A method for integrally producing a foamed and dyed polymer material product

Abstract

The application discloses a foaming and dyeing integrated production line for polymer material products and a method thereof. The production line comprises a foaming and dyeing kettle, a pressure control module, a dye separation module, a fluid liquefaction storage module, a fluid pressurization and conveying module, a fluid heating module and a dyeing circulation module. The production line integrates the functions of one-step foaming and supercritical fluid dyeing of the polymer material, has a simple structure, comprehensive functions, is convenient to operate, has high production efficiency, good product quality, low cost, and can perform dyeing and foaming, simple foaming or simple dyeing operations on the polymer material. The production method adopts the one-step foaming and supercritical fluid dyeing integrated method, and the preheating, foaming and dyeing operations can be completed in different process stages in the foaming and dyeing kettle, so that the problems that the current foaming of the polymer material is usually operated by the preheating and foaming step-by-step method, the system is complex, the operation is tedious, the time is long, the cost is high, and the dyeing function is not provided are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of supercritical fluid foaming and dyeing processing technology for polymer materials, and more specifically, to an integrated production line and method for foaming and dyeing polymer material products. Background Technology

[0002] Chinese invention patent CN 109385058 discloses a method for preparing polymer moldless three-dimensional foamed products using supercritical fluid. The method includes a supercritical fluid delivery system, a three-dimensional foaming system, and a preheating system. Polymer raw materials are pressurized to form a foamed pre-molded part. This pre-molded part is then preheated in the preheating system. After reaching the preheating temperature, the pre-molded part is fed into the three-dimensional foaming system, where supercritical fluid is introduced. After the supercritical fluid swells and diffuses into the polymer, the pressure is released, completing the foaming process. This foaming method only involves the foaming process itself; it cannot be used if colored materials are required simultaneously. Furthermore, the foaming process requires preheating before entering the foaming system, resulting in numerous steps, multiple system devices, long production time, and high costs. It also cannot be used for materials requiring multiple colors. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects in the prior art and provide an integrated production line and method for foaming and dyeing polymer material products.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of the present invention provides an integrated production line for foaming and dyeing of polymer material products, comprising a foaming and dyeing kettle for foaming and / or dyeing, a pressure control module for controlling the operating pressure of the foaming and dyeing kettle, a dye separation module for separating CO2 from the remaining dye after dyeing, a fluid liquefaction and storage module for liquefying and storing CO2, a fluid pressurization and delivery module for pressurizing CO2, a fluid heating module for heating CO2, and a dyeing circulation module for circulating and delivering dye to the foaming and dyeing kettle in conjunction with CO2 for dyeing. The pressure control module is connected to the first fluid outlet of the foaming and dyeing kettle, the dye separation module is connected between the pressure control module and the fluid liquefaction and storage module, the fluid pressurization and delivery module is connected between the fluid liquefaction and storage module and the fluid heating module, the fluid heating module is connected to the fluid inlet of the foaming and dyeing kettle and the dyeing circulation module respectively, and the dyeing circulation module is connected to the fluid inlet of the foaming and dyeing kettle and the second fluid outlet of the foaming and dyeing kettle respectively.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the foaming and dyeing kettle includes a kettle body, an end cap, a stirring driver, and a stirring paddle. The kettle body is horizontally oriented. The end cap is sealed inside the open end of the kettle body. The stirring driver is axially mounted on the head end of the kettle body. The stirring shaft of the stirring driver passes through the kettle body and extends into the interior of the kettle body. The stirring shaft is connected to the stirring paddle located inside the kettle body. The end cap adopts a wedge-type quick-opening locking mechanism to lock and open the kettle body.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure control module includes an automatic pressure regulating valve, a first switching valve is provided between the inlet end of the automatic pressure regulating valve and the first fluid outlet of the foaming dyeing kettle, and the outlet end of the automatic pressure regulating valve is connected to the dye separation module.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the dye separation module includes an evaporator and a dye recovery and separation vessel. The inlet end of the evaporator is connected to a pressure control module, the outlet end of the evaporator is connected to the inlet end of the dye recovery and separation vessel, the outlet end of the dye recovery and separation vessel is connected to a fluid liquefaction and storage module, and the recovery port of the dye recovery and separation vessel is equipped with a second switching valve.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid liquefaction storage module includes a condenser, a CO2 circulating storage tank, a CO2 replenishment storage tank, and a CO2 delivery pump. The inlet end of the condenser is connected to the dye separation module, and the outlet end of the condenser is connected to the inlet end of the CO2 circulating storage tank. The outlet end of the CO2 circulating storage tank is connected to a fluid pressurization and delivery module. The CO2 delivery pump is connected between the outlet end of the CO2 replenishment storage tank and the fluid replenishment port of the CO2 circulating storage tank. A third switching valve is provided between the CO2 delivery pump and the CO2 replenishment storage tank.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid pressurization and delivery module includes a CO2 high-pressure pump, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the fluid liquefaction and storage module, and the outlet of which is connected to the fluid heating module.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid heating module includes a heater, and the outlet end of the heater is provided with a fourth switching valve. The outlet end of the fourth switching valve is connected to the fluid inlet of the foaming dyeing kettle and the dyeing circulation module, respectively.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the dyeing circulation module includes a dyeing circulation pump and a dyeing kettle. A fifth switching valve is provided between the outlet end of the dyeing circulation pump and the fluid inlet of the foaming dyeing kettle. The outlet end of the dyeing kettle is connected to the inlet end of the dyeing circulation pump. A sixth switching valve is provided between the inlet end of the dyeing kettle and the second fluid outlet of the foaming dyeing kettle.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the production line further includes an N2 supply module for providing N2 during the foaming operation. The outlet end of the N2 supply module is connected between the fluid pressurization and delivery module and the fluid heating module. The N2 supply module includes an N2 storage tank, an N2 high-pressure pump, and a vaporizer. A seventh switch valve is provided between the outlet end of the N2 storage tank and the inlet end of the N2 high-pressure pump. The inlet end of the vaporizer is connected to the outlet end of the N2 high-pressure pump, and the outlet end of the vaporizer is connected between the fluid pressurization and delivery module and the fluid heating module.

