Thermal decomposition reactor and carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device comprising same

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal decomposition reactor and a carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device comprising the same. The thermal decomposition reactor comprises an inner shell, a shaft, at least one moving module and at least one stirring module. The moving module enables the waste composite material to move in the inner shell, and the stirring module enables the waste composite material to be mixed with hot air in the inner shell. According to the invention, the heat is effectively transferred to the waste composite material through the stirring module, so that the time required by the thermal decomposition process can be shortened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal decomposition reactor and a recovery device for carbon fiber and glass fiber including the same. Background Art

[0002] Wind power generation refers to a power generation method in which the kinetic energy of wind is used to rotate blades and converted into mechanical energy and then the mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy. As an alternative to existing power generation methods that mainly use fossil fuels, its application is increasing.

[0003] A wind turbine has a plurality of blades installed on the rotating shaft of the generator. In order to generate more electrical energy, the blades are made long and wide. The larger the size of the blade, the greater the weight of the blade. However, for energy efficiency, the blades must be made light. In addition, since the blades continuously collide with the wind, the strength of the blades must also be increased to ensure durability. To solve such problems, carbon fiber reinforced plastic or glass fiber reinforced plastic is used as the material of the blades. Composite materials containing carbon fiber and glass fiber are not only light but also have high strength, and thus are applied to various fields such as the automotive field and the aviation field in addition to the blades.

[0004] However, after the blades of a wind turbine are damaged or their lifespan is exhausted, the treatment of waste blades becomes a problem. Generally, composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic or glass fiber reinforced plastic are difficult to reuse and are mostly landfilled in most cases. However, it is impossible to continuously landfill an increasing amount of composite waste, and the demand for treatment methods other than landfilling or reusable methods is continuously emerging.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a reactor and a recovery device that can effectively recover carbon fiber or glass fiber from exhausted waste blades. In addition, in addition to waste blades, it is necessary to develop devices and methods that can recover carbon fiber and glass fiber in waste composite materials discharged from the automotive industry, the aviation industry, etc.

[0006] Prior Art Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent No. 10-1810284 (Title: Method for Separating Carbon Fiber from Waste Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) Summary of the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a thermal decomposition reactor and a recovery device for carbon fiber and glass fiber that can recycle and reuse fibers in a short time by maximizing heat transfer efficiency.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pyrolysis reactor includes an inner shell, a shaft, at least one moving module, and at least one stirring module. The inner shell is formed in a cylindrical shape. The shaft is disposed at the radial center of the inner shell and can extend in the longitudinal direction of the inner shell. The moving module can be fixed to the shaft. The stirring module is fixed to the shaft and can be alternately arranged with the moving module.

[0010] The pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a heating furnace having a burner and accommodating the inner shell therein.

[0011] In the pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the moving module may include: a plurality of horizontal brackets having one end extending horizontally from the shaft, a plurality of vertical brackets having one end extending vertically from the shaft, and a spiral blade connecting the other ends of the horizontal brackets and the other ends of the vertical brackets and having a predetermined width.

[0012] In the pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the stirring module may include a plurality of stirring plates arranged on the shaft at equal angular intervals. The stirring plate may further include an n-shaped horizontal plate having one end fixed to the shaft and extending horizontally, and a rectangular vertical plate extending vertically on the horizontal plate.

[0013] The pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a charging portion disposed on one side of the heating furnace and connected to one end portion of the inner shell.

[0014] The pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a discharge portion disposed on the other side of the heating furnace and connected to the other end portion of the inner shell.

[0015] The pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention can supply combustion gas at 400 to 500 °C into the inner shell.

[0016] In the pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the separation distance between the inner wall of the inner shell and the spiral blade may be 4 to 10 mm.

[0017] In the pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the spacing between adjacent blades of the spiral blade may be 0.3 to 0.5 m.

[0018] In the pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the shaft may be 0.1 to 0.3 m.

[0019] A pyrolysis reactor according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an inner shell, a shaft, a moving module, and a stirring module. The inner shell is formed in a cylindrical shape. The shaft is disposed at the radial center of the inner shell and can extend in the longitudinal direction of the inner shell. The stirring module may include a plurality of stirring plates fixed to the shaft and extending in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. The moving module may be fixed to the stirring plate and expand in the longitudinal direction of the shaft.

