WO2001010620A2 - Dispositif de traitement de dechets polymeres - Google Patents

Dispositif de traitement de dechets polymeres Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001010620A2
WO2001010620A2 PCT/US2000/021158 US0021158W WO0110620A2 WO 2001010620 A2 WO2001010620 A2 WO 2001010620A2 US 0021158 W US0021158 W US 0021158W WO 0110620 A2 WO0110620 A2 WO 0110620A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
passage
polymer
block
cut
exit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/021158
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2001010620A3 (fr
Inventor
Kenneth J. Tadler
Robert J. Welch
Original Assignee
E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company filed Critical E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company
Priority to US10/048,351 priority Critical patent/US6787073B1/en
Publication of WO2001010620A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001010620A2/fr
Publication of WO2001010620A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001010620A3/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29B—PREPARATION OR PRETREATMENT OF THE MATERIAL TO BE SHAPED; MAKING GRANULES OR PREFORMS; RECOVERY OF PLASTICS OR OTHER CONSTITUENTS OF WASTE MATERIAL CONTAINING PLASTICS
    • B29B17/00—Recovery of plastics or other constituents of waste material containing plastics
    • B29B17/04—Disintegrating plastics, e.g. by milling
    • B29B17/0412—Disintegrating plastics, e.g. by milling to large particles, e.g. beads, granules, flakes, slices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29B—PREPARATION OR PRETREATMENT OF THE MATERIAL TO BE SHAPED; MAKING GRANULES OR PREFORMS; RECOVERY OF PLASTICS OR OTHER CONSTITUENTS OF WASTE MATERIAL CONTAINING PLASTICS
    • B29B11/00—Making preforms
    • B29B11/06—Making preforms by moulding the material
    • B29B11/10—Extrusion moulding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29B—PREPARATION OR PRETREATMENT OF THE MATERIAL TO BE SHAPED; MAKING GRANULES OR PREFORMS; RECOVERY OF PLASTICS OR OTHER CONSTITUENTS OF WASTE MATERIAL CONTAINING PLASTICS
    • B29B17/00—Recovery of plastics or other constituents of waste material containing plastics
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29B—PREPARATION OR PRETREATMENT OF THE MATERIAL TO BE SHAPED; MAKING GRANULES OR PREFORMS; RECOVERY OF PLASTICS OR OTHER CONSTITUENTS OF WASTE MATERIAL CONTAINING PLASTICS
    • B29B17/00—Recovery of plastics or other constituents of waste material containing plastics
    • B29B17/0005—Direct recuperation and re-use of scrap material during moulding operation, i.e. feed-back of used material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29B—PREPARATION OR PRETREATMENT OF THE MATERIAL TO BE SHAPED; MAKING GRANULES OR PREFORMS; RECOVERY OF PLASTICS OR OTHER CONSTITUENTS OF WASTE MATERIAL CONTAINING PLASTICS
    • B29B9/00—Making granules
    • B29B9/02—Making granules by dividing preformed material
    • B29B9/06—Making granules by dividing preformed material in the form of filamentary material, e.g. combined with extrusion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C48/00—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C48/03—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor characterised by the shape of the extruded material at extrusion
    • B29C48/05—Filamentary, e.g. strands
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C48/00—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C48/25—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C48/00—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C48/25—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C48/30—Extrusion nozzles or dies
    • B29C48/305—Extrusion nozzles or dies having a wide opening, e.g. for forming sheets
    • B29C48/315—Extrusion nozzles or dies having a wide opening, e.g. for forming sheets with parts oscillating relative to each other
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B30—PRESSES
    • B30B—PRESSES IN GENERAL
    • B30B11/00—Presses specially adapted for forming shaped articles from material in particulate or plastic state, e.g. briquetting presses, tabletting presses
    • B30B11/22—Extrusion presses; Dies therefor
    • B30B11/227—Means for dividing the extruded material into briquets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C35/00—Heating, cooling or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C35/16—Cooling
    • B29C2035/1616—Cooling using liquids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C48/00—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C48/03—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor characterised by the shape of the extruded material at extrusion
    • B29C48/04—Particle-shaped
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C48/00—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C48/25—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C48/30—Extrusion nozzles or dies
    • B29C48/345—Extrusion nozzles comprising two or more adjacently arranged ports, for simultaneously extruding multiple strands, e.g. for pelletising
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
    • Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
    • Y02W30/62—Plastics recycling; Rubber recycling

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the field of polymer treatment apparatuses and methods for processing polymer waste wherein the waste is processed in a form suitable for recycling.