[0013] A second aspect of this invention provides an integrated foaming and dyeing production method for polymer material products, comprising the following steps:

[0014] (1) Material loading: The polymer material preforms are placed into the foaming and dyeing kettle, and the dyeing dye is loaded into the dyeing circulation module;

[0015] (2) Supercritical fluid dyeing: CO2 in the fluid liquefaction storage module is pressurized by the fluid pressurization and delivery module and heated by the fluid heating module and then injected into the foaming dyeing kettle. When CO2 reaches the supercritical state that meets the dyeing process requirements, the pressurization is stopped and the dyeing circulation module is started to enter the dyeing circulation process. The supercritical CO2 enters the dyeing circulation module and dissolves the dye in the dyeing circulation module. CO2 carries the dye back to the foaming dyeing kettle, so that the polymer material preform in the foaming dyeing kettle is dyed with the required color. When the dyeing meets the requirements, CO2 flows out of the foaming dyeing kettle and is depressurized by the pressure control module and separated from the remaining dye after dyeing by the dye separation module. The CO2 after dye separation enters the fluid liquefaction storage module for liquefaction storage.

[0016] (3) One-step foaming: After the dyeing process is completed, CO2 and / or N2, which have been pressurized by the fluid pressurization and delivery module and heated by the fluid heating module, are injected into the foaming dyeing kettle according to the fluid ratio required for foaming. When the foaming process requirements are met, pressurization is stopped and foaming operation begins.

[0017] (4) Unloading: After the foaming process is completed, open the foaming and dyeing kettle and take out the foamed and dyed polymer material products inside the foaming and dyeing kettle.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the polymer material preform includes sheet-like, granular, or three-dimensional objects made of any one or a combination of polyethylene, polylactic acid, polypropylene, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyimide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone, rubber, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane, and thermoplastic elastomer.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the dye includes any one or a combination of disperse dyes, ice dyes, cationic dyes, reactive dyes, acid dyes, and condensation dyes.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment, depending on the material of the polymer product, the dyeing and foaming temperatures are controlled between 60°C and 200°C, the dyeing and foaming pressures are controlled between 10 MPa and 35 MPa, and the dyeing and foaming times are controlled between 40 minutes and 180 minutes.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0022] 1. The production line of the present invention integrates one-step foaming of polymer materials and supercritical fluid dyeing. In a single foaming and dyeing kettle, preheating, foaming and dyeing operations can be completed in different process stages. It can produce microporous foamed products with accurate dimensions, fine pores and controllable hardness. At the same time, it can realize the dyeing of foamed products. Its structure is simple, its design is reasonable, its functions are comprehensive, its operation is convenient, its production efficiency is high, its product quality is good, and its cost is low.

