WO2012039466A1

WO2012039466A1 - Solid polymer separator

Info

Publication number: WO2012039466A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/071666
Authority: WO
Inventors: 航鈴木; 秀嗣藤平; 富士雄高橋; 比呂史中島
Original assignee: Jsr株式会社
Priority date: 2010-09-22
Filing date: 2011-09-22
Publication date: 2012-03-29
Also published as: KR101774619B1; JP5196081B2; SG188577A1; CN103124747B; JPWO2012039466A1; TWI520769B; CN103124747A; TW201217039A; KR20130118861A

Abstract

Provided is a solid polymer separator (1) which comprises a cylindrical screen (11) provided with a number of slits, a driving unit for circumferentially rotating the screen (11), a helical guide plate provided in the inner circumferential face of the screen (11), a liquid spray unit (16) (first liquid spray unit) provided in the outer circumferential face side of the screen (11), said liquid spray unit (16) facing toward the outer circumferential face of the screen (11), and a casing (18) surrounding at least the screen (11) and having a discharge port (182) in the lower part thereof. According to the solid polymer separator (1), solid polymer particles dispersed in a liquid can be separated from the liquid while avoiding contamination of the solid polymer with a metal and preventing remaining a large amount of the liquid in the solid polymer. By using the solid polymer separator (1), moreover, procedures for washing, conditioning, replacing, etc. can be skipped or conducted less frequently, which makes it unnecessary to continuously shut down the production process over a long time.

Description

Separator for solid polymer

The present invention relates to a means for separating a solid polymer dispersed in a liquid from the liquid.

In the fields of chemical industry, food industry, mining industry, etc., there are many steps of separating a solid dispersed in a liquid (for example, a particulate solid) from the liquid and taking out the solid.

For example, in the field of chemical industry, in the process of manufacturing rubber products, a vapor is allowed to act on a polymer (generally a polymer material) dissolved in a solvent to remove the solvent from the polymer. Thereafter, the polymer is crushed by a crusher to form a small solid lump (solid polymer, called crumb). Here, the crumbs (solid polymer) are dispersed in hot water (liquid) heated by steam. The crumb is then separated from the hot water. Then, necessary dehydration and drying are performed on the extracted crumb. Then, if the crumb is press-molded, a block-shaped rubber material (intermediate product) is obtained.

In the manufacturing process of the rubber product, a fixed screen or a circulation drive type screen is conventionally used to separate and remove the crumb from hot water.

The fixed screen is, for example, a flat screen made of wire mesh that is fixed while being inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. When hot water containing dispersed crumbs is fed onto the flat screen, the hot water passes through the mesh of the flat screen. On the other hand, the crumbs left on the flat screen fall from the inclined flat screen. In this way, the crumb can be separated from the hot water.

The circulation drive screen is an endless track screen formed by combining a number of metal plates (see Patent Document 1). When hot water containing dispersed crumbs is fed onto the endless track-like screen, the hot water passes through a gap between slits formed by a metal plate. On the other hand, the crumbs left on the circulation drive type screen are conveyed in a predetermined direction and leave the circulation drive type screen. In this way, the crumb can be separated from the hot water.

JP-A-6-304417

However, when the crumb is separated from the hot water using the fixed screen or the circulation drive type screen, the following problems to be improved are encountered.

First, in a fixed screen, a small-diameter crumb may enter and remain in the mesh of the flat screen, thereby closing the mesh. If it becomes so, the isolation | separation effect of hot water will fall, and a lot of free water will be supplied with a crumb in the subsequent dehydration and drying process. If that happens, water cannot be removed from the crumbs even by dehydration and drying. And there exists a possibility that excessive water | moisture content may be contained in the block-shaped rubber raw material which is an intermediate product.

Also, new crumbs may adhere to the crumbs remaining on the mesh and grow into large lumps. Then, the large lumps of crumb may suddenly peel off from the mesh and be sent to the subsequent dehydration / drying process. In this case, there is a concern that conveyance failure occurs in the dehydration / drying process, and the process (production process) is stopped. In addition, since dehydration and drying defects are likely to occur, there is a possibility that excessive water is finally contained in the block-shaped rubber material that is an intermediate product.

The above problems are likely to occur when the adhesion and cohesiveness of the polymer in the production process are high or when the crumb has a smaller diameter depending on the specifications of the rubber product. In order to solve these problems, for example, measures such as changing the screen every 10 to 15 days can be considered. However, this regular work is very time-consuming. In addition, since the process (production process) is stopped during these operations, the production efficiency of the intermediate product is lowered. In order to reduce the frequency of replacement of the screen, a measure such as performing high pressure cleaning every 15 to 30 minutes can be considered. However, this regular work is also very time-consuming.

The circulation drive type screen has other problems as follows. First, since the metal plates forming the slit slide with each other when driven, there are many metal touches (contact between metals). For this reason, the floating metal may unintentionally be mixed into the crumb and eventually into the block-shaped rubber material that is an intermediate product.

