Method for obtaining information about recyclability of at least one flexible foam made at least partially from at least one polyurethane

Abstract

A computer-implemented method of obtaining recyclability information about at least one flexible foam (112) made at least in part from at least one polyurethane is disclosed. The method comprises: i. At least one first determination step comprising automatically determining whether at least one first compound for a predetermined first recyclable candidate component list of polyurethane monomers of a first class is present in the flexible foam (112) by evaluating spectral data of the flexible foam (112), the first recyclable candidate component list comprises at least one first recyclable candidate component; and ii. At least one first decision step comprising automatically deciding, based on the result of step i., whether a second determination step is required, comprising determining whether at least one second compound for a predetermined second list of recyclable candidate components of a second type of polyurethane monomer is present in the flexible foam (112), in particular, the second list is different from the first list, the second list of recyclable candidate components including at least one second recyclable candidate component. Further disclosed are a computer program and a computer readable storage medium for performing the method, a method of processing the flexible foam (112), an apparatus (110) for obtaining information about the recyclability of the flexible foam (112), and a system (114) for processing the flexible foam (112).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam made at least in part of at least one polyurethane, to a device for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam made at least in part of at least one polyurethane, and to a computer program and a computer-readable storage medium for performing said method. The present invention further relates to a method and a system for processing at least one flexible foam made at least in part of at least one polyurethane. These methods and devices can be used in particular in the field of recycling. As an example, these methods and devices can be used for sorting multi-component flexible foams before a recycling process. However, other fields of application are also feasible. Background Art

[0002] Flexible foam, specifically flexible foam comprising polyurethane (e.g., polyurethane mattress or other foam materials, such as upholstered furniture) generally has a higher intrinsic material value. Therefore, due to economic and / or environmental reasons, the recycling of these flexible foams may be desirable. Typically, the recycling of flexible foam is completed via a chemical recycling process. In such a process, the material of the flexible foam can be separated into its chemical composition. For example, the flexible foam comprising polyurethane can be separated into its specific isocyanate component, such as toluene diisocyanate isomers (TDI) or methylene diphenyl diisocyanate isomers (MDI), and separated into its specific polyol component, such as standard polyols, high resilience (HR) polyols, etc. The chemical recycling process is typically optimized for a specific combination of polyols and isocyanates of polyurethane. Therefore, the flexible foam comprising polyurethane needs to be sorted according to its specific composition before the chemical recycling process. In addition, other additives (such as flame retardants such as melamine or expandable graphite), or other filler compounds (such as styrene-acrylonitrile) may cause problems during the chemical recycling process and need to be identified before the recycling process.

[0003] As an example, EP 3 957 453 A1 discloses a method for separating waste polyurethane foam. At least one corresponding spectrum is recorded for each polyurethane sample of the supply stream comprising the polyurethane sample from waste. The at least one corresponding spectrum is recorded by near infrared spectroscopy. Each polyurethane sample of the supply stream is classified into the corresponding categories of at least two categories based on the corresponding at least one spectrum by a classification algorithm (the classification algorithm is based on machine learning). The supply stream comprising the polyurethane sample is separated into at least two streams according to being classified into the corresponding categories. Each category corresponds to a type of polyurethane. In addition, a system for separating waste polyurethane foam is also disclosed.

[0004] EP 3 656 525 A1 discloses a method for manufacturing a mono-material polyurethane or latex web from recycled mattresses, said method comprising the following successive steps: a) a step of disassembling the used mattress, making it possible to provide separate base materials, which in particular comprise polyurethane foam and latex foam; b) a step of selecting uncontaminated polyurethane, respectively latex foam; c) a step of grinding said foam obtained in step b) to obtain uncontaminated polyurethane or latex foam flakes having an average particle size of 20 mm or less; d) a step for forming a polyurethane or latex mono-material web, said step comprising mixing the polyurethane or latex foam flakes from step d) with a binder. The invention can be used for manufacturing mattresses and cushions.

[0005] Despite these advantages achieved by known methods and apparatuses, several technical challenges remain. In particular, there remains a need for accurate and reliable sorting of flexible foams containing polyurethane prior to a chemical recycling process.

[0006] Problem to be solved

[0007] It is therefore desirable to provide methods and devices that at least partially address the above technical challenges. In particular, methods and devices that allow accurate and reliable sorting of flexible foams containing polyurethane should be proposed. Summary of the invention

[0008] The problem is solved by a computer-implemented method for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane, a device for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane, a computer program and a computer-readable storage medium for executing said method, and a method and a system for processing at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane, each having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are listed in the dependent claims and in the entire description, which can be realized in an independent manner or in any arbitrary combination.

[0009] In a first aspect of the present invention, a computer-implemented method of obtaining information regarding the recyclability of at least one flexible foam made at least in part from at least one polyurethane is disclosed.

[0010] The term "computer" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a device or combination of devices or a network of devices having at least one data processing device, such as at least one processing unit (also referred to as a processor). In addition, a computer may include one or more additional components, such as at least one of a data storage device, an electronic interface, or a human-computer interface.

[0011] The term "computer-implemented" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and conventional meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a method involving at least one computer and / or at least one computer network (such as a plurality of interconnected computers). The computer and / or computer network may include at least one data processing device configured to perform a method, such as at least one of the method steps of a computer-implemented method. In particular, each of the method steps of a computer-implemented method may be performed using a computer and / or a computer network. These method steps may be performed at least partially automatically, in particular without user interaction.

[0012] The term "obtaining" as used herein is a broad term and will be given its ordinary and conventional meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a process of generating, determining and retrieving at least one information item, specifically information about the recyclability of the flexible foam. The method of obtaining the information item may include a step-by-step method, which specifically includes one or more determination steps and one or more decision steps, as will be further outlined in detail, for example, in the form of a decision tree. Depending on the number of decision steps performed in the method of obtaining the information item, the decision tree may include one or more levels. Specifically, the decision step may represent a decision node in the decision tree. At each decision node of the decision tree, two or more possible results may be given. Therefore, the method of obtaining the information item may be a multi-step method, which specifically includes multiple decisions to be taken for generating and / or determining the information item. The information item may specifically be information about the recyclability of the flexible foam.

[0013] The term "information about recyclability" as used herein is a broad term and will be given its ordinary and conventional meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any information item related to a recycling process, specifically a chemical recycling process. The information about recyclability may be a digital and / or alphanumeric information item about recyclability. For example, the information about recyclability may be a binary information item, specifically indicating the recyclability or non-recyclability of a specific material or object such as through one or more predetermined recycling processes. The information about recyclability may be a wide range of information items, specifically including one or more information items about recyclability. The information about recyclability may include information items indicating the suitability of a material or object to undergo a recycling process, specifically a chemical recycling process, such as "recyclable" or "non-recyclable". Additionally or alternatively, the information about recyclability may include at least one information item about the presence and / or absence of a recyclable compound contained in the material or object. Additionally or alternatively, the information on recyclability may comprise at least one item of information on the presence and / or absence of compounds comprised by the material or object which are incompatible with a recycling process, in particular a chemical recycling process. Additionally or alternatively, the information on recyclability may comprise at least one item of information on the level of a compound comprised by the material or object, wherein the level may determine whether a recycling process, in particular a chemical recycling process, can be subjected to the material or object.

[0014] The term "flexible foam" as used herein is a broad term and will be given its ordinary and conventional meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any solidified material containing gaseous inclusions and having elastic properties. Specifically, the flexible foam may be an elastic element, particularly such that the flexible foam is deformable under a deforming force, and when the deforming force is released, the flexible foam is able to return to its original form. In addition, the flexible foam may include ordered or disordered gaseous material inclusions, such as air, gaseous CO2, etc. The flexible foam may specifically include closed-cell foams (such as foams with discrete gaseous inclusions completely surrounded by solidified material) and / or open-cell foams (such as foams with interconnected gaseous inclusions). The flexible foam may be an object or article of any shape. As an example, the flexible foam may include a mattress. However, alternatively or additionally, the flexible foam may also include other foam materials, such as upholstered furniture.

[0015] The term "at least partially" as used herein, in particular as used in the context of "at least partially made of..." is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, situations in which an element (such as a flexible foam) is completely made of a first material and does not contain additional materials, and / or situations in which an element (such as a flexible foam) is partially made of a first material and contains one or more additional materials (such as at least one second material different from the first material). For example, the flexible foam may be a mattress at least partially made of at least one polyurethane. In this example, in addition to the at least one polyurethane, the flexible foam may contain additional materials, in particular may contain additives such as flame retardants or other filler compounds, as will be outlined in further detail below.