[0023] 2. The production line of the present invention is flexible in operation and can perform dyeing and foaming, simple foaming or simple dyeing operations on polymer materials.

[0024] 3. The production method of the present invention adopts a one-step foaming and supercritical fluid dyeing integrated method. The preheating, foaming and dyeing operations can be completed in different process stages in one device of foaming and dyeing kettle. This solves the problems of the current step-by-step operation of preheating and foaming for polymer materials, which has problems such as complex system, cumbersome operation, long time, high cost and lack of dyeing function. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an integrated foaming and dyeing production line for polymer material products provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated foaming and dyeing production line for polymer material products provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view of the foaming and dyeing kettle provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Example

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides an integrated production line for foaming and dyeing of polymer material products, including a foaming and dyeing kettle 1 for foaming and / or dyeing, a pressure control module 2 for controlling the pressure of the foaming and dyeing kettle 1, a dye separation module 3 for separating CO2 from the remaining dye after dyeing, a fluid liquefaction and storage module 4 for liquefying and storing CO2, a fluid pressurization and delivery module 5 for pressurizing CO2, a fluid heating module 6 for heating CO2, and a dyeing circulation module 7 for circulating and delivering dye to the foaming and dyeing kettle 1 in conjunction with CO2 for dyeing. The pressure control module 2 is connected to the first fluid outlet of the foaming and dyeing kettle 1, the dye separation module 3 is connected between the pressure control module 2 and the fluid liquefaction and storage module 4, the fluid pressurization and delivery module 5 is connected between the fluid liquefaction and storage module 4 and the fluid heating module 6, the fluid heating module 6 is connected to the fluid inlet of the foaming and dyeing kettle 1 and the dyeing circulation module 7, and the dyeing circulation module 7 is connected to the fluid inlet of the foaming and dyeing kettle 1 and the second fluid outlet of the foaming and dyeing kettle 1.

[0031] As a further improvement to this embodiment, the production line may be further equipped with a venting module 8 to reduce noise during the depressurization and venting of the high-pressure fluid after foaming. The venting module 8 is connected to the first fluid outlet of the foaming and dyeing kettle 1.

[0032] As a further improvement to this embodiment, the production line may be further equipped with an N2 supply module 9 for providing N2 during the foaming operation, as needed. The outlet end of the N2 supply module 9 is connected between the fluid pressurization and delivery module 5 and the fluid heating module 6.

[0033] The integrated foaming and dyeing production method for polymer material products in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0034] (1) Material loading: The polymer material preform is placed into the foaming dyeing kettle 1, and the dyeing dye is loaded into the dyeing circulation module 7;

[0035] (2) Supercritical fluid dyeing: CO2 in the fluid liquefaction storage module 4 is pressurized by the fluid pressurization and delivery module 5 and heated by the fluid heating module 6 and then injected into the foaming dyeing kettle 1. When CO2 reaches the supercritical state that meets the dyeing process requirements, the pressurization is stopped, and then the dyeing circulation module 7 is started to enter the dyeing circulation process. The CO2 in the supercritical state enters the dyeing circulation module 7 and dissolves the dye in the dyeing circulation module 7. CO2 carries the dye back to the foaming dyeing kettle 1, so that the polymer material preform in the foaming dyeing kettle 1 is dyed with the required color. When the dyeing meets the requirements, CO2 flows out from the foaming dyeing kettle 1 and is depressurized by the pressure control module 2, and then separated from the remaining dye after dyeing by the dye separation module 3. The CO2 after dye separation enters the fluid liquefaction storage module 4 for liquefaction storage.

[0036] (3) One-step foaming: After the dyeing process is completed, CO2 and / or N2, which have been pressurized by the fluid pressurization and delivery module 5 and heated by the fluid heating module 6, are injected into the foaming dyeing kettle 1 according to the fluid ratio required for foaming. When the foaming process requirements are met, the pressurization is stopped and the foaming operation begins.

[0037] (4) Unloading: After the foaming process is completed, open the foaming and dyeing kettle 1 and take out the foamed and dyed polymer material products inside the foaming and dyeing kettle 1.

[0038] The polymer material preforms may include, but are not limited to, sheet-like, granular, or three-dimensional objects made of any one or a combination of polyethylene, polylactic acid, polypropylene, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyimide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone, rubber, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane, and thermoplastic elastomer.