In addition, the use of the circulation drive type screen causes a large number of metal plates constituting the endless track-shaped screen to extend, and the metal plates become non-parallel. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the tension and position periodically. Furthermore, in a chain that is a component that drives an endless track-like screen, components such as a bush may deteriorate due to long-term continuous use. Depending on the state of deterioration, it is necessary to replace the entire chain or components such as bushes. These adjustment and replacement operations require skill of the worker and a great deal of time and effort, and also require a long test run. In addition, since the process (production process) is stopped during these operations and test runs, the production efficiency of intermediate products is reduced. Metal touch also occurs in the chain. For this reason, the floating metal may unintentionally be mixed into the crumb and eventually into the block-shaped rubber material that is an intermediate product.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the problem is that crumb and hot water can be satisfactorily separated, and as a result, a solid polymer dispersed in the liquid can be separated from the liquid. To provide a means that can be separated from In addition, there is no risk of metal mixing into the crumb (solid polymer), and much water (hot water, liquid) does not remain in the crumb (solid polymer), so the block rubber is an intermediate product. It is to provide a means in which the material does not contain metal or excessive moisture. In addition, it is necessary to provide a means that does not require or requires less work such as cleaning, adjustment, and replacement, and does not need to stop the manufacturing process continuously for a long time. As a result of repeated research, it has been found that this problem can be solved by the following means, and the present invention has been completed.

That is, first, according to the present invention, an apparatus for separating a solid polymer dispersed in a liquid from the liquid, a cylindrical screen having a large number of slits, and the screen (in the circumferential direction). ) A driving mechanism to be rotated, a guide plate provided on the inner peripheral surface of the screen, a first liquid ejecting mechanism provided toward the outer peripheral surface of the screen on the outer peripheral surface side of the screen, and at least surrounding the screen and below There is provided a solid polymer separation device comprising a casing having a discharge port.

In a cylindrical screen, for example, if wires are arranged in parallel to form a portion corresponding to the peripheral surface, a large number of slits can be formed. The slit (gap between the wires) can be arbitrarily set depending on the size of the solid polymer to be processed. In consideration of the cleanability of the screen, the slit is preferably 1 to 3 mm, particularly preferably 1.5 to 2.5 mm. The shape of the screen is particularly preferably a cylindrical shape. In this case, the drive mechanism rotates the screen in the circumferential direction.

The drive mechanism is composed of, for example, a drive source and a drive force transmission mechanism. Specifically, an electric motor (driving source), a sprocket connected to the electric motor, a driving tube provided to connect to the inlet side of the cylindrical screen, and the periphery of the driving tube It can be constituted by a chain and a roller (driving force transmission mechanism) provided in close contact with the driving tube. The sprocket connected to the electric motor rotates, and the driving pipe and the screen rotate by rotating the meshing chain. The drive tube and the screen are placed on the roller, so that the drive tube and the screen rotate smoothly.

The guide plate is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the screen from the entrance side to the exit side of the cylindrical screen. The guide plate is preferably spiral. The spiral guide plate is a partition plate made of a solid polymer to be processed, and forms a groove. When providing an extension pipe to be described later, it is preferable to provide a guide plate on the extension pipe. The guide plate is formed continuously or intermittently, but is preferably formed continuously. When the guide plate is spiral, the number of strips is arbitrarily determined depending on the processing amount (mass per hour) of the solid polymer to be processed and the supply status of crumb to the subsequent dehydration / drying process. It can be set. In consideration of the cleanability of the screen, the number of spiral guide plates is preferably 4 to 8, and more preferably 5 to 7. The height of the spiral guide plate can be arbitrarily set according to the processing amount (mass per hour) of the solid polymer to be processed. Considering the cleanability of the screen, the height of the spiral guide plate is preferably 5 to 15 cm, particularly preferably 8 to 12 cm.

In this specification, the inlet side is the side into which the liquid to be treated and the solid polymer dispersed therein are introduced (injected). The outlet side is the side from which the treated (separated from the liquid) solid polymer exits (is discharged). In the present specification, the terms “inlet side” and “outlet side” are used not only for the cylindrical screen but also for the whole solid polymer separation device and other elements than the screen.

In such a solid polymer separation apparatus according to the present invention, when the guide plate is spiral, the screen is rotated in a circumferential direction that matches the spiral direction of the guide plate. Then, a solid polymer dispersed in the liquid is continuously charged from one opening (inlet) of the cylindrical screen. Then, the liquid passes through the slit and is discharged out of the system from the discharge port below the casing. On the other hand, the solid polymer is separated from the liquid and remains on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical screen. Then, the solid polymer is discharged from the other opening (exit) of the cylindrical screen at a constant interval according to the guidance of the spiral guide plate.

The first liquid ejecting mechanism is provided toward the outer peripheral surface of the screen on the outer peripheral surface side of the screen. For example, the first liquid ejecting mechanism is attached above the casing such that the ejection destination is located above the outer peripheral surface of the screen. From the first liquid ejecting mechanism, the liquid can be ejected to the outer peripheral surface of the screen to prevent the solid polymer from adhering or aggregating. Alternatively, the attached solid polymer can be removed from the screen in the same manner. The number of the first liquid ejecting mechanisms can be arbitrarily set with respect to the length (in the axial direction) of the cylindrical screen. In consideration of the cleanability of the screen, it is preferable to provide 3 to 15 screens per 1 m of the screen length, and particularly preferably 5 to 10 screens per 1 m of the screen length.