  • U.S. Patent 5,496,508 Hettinga et al
  • the purged polymer is directed into a hopper and between two rollers, which cool and compress the purge to a continuous strip thickness suitable for subsequent processing.
  • the strip is collected in a hollow steel container.
  • the strip may be corrugated on one side or split into a plurality of strips.
  • Other alternatives are disclosed by Japanese Patents JO 72 27874 and JO 81 55957 where in both separate cases the waste polymer is separated into discrete volumes and placed into individual containers that are part of a conveying system. In the former patent the polymer stream is never interrupted and is only temporarily diverted as the containers are switched.
  • the invention is a method and apparatus to process a diverted molten polymer waste stream by directing the polymer stream to one of at least two passages, separating the molten polymer into individual pieces or segments while containing the polymer and discharging the polymer from a containment exit, cooling each segment with a quench fluid to form a solid or semi-solid polymer, and transporting the solidified segments away from the containment exit and into a container using the quench fluid.
  • One preferred apparatus comprises a cross-section transition connector, a moveable block with two passages, a block oscillator, a cut-off plate, an open space above an inclined transporting device, a quench fluid jet, and a quench fluid transporting trough.
  • the transporting trough is designed to provide adequate time and cooling for solidification of polymer segments and to transport the segments to a desired location laterally spaced from the containment exit.
  • the cross-section transition connector changes the polymer cross-section from cylindrical to a flattened cylinder, which reduces the distance required to traverse and cut the polymer stream.
  • Directing the polymer stream to one or the other or both of at least two passages provides a continuous path for the polymer stream so pressure does not build up in the polymer that may damage elements in the system, and so gravity draining is provided when the system shuts down.
  • Other apparatuses show other means of accomplishing the directing of polymer using a conically shaped bloc that is rotatably moved. Movement of the block in some apparatuses may occur in either reciprocating rectilinear directions or in a rotational direction.
  • Figure 1 is a side section view of a polymer extrusion line with a diverter valve and polymer segmenting device
  • Figure 2A is a side section view of a transporting device for quenching and moving polymer segments away from the segmenting device, and Figure 2B is a plan view of the upper end of the transporting device;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a polymer segmenting device
  • Figure 4 is a bottom view of the polymer segmenting device of Figure 3;
  • Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C are a top view, side section view and bottom view, respectively of a transition connector
  • Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C are section views through the polymer segmenting device of Figure 3 showing the sequence of positions of a moveable block in the operation of the device;
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a segmenting device showing the passages and cut-off openings in hidden view;
  • Figure 8 is an alternate embodiment of the segmenting device where the cut-off occurs between the moveable block and the transition connector
  • Figure 9 is an end view of the segmenting device of Figure 7 ;
  • Figures 10A is a side section view of an alternate embodiment of Figure 2A;
  • Figure 10B is a plan view of the upper end of the embodiment of Figure 10A;
  • Figure IOC is a plan view of the upper end of an alternate embodiment of Figure 2A; and Figures 11A and 11B are section views illustrating another embodiment of a segmenting device.
  • Figures 12A and 12B are a cross-section view and a bottom view, respectively, illustrating another embodiment of a segmenting device.
  • Figure 1 shows a polymer extrusion line for making polymer pellets.
  • Molten polymer enters through conduit 10 and in normal operation passes through a diverter valve 12 , a polymer stream conduit 14, and a pellet forming device 16.
  • the diverter valve is shifted during an unscheduled outage or scheduled maintenance to divert the flow of polymer to a segmenting device 24.
  • the valve 12 is shifted from the forward position shown to a back position by an actuator 26 that moves the valve 12 and the segmenting device 24 attached thereto back and forth in the direction of double ended arrow 25. In the back position the polymer flows in the direction of arrow 27 to the segmenting device.
  • the segmenting device contains the polymer until it passes through a containment exit at position 21.
  • the extrusion line with diverter valve just described is of conventional design known in the art.
  • Beneath the containment exit of the segmenting device is an open space 17 above a transporting device 28.
  • the transporting device 28 includes an inclined trough 29 which is open on the top to receive falling segments of molten polymer, such as segments 30 from two polymer exit openings in the segmenting device 24.
  • the open space is sufficient so the polymer passing through the containment exit can be formed into a discrete segment of polymer, preferably before the polymer contacts the transporting device.
  • a fluid conduit 32 attached to the transporting device 28 supplies fluid to the trough at the upper end 34 to lubricate the surface of the trough and to quench and transport the segments 30 along the transporting device 28 away from the segmenting device 24 in the lateral direction indicated by the arrow 36.