[0039] Dyes may include, but are not limited to, any one or a combination of disperse dyes, ice dyes, cationic dyes, reactive dyes, acid dyes, and condensation dyes.

[0040] Depending on the materials used in the polymer products, the dyeing and foaming temperatures can be controlled between 60℃ and 200℃, the dyeing and foaming pressures can be controlled between 10 MPa and 35 MPa, and the dyeing and foaming times can be controlled between 40 minutes and 180 minutes.

[0041] Depending on the materials used in the polymer products, the dyeing and foaming fluids can be a mixture of CO2 and N2 in one or two proportions.

[0042] Depending on the foaming requirements, the above fluid combination can be repeated multiple times in a single foaming process using different methods.

[0043] Depending on the needs, polymer materials can be subjected to dyeing and foaming, simple foaming, or simple dyeing operations. Example

[0044] Embodiment 2 of the present invention provides an integrated production line for foaming and dyeing of polymer material products, which also includes the foaming and dyeing kettle 1 for foaming and / or dyeing described in Embodiment 1 above, a pressure control module 2 for controlling the pressure of the foaming and dyeing kettle 1, a dye separation module 3 for separating CO2 from the remaining dye after dyeing, a fluid liquefaction and storage module 4 for liquefying and storing CO2, a fluid pressurization and conveying module 5 for pressurizing CO2, a fluid heating module 6 for heating CO2, and a dyeing circulation module 7 for circulating and conveying dye to the foaming and dyeing kettle 1 in conjunction with CO2 for dyeing. Based on Embodiment 1 above, the various components of the production line in Embodiment 2 have been improved as follows:

[0045] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the foaming and dyeing kettle 1 is the main equipment of the production line. It is a horizontal high-pressure kettle. Specifically, the foaming and dyeing kettle 1 can include a kettle body 11, an end cover 12, a stirring driver 115, and a stirring paddle 116. The kettle body 11 is horizontally arranged, which facilitates material loading, cleaning, or other operations. The interior of the kettle body 11 is hollow, with one end open to form an open end and the other end closed to form a sealed end. In addition, the kettle body 11 is provided with a fluid inlet 16 and two fluid outlets 17 that communicate with its interior. The fluid inlet 16 can be opened at the sealed end of the kettle body 11, and the fluid outlets 17 can be opened at the top and / or bottom of the kettle body 11 and near the open end of the kettle body 11.

[0046] The agitator 115 is axially mounted at the head end of the vessel body 11. The agitator shaft of the agitator 115 extends through the vessel body 11 and into its interior. The agitator shaft of the agitator 115 is connected to a stirring paddle 116 located inside the vessel body 11, and the agitator 115 can drive the stirring paddle 116 to rotate. In this embodiment, the agitator 115 can preferably be configured as a magnetic stirrer. The agitator can drive the stirring paddle to rotate, causing the fluid inside the vessel to circulate convectively, increasing convective heat transfer, improving the uniformity of temperature distribution inside the vessel, making the temperature in all parts of the vessel more consistent, ensuring the consistency of the shape and parameters of the foamed product, and improving the product yield.

[0047] Since the stirring shaft of the stirring driver 115 needs to pass through the hole in the vessel body 11, a high-pressure self-tightening seal is required between the stirring driver 115 and the end cap of the vessel body 11 through the first sealing ring 117.

[0048] Preferably, the agitator driver 115 can be installed eccentrically to the axis of the vessel body 11. Because the agitator driver is eccentrically installed to the axis of the vessel body, the agitator impeller is more conducive to promoting convection of the fluid inside the vessel.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the end cap 12 is sealed inside the opening end of the vessel body 11. The end cap 12 can close the opening of the vessel body 11. An O-ring 19 is provided between the end cap 12 and the inner wall of the vessel body 11. The end cap 12 can achieve a high-pressure self-tightening seal with the vessel body 11 through the second sealing ring 19.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, a material frame 13 is placed inside the vessel body 11. One end of the material frame 13 is fixedly connected to the inner end of the end cover 12. The material frame 13 is configured as a frame structure for loading or suspending materials. The end cover and the material frame are connected to form an integrated structure, which makes the loading / unloading of the material frame and the opening / closing of the end cover one-to-one. In this way, the end cover only needs to move in one axial direction, making the operation simpler. After opening the cover, the end cover does not need to make radial avoidance movement due to the loading / unloading of the material frame, which simplifies the opening operation and saves operating space.