[0016] The term "polyurethane" as used herein is a broad term, and will be given its common and conventional meaning for those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to special or custom meanings. The term may specifically refer to but is not limited to all known polyisocyanate polyaddition products. These include the adducts of isocyanates and alcohols, and they also include modified polyurethanes, which may include isocyanurate structures, allophanate structures, urea structures, carbodiimide structures, uretonimine structures and biuret structures, and they may include other isocyanate adducts. These polyurethanes of the present invention may particularly include foams based on polyisocyanate polyaddition products, such as elastomeric foams, flexible foams, semi-rigid foams and rigid foams. For purposes of the present invention, the term polyurethane may also include polymer blends comprising polyurethane and other polymers, and foams made from the polymer blends.

[0017] The method comprises at least the following steps, which, as an example, can be performed in a given order. However, it should be noted that one, more than one or even all of the method steps can also be performed once or repeatedly. In addition, two or more method steps can be performed simultaneously or in a timely overlapping manner. The method may include additional method steps that are not listed.

[0018] The method includes:

[0019] i. at least one first determining step comprising automatically determining whether at least one first compound of a predetermined first list of recyclable candidate components for a first type of polyurethane monomer is present in the flexible foam by evaluating spectral data of the flexible foam, the first list of recyclable candidate components comprising at least one first recyclable candidate component; and

[0020] ii. at least one first decision step, which includes automatically deciding whether a second determination step is required based on the result of step i., the second determination step including determining whether at least one second compound of a predetermined second list of recyclable candidate components for a second type of polyurethane monomer is present in the flexible foam, specifically the second list is different from the first list, and the second list of recyclable candidate components includes at least one second recyclable candidate component.

[0021] The term "determining step" as used herein is a broad term and will be given its ordinary and conventional meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a process of analyzing input data to generate at least one quantitative and / or qualitative result. The input data of the determining step may specifically include spectral data of the flexible foam. The analysis may specifically include classifying the input data with respect to the presence, absence, and / or level of a specific compound in the flexible foam. The results of the determining step may include quantitative and / or qualitative results with respect to the input data, such as quantitative and / or qualitative results with respect to the presence, absence, and / or level of a specific compound in the flexible foam. The process of the determining step may also be referred to as "determining".

[0022] As will be further outlined in detail below, the method may specifically include a plurality of determining steps. The determining steps are numbered as "a first determining step", "a second determining step", "a third determining step" and "a fourth determining step". The numbering of the determining steps may specifically be intended to indicate the order in which the determining steps are to be performed. Specifically, the first determining step may be performed before the second determining step, the second determining step may be performed before the third determining step, etc. However, the numbering of the determining steps may not exclude the possibility of performing the determining steps once or repeatedly. Similarly, the numbering of the determining steps may not exclude the possibility of performing further determining steps (such as the fifth determining step, etc.).

[0023] As outlined above, the first determination step includes automatically determining whether at least one first compound of a predetermined first list of recyclable candidate components for a first type of polyurethane monomers is present in the flexible foam by evaluating spectral data of the flexible foam.

[0024] The term "automatic" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, a process that is performed entirely by at least one computer and / or computer network and / or machine, particularly without manual action and / or user interaction.

[0025] The term "evaluating" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, the process of analyzing data. Specifically, as used in the context of the determining step, the evaluating may include analyzing spectral data of the flexible foam. Thus, the evaluating may include analyzing spectral data of the flexible foam in the determining step to determine the presence, absence, and / or level of a compound in the flexible foam.

[0026] The term "spectral data" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a digital information item about the spectral characteristics of at least one object. The object may specifically be a flexible foam. The spectral data may include at least one spectrum of the flexible foam, such as a spectrum within a spectral range, in particular an infrared (IR) spectral range, especially a near infrared (NIR) spectral range, and / or an information item obtained from a spectrum of the flexible foam. The spectral range may specifically refer to a partition of electromagnetic radiation, which partition includes one or more of: the visible spectral range, in particular the spectral range of 380nm to 760nm; the ultraviolet spectral range, in particular the spectral range of 1nm to 380nm; and the infrared spectral range, in particular the spectral range of 760nm to 1000μm, wherein the range of 760nm to 1.5μm is generally named "near infrared spectral range" (NIR), while the range of 1.5μm to 15μm is denoted "mid-infrared spectral range" (MidIR), and the range of 15μm to 1000μm is denoted "far infrared spectral range" (FIR).

[0027] The spectrum of the flexible foam can be obtained by measuring the flexible foam using a spectrometer device (such as a handheld spectrometer device, for example operating in reflection and / or transmission mode). The spectrum can specifically include a spectral distribution of the reflectivity of the flexible foam. Alternatively or additionally, the spectrum can include a spectral distribution of a physical property determined by measuring the reflection of electromagnetic radiation by the flexible foam. Specifically, the spectrum can include a spectral distribution of the absorbance of the flexible foam, wherein the absorbance can be determined using the reflectivity of the flexible foam, wherein the reflectivity can be determined by measuring the reflection of electromagnetic radiation by the flexible foam. The spectral data can include a raw spectrum of the flexible foam, such as a spectrum directly obtained by measuring the flexible foam with a spectrometer device. Alternatively or additionally, the spectral data can include data retrieved from the spectrum of the flexible foam, such as a first-order derivative of the spectrum, a second-order derivative of the spectrum, a higher-order derivative of the spectrum, and / or a processed spectrum (e.g., a filtered and / or smoothed spectrum of the flexible foam).

[0028] The term "compound" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, low molecular weight compounds, which may be defined by their chemical structure and their molecular weight. The term may also refer to an oligomeric or polymeric compound having a defined structure or defined repeating units, which may be defined, for example, by an average molecular weight.

[0029] The terms "first" and "second" as used in the context of compounds may refer to specific compounds as defined above that are determined in the first determination step or the second determination step, respectively.

[0030] The term "recyclable candidate component" as used herein is a broad term and will be given its ordinary and conventional meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a compound that can be recovered from a flexible foam in at least one predetermined recycling process. The recycling process may include any suitable recycling process for recovering the recyclable candidate component, such as at least one of a physical recycling process, a chemical recycling process, a mechanical recycling process, and a raw material recycling process, preferably a chemical recycling process. The recyclable candidate component may be recyclable from a complex material or object (specifically containing multiple compounds). For example, the recyclable candidate component can be recovered from a flexible foam, particularly from a flexible foam containing multiple compounds.

[0031] The terms "first" and "second" as used in the context of recyclable candidate components may refer to one or more specific recyclable candidate components that define the first or second recyclable candidate component list in the first determination step or the second determination step, respectively.

[0032] The term "list" as used herein is a broad term and will be given its ordinary and conventional meaning for those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, an ordered or unordered data set. Specifically, a list of recyclable candidate components may include an ordered or unordered set of recyclable candidate components. For each of the first determination step and the second determination step, the list of recyclable candidate components may specifically include a specific set of recyclable candidate components. Therefore, the list of recyclable candidate components may be referred to as a first recyclable candidate component list for the first determination step and a second recyclable candidate component list for the second determination step. The second recyclable candidate component list may be different from the first recyclable candidate component list, particularly so that the first recyclable candidate component list and the second recyclable candidate component list include sets of recyclable candidate components that are different from each other in at least one recyclable candidate component. The recyclable candidate component list may include a single recyclable candidate component, or alternatively a plurality of recyclable candidate components.

[0033] The lists used for the first determination step and the second determination step are predetermined. The term "predetermined" as used herein is a broad term and will be given its ordinary and conventional meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, the characteristics of a list defined prior to performing the method. Specifically, the recyclable candidate components for the first recyclable candidate component list and for the second recyclable candidate component list may include predefined recyclable candidate components for the first determination step and for the second determination step, respectively.

[0034] The term "class of polyurethane monomers" as used herein is a broad term and will be given its ordinary and conventional meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term specifically may refer to, but is not limited to, isocyanate monomers and compounds having at least one functional group that is capable of undergoing an addition reaction with an isocyanate group, thereby forming a chemical bond between a carbon atom of the isocyanate group and one of the atoms of the functional group. These functional groups are also referred to as "active hydrogen functional groups" or "isocyanate-reactive groups". A typical active hydrogen functional group of an active hydrogen compound is a hydroxyl group (OH). In the context of the present invention, typical monomers are isocyanate monomers and polyol monomers.