The solid polymer separation device according to the present invention preferably includes a second liquid ejecting mechanism provided on the outlet side of the cylindrical screen toward the inner peripheral surface of the screen.

The second liquid ejecting mechanism is provided on the outlet side of the cylindrical screen toward the upper side of the inner peripheral surface of the screen. For example, the second liquid ejecting mechanism ejects to the center of a surface (circular) perpendicular to the axial direction in the vicinity of the outlet of the cylindrical screen so that the ejection destination is on the inner peripheral surface of the screen. It is attached by a support or piping so that the mouth is located. The liquid can be ejected from the second liquid ejecting mechanism to the upper side of the inner peripheral surface of the screen to prevent the solid polymer from adhering or agglomerating. Alternatively, the attached solid polymer can be removed from the screen in the same manner. The number of the second liquid ejecting mechanisms can be arbitrarily set with respect to the length (in the axial direction) of the cylindrical screen and the size (area) of the inner peripheral surface. In consideration of the cleanability of the screen, 1 to 5 are preferably provided, and 2 to 4 are particularly preferable.

In the solid polymer separation device according to the present invention, it is preferable that a third liquid ejecting mechanism provided toward the inner surface of the casing is provided above the casing.

This third liquid ejecting mechanism can be provided, for example, on the ceiling surface, which is the inner surface of the casing, or on the corner portion (corner portion) where the ceiling surface and the side surface intersect so that the spray destination is the inner surface of the casing. . From the third liquid ejecting mechanism, the liquid can be ejected onto the inner surface of the casing (particularly the upper surface of the ceiling and the side surface) to prevent the solid polymer from adhering or agglomerating. Alternatively, the attached solid polymer can be removed from the casing in the same manner. The number of the third liquid ejecting mechanisms can be arbitrarily set with respect to the size of the casing (the area of the inner surface). In consideration of the cleanability of the inner surface of the casing, 4 to 16 pieces are preferably provided, and 8 to 14 pieces are particularly preferably provided.

The solid polymer separation device according to the present invention preferably includes a fourth liquid ejecting mechanism provided toward the inner surface of the casing below the casing.

The fourth liquid ejecting mechanism can be provided, for example, at a corner portion (corner portion) where the bottom surface and the side surface of the casing intersect so that the spray destination is the inner surface of the casing. From the fourth liquid ejecting mechanism, the liquid can be ejected to the inner surface of the casing (particularly the bottom surface and the lower surface of the side surface) to prevent the solid polymer from adhering or aggregating. Alternatively, the attached solid polymer can be removed from the casing in the same manner. The number of the fourth liquid ejecting mechanisms can be arbitrarily set with respect to the size of the casing (the area of the inner surface (particularly the bottom surface)). In consideration of the detergency of the bottom surface of the casing, 4 to 10 are preferably provided, and 6 to 8 are particularly preferable.

In the solid polymer separator according to the present invention, an extension pipe provided to be connected to the outlet side of the cylindrical screen, and the lower side of the inner peripheral surface of the extension pipe on the outlet side of the cylindrical screen It is preferable to comprise the 5th liquid injection mechanism provided toward the direction.

The fifth liquid ejecting mechanism is, for example, in the vicinity of the outlet of the cylindrical screen (ie, near the extension tube) and perpendicular to the axial direction so that the spray destination is below the inner peripheral surface of the extension tube. It is attached by a support tool or piping so that the injection port is located at the center of the flat surface (circular). The liquid can be ejected from the fifth liquid ejecting mechanism to the lower side of the inner peripheral surface of the extension tube to prevent the solid polymer from adhering. In addition, by using cold water as the liquid, the solid polymer going to the next step (dehydration, drying, etc.) can be cooled. The number of the fifth liquid ejecting mechanisms can be arbitrarily set with respect to the size (area) of the inner peripheral surface of the extension pipe. In consideration of the detergency of the extension tube, it is preferable to provide 1 to 5, and particularly preferably 2 to 4.

In the first liquid ejecting mechanism, the third liquid ejecting mechanism, and the fourth liquid ejecting mechanism, the pressure of the liquid to be used (injected) is preferably as high as possible in consideration of the respective cleaning properties. Considering the strength of the spray destination (screen or the like) and the resistance against rotation of the screen, the pressure of the liquid is preferably 1 to 7 MPa.

On the other hand, in the second liquid ejecting mechanism, the pressure of the liquid to be used (injected) is determined based on the first liquid ejecting mechanism, the third liquid ejecting mechanism, and the fourth liquid in consideration of scattering of crumbs inside the screen. High pressure is not required as in the case of the liquid jet mechanism. The pressure of the liquid is preferably about 0.2 to 0.6 MPa.

In the first liquid ejecting mechanism, the second liquid ejecting mechanism, the third liquid ejecting mechanism, and the fourth liquid ejecting mechanism, the temperature of the liquid to be used (injected) is that of the solid polymer to be processed. It can be arbitrarily set depending on the temperature dependence of physical properties represented by hardness, viscosity, adhesion, and cohesion. In consideration of adhesion (or ease of peeling), the temperature of the liquid is preferably 50 to 95 ° C, and particularly preferably 70 to 90 ° C.