[0051] Preferably, the bottom of the material frame 13 may also be provided with guide wheels 114 to facilitate the entry and exit of the material frame 13.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the vessel body 11 may be provided with an insulation jacket 110 on its exterior, forming an insulation interlayer between the insulation jacket 110 and the vessel body 11. The insulation jacket 110 is provided with an insulation medium inlet 111 and an insulation medium outlet 112, which are respectively connected to the insulation interlayer. Preferably, the insulation medium inlet 111 can be located at the top of one end of the vessel body 11, and the insulation medium outlet 112 can be located at the bottom of the other end of the vessel body 11. The insulation medium can be hot water, hot oil, etc.

[0053] In addition, the outside of the insulation jacket 110 may be provided with a support 113 for supporting the entire foaming autoclave.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the end cap can be locked and opened using a wedge-type quick-opening locking mechanism with the vessel body. This mechanism includes a wedge drive device 15 and a wedge 14. The wedge drive device 15 is installed on the outer end of the end cap 12, and is connected to the wedge 14 in a driving manner. A groove 18 is provided on the inner wall of the open end of the vessel body 11 for engaging with the wedge 14.

[0055] In this embodiment, five wedges 14 are preferably provided, and five wedge driving devices 15 are preferably provided. Each wedge 14 can be configured as an arc shape, and the five wedges 14 can be combined to form a ring structure. Correspondingly, the slot 18 of the vessel body 11 can also be configured as a matching annular slot. The locking effect of this combined wedge structure is good. In specific implementation, the wedge driving device 15 can preferably be configured as a cylinder.

[0056] When the end cap is pushed into the open end of the vessel body 11, the wedge drive device 15 can drive the corresponding wedges 14 to move radially, so that the wedges 14 can be locked into the slots 18 of the vessel body 11 to lock the end cap 12. When opening the cap, the wedge drive device 15 can drive the wedges 14 to disengage from the slots 18 of the vessel body 11.

[0057] The end cap of the foaming autoclave is installed inside the open end of the autoclave body (i.e., at the inner diameter position). Compared with autoclaves using a clamp-type opening structure, the end cap does not need to have the same outer diameter as the autoclave body. This greatly reduces the volume and weight of the end cap. Furthermore, it adopts a wedge-type quick-opening locking mechanism. The wedge driving device can drive the corresponding wedges to move radially, so that the wedges can be locked into the grooves on the inner wall of the open end of the autoclave body to lock the end cap, or the wedges can be released from the grooves of the autoclave body to open the end cap. Its structure is simple, compact, and reasonably designed, with more reliable sealing and easier opening / closing of the end cap. Moreover, it is installed inside the open end of the autoclave body along with the end cap, saving installation space.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the pressure control module 2 may include an automatic pressure regulating valve 21. A first switching valve 22 is provided between the inlet end of the automatic pressure regulating valve 21 and the first fluid outlet of the foaming dyeing kettle 1. The outlet end of the automatic pressure regulating valve 21 is connected to the dye separation module 3. The automatic pressure regulating valve 21 can control the operating pressure of the foaming dyeing kettle according to process requirements.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the dye separation module 3 may include an evaporator 31 and a dye recovery and separation vessel 32. The inlet end of the evaporator 31 is connected to an automatic pressure regulating valve 21, and the outlet end of the evaporator 31 is connected to the inlet end of the dye recovery and separation vessel 32. The outlet end of the dye recovery and separation vessel 32 is connected to a fluid liquefaction storage module 4, and the recovery port of the dye recovery and separation vessel 32 is equipped with a second switching valve 33. The dye separation and recovery vessel can be configured as a quick-opening high-pressure vessel to recover residual dye during the dyeing process.

[0060] like Figure 2As shown, the fluid liquefaction storage module 4 may include a condenser 41, a CO2 circulation tank 42, a CO2 replenishment tank 43, and a CO2 transfer pump 44. The inlet end of the condenser 41 is connected to the dye recovery separation vessel 32, and the outlet end of the condenser 41 is connected to the inlet end of the CO2 circulation tank 42. The outlet end of the CO2 circulation tank 42 is connected to the fluid pressurization and transfer module 5. The CO2 transfer pump 44 is connected between the outlet end of the CO2 replenishment tank 43 and the fluid replenishment port of the CO2 circulation tank 42. A third switch valve 45 is provided between the CO2 transfer pump 44 and the CO2 replenishment tank 43.

