cut in this manner are then lifted and progressively turned back above the synthetic turf which is still in place and conveyed above an infill tank to cause the infill particles to fall into the recovery tank, the strips then being relaid on the surface or wound up.
  • the method makes it possible to recover synthetic turf installed on a surface with a drainage foundation without contaminating or clogging the drainage system. New synthetic turf may then be installed quickly without having to restore the drainage system.
  • the method therefore makes it possible to save time and cut the costs associated with cleaning the underlying drainage layer.
  • the invention also proposes a device for recovering synthetic turf installed on a surface, the synthetic turf comprising a backing in which are incorporated fibers and one or more infill particle layers, characterized in that the device comprises means for lifting the synthetic turf from the surface, means for cutting the synthetic turf into strips, means for turning the strip of synthetic turf back above the synthetic turf which is still in place and conveying it above a recovery tank, means for removing the infill particles from the synthetic turf above the recovery tank, means for discharging the synthetic turf together with means for setting the recovery device in motion.
  • cut strips are lifted and then turned back above the synthetic turf such that, if infill particles drop out of the synthetic turf during lifting and turning back and before reaching the recovery tank, they will fall onto the strip of turf which is still in place and there will be no risk of their contaminating the drainage foundation. This is because the device for recovering turf advances “backwards” over the synthetic turf.
  • the cut strip is turned over above the synthetic turf which is still in place and treated above the synthetic turf which is still in place. If particles fall out of the strip of turf before reaching the recovery tank, they will fall onto the synthetic turf and will be recovered together with the piece of synthetic turf onto which they fell when the latter piece is treated.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of synthetic turf.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a device for recovering synthetic turf.
  • the synthetic turf ( 1 ) as shown in FIG. 1 comprises a thin, flexible backing ( 3 ) with parallel rows ( 5 ) of fibers or filaments ( 7 ) which are vertical relative to the backing.
  • the flexible backing ( 3 ) as shown in FIG. 1 may comprise two support layers ( 11 , 13 ).
  • the backing ( 3 ) is most often a woven polypropylene fabric.
  • the fibers or filaments generally made of polypropylene, have a width of between 2 and 30 mm and a thickness of 60 to 150 microns. Their length depends on the use of the synthetic turf and is normally between 20 and 70 mm. The length is approximately twice the spacing ( 15 ) between the rows ( 5 ) of fibers ( 7 ).
  • the fibers are attached to the backing by tufting. The ends of the fibers are generally mechanically fibrillated to provide an enhanced imitation of the appearance of natural turf.
  • a particulate material ( 9 ) is placed on the backing ( 3 ) of the synthetic turf between the rows of fibers and the thickness ( 17 ) of this layer of particulate material ( 9 ) approximately corresponds to two thirds of the length ( 19 ) of the fibers ( 7 ).
  • the device for recovering synthetic turf placed on the synthetic turf to be removed permits the in situ recovery of rolls of small and large width for example of around 3.5 m in order to clear the surface as quickly as possible without contaminating the underlying resilient/drainage and/or drainage layer. This is because it is important to ensure that the infill material is removed with the synthetic turf to prevent it from clogging the underlying drainage layer and preventing reuse of the surface for subsequent laying of synthetic turf.
  • the purpose of the winder/separator for infill or other particles is to wind up the synthetic turf while it is not above the layer and to extract therefrom as much as possible or the entirety of the infill material into a tank (N) which is emptied while the machine is in motion or alternatively stationary via a moving bottom (A) then via a second elevator conveyor belt or by tipping, pneumatically or by any other discharge system.
  • the synthetic turf strips are relaid on the surface once the infill layer has been extracted.
  • the winder/separator for infill particles is placed on the synthetic turf and advances “in reverse gear” or “backwards” over the synthetic turf.
  • the synthetic turf is lifted, then turned back above the synthetic turf which remains in place and slides upside down over a curved metal sheet (B) or a revolving cylinder such that the entirety of the infill material is conveyed into the collection tank. Sliding upside down over a curved metal sheet or cylinder prevents the infill material from falling to the side of the recovery tank while the synthetic turf is being turned.
  • the synthetic turf In order to facilitate this lifting of the synthetic turf, it will be cut by the machine on one or both sides by one or more stationary or mobile blades (C) cutting either from above, from below or from both directions.
  • the blades (C) may have a vibrating or revolving action. It should be noted that any other system may alternatively be used, such as for example hot blades, laser, shears etc.
  • rollers (D) which are adjustable relative to one another and vary in number.
  • at least one of these rollers will have a vibrating, shaking, striking etc. action.
  • the work may be made more effective by the involvement of brushes (F) which revolve, alternate, vibrate, shake, and/or by jets of compressed air or any other system facilitating the release of the particles.
  • brushes (F) which revolve, alternate, vibrate, shake, and/or by jets of compressed air or any other system facilitating the release of the particles.
  • a scraper (E) cleans the back of the rollers.
  • the reason for passing the turned over covering over small diameter rollers (G) is to enlarge its outer surface as far as possible so that the fibers of the synthetic turf spread apart to facilitate release of the infill materials.
  • the covering is then wound onto a tube (H) or a reel or any other driven system.
  • a tube (H) or a reel or any other driven system Alternatively, if, for climatic reasons or due to the configuration of the synthetic turf, its cleanliness leaves something to be desired, it is relaid to the rear of the machine by being nipped between the rollers (I) such that it is exposed to the sun and rain and the cleaning operation may if necessary be begun a second time.
  • the synthetic turf may be wound such that the strands face either inwards or outwards.
  • the synthetic turf may be taken up by straps which wind around the winding shaft, or by a runner system with a chain, belt or other connecting means between the covering on the ground and the winding shaft.
  • the synthetic turf cleaned and wound in this manner may straightforwardly be used as a geotextile to stabilize soil, to separate formwork layers for new civil engineering structures, to stabilize and protect embankments and slopes from erosion and other applications. It may readily and without causing excessive wear of the cutting elements also be shredded, chopped, cut into strips, circles etc. to stabilize grassed areas, roadways, horse riding tracks, paddocks, etc.
  • the rolls of synthetic turf or sheets emptied of their infill material are readily transportable to their place of storage and are easily put to their new use as a geotextile and may easily be unwound, even manually.
  • the reels may also readily be unwound in a running water washing machine for 100% cleaning to permit recycling into other objects by melt extrusion, chopping or by passing them over a heated roller with the aim of welding the polypropylene fibers together to make them more resistant to indentation.
  • the machine may be driven by thermal, electric or hydraulic engine/motor, by a central motor or by separate motors or by a combination of the various systems (K).
  • All or some of the wheels of the machine (L) will be driven and/or steerable to enable displacement of the machine in all directions.
  • the motor(s)/engine(s) and the machine adjustment system may be located, for example, between the collection tank and the curved metal sheet, or at any other location.
  • the wheels of the machine are height adjustable independently of one another in order to optimize height adjustment relative to the curved metal sheet over which the synthetic turf slides as a function of the thickness of the covering to be wound up.
  • the reel of cleaned synthetic turf may be unloaded by tipping the retaining forks (M) of the winding shaft by a mechanical or manual or combined system or any other system, for instance it is conceivable to unwind it at the edge of the surface onto a larger reel or into a water or compressed air washing machine.
  • the machine may also be relieved of its roll by a crane or any other lifting system.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Road Paving Structures (AREA)
US13/148,073 2009-02-06 2010-02-04 Recycling of artificial turf Abandoned US20120031814A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
LU91522A LU91522B1 (fr) 2009-02-06 2009-02-06 Recyclage de gazon synthetique
LU91522 2009-02-06
PCT/EP2010/051378 WO2010094576A1 (fr) 2009-02-06 2010-02-04 Recyclage de gazon synthetique