On the other hand, in the fifth liquid ejecting mechanism, the pressure of the liquid used (injected) may be 0.1 to 0.6 MPa. In the fifth liquid ejecting mechanism, the temperature of the liquid to be used (injected) is preferably 5 to 40 ° C., and particularly preferably 15 to 30 ° C.

For example, the first liquid ejecting mechanism, the second liquid ejecting mechanism, the third liquid ejecting mechanism, the fourth liquid ejecting mechanism, and the fifth liquid ejecting mechanism are respectively connected to a liquid source having pressure via a pipe. It is composed of spray nozzles connected together. The liquid source having pressure is, for example, a tank for storing liquid and a pump for sending out liquid, and these may not be included in the configuration of the solid polymer separation device according to the present invention.

In the solid polymer separation device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the drive mechanism can adjust the rotation speed of the screen.

For example, the rotation speed of the screen can be arbitrarily controlled by arbitrarily adjusting the rotation speed of the drive source of the drive mechanism. Specifically, when the drive source of the drive mechanism is an electric motor, the rotation speed of the screen can be adjusted by providing an inverter and performing frequency control or the like. The number of rotations of the screen is the size of the cylindrical screen (the diameter of a cylindrical screen), the processing amount of the solid polymer to be processed (mass per hour), and the solid polymer separation. It can be set arbitrarily depending on the amount of water in the crumb at the outlet of the apparatus. The rotation speed of the screen is preferably 5 to 35 rpm, more preferably 12 to 28 rpm.

In the solid polymer separation device according to the present invention, it is preferable to provide a draining plate between the screen and the casing. This draining plate prevents intrusion of foreign matter from outside (outside) the system to inside (inside) the screen. More specifically, between the drive part of the casing (space where the roller on the inlet side is located) and the portion where the separated hot water flows, from the outside (space where the roller is located) to the inside (space where the separated hot water flows) It is preferable to provide a draining plate that prevents foreign matter from entering the body. In addition, a drainer that prevents foreign matter from entering from the outside (the space where the roller is located) to the inside (the space where the separated hot water flows) between the portion where the separated hot water flows and the space where the roller on the outlet side is located. It is preferable to comprise a board. The foreign material is, for example, a scraped piece of a roller. The roller is a component that constitutes a driving force transmission mechanism.

In the separation apparatus for a solid polymer according to the present invention, the solid polymer is butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, styrene / butadiene rubber, styrene / isoprene rubber, ethylene / α-olefin copolymer rubber, ethylene / α-olefin / When the polymer is selected from the group consisting of non-conjugated diene copolymer rubber, butyl rubber, styrene / butadiene / styrene block copolymer, hydrogenated styrene / butadiene / styrene block copolymer, butadiene resin, and acrylic resin. It is preferably used.

Next, according to the present invention, there is provided a solid polymer separation method for separating a solid polymer dispersed in a liquid from the liquid using any of the above-described solid polymer separation devices. Is done.

Next, according to the present invention, a polymerization step for polymerizing a monomer mixed with a solvent to obtain a polymer, a solvent removal step for removing the solvent from the polymer by applying steam, and any of the solids described above A separation process for separating the polymer from which the solvent has been removed from the hot water in which the vapor has been liquefied, a dehydration process and a drying process for further removing the water of the polymer separated from the hot water, using a polymer separator. And the manufacturing method of the rubber raw material which has a shaping | molding process which shape | molds the polymer from which the water | moisture content was removed into a defined shape is provided.

The solid polymer separation device according to the present invention includes a cylindrical screen having a large number of slits, a drive mechanism for rotating the screen, and a guide plate provided on the inner peripheral surface of the screen. Therefore, if a solid polymer dispersed in the liquid is continuously introduced from one opening (inlet) of the cylindrical screen, the liquid (for example, hot water) passes through the slit and is discharged from the lower part of the casing. Is discharged from the system. On the other hand, the solid polymer (for example, crumb) is separated from the liquid and remains on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical screen. ) Is discharged. The first liquid ejecting mechanism and the second liquid ejecting mechanism prevent adhesion and aggregation of the solid polymer on the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the screen. Alternatively, the first liquid ejecting mechanism and the second liquid ejecting mechanism remove the attached solid polymer from the screen. For this reason, the slit of the screen does not close. Therefore, the effective filtration area does not decrease, and the separation effect of the liquid (for example, hot water) does not decrease. Therefore, it is possible to satisfactorily separate the solid polymer dispersed in the liquid from the liquid. Much moisture (liquid (for example, hot water)) does not remain in the solid polymer (for example, crumb) after the treatment. The final product (for example, a block-shaped rubber material that is an intermediate product) does not contain excessive moisture.