[0035] The terms "first" and "second" as used in the context of polyurethane monomer classes may refer to specific polyurethane monomer classes as defined above, defining the recyclable candidate component in the first determination step or the second determination step, respectively.

[0036] The first class of polyurethane monomers may include isocyanate monomers. At least one isocyanate monomer may be, for example, selected from the group consisting of aliphatic diisocyanates, alicyclic diisocyanates and aromatic diisocyanates. The term "aliphatic diisocyanate" may refer to a molecule with two isocyanate groups, which are attached to a non-cyclic saturated hydrocarbon group typically containing 4 to 18 carbon atoms. The term "alicyclic diisocyanate" may refer to a molecule with two isocyanate groups, which are attached to a saturated hydrocarbon group with at least one cyclic portion. Alicyclic diisocyanates may typically contain 6 to 18 carbon atoms. The term "aromatic diisocyanate" may refer to a molecule with two isocyanate groups, which are directly and / or indirectly attached to an aromatic ring. Aromatic diisocyanates may typically have 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Examples of aromatic diisocyanates include, but are not limited to, 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate, naphthylene-1,5-diisocyanate, 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, 2,4'-, 4,4'-, and 2,2'-biphenyl diisocyanate, 2,2'-, 2,4'-, and 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-phenylenediisocyanate and meta-tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), and mixtures thereof. Specifically, the first list of recyclable candidate components for the first type of polyurethane monomers may include at least one toluene diisocyanate isomer.

[0037] The second type of polyurethane monomers can include polyol monomers. Typical polyol monomers can have two or more hydroxyl groups. Suitable polyol monomers can be selected from the group consisting of polyester polyols (especially including aliphatic polyester polyols and aliphatic aromatic polyester polyols), polyester carbonate polyols, polyether ester polyols, aliphatic polycarbonate polyols, polyacrylate polyols, polyolefin polyols, aliphatic polyether alcohols and mixtures thereof. Specifically, the second list of recyclable candidate components for the second type of polyurethane monomers can include at least one polyol selected from the group consisting of: polyether polyols, polyester polyols. Suitable polyol monomers can, for example, have a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 to 10.000 g / mol, preferably 500 to 8.000 g / mol.

[0038] As outlined above, the method comprises step ii., at least a first decision step. The term "decision step" as used herein is a broad term and will be given its ordinary and conventional meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, the process of selecting an option from a plurality of options. The decision step may specifically include selecting an option selected from the group consisting of: requiring a further determination step; not requiring a further determination step. In the case where the decision step selects an option requiring further determination, the method may proceed to perform a subsequent determination step. Alternatively, in the case where the decision step selects an option requiring no further determination, the method may include outputting an information item indicating that the flexible foam is not recyclable. Decisive for the decision made in the decision step may be the result of the preceding determination step. For example, if the previous determination step determines that a particular recyclable candidate component is present in the flexible foam, the decision step may include selecting an option requiring a further determination step. Therefore, in this case, the method may proceed to perform a further determination step. As another example, if the previous determination step determines that a particular recyclable candidate component is not present in the flexible foam, the decision step may include selecting an option requiring no further determination step. In this case, the method may include outputting an information item indicating that the flexible foam is not recyclable. Furthermore, compared to the previous decision step, the last decision step of the method (e.g., the fourth determination step, as will be outlined in further detail below) may include selecting an option selected from the group consisting of: the flexible foam is recyclable; the flexible foam is not recyclable. The process of the decision step may also be referred to as "deciding".

[0039] The method as will be outlined in further detail below may specifically comprise a plurality of decision steps. The decision steps are numbered as "first decision step", "second decision step" and "third decision step". The numbering of the decision steps may specifically be intended to indicate the order in which the decision steps are to be performed. In particular, the first decision step may be performed before the second decision step, and the second decision step may be performed before the third decision step. However, the numbering of the decision steps may not exclude the possibility of performing the decision steps once or repeatedly. Similarly, the numbering of the decision steps may not exclude the possibility of performing further decision steps (such as a fourth decision step, etc.).

[0040] Step i., in particular the first determination step may comprise comparing the spectral data of the flexible foam with at least one first reference spectrum of at least one first flexible reference foam, the first flexible reference foam being at least partially made of at least one polyurethane and comprising at least one first compound of the first list of recyclable candidate components. The term "reference spectrum" as used herein is a broad term and will be given its ordinary and conventional meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, spectral data of a reference object. The reference object may specifically be a flexible reference foam. The reference spectrum may comprise a raw spectrum of the flexible reference foam, such as a spectrum directly obtained by measuring the flexible reference foam with a spectrometer device. Alternatively or additionally, the reference spectrum may comprise data retrieved from the raw spectrum of the flexible reference foam, such as a first derivative of the raw spectrum, a second derivative of the raw spectrum, a higher derivative of the raw spectrum and / or a processed spectrum (e.g. a filtered and / or smoothed spectrum of the flexible reference foam).

[0041] The method as will be outlined in further detail below may specifically include the use of a plurality of reference spectra. The reference spectra are numbered "first reference spectrum", "second reference spectrum", "third reference spectrum" and "fourth reference spectrum", wherein the numbering is intended to indicate the determination step in which the respective reference spectrum may be used. Thus, the first reference spectrum may be used in the first determination step, the second reference spectrum may be used in the second determination step, etc.

[0042] The term "flexible reference foam" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term specifically may refer to, but is not limited to, a flexible foam of a fully or partially known composition. In particular, the flexible reference foam may have a known compound composition and may therefore be suitable for use as a reference object. A first flexible reference foam may be used to obtain a first reference spectrum. Similarly, a second flexible reference foam may be used to obtain a second reference spectrum, a third flexible reference foam may be used to obtain a third reference spectrum, and a fourth flexible reference foam may be used to obtain a fourth reference spectrum, as will be further outlined in detail below.

[0043] Step i., specifically the first determination step may include applying at least one first trained model to spectral data. The term "trained model" as used herein is a broad term, and will be given its common and conventional meaning for ordinary technicians in the field, and is not limited to special or custom meanings. The term specifically may refer to, but is not limited to, a mathematical model for data interpretation (e.g., data classification), wherein the trained model can be trained on at least one training data set. In the trained model, one or more parameters can still be variable, and the setting of the parameters depends on the training process. The trained model can provide an environmental model, and the model can be adapted to react to stimuli from the environment in an appropriate manner, and is adapted to adjust the model according to the observed deviations, so that in subsequent operations, the model reacts to the stimuli in a more appropriate manner. The trained model can be trained on at least one training data set, and can be configured to predict at least one target variable for at least one input variable, so that, for example, the at least one input variable forms a stimulus, and the output target variable forms the response of the trained model. A plurality of trainable models are generally known to technicians in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning. However, for the purposes indicated herein, various trained models may be advantageous. Thus, in particular, the trained model may include at least one trained model selected from the group consisting of: principal component analysis model; regression model, specifically a partial least squares regression model; principal component regression model; lasso regression model; nearest neighbor model; artificial neural network, specifically an artificial neural network selected from the group consisting of deep neural network, convolutional neural network, recursive neural network, long short-term neural network; support vector machine model; decision tree classifier model; decision tree classifier, specifically at least one of a random forest classifier and an enhanced decision tree classifier. It should be noted that a combination of trained models is also feasible, such as a combination comprising at least one trained model selected from the list shown above. In addition, a hybrid model is also feasible.

[0044] As will be further outlined in detail below, the method may specifically include applying multiple trained models. The trained models are numbered as "first trained model", "second trained model", "third trained model" and "fourth trained model", where the numbering is intended to indicate the determination step in which the respective trained model may be applied. Thus, the first trained model is applied in the first determination step, the second trained model may be applied in the second determination step, etc. However, the numbering may not necessarily indicate different trained models. In particular, two or more or even all of the applied trained models may include the same trained model or alternatively different trained models.

[0045] The first trained model can be able to distinguish between: spectral data of a flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane that contains at least one first compound of a first list of recyclable candidate components and spectral data of a flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane that does not contain at least one first compound of the first list of recyclable candidate components.

[0046] The trained model can be trained using at least one set of spectral training data. The term "spectral training data" as used herein is a broad term and will be given its ordinary and conventional meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term specifically may refer to, but is not limited to, spectral data used or usable for training a trained model. The spectral training data may be known or predetermined. Specifically, the spectral training data may be or may include historical experimental data, such as data previously determined experimentally. Additionally or alternatively, the spectral training data may include theoretical data, such as data calculated according to theory, specifically simulated data. The spectral training data may be numbered according to its use for training the corresponding trained model.