[0020] In a pyrolysis reactor according to another embodiment of the present invention, the stirring plate may include an N-shaped horizontal plate having one end fixed to the shaft and extending in the horizontal direction, and a rectangular vertical plate extending in the vertical direction on the horizontal plate.

[0021] A carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a waste composite material supply unit, a reaction unit for heating the waste composite material supplied from the waste composite material supply unit, a heat supply unit for supplying heat to the reaction unit, a separation unit for separating the product of the reaction unit into a first substance and a second substance, and a separation unit having a first chamber for accommodating the first substance and a second chamber for accommodating the second substance. The reaction unit may include at least one pyrolysis reactor. The pyrolysis reactor includes an inner shell, a shaft, at least one moving module, and at least one stirring module. The inner shell is formed in a cylindrical shape. The shaft is disposed at the radial center of the inner shell and can extend in the longitudinal direction of the inner shell. The moving module may be fixed to the shaft. The stirring module is disposed on the shaft and may be alternately disposed with the moving module.

[0022] In a carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pyrolysis reactor may further include a heating furnace having a burner and accommodating the inner shell therein.

[0023] In a carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the moving module may include: a plurality of horizontal brackets extending in the horizontal direction from one end of the shaft, a plurality of vertical brackets extending in the vertical direction from one end of the shaft, and a spiral blade connecting the other ends of the horizontal brackets and the vertical brackets and having a predetermined width.

[0024] In a carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the stirring module may include a plurality of stirring plates disposed on the shaft at equal angular intervals. The stirring plate may further include: an N-shaped horizontal plate having one end fixed to the shaft and extending in the horizontal direction; and a rectangular vertical plate extending in the vertical direction on the horizontal plate.

[0025] A carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to an embodiment of the present invention can supply combustion gas at 400 to 500 °C into the inner shell.

[0026] In a carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the inner wall of the inner shell and the spiral blade may be 4 to 10 mm.

[0027] In a carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the distance between adjacent blades of the spiral blade may be 0.3 to 0.5 m.

[0028] In a carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the shaft may be 0.1 to 0.3 m.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by maximizing the heat transfer efficiency, fibers can be recycled and reused in a short time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 FIG. is a view showing a thermal decomposition reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 FIG. is a view showing a thermal decomposition reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 FIG. is a view showing a transverse section of a thermal decomposition reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 FIG. is a view showing a moving module in a thermal decomposition reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 FIG. is a view showing a stirring plate in a thermal decomposition reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 FIG. is a view showing a stirring module in a thermal decomposition reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 (a) and (b) of FIG. are views showing a thermal decomposition reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 FIG. is a view showing a moving module and a stirring module in a thermal decomposition reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 FIG. is a view schematically showing a carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 10 FIG. is a view showing two thermal decomposition reactors stacked according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention can be subjected to various transformations and can have various embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated below and will be described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include all transformations, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0041] The terms used in the present invention are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless clearly indicated otherwise in the context. It should be understood that terms such as "comprising / including" or "having" in the present invention are used to specify the existence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features or numbers, steps, actions, components, accessories, or combinations thereof in advance.

[0042] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. At this time, it should be noted that the same components in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible. In addition, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations that may affect the gist of the present invention are omitted. For the same reason, some components in the drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or shown roughly.

[0043] Figure 1 is a view showing a thermal decomposition reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a view showing a thermal decomposition reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a view showing a transverse cross-section of a thermal decomposition reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the thermal decomposition reactor 1000 according to the present invention includes an inner shell 1100, a shaft 1200, a moving module 1300, a stirring module 1400, a heating furnace 1500, a charging unit 1600, and a discharging unit 1700.

[0045] The inner shell 1100 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The waste composite material is thermally decomposed inside the inner shell 1100. When the waste composite material is thermally decomposed, in order to maintain a reducing atmosphere, combustion gas is injected into the inner shell 1100 and combustion gas is discharged from the inner shell 1100. Combustion gas at 400 to 500 °C can be injected into the inner shell 1100.