[0061] The condenser 41 can be configured as a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, which cools and liquefies the CO2 gas separated from the dye separation and recovery vessel into a liquid state, which is then stored in the CO2 circulation tank. The CO2 replenishment tank stores liquid CO2 to compensate for losses in the CO2 circulation tank. As the production line operates, CO2 will be lost. When the liquid CO2 level in the CO2 circulation tank falls below a specified value, it needs to be replenished from the CO2 replenishment tank.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the fluid pressurization and delivery module 5 may include a CO2 high-pressure pump 51, the inlet end of which is connected to the outlet end of the CO2 circulation tank 42, and the outlet end of the CO2 high-pressure pump 51 is connected to the fluid heating module 6.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the fluid heating module 6 may include a heater 61. The inlet end of the heater 61 is connected to the outlet end of the CO2 high-pressure pump 51. The outlet end of the heater 61 is provided with a fourth switching valve 62. The outlet end of the fourth switching valve 62 is connected to the fluid inlet of the foaming dyeing kettle 1 and the dyeing circulation module 7, respectively. The heater 61 is capable of heating CO2 and N2 fluids.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the dyeing circulation module 7 may include a dyeing circulation pump 71 and a dye tank 72. A fifth switching valve 73 is provided between the outlet end of the dyeing circulation pump 71 and the fluid inlet of the foaming dyeing tank 1. The outlet end of the dye tank 72 is connected to the inlet end of the dyeing circulation pump 71, and a sixth switching valve 74 is provided between the inlet end of the dye tank 72 and the second fluid outlet of the foaming dyeing tank 1. The dye tank 72 stores dye for dyeing operations.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the venting module 8 may include a silencer 81 and an eighth switching valve 82, which is connected between the silencer 81 and the first fluid outlet of the foaming dyeing vessel 1.

[0066] like Figure 2As shown, the N2 supply module 9 may include an N2 storage tank 91, an N2 high-pressure pump 92, and a vaporizer 93. A seventh switching valve 94 is provided between the outlet end of the N2 storage tank 91 and the inlet end of the N2 high-pressure pump 92. The inlet end of the vaporizer 93 is connected to the outlet end of the N2 high-pressure pump 92, and the outlet end of the vaporizer 93 is connected between the CO2 high-pressure pump 51 and the heater 61. The N2 storage tank 91 stores liquid N2 for foaming operations.

[0067] The integrated foaming and dyeing production method for polymer material products in this second embodiment includes the following steps:

[0068] (1) Material loading: The polymer material preform is placed into the foaming and dyeing kettle 1, and the dyeing dye is loaded into the dyeing kettle 72;

[0069] (2) Supercritical fluid dyeing: After the material loading is completed, close the first switch valve 22, the sixth switch valve 74, and the eighth switch valve 82, open the fourth switch valve 62, and start the CO2 high-pressure pump 51. The liquid CO2 in the CO2 circulation tank 42 is pressurized by the CO2 high-pressure pump 51 and heated by the heater 61, and then vaporized and injected into the foaming dyeing kettle 1. The pressure in the foaming dyeing kettle 1 gradually increases. When the CO2 reaches the supercritical state that meets the requirements of the dyeing process (i.e., when the pressure and temperature reach the set values), stop pressurizing, close the fourth switch valve 62, and open the fifth switch valve 73 and the sixth switch valve 74. The foaming dyeing kettle 1 is connected to the dye kettle 72 and the dyeing circulation pump 71, and enters the dyeing circulation process. Supercritical CO2 enters the dyeing circulation module 7 and dissolves the dye in the dyeing circulation module 7. The CO2 carries the dye back to the foaming dyeing kettle 1, dyeing the polymer material preform in the foaming dyeing kettle 1 with the required color. When the dyeing requirement is met, the fifth switch valve 73 and the sixth switch valve 74 are closed, and the first switch valve 22 is opened. CO2 flows out of the foaming dyeing kettle 1 and is depressurized by the automatic pressure regulating valve 21. After being heated by the evaporator 31, it enters the dye recovery and separation kettle 32, where CO2 is separated from the remaining dye after dyeing and recovered by the second switch valve 33. The CO2 gas after dye separation enters the condenser 41 for cooling and liquefaction. The liquefied CO2 enters the CO2 circulation storage tank 42 for storage and has been used in subsequent operations.