[0047] The first trained model can be trained using at least one first set of spectral training data. The at least one first set of spectral training data can include spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane containing at least one first compound of the first list of recyclable candidate components and spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane not containing at least one first compound of the first list of recyclable candidate components.

[0048] If it is determined in the first determining step that the first compound of the first list of candidate components for recycling is not present in the flexible foam, the method may further include generating at least one information item indicating that the flexible foam is not recyclable. Alternatively, if it is determined that the first compound of the first list of candidate components for recycling is present in the flexible foam, the method may further include the following steps:

[0049] iii. Perform a second determination step.

[0050] Step iii. may comprise comparing the spectral data of the flexible foam with at least one second reference spectrum of at least one second flexible reference foam made at least partially of at least one polyurethane comprising at least one second compound of a second list of recyclable candidate components.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, step iii. may include applying at least one second trained model to the spectral data. The second trained model may be different from or the same as the first trained model. The second trained model may be able to distinguish between spectral data of a flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane comprising at least one second compound of the second list of recyclable candidate components and spectral data of a flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane not comprising at least one second compound of the second list of recyclable candidate components.

[0052] In particular, the determination of the second compound may include the use of a lower accuracy compared to the determination of the first compound. As an example, the accuracy may be determined experimentally, for example, by dividing the sum of the correct classifications of the corresponding trained model by the sum of all experiments or data sets. However, higher accuracy is usually achieved by higher computational workload or higher resource use. Therefore, the method as proposed herein may include a reduction in the accuracy from a determination step to a determination step, so as to reduce computational time and workload. More specifically, a ranking may be implied, wherein the importance of a monomer class is reduced from a determination step to a determination step according to a predetermined ranking (for example, according to the value of a recyclable chemical component). Therefore, the accuracy of an optional second determination step may be lower than the accuracy of the first determination step, the accuracy of an optional third determination step may be lower than the accuracy of an optional second determination step, and the accuracy of an optional fourth determination step may be lower than the accuracy of an optional third determination step. Thus, the computational workload may be reduced according to the predetermined ranking of the monomer class, for example, by reducing the value of the monomer class from a determination step to a determination step and by reducing the accuracy of the determination step from a determination step to a determination step.

[0053] The second trained model may be trained using at least one second set of spectral training data. The at least one second set of spectral training data may include spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane comprising at least one second compound of the second list of recyclable candidate components and spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane not comprising at least one second compound of the second list of recyclable candidate components.

[0054] The method may further comprise:

[0055] iv. at least one second decision step, comprising, after executing step iii., automatically deciding whether a third determination step is required based on the result of step iii., the third determination step comprising determining whether at least one flame retardant compound from a predetermined third candidate flame retardant component list is present in the flexible foam, the third candidate flame retardant component list including at least one flame retardant candidate component.

[0056] The term "flame retardant" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a compound configured to inhibit ignition of an object. In particular, a flame retardant may include a compound configured to inhibit ignition of a flexible foam such as a mattress or any other foam material such as upholstered furniture.

[0057] If it is determined in the second decision step that the second compound of the second list of candidate components for recycling is not present in the flexible foam, the method may further include generating at least one information item indicating that the flexible foam is not recyclable. Alternatively, if it is determined that the second compound of the second list of candidate components for recycling is present in the flexible foam, the method may further include the following steps:

[0058] v. Perform the third determination step.

[0059] The third candidate flame retardant component list may include at least one flame retardant component selected from the group consisting of melamine derivatives, phosphates, phosphoric acid derivatives, phosphonic acid derivatives, and phosphinic acid derivatives.

[0060] Step v. may specifically comprise comparing the spectral data of the flexible foam with at least one third reference spectrum of at least one third flexible reference foam comprising at least one candidate flame retardant component of a third list of candidate flame retardant components.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, step v. may include applying at least one third trained model to the spectral data. The third trained model may be different from or the same as the first trained model and / or the second trained model. The third trained model may be able to distinguish between spectral data of a flexible foam that includes at least one candidate flame retardant component of the third candidate flame retardant component list and spectral data of a flexible foam that does not include at least one candidate flame retardant component of the third candidate flame retardant component list. In particular, the determination of the flame retardant compound may include using a lower accuracy than the determination of the first compound and / or the second compound, as discussed above.

[0062] The third trained model may be trained using at least one third set of spectral training data. The at least one third set of spectral training data may include spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane including at least one candidate flame retardant component from the third list of candidate flame retardant components and spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane not including at least one candidate flame retardant component from the third list of candidate flame retardant components.

[0063] The method may further comprise:

[0064] vi. at least one third decision step, comprising, after executing step v., automatically deciding based on the result of step v. whether a fourth determination step is required, the fourth determination step comprising determining the content of at least one filler compound from a predetermined fourth candidate filler compound list in the flexible foam, the fourth candidate filler compound list including at least one candidate filler compound.

[0065] The term "filler compound" as used herein is a broad term and will be given its ordinary and conventional meaning for those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, an organic or inorganic filler material, such as, for example, a mineral filler or a polymer. Suitable polymers may be, for example, polymers prepared using one or more olefinic monomers such as acrylonitrile, styrene, (meth)acrylates, (meth)acrylic acid and / or acrylamide.

[0066] If it is determined in the third decision step that at least one flame retardant compound of the third candidate flame retardant component list is not present in the flexible foam, the method may include generating at least one information item indicating that the flexible foam is not recyclable. Alternatively, if it is determined that at least one flame retardant compound of the third candidate flame retardant component list is present in the flexible foam, the method may further include the following steps:

[0067] vii. Execute the fourth determination step.

[0068] The fourth list of candidate filler compounds may include at least one filler compound selected from the group consisting of polymers prepared using one or more olefinic monomers such as acrylonitrile, styrene, (meth)acrylates, (meth)acrylic acid, and / or acrylamide.

[0069] Step vii. may specifically comprise comparing the spectral data of the flexible foam with at least one fourth reference spectrum of at least one fourth flexible reference foam comprising at least one candidate filler compound of a fourth list of candidate filler compounds.

[0070] Additionally or alternatively, step vii. may include applying at least one fourth trained model to the spectral data. The fourth trained model may be different from or the same as the first trained model, the second trained model, and / or the third trained model. The fourth trained model may be able to distinguish between spectral data of a flexible foam containing at least one candidate filler compound from the fourth candidate filler compound list and spectral data of a flexible foam not containing at least one candidate filler compound from the fourth candidate filler compound list. In particular, the determination of the filler compound may include using a lower accuracy than the determination of the first compound, the second compound, and / or the flame retardant compound, as discussed above.

[0071] The fourth trained model can be trained using at least one fourth set of spectral training data. The at least one fourth set of spectral training data can include spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane including at least one candidate filler compound from the fourth candidate filler compound list and spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane not including at least one candidate filler compound from the fourth candidate filler compound list.

[0072] The content of at least one filler compound can be compared to at least the permissible level, wherein

[0073] - if the content exceeds the permissible level, the method may comprise generating at least one item of information indicating that the flexible foam is not recyclable; and

[0074] If the content does not exceed the permitted level, the method may comprise generating at least one item of information indicating that the flexible foam is recyclable.

[0075] In a further aspect of the invention, a computer program is disclosed, which comprises instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the processor to perform a method according to the invention (such as according to any of the embodiments disclosed above and / or according to any of the embodiments disclosed in further detail below) for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane.

[0076] In a further aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium, in particular a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, is disclosed, comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the processor to perform a method according to the present invention (such as according to any of the embodiments disclosed above and / or according to any of the embodiments disclosed in further detail below) for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane.

[0077] As used herein, the term "computer-readable storage medium" may specifically refer to a non-transitory data storage device, such as a hardware storage medium on which computer-executable instructions are stored. The computer-readable storage medium may specifically be or may include storage media such as a random access memory (RAM) and / or a read-only memory (ROM).

[0078] In a further aspect of the invention, a method for processing at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane is disclosed. For the definition and possible embodiments of the method, reference may be made to the definition and embodiments of the method for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane, as outlined in further detail above.

[0079] The method comprises at least the following steps, which, as an example, can be performed in a given order. However, it should be noted that different orders are also possible. In addition, one, more than one or even all of the method steps can also be performed once or repeatedly. In addition, two or more method steps can be performed simultaneously or in a timely overlapping manner. The method may include other method steps that are not listed.