  • Figures 2A and 2B show additional details of the transporting device 28.
  • the inclined trough 29 includes a first trough 29a that has an end wall 38 with a slot opening 40 in fluid communication with the conduit 32.
  • the segmenting device in Figures 2A and 2B is rotated ninety degrees from the view in Figure 1 so the segments are arranged one beside the other in the trough as seen looking at phantom segments 30a and 30b in Figure 2B.
  • a separator panel 23 in the center of the trough, keeps the segments from contacting one another in the portion of the trough where the segments first contact the trough. The panel also keeps each segment in a confined space to limit folding and spreading of the segment when it hits the trough.
  • Fluid, such as water, exiting the opening 40 covers the bottom of the trough with water which acts to lubricate the bottom surface.
  • Another conduit 31 is in fluid communication with a plurality of fluid jet openings, such as jets 33 and 35, that form forceful streams 42 and 43 that are directed against a segment, such as segment 30a, to accelerate the segment down the trough 29a in the direction of arrow 36. It is important that a first segment is accelerated to move quickly along the trough so that a second segment following the first will not contact the first when the second contacts the trough. If the two segments contact each other while still molten they may become permanently joined which is undesirable.
  • the segments may fold on themselves and twist and flop over to their flat side when contacting the trough and get quenched in an irregular shape.
  • the quenched shape of the segments is not so important as long as the segments can be transported along the trough and remain separate individual polymer segments that do not join other segments while molten.
  • spray nozzles 37 that cover the segments with water to quench the segments as they travel along the trough.
  • the fluid and the angle 44 of the trough act to accelerate the segments and separate them in the trough and continuously propel them along the trough.
  • the first trough 29a may join a second trough 29b.
  • the inclination angle 46 of the trough 29b is less than angle 44 of the trough 29a. Additional fluid is introduced in the trough 29b by conduit 48 through opening 50. At the lesser angle 46 the fluid level 52 builds up to thoroughly quench the segments and carry them along toward the open end 54 of the trough 29b.
  • the lesser angle 46 preferably results in a pitch to the trough that is the same as a common sewer line pitch of about -inch (0.64 cm) per foot.
  • the cross-section of the troughs is preferably one that has a flat bottom and angled sides diverging from the bottom. This is the same as a common log flume cross-section, which works well to self-clear if one segment (log) hangs up in the trough. As the water level rises behind a hung segment, the width of the water increases to aid clearing.
  • a container 56 to collect the segments 30 for further processing, such as recycling.
  • the fluid can be drained off through drain opening 58 and drain conduit 60 or the fluid can flow out of the end 54 and into container 56 where a container opening 62 is attached to a conduit 64.
  • the fluid collected in conduits 60 and/or 62 can be disposed of, or the fluid can be filtered and returned to the upper end 34 of the trough 29a via conduit 32 and be reused.
  • trough 29b may not be needed when the distances to the container are short. In this case, trough 29a would terminate at the container 56.
  • Trough 29a is shown with an optional feature where the upper end 34 is moveable to allow it to be displaced from beneath the segmenting device when it is desired to deposit the polymer segments in a buggy or the like, or at an unscheduled start when water flow in the trough has not been established.
  • An actuator 39 such as a fluid cylinder, has an actuator rod 41 attached to upper end 34 which is part of a moveable portion 45a of trough 29a which slides within a fixed portion 45b of trough 29a. When the cylinder rod is moved in the direction of arrow 47 the moveable portion 45a of the trough slides in the fixed portion 45b and moves from beneath the segmenting device 24.
  • a fluid trough with such a feature can be obtained from Conair, Corp., Pittsburgh, PA.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 show greater detail of the segmenting device 24.
  • the segmenting device 24 comprises a cross-section transition connector 66 , a block housing 68, a dual channel moveable block 70 and a block oscillator 72.
  • the connector 66 attaches to the diverter valve 12 ( Figure 1) with four attachment bolts, such as bolts 74.
  • the block housing 68 is attached to the bottom of the connector 66 and comprises side plates 78 and 80 attached to a cut-off plate 82, end plate 84 and actuator bracket 86.
  • the cut-off plate 82 has a first cut-off opening 83 and a second cut-off opening 85 passing therethrough.
  • Each opening 83, 85 has a flattened shape 87 with a width 89 less than its length 91.
  • the cut-off openings 83, 85 represent containment exits for the segmenting device 24.
  • the side plates 78 and 80 are covered with thermal insulation plates 88 and 90, respectively.
  • the block oscillator 72 comprises an actuator 92, attached to the bracket 86, and link 94 that attaches the moveable end 96 of the actuator to the block 70.