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20120031814A1 true US20120031814A1 (en) 2012-02-09

Family

ID=41061122

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/148,073 Abandoned US20120031814A1 (en) 2009-02-06 2010-02-04 Recycling of artificial turf

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20120031814A1 (de)
EP (1) EP2396472A1 (de)
CA (1) CA2761735A1 (de)
LU (1) LU91522B1 (de)
WO (1) WO2010094576A1 (de)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120263891A1 (en) * 2011-04-18 2012-10-18 Tarkett Inc. Repairing synthetic turf field and method for revitalizing the same
US20150108041A1 (en) * 2013-10-21 2015-04-23 Matsep Ltd. Process for separating synthetic turf product
US20150190885A1 (en) * 2014-01-06 2015-07-09 Artificial Turf Restoration, Llc Artificial turf trimmer
US9868605B2 (en) 2014-02-12 2018-01-16 Andrew L. Bishop Geotextile rolling apparatus
US10645870B2 (en) 2016-06-01 2020-05-12 Tarkett Inc. Apparatus and methods for revitalizing artificial turf fields
US11597121B2 (en) * 2018-12-31 2023-03-07 Playing Surface Solutions, Inc. Method recycling a roll of artificial turf
US20230311367A1 (en) * 2022-04-04 2023-10-05 100% Turfrecyclers Srl Method and plant for recycling the infill of synthetic turves