In the solid polymer separation device according to the present invention, the screen into which the solid polymer is charged only rotates. During the rotation, the solid polymer only moves from the inlet toward the outlet according to the guide of the guide plate. During the separation process, metal touch does not occur in the solid polymer separation device (screen) where the crumb or liquid directly contacts. However, for example, when the screen drive mechanism has a structure in which a sprocket connected to the electric motor and a chain wound around the circumference of the drive pipe are engaged with each other, a metal touch can occur. However, the space where the driving mechanism is located and the space where the separated crumb and liquid are located are blocked by a draining plate or the like. Therefore, even in this case, the metal is not mixed into the solid polymer (for example, crumb) after the treatment. Accordingly, the final product (for example, a block-shaped rubber material that is an intermediate product) does not contain metal.

In the solid polymer separation device according to the present invention, there are no parts such as a chain that require adjustment and replacement. Therefore, work such as adjustment and replacement is unnecessary. Therefore, it is not necessary to stop the production process continuously for a long time, which contributes to an improvement in production efficiency of a product (for example, a block-shaped rubber material that is an intermediate product).

In the solid polymer separation device according to the present invention, as described above, the first liquid ejecting mechanism and the second liquid ejecting mechanism are attached and aggregated on the outer peripheral surface and inner peripheral surface of the screen. To prevent. In addition, the solid polymer separation device according to the present invention preferably includes a third liquid ejecting mechanism and a fourth liquid ejecting mechanism. The third liquid ejecting mechanism and the fourth liquid ejecting mechanism prevent the solid polymer from adhering to the inner surface (the ceiling surface, the side surface, and the bottom surface) of the casing. All these liquid ejectors can continuously eject liquid during the separation process. As described above, if the solid polymer is prevented from adhering to and agglomerated on the screen, operations such as washing and adjustment are unnecessary and less frequent. Therefore, it is not necessary to stop the production process continuously for a long time, which contributes to an improvement in production efficiency of a product (for example, a block-shaped rubber material that is an intermediate product).

The separation device for a solid polymer according to the present invention preferably includes a fifth liquid ejecting mechanism provided on the outlet side of the cylindrical screen toward the lower side of the inner peripheral surface of the extension tube. Therefore, a liquid (for example, cold water) can be directly sprayed on the solid polymer, and thereby the temperature of the crumb supplied to the next dehydration / drying process can be adjusted.

In the separation apparatus for solid polymer according to the present invention, the solid polymer separated from the liquid and carried according to the guide of the guide plate goes to the next process as it is. In addition, the solid polymer that has once adhered to the inner surfaces (the ceiling surface, the side surface, and the bottom surface) of the screen or casing and has been removed by the first liquid ejecting mechanism to the fourth liquid ejecting mechanism has dropped. The liquid is discharged from the discharge port below the casing together with the liquid. The discharged liquid and solid polymer are recovered after static separation, and are again supplied to the solid polymer separation apparatus according to the present invention. Again, in the solid polymer separation device according to the present invention, the solid polymer can be separated from the liquid. In this way, there is no solid polymer discharged out of the system, and almost 100% of the polymer can be recovered, contributing to an improvement in production efficiency of a product (for example, a block-shaped rubber material that is an intermediate product). Also, the liquid in which the solid polymer is originally dispersed can be reused as the liquid ejected from the first liquid ejecting mechanism to the fourth liquid ejecting mechanism. Thus, the separation apparatus for solid polymer according to the present invention can be said to be an excellent apparatus that does not generate waste and has a small environmental load.

It is a figure showing typically one embodiment of a separation device for solid polymers concerning the present invention, and is the front view seeing through the inside. It is a figure showing typically one embodiment of the separation device for solid polymers concerning the present invention, and is the top view (top view) which saw through the inside. It is a figure which shows typically one Embodiment of the separation apparatus for solid polymers which concerns on this invention, Comprising: It is the left view which looked through the inside. It is a figure which shows typically one Embodiment of the separation apparatus for solid polymers which concerns on this invention, Comprising: It is the right view which looked through the inside. It is a figure which shows typically one Embodiment of the separation apparatus for solid polymers which concerns on this invention, Comprising: It is a front view showing a cylindrical screen, the extension pipe | tube connected to it, and a drive pipe | tube. It is a figure which shows typically one Embodiment of the separation apparatus for solid polymers which concerns on this invention, Comprising: It is a right view showing only a cylindrical screen. It is a figure which shows typically one Embodiment of the separation apparatus for solid polymers which concerns on this invention, Comprising: It is a perspective view showing a cylindrical screen and an extension pipe | tube. It is a figure which shows typically one Embodiment of the separation apparatus for solid-state polymers which concerns on this invention, Comprising: It is a partial front view which sees through and shows a part (left end part periphery) transparently. It is a figure which shows typically one Embodiment of the separation apparatus for solid polymers which concerns on this invention, Comprising: It is a figure showing a mode that only the drive mechanism was taken out and it saw from the left side. It is a figure which shows typically one Embodiment of the separation apparatus for solid polymers which concerns on this invention, Comprising: It is a figure showing the bottom face of a casing. It is a figure which shows an example of the conventional separation apparatus for solid polymers, and is a figure corresponding to FIG. 5A. It is a figure which shows typically one Embodiment of the separation apparatus for solid polymers which concerns on this invention, Comprising: It is a figure showing the inspection port provided in the slope among the ceiling surfaces of a casing. It is a figure which shows an example of the conventional separation apparatus for solid polymers, and is a figure corresponding to FIG. 6A.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to these embodiments, and the knowledge of those skilled in the art can be obtained without departing from the scope of the present invention. Various changes, modifications and improvements can be made based on this. For example, the drawings show preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited by the modes shown in the drawings or the information shown in the drawings. In practicing or verifying the present invention, means similar to or equivalent to those described in the present specification can be applied, but preferred means are those described below. As described above, FIGS. 1A to 1D of the drawings are views through which the inside is seen, and the inside is also drawn by a solid line. Also in FIG. 3, a part is seen through, and the seen-through part is also drawn with a solid line. In the solid polymer separation device according to the present invention, the position of each component (element) should be understood in consideration of all the drawings.