  • the end plate 84 is attached to the side plates 78 and 80 and includes an adjustable stop 98, which is adjusted to contact the block 70 at one movement position when the actuator moves the block toward the end plate.
  • the connector 66 is heated by heaters 100 and 102.
  • the block housing 68 is heated by heaters 104 and 106 in side plate 78, and heaters 108, 110 (not visible) in side plate 80.
  • Thermocouple 112 in connector 66 is used to control the heaters 100 and 102.
  • Thermocouple 114 in side plate 78 is used to control the heaters 104 and 106.
  • Thermocouple 116 in side plate 80 is used to control the heaters 108 and 110.
  • the heaters keep the polymer molten in the segmenting device 24. The heaters can reheat the polymer in the segmenting device so if it is shut down and allowed to cool, it can be restarted without having to clean out the solidified polymer.
  • a reheat temperature of about two hundred fifty (250 °C) degrees Centigrade will melt the polymer so the segmenting device can be operated.
  • a temperature of about two hundred eighty five degrees Centigrade (285 °C) is set for continuous running.
  • the cross-section transition connector 66 is shown in more detail in Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C.
  • the connector has a first passage 118 for shaping the polymer stream and, in a preferred embodiment, providing a transition from a circular shape 120 at an entrance end 122 to a flattened shape 124 at an exit end 126.
  • the flattened shape 124 at exit end 126 is surrounded by a flat surface 127 which is arranged to abut the moveable block 70 ( Figure 3) .
  • the flattened shape 124 has a width 128 that is less than length 130. In a preferred embodiment the width is about twenty five to thirty percent (25-30%) of the length.
  • the passage 118 may be cylindrical throughout or may have a flattened shape throughout, where the connector cross-section does not change, or may have some other shape suiting a particular need.
  • Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C show important relationships between the passages in the connector 66 and moveable block 70, and the cut-off openings 83 and 85 in the cut-off plate 82.
  • the first passage 118 in connector 66 has its exit end
  • the moveable block 70 has a second passage 132 and a third passage 134 which each have a cross section with a flattened shape throughout their length similar to the flattened shape 124 at exit end 126.
  • Figure 7 shows a perspective view with hidden lines that shows the relationship of the passages when block 70 is in the first position of Figure 6A. In Figure 7 the block oscillator 72, bracket 86, end plate 84, and insulator plates 88 and 90 are omitted for clarity.
  • the actuator 92 of block oscillator 72 ( Figures 3 and 4) is energized to move block 70 in the direction of arrow 146 as seen in Figure 6B .
  • Figure 6B shows an intermediate position of block 70 between the first position shown in Figure 6A and the second position shown in Figure 6C. This begins to cut off flow of polymer between passage 118 and passage 132 and between passage 132 and first cut-off opening 83. At the same time, this permits flow of polymer between passage 118 and passage 134 and between passage 134 and second cut-off opening 85.
  • the actuator 92 of block oscillator 72 ( Figures 3 and 4) is energized to move block 70 in the direction opposite arrow 146 ( Figures 6C and 6B) to reverse the process and move block 70 from the second position of Figure 6C to the first position of Figure 6A.
  • Another segment 30 will be formed, this time at containment exit 85, as the polymer flow is stopped through passage 134 and second cut-off opening 85, and the polymer flow is restored to passage 132 and first cut-off opening 83.
  • passages 132 and 134 is important to keep pressure on the polymer before cutting so the segments are forcefully moved toward the inclined surface of the trough and away from the containment exit at cut-off openings 83 and 85, versus relying solely on gravity to move the segments away from the segmenting device and toward the trough (as in the Japanese Patent JO 81 55957) . It is important, however, that the passages are designed to drain under the influence of gravity so polymer does not remain in the device and can be easily removed when polymer flow is stopped during a process shutdown.
  • passages 132 and 134 are close together at their entrance ends 136 and 140, respectively.
  • the entrance ends are separated by only a narrow flat surface 148, best seen in Figure 7, when the space 150 between passage centerlines is slightly more than one apparent passage width 152.
  • the apparent passage width is the width measured across an angled entrance end, such as angled entrance end 140.
  • the actual cross-section width of passages 132 and 134 would be slightly less than the apparent passage width.
  • the apparent passage width for passages 132 and 134 is equivalent to the passage width 128 of passage 118.
  • the space 150 determines the distance the block 70 must shift from aligning passage 132 with passage 118 to aligning passage 134 with passage 118.
  • This shift distance is equal to one apparent passage width 152 plus the width of flat surface 148.