[0070] (3) One-step foaming: After the dyeing process is completed, close the first switch valve 22 and the eighth switch valve 82, and pressurize and inject CO2 and N2 according to the fluid ratio required for foaming. CO2 is added from the CO2 circulation tank 42 by the CO2 high-pressure pump 51, and N2 is output from the N2 storage tank 91 by the N2 high-pressure pump 92. After being vaporized by the vaporizer 93, it is injected. CO2 and N2 are heated by the heater to meet the foaming process requirements. When the fluid pressure also meets the requirements, pressurization is stopped and foaming operation begins. During the foaming process, the stirring drive 115 of the foaming dyeing kettle 1 is turned on to enhance the convection of the fluid in the kettle and uniformly measure the temperature in the kettle. During the foaming operation, according to the requirements of different materials, the foaming process can be carried out alternately with several different ratios of CO2 and N2. After the foaming operation is completed, open the eighth switch valve 82, and the high-pressure fluid is released through the silencer 81.

[0071] (4) Unloading: After the foaming process is completed, open the foaming and dyeing kettle 1 and take out the foamed and dyed polymer material products inside the foaming and dyeing kettle 1.

[0072] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for integrated foaming and dyeing of polymer material products, characterized in that, It adopts an integrated production line for foaming and dyeing of polymer materials. The production line includes a foaming and dyeing kettle for foaming and / or dyeing, a pressure control module for controlling the operating pressure of the foaming and dyeing kettle, a dye separation module for separating CO2 from the remaining dye after dyeing, a fluid liquefaction and storage module for liquefying and storing CO2, a fluid pressurization and delivery module for pressurizing CO2, a fluid heating module for heating CO2, and a dyeing circulation module for circulating and delivering dye to the foaming and dyeing kettle in conjunction with CO2 for dyeing. The pressure control module is connected to the first fluid outlet of the foaming and dyeing kettle, the dye separation module is connected between the pressure control module and the fluid liquefaction and storage module, the fluid pressurization and delivery module is connected between the fluid liquefaction and storage module and the fluid heating module, the fluid heating module is connected to the fluid inlet of the foaming and dyeing kettle and the dyeing circulation module respectively, and the dyeing circulation module is connected to the fluid inlet of the foaming and dyeing kettle and the second fluid outlet of the foaming and dyeing kettle respectively. The foaming and dyeing kettle includes a kettle body, an end cap, a stirring driver, and a stirring paddle. The kettle body is horizontally arranged. The end cap is sealed inside the open end of the kettle body. The stirring driver is axially installed at the head end of the kettle body. The stirring shaft of the stirring driver passes through the kettle body and extends into the interior of the kettle body. The stirring shaft is connected to the stirring paddle located inside the kettle body. The end cap adopts a wedge-type quick-opening locking mechanism to lock and open the kettle body. The pressure control module includes an automatic pressure regulating valve, a first switching valve is provided between the inlet end of the automatic pressure regulating valve and the first fluid outlet of the foaming dyeing kettle, and the outlet end of the automatic pressure regulating valve is connected to the dye separation module. The dye separation module includes an evaporator and a dye recovery and separation vessel. The inlet end of the evaporator is connected to a pressure control module, the outlet end of the evaporator is connected to the inlet end of the dye recovery and separation vessel, the outlet end of the dye recovery and separation vessel is connected to a fluid liquefaction and storage module, and the recovery port of the dye recovery and separation vessel is equipped with a second switch valve. The production line also includes a venting module for reducing noise during the depressurization and venting of the high-pressure fluid after foaming. The venting module is connected to the first fluid outlet of the foaming and dyeing kettle. The venting module includes a silencer and an eighth switching valve, which is connected between the silencer and the first fluid outlet of the foaming and dyeing kettle. The fluid liquefaction storage module includes a condenser, a CO2 circulating storage tank, a CO2 replenishment storage tank, and a CO2 delivery pump. The inlet end of the condenser is connected to the dye separation module, and the outlet end of the condenser is connected to the inlet end of the CO2 circulating storage tank. The outlet end of the CO2 circulating storage tank is connected to the fluid pressurization and delivery module. The CO2 delivery pump is connected between the outlet end of the CO2 replenishment storage tank and the fluid replenishment port of the CO2 circulating storage tank. A third switch valve is provided between the CO2 delivery pump and the CO2 replenishment storage tank. The fluid pressurization and delivery module includes a CO2 high-pressure pump, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the fluid liquefaction and storage module, and the outlet of which is connected to the fluid heating module. The fluid heating module includes a heater, and the outlet end of the heater is provided with a fourth switch valve. The outlet end of the fourth switch valve is connected to the fluid inlet of the foaming dyeing kettle and the dyeing circulation module, respectively. The dyeing circulation module includes a dyeing circulation pump and a dyeing kettle. A fifth switching valve is provided between the outlet end of the dyeing circulation pump and the fluid inlet of the foaming dyeing kettle. The outlet end of the dyeing kettle is connected to the inlet end of the dyeing circulation pump. A sixth switching valve is provided between the inlet end of the dyeing kettle and the second fluid outlet of the foaming dyeing kettle. The production line also includes an N2 supply module for providing N2 during the foaming operation. The outlet end of the N2 supply module is connected between the fluid pressurization and delivery module and the fluid heating module. The N2 supply module includes an N2 storage tank, an N2 high-pressure pump, and a vaporizer. A seventh switch valve is provided between the outlet end of the N2 storage tank and the inlet end of the N2 high-pressure pump. The inlet end of the vaporizer is connected to the outlet end of the N2 high-pressure pump, and the outlet end of the vaporizer is connected between the fluid pressurization and delivery module and the fluid heating module. The integrated foaming and dyeing production method includes the following steps: (1) Material loading: The polymer material preforms are placed into the foaming and dyeing kettle, and the dyeing dye is loaded into the dyeing circulation module; (2) Supercritical fluid dyeing: CO2 in the fluid liquefaction storage module is pressurized by the fluid pressurization and delivery module and heated by the fluid heating module and then injected into the foaming dyeing kettle. When CO2 reaches the supercritical state that meets the dyeing process requirements, the pressurization is stopped and the dyeing circulation module is started to enter the dyeing circulation process. The supercritical CO2 enters the dyeing circulation module and dissolves the dye in the dyeing circulation module. CO2 carries the dye back to the foaming dyeing kettle, so that the polymer material preform in the foaming dyeing kettle is dyed with the required color. When the dyeing meets the requirements, CO2 flows out of the foaming dyeing kettle and is depressurized by the pressure control module and separated from the remaining dye after dyeing by the dye separation module. The CO2 after dye separation enters the fluid liquefaction storage module for liquefaction storage. (3) One-step foaming: After the dyeing process is completed, CO2 and / or N2, which have been pressurized by the fluid pressurization and delivery module and heated by the fluid heating module, are injected into the foaming dyeing kettle according to the fluid ratio required for foaming. When the foaming process requirements are met, pressurization is stopped and foaming operation begins. (4) Unloading: After the foaming process is completed, open the foaming and dyeing kettle and take out the foamed and dyed polymer material products inside the foaming and dyeing kettle.