First, the configuration of the solid polymer separation device according to the present invention will be described. The solid polymer separation device 1 shown in FIGS. 1A to 4, 5A, and 6A can separate crumb (solid polymer) dispersed in hot water (liquid) from the hot water. Device.

The solid polymer separating apparatus 1 includes a screen 11, a driving mechanism 12, an extension tube 13, a guide plate 15, a liquid ejecting mechanism 16 (first liquid ejecting mechanism), and a liquid ejecting mechanism 17 (second liquid ejecting mechanism). A liquid ejecting mechanism 21 (third liquid ejecting mechanism), a liquid ejecting mechanism 22 (fourth liquid ejecting mechanism), a liquid ejecting mechanism 23 (fifth liquid ejecting mechanism), and a casing 18.

The screen 11 has a cylindrical shape, and its peripheral surface is formed by fixing (preferably) a wire 111 having a triangular cross-section regularly and parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical screen 11 (FIG. 2A). See FIG. 2C). And many slits 112 for allowing hot water to pass through are formed by the wire 111. The width (opening) of the slit 112 is (preferably) 1.5 to 2.5 mm.

The drive mechanism 12 is means for rotating the screen 11 in the circumferential direction S (see FIGS. 2B and 2C). The drive mechanism 12 includes an electric motor 121, a sprocket 141 connected to the electric motor, a drive pipe 123 provided so as to be connected to the inlet side of the screen 11 (left side in FIGS. 1A and 2A), and a drive pipe circumference. The chain 142 is wound around and four rollers 122 provided in close contact with the drive tube 123 (see FIG. 4). The sprocket 141 connected to the electric motor 121 and the chain 142 are engaged with each other. When the electric motor 121 is rotated and the sprocket 141 fixed thereto is rotated, the chain 142 and the drive pipe 12 engaged with the sprocket 141 are rotated. The screen 11 connected to it rotates. The four rollers 122 support the drive tube 123, the screen 11, and the extension tube 13 so as to rotate smoothly. The circuit of the electric motor 121 is provided with an inverter (for example), and the number of rotations of the electric motor 121 can be adjusted and changed. This means that the number of rotations of the screen 11 can be adjusted to (preferably) 12 to 28 rpm.

The extension tube 13 is connected to the outlet side of the cylindrical screen 11. The extension tube 13 has a cylindrical shape having the same diameter as the screen 11, but is not a screen formed of a wire but a cylindrical metal plate.

The spiral guide plate 15 is provided continuously (for example) from the inlet side to the outlet side of the screen 11 and further to the extension pipe 13 on the inner peripheral surface of the screen 11 and the extension pipe 13 connected thereto. (See FIGS. 2A-2C). The spiral guide plate 15 forms a groove 151 on the inner peripheral surfaces of the screen 11 and the extension tube 13. The spiral guide plate 15 has (preferably) 4 to 8 strips, preferably has a height H of 5 to 15 cm (preferably), and is preferably installed perpendicular to the screen (see FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C).

The casing 18 surrounds the screen 11, the drive mechanism 12, the extension pipe 13, the guide plate 15, the liquid ejecting mechanism 16, the liquid ejecting mechanism 17, the liquid ejecting mechanism 21, the liquid ejecting mechanism 22, and the liquid ejecting mechanism 23, and An inspection port 181 is provided on the upper side and a discharge port 182 is provided on the lower side (see FIGS. 1A to 1D). The liquid ejecting mechanism 21 and the liquid ejecting mechanism 22 are attached to the inner surface of the casing 18. The ceiling surface of the casing 18 is formed to have a trapezoidal cross section, and an inspection port 181 is provided on the slope (see FIGS. 1C and 1D). Further, the bottom surface of the casing 18 is inclined and narrowed in a tapered shape, and a discharge port 182 is provided at the end thereof (see FIG. 1A).

In the casing 18, the inspection port 181 is formed so that the inner surface of the casing 18 (the ceiling surface formed so that the cross section becomes a trapezoid) is flat (see FIG. 6A). Therefore, crumbs can be prevented from adhering or agglomerating well by the liquid jet 61 jetted from the jet nozzle 213 described later. In the conventional mode shown in FIG. 6B, only the inspection port 62 is provided to be recessed, and as a result, unevenness is formed on the inner surface of the casing. In this case, in the liquid jet 61, the liquid is not evenly sprayed (spread) on the inner surface of the casing, and there is a risk that the attached crumb 63 may not be removed. Absent.