[0046] The interior of the inner shell 1100 can maintain a reducing atmosphere. To maintain the reducing atmosphere, the gas discharged from the inner shell 1100 can be recycled back into the inner shell. The discharged gas is composed of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc. One or more oxygen measurement sensors can be arranged inside the inner shell 1100. By continuously measuring the oxygen concentration inside the inner shell 1100, the oxygen concentration inside the inner shell 1100 is controlled to be less than 10%.

[0047] The inner shell 1100 has a length capable of ensuring the residence time of the waste composite material. The residence time can be 2 hours or more. In addition, air with an oxygen concentration of 10% or less is injected into the inner shell 1100, which can prevent the blockage of the waste composite material and enable the waste composite material to be fully mixed with the air.

[0048] The shaft 1200 is arranged along the length direction of the inner shell 1100 at the center of the inner shell 1100. The shaft 1200 can extend to the outside of the inner shell 1100 and is rotated by a driving part (not shown). While rotating the shaft 1200, high-temperature gas flows in the inner shell 1200, which can prevent the blockage of the waste composite material. The high-temperature gas can be the discharged gas, and the oxygen ratio can be 10% or less.

[0049] The diameter of the shaft 1200 can be 0.1 - 0.3 m. The diameter of the shaft 1200 can be set larger as the diameter of the inner shell 1200 becomes larger. The larger the diameter of the shaft 1200 becomes, the smaller the heat transfer area inside the inner shell 1100 becomes, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency to the waste composite material. Therefore, the present invention can improve the heat transfer efficiency while maintaining a large diameter of the inner shell 1200.

[0050] On the other hand, the shaft 1200 is in the shape of a pipe, and high-temperature gas can flow in the internal space of the shaft 1200. The shaft 1200 can be made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity. More heat can be transferred to the waste composite material through the shaft 1200.

[0051] The moving module 1300 moves the waste composite material inside the inner shell 1100. As Figure 2 shown, in the moving module 1300, the spiral blades are fixed to the shaft 1200 through brackets.

[0052] The stirring module 1400 mixes the waste composite material with hot air inside the inner shell 1100. The stirring plates of the stirring module 1400 effectively transfer heat to the waste composite material.

[0053] As Figure 3As shown, since the waste composite material is located below the inner shell 1100, it is difficult for the inside of the inner shell 1100 to be uniformly heated. However, the moving module 1300 and the stirring module 1400 can effectively transfer heat to the waste composite material during the process of moving and mixing the waste composite material. At least one moving module 1300 and at least one stirring module 1400 can be alternately arranged. In Figure 2 the illustrated embodiment, three moving modules 1300 and two stirring modules 1400 are alternately arranged, but it is not limited thereto, and moving modules 1300 and stirring modules 1400 with various lengths and numbers can be alternately arranged.

[0054] The length of the stirring module 1400 can be adjusted to adjust the residence time of the waste composite material. The length of the stirring module 1400 is designed in consideration of the residence time during the thermal decomposition reaction, and the residence time is determined by the entire length of the inner shell 1100, the length of the stirring module 1400, and the rotation speed of the shaft 1200. The materials of the shaft 1200, the moving module 1300, and the stirring module 1400 can be metals with high thermal conductivity. The larger the radius of the shaft 1200, the smaller the radial width of the stirring plate in the stirring module 1400. Therefore, the area of the stirring plate receiving heat transfer becomes smaller, and the stirring plate receives more heat per unit area, so that the high-temperature heat can be effectively transferred to the waste composite material. The moving module 1300 and the stirring module 1400 will be described in detail below.

[0055] The heating furnace 1500 supplies heat to the waste composite material. High-temperature gas flows into the heating furnace 1500. The heating furnace 1500 indirectly heats the waste composite material using the high-temperature gas.

[0056] The high-temperature gas can be generated by a burner (not shown) disposed outside the heating furnace 1500. The burner burns the pyrolysis gas and LNG to generate combustion gas. The generated high-temperature combustion gas is supplied into the outer shell 1100. The temperature of the combustion gas can be 400 to 500 °C.

[0057] The input unit 1600 transfers the crushed waste composite material to the inner shell 1100. The input unit 1600 is disposed on one side of the heating furnace 1500. The input unit 1600 is connected to one end of the inner shell 1100.