[0080] The method includes:

[0081] I. obtaining spectral data of the flexible foam, specifically in the near infrared spectral range;

[0082] II. obtaining information about the recyclability of a flexible foam by using the spectral data and by using the method for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam at least partly made of at least one polyurethane according to the present invention, such as according to any of the embodiments disclosed above and / or according to any of the embodiments disclosed in further detail below; and

[0083] III. determining whether to recycle the flexible foam based on the information obtained in step III., and at least partially recycling the flexible foam if the information indicates recyclability of the flexible foam.

[0084] In a further aspect of the invention, a device for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane is disclosed. For the definition and possible embodiments of the device, reference may be made to the definition and embodiments of the method for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane, as outlined in further detail above.

[0085] The device includes at least one processor. As used herein, the term "processor" is a broad term, and will be given its common and conventional meaning for those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to special or custom meanings. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any logic circuit configured to perform the basic operations of a computer or system, and / or generally refers to a device configured to perform calculations or logical operations. In particular, the processor may be configured to process the basic instructions that drive the computer or system. As an example, the processor may include at least one arithmetic logic unit (ALU), at least one floating point unit (FPU) such as a mathematical coprocessor or a digital coprocessor, a plurality of registers, specifically configured to provide operands to the ALU and store operation results, and memories such as L1 and L2 cache memories. In particular, the processor may be a multi-core processor. In particular, the processor may be or may include a central processing unit (CPU). Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be or may include a microprocessor, so in particular, the elements of the processor may be contained in a single integrated circuit (IC) chip. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be or may include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and / or one or more tensor processing units (TPUs) and / or one or more chips, such as dedicated machine learning optimized chips, etc.

[0086] The processor is specifically configured by software programming to perform a method for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane according to the present invention (such as according to any of the embodiments disclosed above and / or according to any of the embodiments disclosed in further detail below).

[0087] In an additional aspect of the invention, a system for processing at least one flexible foam made at least in part from at least one polyurethane is disclosed.

[0088] The term "system" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any set of interacting or interdependent components that form a whole. Specifically, these components may interact with each other to achieve at least one common function. The system may include at least two components that may be manipulated independently of each other or may be coupled or connectable.

[0089] The system includes:

[0090] A. at least one retrieval device for retrieving spectral data of the flexible foam, in particular in the near infrared spectral range, in particular at least one spectrometer device;

[0091] B. at least one device according to the preceding claim; and

[0092] C. At least one recycling system for at least partially recycling the flexible foam.

[0093] The term "retrieval device" as used herein is a broad term and will be given its ordinary and conventional meaning for ordinary technicians in the field and is not limited to special or custom meanings. The term can specifically refer to, but is not limited to, an interface device configured to interact with at least one other device and / or at least one object. Specifically, the retrieval device may include a spectrometer device that is configured to optically interact with at least one object (such as at least one flexible foam) to generate spectral data. Alternatively or additionally, the retrieval device may include a data storage unit, such as a working memory or main memory of a computer or a computer network, wherein the data storage unit may be configured to store spectral data. Alternatively or additionally, the retrieval device may include at least one interface for receiving spectral data from at least one other device and / or for reading spectral data from a data storage unit. The interface may be specifically configured to provide the received spectral data to another device, such as a device for obtaining information about the recyclability of the flexible foam.

[0094] The term "recycling system" as used herein is a broad term and will be given its ordinary and conventional meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any system configured to perform at least one recycling process, specifically at least one physical recycling process, chemical recycling process, mechanical recycling process and / or raw material recycling process. Preferably, the recycling system may be configured to perform at least one chemical recycling process, specifically a chemical recycling process for recycling polyurethane.

[0095] The method and apparatus according to the present invention can provide a number of advantages over known methods and systems. In particular, the method and apparatus according to the present invention can allow obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam made at least in part of at least one polyurethane, and thus can accurately and reliably sort flexible foams containing polyurethane before a chemical recycling process. As an example, the compounds of a polyurethane mattress can be identified using spectral data (such as spectral data obtained by near infrared spectroscopy using a handheld spectrometer device). The handheld spectrometer device can be used on site, and thus recyclable flexible foams can be identified on site in a short time. Compared to known methods and devices, in particular compared to laboratory analysis of flexible foam components, the procedure can specifically reduce costs and increase production volume. A user of the handheld spectrometer device can cut open a flexible foam (such as a mattress cloth) and can measure the flexible foam with the handheld spectrometer device. The obtained spectral data (such as the spectrum of the flexible foam) can be automatically analyzed by at least one trained model, which is specifically trained on at least one set of spectral training data including spectral training data of flexible foams with known composition. The spectral data of the flexible foam may be analyzed in a step-by-step analysis specifically including one or more determination steps and one or more decision steps, and thus may be classified as recyclable or non-recyclable.

[0096] As used herein, the terms "having", "including" or "comprising" or any of their arbitrary grammatical variations are used in a non-exclusive manner. Therefore, these terms can refer to the situation where there are no further features in the entity described in this context in addition to the features introduced by these terms, and can also refer to the situation where one or more further features are present. As an example, the expressions "A has B", "A includes B" and "A contains B" can refer to the situation where there are no other elements in A besides B (that is, the situation where A only and solely consists of B), and can also refer to the situation where there are one or more further elements in entity A in addition to B (such as element C, elements C and D or even further elements).

[0097] In addition, it should be noted that the terms "at least one", "one or more", or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may appear once or more than once are typically used only once when introducing the corresponding feature or element. In most cases, when referring to the corresponding feature or element, the expression "at least one" or "one or more" is not repeated, although in fact the corresponding feature or element may appear once or more than once.

[0098] Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "preferably", "more preferably", "particularly", "more particularly", "specifically", "more specifically" or similar terms are used in conjunction with optional features without limiting the possibilities of alternatives. Therefore, the features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. As the skilled person will recognize, the present invention may be implemented through the use of alternative features. Similarly, the features introduced by "in an embodiment of the present invention" or similar expressions are intended to be optional features without any limitation on alternative embodiments of the present invention, without any limitation on the scope of the present invention, and without any limitation on the possibility of combining the features introduced in this manner with other optional or non-optional features of the present invention.

[0099] Summarizing and without excluding further possible embodiments, the following embodiments may be envisaged:

[0100] Embodiment 1: A computer-implemented method of obtaining information regarding the recyclability of at least one flexible foam made at least in part from at least one polyurethane, the method comprising:

[0101] i. at least one first determining step comprising automatically determining whether at least one first compound of a predetermined first list of recyclable candidate components for a first type of polyurethane monomer is present in the flexible foam by evaluating spectral data of the flexible foam, the first list of recyclable candidate components comprising at least one first recyclable candidate component; and

[0102] ii. at least one first decision step, which includes automatically deciding whether a second determination step is required based on the result of step i., the second determination step including determining whether at least one second compound of a predetermined second list of recyclable candidate components for a second type of polyurethane monomer is present in the flexible foam, specifically the second list is different from the first list, and the second list of recyclable candidate components includes at least one second recyclable candidate component.

[0103] Embodiment 2: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the first type of polyurethane monomer comprises an isocyanate monomer.

[0104] Embodiment 3: The method of the preceding embodiment, wherein the first list of candidate recyclable components for the first type of polyurethane monomers includes at least one toluene diisocyanate isomer.

[0105] Embodiment 4: A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein step i. comprises comparing the spectral data of the flexible foam with at least one first reference spectrum of at least one first flexible reference foam, the first flexible reference foam being at least partially made of at least one polyurethane and containing at least one first compound from a first list of recyclable candidate components.

[0106] Embodiment 5: A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein step i. includes applying at least one first trained model to spectral data, which first trained model is capable of distinguishing between: spectral data of a flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane containing at least one first compound from a first list of recyclable candidate components and spectral data of a flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane not containing at least one first compound from a first list of recyclable candidate components.

[0107] Embodiment 6: A method according to the previous embodiment, wherein the first trained model is trained by using at least one first set of spectral training data, the at least one first set of spectral training data including spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane containing at least one first compound of a first list of recyclable candidate components and spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane not containing at least one first compound of the first list of recyclable candidate components.

[0108] Embodiment 7: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein if it is determined in the first determination step that the first compound of the first list of candidate components for recycling is not present in the flexible foam, the method comprises generating at least one information item indicating that the flexible foam is not recyclable, or, if it is determined that the first compound of the first list of candidate components for recycling is present in the flexible foam, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0109] iii. Perform a second determination step.

[0110] Embodiment 8: The method of the preceding embodiment, wherein the second type of polyurethane monomer comprises a polyol monomer.