  • passages 132 and 134 are spaced apart at their exit ends 138 and 142, respectively; they are separated by a centerline to centerline distance 154 of several passage widths, as best seen in Figure 7. This distance is important to keep the polymer segments spaced far enough apart so they do not rejoin when two segments are falling from the segmenting device as seen in Figure 6B. It also provides some spacing to separately handle the segments in the trough.
  • a spacing distance 154 between the exit ends of passages 132 and 134 equal to two or more passage widths is a preferred minimum, and a spacing of about four or more passage widths is more preferred.
  • a very large spacing would require a thicker block 70 or a larger diverging angle 155 ( Figure 6A) between passages, which would be less preferred.
  • a diverging angle of thirty to seventy degrees (30° to 70°) is preferred; at a large angle, the apparent width of the passages increases, which increases the shift distance.
  • the first and second cut-off openings 83 and 85, respectively, are placed at a spacing of one to two width dimensions less than the second spacing 154 of the second and third passages 132 and 134, respectively, where the passages abut the cut-off plate. This serves to space the polymer stream passing from the first cut-off opening apart from the polymer stream passing from the second cut-off opening by a distance of at least two width dimensions.
  • a flattened shape is illustrated and preferred for the cross-sectional shape of passages 132 and 134, and the exit end of passage 118
  • a cylindrical or oval shape suggested by dashed lines 156 in connector 66 of Figure 6A could also be used.
  • this may increase the shift distance compared to the flattened shape if the cross-section area of the cylindrical or oval passages remains the same as the flattened shape and the width of the shape increases, thereby increasing the shift distance.
  • the flow rate of the polymer may need to be decreased if the shift time has increased.
  • a cylindrical or oval shaped polymer segment may have slightly less surface area than a flattened one and would require slightly longer quench times which may require longer trough lengths.
  • Other means of compensating for different shaped passages is possible.
  • a flattened cross-section is preferred. Shaping the polymer into a flattened shape and separating the polymer into discrete segments exposes more surface area per segment to speed up solidification, and results in a finished material size that is easy to accumulate and cut up for recycle.
  • Figure 8 shows an alternate embodiment 24a of the polymer segmenting device 24 with the block 70 shown in the first position with passage 132 aligned with passage 118.
  • the polymer cut-off is accomplished at the exit end 126 of connector 66 at surface 127.
  • the first opening 83a and second opening 85a in plate 82 no longer function to cut off polymer and are enlarged to avoid contact with the polymer at both the first and second positions of block 70.
  • the polymer in block 70 has completely flowed out of passage 134.
  • An air bleed passage such as passage 158, permits air to flow into passage 134 as the polymer is flowing out to permit free flow of polymer out of passage 134 and avoid suction forces on the polymer. If desired a heated pressurized gas may be applied to the bleed passage to speed up the clearing of polymer from passage 134.
  • the polymer flow rate through passage 118 can be decreased to allow time to clear passage 134.
  • the exit ends 138 and 142 of passages 132 and 134, respectively, represent the containment exits for segmenting device 24a.
  • the block housing 68 is assembled so the cut-off plate 82 is rigidly attached to the side plates 78 and 80. The block housing is then attached to the connector 66 to contain the moveable block 70 between the cut-off plate 82 and connector 66 . This containment is tight enough to prevent excessive polymer leakage along surfaces 127 and 144 ( Figure 6A) .
  • FIG. 7 and 9 An alternate arrangement is shown in Figures 7 and 9 where the cut-off plate 82 is resiliently attached to side plates 78 and 80 using spring elements 160, 162, 164, and 166 (not seen in far corner of Figure 7) .
  • the spring elements may be spring washers that are compressed by the heads of bolts 168, 170, 172 and 174 (not seen in far corner) , respectively.
  • Clearance 176 is provided between cut- off plate 82 and side plate 78
  • clearance 178 is provided between cut-off plate 82 and side plate 80. This clearance arrangement allows the spring elements to force the surface 144 of cut-off plate 82 against the block 70 thereby forcing block 70 against surface 127 of connector 66.
  • Cut-off plate 82 is also provided with shoulders 180 and 182 that bear against mating shoulders 184 and 186, respectively, on block 70 to align block 70 between side plates 78 and 80 without contacting side plates 78 and 80. This improves the ease of assembly and reduces the friction compared to a controlled tight fit of block 70 between the side plates 78 and 80.
  • Figures 10A and 10B illustrate another arrangement of troughs to catch and transport the segments away from the segmenting device 24.