[0058] The input unit 1600 includes a hopper 1610, a first valve 1620, a second valve 1630, a gas inlet 1640, and a gas outlet 1650. The upper end of the hopper 1610 is open, and the waste composite material is supplied through the upper end of the hopper 1610. In order to facilitate the reception of the waste composite material, the hopper 1600 may have a frustum shape with a large upper diameter and a decreasing diameter towards the lower part. A tubular passage extends downward from the hopper 1600.

[0059] In order to thermally decompose waste composite materials, the air composition inside the inner shell 1100 needs to be maintained fixed. However, when the input section 1600 is opened to supply waste composite materials, outside air will flow in together, resulting in a change in the gas composition inside the inner shell 1100. To prevent this, the input section 1600 is provided with a first valve 1620 and a second valve 1630. The first valve 1620 is provided on the upstream side of the passage, and the second valve 1630 is provided on the downstream side of the passage.

[0060] The first valve 1620 and the second valve 1630 are controlled to be opened sequentially rather than simultaneously. The first valve 1620 and the second valve 1630 can be opened in a sliding manner, and the degree of opening can be adjusted according to the amount of waste composite materials to be input. In this embodiment, the input section 1600 forms a double structure through the first and second valves 1620 and 1630, but it is not limited thereto. The input section side can also be provided with more than three valves. Each valve can move within a specified range. As the multiple valves are opened respectively, the desired amount of crushed waste composite materials can be input into the inner shell 1100. In addition, the waste composite materials can be continuously input into the inner shell 1100 through this double valve, and the inflow of oxygen can be minimized during input.

[0061] The first valve 1620 can be opened in a state where the second valve 1630 is closed. After opening the first valve 1620 and inputting a specified amount of crushed waste composite materials, when the first valve 1620 is closed and the input section 1600 is sealed, the second valve 1630 is opened. While the second valve 1630 is opened, flue gas can be injected through the gas inlet 1640. Flue gas is supplied to the passage of the input section 1600 during the opening of the second valve 1630, and when the second valve 1630 is closed again, the flue gas is discharged through the gas outlet 1650. Through the opening of the second valve 1630, the waste composite materials are input into the inner shell 1100. To facilitate the introduction of the waste composite materials into the inner shell 1100, the passage of the input section 1600 can have an inclined surface that slopes towards the inner shell 1100. Through the double valve and flue gas supply, the inflow of oxygen into the inner shell 1100 can be minimized.

[0062] The thermally decomposed carbon fiber, glass fiber, and charred materials are discharged through the discharge section 1700. The discharge section 1700 is arranged on the other side of the heating furnace 1500. The discharge section 1700 is connected to the downstream end of the inner shell 1100.

[0063] The pyrolysis reaction products discharged from the discharge unit 1700 can move to a reactant recovery unit (not shown). The reactant recovery unit accommodates the pyrolyzed reactants. The reactant recovery unit is connected to the discharge unit 1700. The reactant recovery unit can be inclined on the side adjacent to the discharge unit 1700 so that the pyrolysis products discharged from the discharge unit 1700 do not collide violently with the bottom surface of the reactant recovery unit.

[0064] To prevent damage to the recycled fibers caused by a sharp temperature drop, the reactant recovery unit can have a flue gas atmosphere of 100 °C or higher. Carbon fibers, glass fibers, and char are collected in the reactant recovery unit.

[0065] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a moving module in a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a stirring plate in a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a stirring module in a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] The moving module 1300 and the stirring module 1400 will be described in more detail.

[0067] As Figure 4 shown, the moving module 1300 includes a spiral blade 1310, a horizontal bracket 1320, and a vertical bracket 1330. The spiral blade 1310 is arranged to be separated from the shaft 1200. The spiral blade 1310 is supported by a plurality of horizontal brackets 1320 and vertical brackets 1330.

[0068] One end of the plurality of horizontal brackets 1320 is fixed to the shaft 1200 and extends in the horizontal direction. The other end of the plurality of horizontal brackets 1320 is fixed to the spiral blade 1310 and supports the spiral blade 1310 in the horizontal direction. One end of the plurality of vertical brackets 1330 is fixed to the shaft 1200 and extends in the vertical direction. The other end of the plurality of vertical brackets 1330 is fixed to the spiral blade 1310 and supports the spiral blade 1310 in the vertical direction.