[0111] Embodiment 9: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the second list of recyclable candidate components for the second type of polyurethane monomers includes at least one polyol selected from the group consisting of: polyether polyol, polyester polyol.

[0112] Embodiment 10: A method according to any one of the first three embodiments, wherein step iii. includes comparing the spectral data of the flexible foam with at least one second reference spectrum of at least one second flexible reference foam, which second flexible reference foam is at least partially made of at least one polyurethane and contains at least one second compound from a second list of recyclable candidate components.

[0113] Embodiment 11: A method according to any of the first four embodiments, wherein step iii. includes applying at least one second trained model to the spectral data, which second trained model is capable of distinguishing between: spectral data of a flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane containing at least one second compound from a second list of recyclable candidate components and spectral data of a flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane not containing at least one second compound from a second list of recyclable candidate components.

[0114] Embodiment 12: A method according to the previous embodiment, wherein the second trained model is trained by using at least one second set of spectral training data, the at least one second set of spectral training data including spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane containing at least one second compound from a second list of recyclable candidate components and spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane not containing at least one second compound from a second list of recyclable candidate components.

[0115] Embodiment 13: The method according to any one of the preceding six embodiments, further comprising:

[0116] iv. at least one second decision step, comprising, after executing step iii., automatically deciding whether a third determination step is required based on the result of step iii., the third determination step comprising determining whether at least one flame retardant compound from a predetermined third candidate flame retardant component list is present in the flexible foam, the third candidate flame retardant component list including at least one flame retardant candidate component.

[0117] Embodiment 14: The method according to the previous embodiment, wherein if it is determined in the second decision step that the second compound of the second list of candidate components for recycling is not present in the flexible foam, the method comprises generating at least one information item indicating that the flexible foam is not recyclable, or, if it is determined that the second compound of the second list of candidate components for recycling is present in the flexible foam, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0118] v. Perform the third determination step.

[0119] Embodiment 15: The method of the preceding embodiment, wherein the third list of candidate flame retardant components includes at least one flame retardant component selected from the group consisting of melamine derivatives, phosphates, phosphoric acid derivatives, phosphonic acid derivatives, and phosphinic acid derivatives.

[0120] Embodiment 16: A method according to any of the first two embodiments, wherein step v. comprises comparing the spectral data of the flexible foam with at least one third reference spectrum of at least one third flexible reference foam, wherein the third flexible reference foam contains at least one candidate flame retardant component from a third list of candidate flame retardant components.

[0121] Embodiment 17: A method according to any one of the first three embodiments, wherein step v. includes applying at least one third trained model to the spectral data, and the third trained model is capable of distinguishing between: spectral data of a flexible foam containing at least one candidate flame retardant component from a third candidate flame retardant component list and spectral data of a flexible foam not containing at least one candidate flame retardant component from the third candidate flame retardant component list.

[0122] Embodiment 18: A method according to the previous embodiment, wherein a third trained model is trained by using at least one third set of spectral training data, the at least one third set of spectral training data including spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane containing at least one candidate flame retardant component from the third candidate flame retardant component list and spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane not containing at least one candidate flame retardant component from the third candidate flame retardant component list.

[0123] Embodiment 19: The method according to any one of the preceding five embodiments, further comprising:

[0124] vi. at least one third decision step, comprising, after executing step v., automatically deciding based on the result of step v. whether a fourth determination step is required, the fourth determination step comprising determining the content of at least one filler compound from a predetermined fourth candidate filler compound list in the flexible foam, the fourth candidate filler compound list including at least one candidate filler compound.

[0125] Embodiment 20: The method according to the previous embodiment, wherein if it is determined in the third decision step that at least one flame retardant compound of the third candidate flame retardant component list is not present in the flexible foam, the method comprises generating at least one information item indicating that the flexible foam is not recyclable, or, if it is determined that at least one flame retardant compound of the third candidate flame retardant component list is present in the flexible foam, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0126] vii. Execute the fourth determination step.

[0127] Embodiment 21: The method according to the previous embodiment, wherein the fourth list of candidate filler compounds includes at least one filler compound selected from the group consisting of: polymers prepared using one or more olefinic monomers such as acrylonitrile, styrene, (meth)acrylates, (meth)acrylic acid and / or acrylamide.

[0128] Embodiment 22: The method according to any of the two preceding embodiments, wherein step vii. comprises comparing the spectral data of the flexible foam with at least one fourth reference spectrum of at least one fourth flexible reference foam comprising at least one candidate filler compound of a fourth list of candidate filler compounds.

[0129] Embodiment 23: A method according to any one of the first three embodiments, wherein step vii. includes applying at least one fourth trained model to the spectral data, which fourth trained model is capable of distinguishing between: spectral data of flexible foam containing at least one candidate filler compound from the fourth candidate filler compound list and spectral data of flexible foam not containing at least one candidate filler compound from the fourth candidate filler compound list.

[0130] Embodiment 24: A method according to the previous embodiment, wherein the fourth trained model is trained by using at least one fourth set of spectral training data, the at least one fourth set of spectral training data including spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane containing at least one candidate filler compound from the fourth candidate filler compound list and spectral training data of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane not containing at least one candidate filler compound from the fourth candidate filler compound list.

[0131] Embodiment 25: The method of any of the five preceding embodiments, wherein the content of at least one filler compound is compared to at least a tolerance level, wherein:

[0132] - if the content exceeds the permissible level, the method comprises generating at least one item of information indicating that the flexible foam is not recyclable; and

[0133] If the content does not exceed the permitted level, the method comprises generating at least one item of information indicating that the flexible foam is recyclable.

[0134] Embodiment 26: A computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the processor to perform a method according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0135] Embodiment 27: A computer-readable storage medium, specifically a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the processor to perform a method according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments involving methods.

[0136] Embodiment 28: A method of treating at least one flexible foam made at least in part from at least one polyurethane, the method comprising:

[0137] I. obtaining spectral data of the flexible foam, specifically in the near infrared spectral range;

[0138] II. obtaining information on the recyclability of the flexible foam by using the spectral data and by using the method according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to methods on spectral data; and

[0139] III. determining whether to recycle the flexible foam based on the information obtained in step III., and at least partially recycling the flexible foam if the information indicates recyclability of the flexible foam.

[0140] Embodiment 29: A device for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam made at least partially of at least one polyurethane, the device comprising at least one processor, which processor is specifically configured through software programming to execute a method according to any of the aforementioned embodiments involving methods for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam made at least partially of at least one polyurethane.

[0141] Embodiment 30: A system for treating at least one flexible foam made at least in part from at least one polyurethane, the system comprising:

[0142] A. at least one retrieval device for retrieving spectral data of the flexible foam, in particular in the near infrared spectral range, in particular at least one spectrometer device;

[0143] B. at least one device according to the preceding embodiment; and

[0144] C. At least one recycling system for at least partially recycling the flexible foam. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0145] Other optional features and embodiments are preferably disclosed in more detail in the subsequent description of the embodiments in conjunction with the dependent claims. Wherein, as the skilled person will recognize, the corresponding optional features can be implemented in an independent manner and in any arbitrary feasible combination. The scope of the present invention is not limited by the preferred embodiments. The embodiments are schematically depicted in the accompanying drawings. Wherein, the same reference numerals in these drawings represent the same or functionally equivalent elements.

[0146] In the attached picture:

[0147] Figure 1 An embodiment of an apparatus for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane and a system for processing at least one flexible foam at least partially made of at least one polyurethane is shown in a schematic diagram;

[0148] Figure 2 A flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a computer-implemented method of obtaining information regarding the recyclability of at least one flexible foam made at least in part from at least one polyurethane;

[0149] Figure 3A and 3B exemplary spectral data are shown; and

[0150] Figure 4 A flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method of processing at least one flexible foam made at least in part from at least one polyurethane is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0151] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 110 for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam 112 at least partially made of at least one polyurethane and a system 114 for processing at least one flexible foam 112 at least partially made of at least one polyurethane is shown in a schematic diagram. Figure 1 In the example of , the flexible foam 112 can include at least one mattress 116. However, the flexible foam 112 can also include other foam materials, such as upholstered furniture, etc.

[0152] The system 114 comprises at least one retrieval device 118 for retrieving spectral data of the flexible foam 112. The retrieval device 118 may specifically comprise at least one spectrometer device 120, which is particularly used for retrieving spectral data in the near infrared spectral range. Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the retrieval device 118 may be configured to optically interact with the flexible foam 112 to generate spectral data.