2. The integrated foaming and dyeing production method for polymer material products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The polymer material preform includes sheet-like objects made of any one or a combination thereof from polyethylene, polylactic acid, polypropylene, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyimide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and thermoplastic polyurethane. The dyes include any one or a combination of disperse dyes, ice dyes, cationic dyes, reactive dyes, acid dyes, and condensation dyes.

3. The integrated foaming and dyeing production method for polymer material products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The polymer material preform includes granular objects made of any one or a combination thereof from polyethylene, polylactic acid, polypropylene, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyimide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and thermoplastic polyurethane. The dyes include any one or a combination of disperse dyes, ice dyes, cationic dyes, reactive dyes, acid dyes, and condensation dyes.

4. The integrated foaming and dyeing production method for polymer material products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The polymer material preform includes a three-dimensional object made of any one or a combination thereof from polyethylene, polylactic acid, polypropylene, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyimide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and thermoplastic polyurethane. The dyes include any one or a combination of disperse dyes, ice dyes, cationic dyes, reactive dyes, acid dyes, and condensation dyes.

5. The integrated foaming and dyeing production method for polymer material products according to claim 1, characterized in that, Depending on the material of the polymer product, the dyeing and foaming temperatures are controlled between 60℃ and 200℃, the dyeing and foaming pressures are controlled between 10 MPa and 35 MPa, and the dyeing and foaming times are controlled between 40 minutes and 180 minutes.

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