  • the segments 30c and 30d are oriented one behind the other relative to the direction of travel 36 along the trough.
  • each segment is dropped into a separate inclined trough, such as trough 188 for segment 30a and trough 190 for segment 30b.
  • Each of the troughs 188 and 190 are similar to trough 29a in Figures 2A and 2B and may include the moveable portion 45a as in Figure 2A, but would exclude the separating panel 23.
  • an end wall 192 is extended above the trough to form a wall that is tapered to be thicker at the bottom than the top, to thereby contain the slot and stream openings and associated fluid connections at the bottom.
  • the wall also serves to separate the polymer segments soon after they leave segmenting device 24.
  • Trough 188 has two or more forceful streams, such as streams 194 and 196, that act against the broad side of the segment 30c as it hits the trough.
  • Trough 190 also has two or more forceful streams, such as streams 198 and 200, that act against the broad side of the segment 30d as it hits the trough.
  • Troughs 188 and 190 both empty into trough 202, which is essentially the same as trough 29b in Figure 2A.
  • the embodiment of Figures 10A and 10B may be preferred over the embodiment of Figures 2A and 2B for exceptionally high throughputs where the possibility of molten segments contacting each other is great.
  • the multiple forceful streams that hit the broad side of the segments may provide better acceleration of the segments along the troughs so contact between two successive segments in a trough is avoided.
  • Figure 10C illustrates another arrangement where segments 30c and 30d are oriented one behind the other relative to the direction of travel 36 along the trough. It is proposed that both segments are dropped in the same trough which could be identical to the troughs 29a and 29b in Figures 2A and 2B with the exception that the separating panel 23 is omitted. In this case the polymer throughput would have to be low enough that segment 30d would be accelerated out of the way before segment 30c landed in the trough. For certain applications, this would provide a simpler system than that of Figures 2A and 10A.
  • FIGS 11A and 11B illustrate another embodiment of a segmenting device 24b which has four containment exits.
  • Segmenting device 24b comprises a connector 66a, a block housing 68a, a moveable block 70a and a block rotater 72a.
  • the walls of the housing 68a have four containment exits 188, 190, 192, and 194 which act as cut-off openings (similar to the action of the cut-off openings 83, 85 in the plate 82, e.g., Figures 6A-6C) .
  • the moveable block 70a is rotated continuously in direction 196 by rotater 72a that comprises a motor 198 acting through a right angle gear box 200 to rotate block shaft 202.
  • the speed of the motor can be varied to provide means of controlling the segment size.
  • Connector 66a has a first passage 216 with an exit end 217.
  • Block 70a has a vertical passage 204 having an inlet end 205 aligned with exit end 217.
  • Passage 204 intersects a downwardly inclined horizontal passage 206 having an outlet end 207 which is arranged to momentarily align with each of the containment exits 188-194 as it rotates in the direction 196.
  • Vertical passage 204 has an axis 209 that passes through the center of the inlet end 205 of passage 204.
  • Horizontal passage 206 has an axis 211 that passes through the center of the outlet end 207 of passage 206.
  • Axis 211 is angled away from axis 209 by an angle 213 of 45 degrees or less to direct the polymer laterally toward the containment exits, but still in the downward direction of vertical passage 206.
  • Horizontal passage 206 at outlet end 207 has width 208 that is wide enough to span two adjacent containment exits during a portion of the rotation of the block 70a.
  • the dotted and dashed lines 210 represents the horizontal passage 206 at a position intermediate containment exit 188 and 190. In this position, width 208a spans width 215 between exit 188 and 190 so the polymer flowing through passage 206 is passing through exit 190 before it is blocked from passing through exit 188 as block 70a rotates in direction 196. In this way polymer is always passing through one, both, or another of containment exits 188-194 so the continuous flow of polymer is never "dead-headed" .
  • Block 70a is shown with a conical shape 212 that mates in a conical recess 214 in housing 68a. This ensures a tight fit that controls polymer leakage and avoids excessive friction that may otherwise bind up the rotation of block 70a in housing 68a.
  • the passage 216 in connector 66a and passages 204, 206 and containment exits 188-194 are all illustrated as generally cylindrical in shape, but other shapes could also be used.
  • Housing 68a is provided with safety deflectors 218, 220, 222, and 224 positioned adjacent containment exits 188, 190, 192, and 194 respectively.
  • the deflectors 218- 224 are spaced from the containment exits 188-194 to permit free flow of polymer from the exits in the direction of the axis 211 of the passage 206, but are provided to direct the polymer downward in the direction of the axis 209 of the passage 204 after it exits the housing 68a and toward a transporting device 28 as in Figure 1.