Further, the space between the roller 122 on the inlet side of the casing 18 (position where the drive pipe 12 is disposed) and the portion where the separated hot water flows and the outlet side of the casing 18 (the extension pipe 13 is disposed). Between the portion where the separated hot water flows and the space where the outlet-side roller 122 is located so as to block the inner side (the space where the separated hot water flows) from the outside (the space where the roller 122 is located). A draining plate 131 is provided (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The draining plate 131 can prevent foreign matter from entering the system (portion where the water in the casing 18 flows) from the outside.

The liquid ejecting mechanism 16 includes a pipe 162 connected to a liquid source (not shown) and an ejecting nozzle 161 provided thereon. The pipes 162 are provided in two rows obliquely above (outer peripheral surface) of the screen 11 (see FIGS. 1B to 1D), and (preferably) 8 to 14 injection nozzles 161 are provided for each row. It is done. The injection destination of the injection nozzle 161 is mainly the outer peripheral surface of the screen 11.

The liquid ejection mechanism 17 includes a pipe 172 connected to a liquid source (not shown) and an ejection nozzle 171 provided at the tip thereof (see FIGS. 1A and 1D). The pipe 172 is disposed in the extension pipe 13 (near the exit of the screen 11) so as to extend from above to the center of a surface (circular) perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical screen 11 (extension pipe 13). In the center (at the tip of the pipe 172), (for example) two injection nozzles 171 are provided. The injection destinations of the two injection nozzles 171 are both on the inner peripheral surface upper side of the screen 11.

The liquid ejecting mechanism 21 includes a pipe 212 connected to a liquid source (not shown), an ejecting nozzle 211 provided at the tip thereof, and an ejecting nozzle 213 (see FIGS. 1A to 1D). Four injection nozzles 211 are provided at substantially the center of the ceiling surface of the casing 18 so as to face (for example) four directions. The injection destinations of the injection nozzle 211 are the four side surfaces of the casing 18. The injection nozzles 213 are provided in two rows (for example) on the ceiling surface of the casing 18. The spray nozzle 213 is directed so as to focus on the side surfaces (two surfaces) parallel to the screen where crumbs are likely to adhere.

The liquid ejecting mechanism 22 includes a pipe 222 connected to a liquid source (not shown) and an ejecting nozzle 221 provided at the tip thereof (see FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 5A). Four (for example) four injection nozzles 221 are provided at the corner portion (corner portion) on the bottom side of the casing 18 and on the outlet side (the extension pipe 13 side). The injection destinations of the injection nozzle 221 are the lower side and the bottom surface of the side surface of the casing 18. The four injection nozzles 221 of the liquid injection mechanism 22 are mounted so that the injection positions are shifted, thereby preventing collision and mutual interference of the liquid injection flow 51, and efficiently supplying the liquid to the bottom and side surfaces of the casing. Colliding with the lower side prevents crumbs from sticking or clumping. In the mode shown in FIG. 5B, the four injection nozzles 52 have the same injection position, and the liquid injection flow 51 collides and interferes with each other. Further, since the hot water separated from the crumb by the screen 11 is largely separated on one side of the screen 11 (the side on which the screen 11 rotates and the crumb is present), the flow of hot water tends to be biased to one side. Therefore, unevenness of the flow occurs on the bottom surface of the casing, and the crumb 53 that has come off from the eyes of the screen or the crumb 53 that has been peeled off from the wall surface easily accumulates at a weak flow (low flow rate) location. On the other hand, such a problem does not occur if the liquid ejecting position is adjusted and the ejected liquids do not interfere with each other as in the liquid ejecting mechanism 22.

The liquid ejecting mechanism 23 is disposed at substantially the same position as the liquid ejecting mechanism 17. The liquid ejecting mechanism 23 includes a pipe 232 connected to a liquid source (not shown) and an ejecting nozzle 231 provided at the tip thereof (see FIGS. 1A and 1D). In the extension pipe 13 (near the exit of the screen 11), the pipe 232 is disposed so as to extend from above to the center of a surface (circular) perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical screen 11 (extension pipe 13). At the center (at the tip of the pipe 232), (for example) one injection nozzle 231 is provided. The injection destination of the injection nozzle 231 is below the inner peripheral surface of the extension pipe 13.

Next, a method for producing the solid polymer separation device according to the present invention will be described using the solid polymer separation device 1 as an example.

The separation device 1 for a solid polymer can be obtained by purchasing or processing a commercially available member / sheet metal and assembling it. Screen 11 (wire 111 and its fixing member), drive pipe 123 of drive mechanism 12, extension pipe 13, guide plate 15, piping and jet nozzles of

liquid jet mechanisms

16, 17, 21, 22, and 23, and casing 18 (draining water) The material forming the plate (including the plate) is preferably stainless steel. Specifically, SUS304, SUS316 (Japanese Industrial Standard) and the like. It is particularly preferable to use low carbon stainless steel. The roller of the drive mechanism 12 is preferably made of a high-strength resin material (engineering plastic). Specific examples include MC nylon (registered trademark, polyamide resin).