[0153] The system 114 further comprises a device 110 for obtaining information about the recyclability of the flexible foam 112 at least partially made of at least one polyurethane. The retrieval device 118 and the device 110 can be configured to interact with each other, specifically for exchanging data or information with each other. Thus, the retrieval device 118 can be configured to provide the retrieved spectral data to the device 110. The retrieval device 118 and the device 110 can be completely or partially separated from each other, or alternatively, can also be completely or partially integrated with each other. The device 110 can also be implemented completely or partially as a cloud device.

[0154] The device 110 may include at least one processor 122. The processor 122 is specifically configured by software programming to execute the Figure 2 ) of a method for obtaining information about the recyclability of a flexible foam 112 at least partially made of at least one polyurethane. Therefore, for a description of the method, reference may be made to Figure 2 However, the processor 122 may also be configured to execute the method in any other embodiment disclosed herein.

[0155] The system 114 further comprises at least one recycling system 124 for at least partially recycling the flexible foam 112. The apparatus 110 and the recycling system 124 may be configured to interact with each other, in particular to exchange data or information with each other. Thus, the apparatus 110 may be configured to provide information about the recyclability of the flexible foam 112 to the recycling system 124. The recycling system 124 may be configured to perform at least one recycling process, in particular a chemical recycling process, based on the information about the recyclability of the flexible foam 112.

[0156] Figure 2 A flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a computer-implemented method of obtaining information about the recyclability of a flexible foam 112 made at least in part from at least one polyurethane is shown. The method includes:

[0157] i. (indicated by reference numeral 126) at least one first determination step, which includes automatically determining whether at least one first compound of a predetermined first list of recyclable candidate components for a first type of polyurethane monomer is present in the flexible foam 112 by evaluating spectral data of the flexible foam 112, the first list of recyclable candidate components including at least one first recyclable candidate component; and

[0158] ii. (indicated by reference numeral 128) at least one first decision step, which includes automatically deciding whether a second determination step is required based on the result of step i., the second determination step including determining whether at least one second compound of a predetermined second list of recyclable candidate components for a second type of polyurethane monomer is present in the flexible foam 112, specifically the second list is different from the first list, and the second list of recyclable candidate components includes at least one second recyclable candidate component.

[0159] The first type of polyurethane monomers may include isocyanate monomers. Specifically, the first list of recyclable candidate components for the first type of polyurethane monomers may include at least one toluene diisocyanate isomer.

[0160] As in Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, if it is determined in the first determination step that the first compound of the first list of recyclable candidate components is not present in the flexible foam 112, the method may further include generating at least one information item (denoted by reference numeral 130) indicating that the flexible foam 112 is not recyclable. Alternatively, if it is determined that the first compound of the first list of recyclable candidate components is present in the flexible foam 112, the method may further include the following steps:

[0161] iii. (Indicated by reference numeral 132) Perform a second determination step.

[0162] As outlined above, the second determination step includes determining whether at least one second compound of the predetermined second recyclable candidate component list for the second type of polyurethane monomer is present in the flexible foam 112. The second type of polyurethane monomer may include a polyol monomer. Specifically, the second recyclable candidate component list for the second type of polyurethane monomer may include at least one polyol selected from the group consisting of: polyether polyol, polyester polyol. For example, the second determination step may include determining whether at least one standard polyol monomer is present in the flexible foam 112.

[0163] After performing the second determining step, the method may further include:

[0164] iv. (indicated by reference numeral 134) at least one second decision step, which includes, after executing step iii., automatically deciding whether a third determination step is required based on the result of step iii., the third determination step including determining whether at least one flame retardant compound from a predetermined third candidate flame retardant component list is present in the flexible foam 112, the third candidate flame retardant component list including at least one flame retardant candidate component.

[0165] Therefore, if it is determined in the second decision step that the second compound of the second list of recyclable candidate components is not present in the flexible foam 112, the method may include generating at least one information item (represented by reference numeral 136) indicating that the flexible foam 112 is not recyclable. Alternatively, if it is determined that the second compound of the second list of recyclable candidate components is present in the flexible foam 112, the method may further include the following steps:

[0166] v. (Indicated by reference numeral 138) Perform a third determination step.

[0167] The third candidate flame retardant component list may specifically include at least one flame retardant component selected from the group consisting of melamine derivatives, phosphates, phosphoric acid derivatives, phosphonic acid derivatives, and phosphinic acid derivatives.

[0168] like Figure 2 As further shown in, after the third determining step, the method may further include:

[0169] vi. (indicated by reference numeral 140) at least one third decision step, comprising, after executing step v., automatically deciding based on the result of step v. whether a fourth determination step is required, the fourth determination step comprising determining the content of at least one filler compound from a predetermined fourth candidate filler compound list in the flexible foam 112, the fourth candidate filler compound list including at least one candidate filler compound.

[0170] Furthermore, if it is determined in the third decision step that at least one flame retardant compound of the third candidate flame retardant component list is not present in the flexible foam 112, the method may include generating at least one information item (represented by reference numeral 142) indicating that the flexible 112 foam is not recyclable. Alternatively, if it is determined that at least one flame retardant compound of the third candidate flame retardant component list is present in the flexible foam 112, the method may further include the following steps:

[0171] vii. (Indicated by reference numeral 144) Execute a fourth determination step.

[0172] The fourth list of candidate filler compounds may specifically include at least one filler compound selected from the group consisting of polymers prepared using one or more olefinic monomers such as acrylonitrile, styrene, (meth)acrylates, (meth)acrylic acid and / or acrylamide.

[0173] The content of the at least one filler compound may be compared to at least an allowable level (indicated by reference numeral 146). If the content exceeds the allowable level, the method may include generating at least one information item indicating that the flexible foam 112 is not recyclable (indicated by reference numeral 148). Alternatively, if the content does not exceed the allowable level, the method may include generating at least one information item indicating that the flexible foam 112 is recyclable (indicated by reference numeral 150).

[0174] exist Figure 3A and 3B , exemplary spectral data of the flexible foam 112 is shown. Specifically, Figure 3A Exemplary spectral data for a specific polyol monomer is shown for the flexible foam 112 . Figure 3B 1 shows exemplary spectral data for a specific isocyanate monomer of the flexible foam 112. The spectral data can be obtained using a spectrometer device 120, specifically, Figure 1 The spectrometer device 120 schematically shown in FIG. Figure 3A and 3B , the pre-processed absorbance 152 of the flexible foam 112 is shown as a function of wave number 154 (in 1 / cm). The pre-processing of the spectral data may specifically include one or more of filtering and / or smoothing the spectrum of the flexible foam 112. The spectral data may specifically include a spectrum 156 of the flexible foam 112, such as Figure 3A and 3B Additionally or alternatively, the spectral data of the flexible foam 112 may include a first derivative 158 ( Figure 3B ) and / or the second derivative of the spectrum 160 ( Figure 3A ).

[0175] Figure 3A Specifically, spectral data of the flexible foam 112 containing HR polyol monomers (indicated by reference numeral 162) and spectral data of the flexible foam 112 containing standard polyol monomers (indicated by reference numeral 164) are shown. The spectral data can be compared over the entire measured wavelength range of the spectral data. Figure 3A As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the spectral data of the flexible foam 112 shows significant optical differences in the wavenumber range of 5100 to 4600 1 / cm. By performing this method, these optical differences between the flexible foams 112 containing different polyol monomers can be detected. Figure 3A The spectral data shown in the figure can provide reference spectra, specifically a second reference spectrum of a second flexible reference foam containing HR polyol monomer (indicated by reference numeral 162) and a second reference spectrum of a second flexible reference foam containing standard polyol monomer (indicated by reference numeral 164), which can be used as a reference Figure 2 In step iii. of the described method, the spectral data of the flexible foam 112 are compared with at least one second reference spectrum of at least one second flexible reference foam, which is at least partially made of at least one polyurethane and contains at least one second compound from a second list of recyclable candidate components.

[0176] Figure 3B Specifically, spectral data for the flexible foam 112 containing toluene diisocyanate isomers (indicated by reference numeral 166) and spectral data for the flexible foam 112 containing methylene diphenyl diisocyanate isomers (indicated by reference numeral 168) are shown. The spectral data can be compared over the entire measured wavelength range of the spectral data. Figure 3B As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the spectral data of the flexible foam 112 shows significant optical differences in the wavenumber range of 4900 to 4500 1 / cm. By performing this method, these optical differences between the flexible foams 112 containing different isocyanate monomers can be detected. Figure 3B The spectral data shown in the figure can provide reference spectra, specifically a first reference spectrum of a first flexible reference foam containing toluene diisocyanate isomers (indicated by reference numeral 166) and a first reference spectrum of a first flexible reference foam containing methylene diphenyl diisocyanate isomers (indicated by reference numeral 168), which can be used as a reference to Figure 2 In step i. of the described method, the spectral data of the flexible foam 112 are compared with at least one first reference spectrum of at least one first flexible reference foam, which is at least partially made of at least one polyurethane and contains at least one first compound of a first list of recyclable candidate components.