  • the safety deflectors may not be needed for all but very high polymer flow rates.
  • segmenting device 24b is illustrated where the block 70a rotates continuously in direction 196 to segment the polymer, it is contemplated that block 70a could oscillate back and forth (i.e., rotatably reciprocate) between any two adjacent containment exits, such as exit 188 and 190, and polymer segmentation would occur. In this case the other containment exits 192 and 194 would not be necessary and could be omitted from housing 68a. It is also contemplated that the number of containment exits could be varied to include only three exits or more than the four exits shown. At least two exits would be required to avoid "dead-heading" the polymer stream during segmenting.
  • the passages in device 24b are arranged to permit gravity draining of polymer from the device during process shutdown.
  • FIGS 12A and 12B illustrate another embodiment of a segmenting device which has four containment exits.
  • Segmenting device 24c comprises a connector 66b, a block housing 68b comprising continuous vertical side plate 78a and cut-off plate 82a, a moveable block 70b and a block mover 72b.
  • the cut-off plate 82a of housing 68b has four containment exits 188a, 190a, 192a, and 194a which also act as cut-off openings.
  • the moveable block 70b is rotated continuously in direction 196a by mover 72a that comprises a motor 198a acting through a right angle gear box 200a to rotate block shaft 202a. The speed of the motor can be varied to provide means of controlling the segment size.
  • Connector 66b has a first passage 216a with an exit end 217a.
  • Block 70b has a vertical passage 204a that intersects a downwardly inclined horizontal passage 206a which is arranged to momentarily align with each of the containment exits 188a - 194a as it rotates in the direction 196a.
  • Vertical passage 204a has an axis 209a that passes through the center of the inlet end 205a of passage 204a.
  • Horizontal passage 206a has an axis 211a that passes through the center of the outlet end 207a of passage 206a.
  • Axis 211a is angled away from axis 209a by an angle 213a of 45 degrees or less to direct the polymer laterally toward the containment exits, but still in the downward direction of vertical passage 206a.
  • Horizontal passage 206a at outlet end 207a has a width 208b that is wide enough to span between two adjacent containment exits during rotation.
  • the horizontal passage 206a is shown at a position intermediate containment exit 188a and 190a.
  • width 208b spans width 215a between exit 188a and 190a so the polymer flowing through passage 206a is passing through exit 190a before it is blocked from passing through exit 188a as block 70b rotates in direction 196a.
  • polymer is always passing through one, both, or another of containment exits 188a - 194a so the continuous flow of polymer is never "dead-headed" .
  • Block 70b is shown with a conical shape 212a that mates in a conical recess 214a in housing 68b.
  • Block 70b is pressed into conical recess 214a by spring washers arranged around the cut-off plate 82a, such as washers 226 and 228 held in place by bolt heads 230 and 232, respectively.
  • the cut-off plate 82a is urged by spring washers 226 and 228 toward the end of side plate 78a within the limits of space 234. This ensures a tight fit that controls polymer leakage and avoids excessive friction that may otherwise bind up the rotation of block 70b in housing 68b.
  • the passage 216a in connector 66b and passage 204a are generally cylindrical in shape, and passage 206a and containment exits 188a - 194a are flattened cylindrical shapes that are bent, but other shapes would work as well.
  • segmenting device 24c is illustrated where the block 70b rotates continuously in direction 196a to segment the polymer, it is contemplated that block 70b could oscillate back and forth between any two adjacent containment exits, such as exit 188a and 190a, and polymer segmentation would occur. In this case the other containment exits 192a and 194a would not be necessary and could be omitted from housing 68b. It is also contemplated that the number of containment exits could be varied to include only three exits or more than the four exits shown. At least two exits would be required to avoid "dead-heading" the polymer stream during segmenting.
  • the passages in device 24c are arranged to permit gravity draining of polymer from the device during process shutdown.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
  • Separation, Recovery Or Treatment Of Waste Materials Containing Plastics (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé et un appareil permettant de traiter un débit détourné de déchets polymères fondus, qui consistent à diriger le débit de polymères vers un passage parmi au moins deux, à séparer le débit en deux parties distinctes tout en contenant le débit avant de l'éjecter à travers une sortie de confinement, à refroidir chaque partie au moyen d'un fluide de refroidissement de façon à former un polymère solide ou semi-solide, et à éloigner les parties solidifiées de la sortie pour les introduire dans un récipient grâce au fluide de refroidissement. L'appareil comporte un connecteur de transition transversal, un bloc mobile à deux passages, un oscillateur bloc, une plaque de coupe, un espace ouvert au-dessus d'un dispositif de transport incliné, un jet de fluide de refroidissement et une goulotte d'écoulement du fluide de refroidissement. La goulotte d'écoulement offre le temps et le refroidissement nécessaire à la solidification et au transport des parties vers un emplacement voulu espacé latéralement de la sortie. Le connecteur de transition transversal modifie le profil du polymère et le fait passer d'un cylindre cylindrique à un cylindre aplati. Les multiples passages fournissent un trajet continu afin que la pression ne s'accumule pas dans le débit de polymères.