Next, the method for producing a rubber material according to the present invention will be described by taking the case of butadiene rubber as an example. In addition, through this, the solid polymer separation method according to the present invention will be described by taking the case of using the solid polymer separation device 1 as an example.

First, a butadiene monomer (1,3-butadiene) is obtained. In addition to being produced by pyrolysis of naphtha that is generally extracted from crude oil (as a by-product), it is produced from ethylene. This butadiene monomer is mixed with dehydrated toluene or a solvent such as benzene or xylene, and then a nickel catalyst or another catalyst such as titanium, cobalt, neodymium, or lithium is added and polymerized. A butadiene polymer is obtained. Then, after adding a polymerization terminator such as methanol and a necessary anti-aging agent, steam at 105 to 200 ° C. is applied to remove the solvent.

Here, the butadiene polymer is in a crumb (small lump) state and is dispersed in hot water derived from steam. Therefore, the butadiene polymer is separated from hot water by using the solid polymer separation device 1. In this separation, the solid polymer separator 1 is rotated in the circumferential direction of the screen 11 and in the direction matching the spiral direction of the guide plate 15, and the entrance (drive) of the screen 11 is driven. A butadiene polymer dispersed in hot water may be continuously added from the side of the pipe 123). Then, the hot water passes through the slit 112 and is discharged from the discharge port 182 of the casing 18, while the butadiene polymer is separated from the hot water and remains on the inner peripheral surface of the screen 11 to guide the spiral guide plate 15. Accordingly, a fixed amount is transferred from the outlet of the screen 11 (side of the extension pipe 13) to the next process.

After that, the butadiene polymer is further dehydrated with a dehydrating device, dried with a drying device, formed into a predetermined block shape with a press molding device (for example), and if necessary lapping is performed, a rubber material (intermediate product) Is obtained.

The separation device for a solid polymer according to the present invention is suitably used as a means for separating a solid polymer dispersed in a liquid from the liquid in the production process of various rubber products.

1: Separator for solid polymer, 11: screen, 12: drive mechanism, 13: extension pipe, 15: (spiral) guide plate, 16: liquid ejection mechanism, 17: liquid ejection mechanism, 18: casing 21: Liquid ejection mechanism, 22: Liquid ejection mechanism, 23: Liquid ejection mechanism, 51: Injection flow, 52: Injection nozzle, 53: Clam, 61: Injection flow, 62: Inspection port, 63: Clam, 111: Wire, 112: Slit, 121: Electric motor, 122: Roller, 123: Drive pipe, 131: Drain plate, 141: Sprocket, 142: Chain, 151: Groove, 161: Injection nozzle, 162: Piping, 171: Injection nozzle, 172: Piping, 181: Inspection port, 182: Discharge port, 211: Injection nozzle, 212: Piping, 213: Injection nozzle, 221: Injection nozzle, 222: Piping, 231: Injection nozzle Le, 232: Plumbing.

Claims

An apparatus for separating a solid polymer dispersed in a liquid from the liquid,
A cylindrical screen with many slits,
A drive mechanism that rotates the screen,
A guide plate provided on the inner peripheral surface of the screen,
A first liquid ejecting mechanism provided toward the outer peripheral surface of the screen on the outer peripheral surface side of the screen;
And a casing that surrounds at least the screen and has a discharge port below.
A separation apparatus for a solid polymer comprising:
The solid polymer separation device according to claim 1, further comprising a second liquid ejecting mechanism provided on an outlet side of the cylindrical screen toward an upper side of an inner peripheral surface of the screen.
The solid polymer separation device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a third liquid ejecting mechanism provided toward an inner surface of the casing above the casing.
The solid polymer separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a fourth liquid ejecting mechanism provided toward the inner surface of the casing below the casing.
An extension pipe provided to connect to the outlet side of the cylindrical screen, and
A fifth liquid ejection mechanism provided on the outlet side of the cylindrical screen toward the lower side of the inner peripheral surface of the extension pipe;
The solid polymer separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:
The solid polymer separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drive mechanism is capable of adjusting a rotation speed of the screen.
The solid polymer for a solid polymer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a draining plate for preventing foreign substances from entering the system from outside the screen to the system between the screen and the casing. Separation device.
The solid polymer is butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, styrene / butadiene rubber, styrene / isoprene rubber, ethylene / α-olefin copolymer rubber, ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated diene copolymer rubber, butyl rubber, styrene / butadiene. A polymer selected from the group consisting of styrene block copolymers, hydrogenated styrene / butadiene / styrene block copolymers, butadiene resins, and acrylic resins. Separator for solid polymer.
A method for separating a solid polymer, wherein the solid polymer dispersed in the liquid is separated from the liquid using the solid polymer separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
A polymerization step of polymerizing a monomer mixed with a solvent to obtain a polymer;
A solvent removal step of removing the solvent from the polymer by applying steam;
A separation step of separating the polymer from which the solvent has been removed from hot water in which the steam has been liquefied, using the solid polymer separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
A dehydration step and a drying step for further removing the water of the polymer separated from the hot water,
And a molding step of molding the polymer from which moisture has been removed into a predetermined shape,
A method for producing a rubber material having