[0177] Figure 4 A flow chart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method for processing at least one flexible foam 112 made at least partially of at least one polyurethane is shown. The method can be specifically performed by using a method as described with reference to Figure 1 The method may be performed by the system 114 described herein. The method may include at least the following steps, which may be performed in a given order as an example. However, it should be noted that different orders are also possible. In addition, one, more than one or even all of the method steps may also be performed once or repeatedly. In addition, two or more method steps may be performed simultaneously or in a timely overlapping manner. The method may include additional method steps that are not listed.

[0178] The method includes:

[0179] I. (denoted by reference numeral 170) obtaining spectral data of the flexible foam 112, specifically in the near infrared spectral range;

[0180] II. (denoted by reference numeral 172) by using the spectral data and by using the method according to the present invention (such as according to Figure 2 and / or according to any other embodiments disclosed herein) a method for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam 112 at least partially made of at least one polyurethane to obtain information about the recyclability of the flexible foam 112; and

[0181] III. (denoted by reference numeral 174 ) Based on the information obtained in step III., determining whether to recycle the flexible foam 112 , and if the information indicates recyclability of the flexible foam 112 , at least partially recycling the flexible foam 112 .

[0182] List of Reference Numerals

[0183] 110 Equipment for obtaining information on recyclability

[0184] 112 Flexible Foam

[0185] 114 System for treating at least one flexible foam

[0186] 116 Mattress

[0187] 118 Retrieval equipment

[0188] 120 Spectrometer equipment

[0189] 122 Processor

[0190] 124 Recirculation system

[0191] 126 First Determination Step

[0192] 128 First Decision Step

[0193] 130 Flexible foam is not recyclable

[0194] 132 Second Determination Step

[0195] 134 Second Decision Step

[0196] 136 Flexible foam is not recyclable

[0197] 138 Third Determination Step

[0198] 140 Third Decision Step

[0199] 142 Flexible foam is not recyclable

[0200] 144 Fourth Determination Step

[0201] 146 Filler compounds compared to at least permissible levels

[0202] 148 Flexible foam is not recyclable

[0203] 150 Flexible foam is recyclable

[0204] 152 Pre-treatment absorbance

[0205] 154 wave number

[0206] 156 Spectrum

[0207] 158 First derivative of spectrum

[0208] 160 Second derivative of spectrum

[0209] Spectral data of flexible foam containing HR polyol monomer

[0210] Spectral data of flexible foam containing standard polyol monomers

[0211] 166 Spectral data for flexible foam containing toluene diisocyanate isomers

[0212] 168 Spectral data of flexible foam containing isomers of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate

[0214] 170 Obtaining spectral data of flexible foam

[0215] 172 Obtain information on the recyclability of flexible foams

[0216] 174 Determine whether to recycle flexible foam

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method of obtaining recyclability information about at least one flexible foam (112), the flexible foam being made at least in part from at least one polyurethane, the method comprising: i. at least one first determining step comprising automatically determining whether at least one first compound of a predetermined first list of recyclable candidate components for a first type of polyurethane monomer is present in the flexible foam (112) by evaluating spectral data of the flexible foam (112), the first list of recyclable candidate components comprising at least one first recyclable candidate component; as well as ii. at least one first decision step, comprising automatically deciding whether a second determination step is required based on the result of step i., the second determination step comprising determining whether at least one second compound of a predetermined second list of recyclable candidate components for a second type of polyurethane monomer is present in the flexible foam (112), the second list of recyclable candidate components comprising at least one second recyclable candidate component; Wherein, if it is determined in the first determining step that the first compound of the first list of recyclable candidate components is not present in the flexible foam (112), the method comprises generating at least one information item indicating that the flexible foam (112) is not recyclable, or, if it is determined that the first compound of the first list of recyclable candidate components is present in the flexible foam (112), the method further comprises the following steps: iii. Perform the second determination step.

2. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: The first type of polyurethane monomers includes isocyanate monomers.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Step i. comprises comparing the spectral data of the flexible foam (112) with at least one first reference spectrum of at least one first flexible reference foam, the first flexible reference foam being at least partially made of at least one polyurethane and containing at least one first compound of the first list of recyclable candidate components.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second type of polyurethane monomers includes polyol monomers.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Step iii. comprises comparing the spectral data of the flexible foam (112) with at least one second reference spectrum of at least one second flexible reference foam, the second flexible reference foam being at least partially made of at least one polyurethane and containing at least one second compound of the second list of recyclable candidate components.

6. The method according to any one of the three preceding claims, further comprising: iv. at least one second decision step, comprising, after executing step iii., automatically deciding whether a third determination step is required based on the result of step iii., the third determination step comprising determining whether at least one flame retardant compound from a predetermined third candidate flame retardant component list is present in the flexible foam (112), the third candidate flame retardant component list including at least one flame retardant candidate component.

7. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: If it is determined in the second decision step that the second compound of the second list of candidate components for recycling is not present in the flexible foam (112), the method comprises generating at least one information item indicating that the flexible foam (112) is not recyclable, or, if it is determined that the second compound of the second list of candidate components for recycling is present in the flexible foam (112), the method further comprises the steps of: v. Execute the third determination step.

8. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: The third list of candidate flame retardant components includes at least one flame retardant component selected from the group consisting of melamine derivatives, phosphates, phosphoric acid derivatives, phosphonic acid derivatives, and phosphinic acid derivatives.

9. The method according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein: Step v. includes comparing the spectral data of the flexible foam (112) to at least one third reference spectrum of at least one third flexible reference foam, the third flexible reference foam comprising at least one candidate flame retardant component of the third list of candidate flame retardant components.

10. The method according to any one of the three preceding claims, further comprising: vi. at least one third decision step, comprising, after executing step v., automatically deciding based on the result of step v. whether a fourth determination step is required, the fourth determination step comprising determining the content of at least one filler compound from a predetermined fourth candidate filler compound list in the flexible foam (112), the fourth candidate filler compound list including at least one candidate filler compound.

11. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: If it is determined in the third decision step that at least one flame retardant compound of the third candidate flame retardant component list is not present in the flexible foam (112), the method comprises generating at least one information item indicating that the flexible foam (112) is not recyclable, or, if it is determined that at least one flame retardant compound of the third candidate flame retardant component list is present in the flexible foam (112), the method further comprises the steps of: vii. Execute the fourth determination step.

12. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: The fourth list of candidate filler compounds includes at least one filler compound selected from the group consisting of polymers prepared using one or more olefinic monomers such as acrylonitrile, styrene, (meth)acrylates, (meth)acrylic acid and / or acrylamide.

13. The method according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein: Step vii. comprises comparing the spectral data of the flexible foam (112) with at least one fourth reference spectrum of at least one fourth flexible reference foam comprising at least one candidate filler compound of the fourth list of candidate filler compounds.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor (122), cause the processor (122) to perform a method according to any one of the preceding method-related claims.

15. A method of treating at least one flexible foam (112), the flexible foam being at least partially made of at least one polyurethane, the method comprising: I. obtaining spectral data of the flexible foam (112); II. obtaining information about the recyclability of the flexible foam (112) by using the spectral data and by using a method according to any one of the preceding claims relating to a method regarding the spectral data; as well as III. Based on the information obtained in step III., determining whether to recycle the flexible foam (112), and if the information indicates recyclability of the flexible foam (112), at least partially recycling the flexible foam (112).

16. A device (110) for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam (112), which is at least partially made of at least one polyurethane, the device (110) comprising at least one processor (122), which processor (122) is configured to perform a method according to any of the preceding claims relating to a method for obtaining information about the recyclability of at least one flexible foam (112), which is at least partially made of at least one polyurethane.

17. A system (114) for treating at least one flexible foam (112) at least partially made of at least one polyurethane, the system (114) comprising: A. at least one retrieval device (118) for retrieving spectral data of the flexible foam (112); B. at least one device (110) according to the preceding claim; and C. At least one recirculation system (124) for at least partially recirculating the flexible foam (112).

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