PCT/US2000/021158 1999-08-05 2000-08-03 Dispositif de traitement de dechets polymeres WO2001010620A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/048,351 US6787073B1 (en) 1999-08-05 2000-08-03 Waste polymer processing device and method

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

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US14745599P 1999-08-05 1999-08-05
US60/147,455 1999-08-05
US14904399P 1999-08-16 1999-08-16
US60/149,043 1999-08-16

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WO2001010620A3 WO2001010620A3 (fr) 2001-08-30

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2952848A1 (fr) * 2009-11-26 2011-05-27 2 N Ind Ag Dispositif de refroidissement d'un produit adhesif conditionne dans une enveloppe non adhesive
WO2013026506A1 (fr) * 2011-08-25 2013-02-28 Gala Industries, Inc. Installation de traitement de masse fondue et procédé
DE202013001692U1 (de) 2013-02-21 2014-05-22 Gala Industries, Inc. Schmelzeverarbeitungsanlage

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US2858851A (en) * 1954-09-16 1958-11-04 James W F Holl Push-pull valve
GB1382701A (en) * 1971-04-02 1975-02-05 Welding Engineers Face cutting apparatus for forming pellets
US4321026A (en) * 1978-04-01 1982-03-23 Werner & Pfleiderer Device for granulating plastic strands
US4984977A (en) * 1988-05-10 1991-01-15 Werner & Pfleiderer, Gmbh Screw-type extruder having a starting valve and throttle
EP0630572A1 (fr) * 1992-05-22 1994-12-28 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Filière d'extrusion
EP0774332A2 (fr) * 1995-11-15 1997-05-21 The Japan Steel Works, Ltd. Procédé et dispositif pour granuler des joncs en matière plastique
US5641522A (en) * 1994-06-23 1997-06-24 Werner & Pfleiderer Corporation Pelletizer for extruder
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2858851A (en) * 1954-09-16 1958-11-04 James W F Holl Push-pull valve
GB1382701A (en) * 1971-04-02 1975-02-05 Welding Engineers Face cutting apparatus for forming pellets
US4321026A (en) * 1978-04-01 1982-03-23 Werner & Pfleiderer Device for granulating plastic strands
US4984977A (en) * 1988-05-10 1991-01-15 Werner & Pfleiderer, Gmbh Screw-type extruder having a starting valve and throttle
EP0630572A1 (fr) * 1992-05-22 1994-12-28 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Filière d'extrusion
US5641522A (en) * 1994-06-23 1997-06-24 Werner & Pfleiderer Corporation Pelletizer for extruder
US5665402A (en) * 1994-06-24 1997-09-09 Emil Lihotzky Maschinenfabrik Extrusion machine
US5723082A (en) * 1995-06-13 1998-03-03 The Japan Steel Works, Ltd. Method of granulating synthetic resin by extrusion and apparatus thereof
EP0774332A2 (fr) * 1995-11-15 1997-05-21 The Japan Steel Works, Ltd. Procédé et dispositif pour granuler des joncs en matière plastique

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2952848A1 (fr) * 2009-11-26 2011-05-27 2 N Ind Ag Dispositif de refroidissement d'un produit adhesif conditionne dans une enveloppe non adhesive
WO2013026506A1 (fr) * 2011-08-25 2013-02-28 Gala Industries, Inc. Installation de traitement de masse fondue et procédé
US9873220B2 (en) 2011-08-25 2018-01-23 Gala Industries, Inc. Melt processing plant
DE202013001692U1 (de) 2013-02-21 2014-05-22 Gala Industries, Inc. Schmelzeverarbeitungsanlage
WO2014127918A1 (fr) * 2013-02-21 2014-08-28 Gala Industries, Inc. Installation de transformation de matière en fusion
CN105102197A (zh) * 2013-02-21 2015-11-25 戈勒工业有限公司 熔体加工设备
US9821503B2 (en) 2013-02-21 2017-11-21 Gala Industries, Inc. Melt processing plant

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