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE532514C2 (sv) 2008-06-19 2010-02-16 Ingemar Joensson Med Sydvac Fa Anordning och förfarande för upptagning av en på ett underlag anordnad konstgräsmatta
DK2796034T3 (en) * 2010-05-17 2016-01-18 Schuurman Holding B V Filler material removal device for removing filling material from a web of artificial grass court
US9027662B2 (en) 2010-08-10 2015-05-12 Technology Licensing Corp. Apparatus for infill extraction and collection
US8974311B2 (en) 2010-08-10 2015-03-10 Technology Licensing Corp. Method and device for installing synthetic turf
CA2833268C (en) 2011-04-14 2018-09-18 Technology Licensing Corporation Apparatus and methods for facilitating removal of existing turf and installing new turf
DE202013009251U1 (de) 2013-04-15 2014-07-18 Smg Sportplatzmaschinenbau Gmbh Füllmaterialentleerungs- und Aufrollvorrichtung für gebrauchte Kunstrasenplätze

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100001115A1 (en) * 2008-06-19 2010-01-07 Ingemar Jonsson Apparatus and method for handling an artificial turf arranged on a base

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU5126785A (en) * 1984-12-17 1986-06-26 Monsanto Company Handling artificial turf
FR2680443A1 (fr) * 1991-08-20 1993-02-26 Gabard Raymond Plaque ou bande de gazon precultive, son procede d'obtention et dispositif pour sa mise en óoeuvre.
BR9815897A (pt) 1997-03-10 2002-04-30 Fieldturf Holdings Inc Grama sintética
JP2000008314A (ja) * 1998-06-23 2000-01-11 Toray Ind Inc 敷設済み砂入り人工芝生の回収方法および装置
JP3907555B2 (ja) * 2002-08-29 2007-04-18 Ｔｃｍ株式会社 産業用車両

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100001115A1 (en) * 2008-06-19 2010-01-07 Ingemar Jonsson Apparatus and method for handling an artificial turf arranged on a base

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120263891A1 (en) * 2011-04-18 2012-10-18 Tarkett Inc. Repairing synthetic turf field and method for revitalizing the same
US20150108041A1 (en) * 2013-10-21 2015-04-23 Matsep Ltd. Process for separating synthetic turf product
US9205460B2 (en) * 2013-10-21 2015-12-08 Re-Match (Uk) Limited Process for separating synthetic turf product
US9789516B2 (en) 2013-10-21 2017-10-17 Re-Match (Uk) Limited Process for separating synthetic turf product
US20150190885A1 (en) * 2014-01-06 2015-07-09 Artificial Turf Restoration, Llc Artificial turf trimmer
US10065336B2 (en) * 2014-01-06 2018-09-04 John Salzbrunn Artificial turf trimmer
US9868605B2 (en) 2014-02-12 2018-01-16 Andrew L. Bishop Geotextile rolling apparatus
US10645870B2 (en) 2016-06-01 2020-05-12 Tarkett Inc. Apparatus and methods for revitalizing artificial turf fields
US11252865B2 (en) 2016-06-01 2022-02-22 Tarkett Inc. Apparatus and methods for revitalizing artificial turf fields
US11597121B2 (en) * 2018-12-31 2023-03-07 Playing Surface Solutions, Inc. Method recycling a roll of artificial turf
US20230311367A1 (en) * 2022-04-04 2023-10-05 100% Turfrecyclers Srl Method and plant for recycling the infill of synthetic turves
US11833715B2 (en) * 2022-04-04 2023-12-05 100% Turfrecyclers Srl Method and plant for recycling the infill of synthetic turves

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2396472A1 (de) 2011-12-21
WO2010094576A1 (fr) 2010-08-26
CA2761735A1 (fr) 2010-08-26
LU91522B1 (fr) 2010-08-09

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