[0069] The width of the spiral blade 1310 can be adjusted according to the design specifications. For example, the width of the spiral blade 1310 can be 10 to 15 cm. The spacing between adjacent spiral blades 1310 can be set differently according to the target residence time. For example, the spacing between the spiral blades can be 0.3 to 0.5 m. The material of the spiral blade 1310 can be a metal with high thermal conductivity.

[0070] The spacing between the spiral blades 1310 and the rotational speed of the shaft 1200 can be adjusted to adjust the residence speed of the waste composite material and the state of the reactants.

[0071] The inner wall surface of the spiral blade 1310 and the inner shell 1100 can be separated by 4 - 10 mm. By separating the spiral blade 1310 from the inner wall surface of the inner shell 1100, the durability of the spiral blade 1310 can be ensured, and at the same time, the composite material 2000 located at the bottom surface of the inner shell 1100 can be effectively moved.

[0072] The spiral blade 1310 of the moving module 1300 rotates by the rotation of the shaft 1200, thereby moving the waste composite material. The residence time of the waste composite material 2000 in the inner shell can be adjusted by adjusting the rotation speed of the shaft 1200. Since the spiral blade 1310 is supported by the horizontal bracket 1320 and the vertical bracket 1330, the waste composite material 2000 can be prevented from being clamped or fixed in the space between the spiral blade 1310 and the shaft 1200. Thereby, the durability of the moving module 1300 can be improved.

[0073] The stirring module 1400 includes a plurality of stirring plates 1410. The plurality of stirring plates 1410 are arranged on the shaft 1200 at equal angular intervals. There may be 2 - 4 stirring plates 1410 arranged on the shaft 1200.

[0074] The stirring plate 1410 includes a horizontal plate 1411 and a vertical plate 1412.

[0075] The horizontal plate 1411 has an n - shaped configuration. The horizontal plate 1411 can enable the waste composite material to contact the plate surface for heat transfer. The horizontal plate 1411 can fix the base 1411b to the shaft and expand in the horizontal direction. The other end of the base 1411b is connected to the planar portion 1411a. The planar portion 1411a has a long side extending in the length direction of the shaft 1200 and a short side extending in the radial direction of the inner shell 1200. The length of the short side, that is, the width S of the planar portion 1411a, can be determined according to the specifications of the thermal decomposition reactor.

[0076] The degree of heat transfer applied to the waste composite material 2000 varies according to the width S of the planar portion 1411a. When the width S of the planar portion 1411a is large, more waste composite material contacts the stirring plate 1410 when the stirring plate 1410 rotates. When the size of the waste composite material 2000 to be thermally decomposed is large or the amount of the waste composite material 2000 is large, the width S of the planar portion 1411a can be increased so that a larger area of the waste composite material 2000 contacts the stirring plate 1410, or more broken pieces of the waste composite material 2000 contact the stirring plate 1410.

[0077] Prevent the waste composite material 2000 from falling into the space between the base 1411b and the flat part 1411a and being clamped or fixed to the stirring plate 1410. In addition, not only can heat be better transferred to the waste composite material 2000, but also the waste composite material 2000 can be better mixed with the high-temperature air during the process of falling from the stirring plate 1410 to the bottom surface of the inner shell 1100. Thus, the heat transfer efficiency to the waste composite material can be maximized. In order to more firmly fix the horizontal plate 1411 to the shaft 1200, a connecting part can also be provided between the flat part 1411a and the shaft 1200.

[0078] The vertical plate 1412 is arranged on the horizontal plate 1411 along a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plate 1411. The vertical plate 1412 is rectangular, having a long side extending in the length direction of the shaft 1200 and a short side extending in the radial direction of the inner shell. The vertical plate 1412 can enable the waste composite material to contact the plate surface for heat transfer. In addition, the waste composite material 2000 lifted by the horizontal plate 1411 does not fall immediately, but contacts the horizontal plate 1411 and the vertical plate 1412 for a longer time, so that the heat transfer efficiency can be further improved. The material of the stirring plate 1410 can be a metal with high thermal conductivity.

[0079] At least one moving module 1300 and at least one stirring module 1400 can be alternately arranged.

[0080] Figure 7 Figures (a) and (b) are diagrams showing a thermal decomposition reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a moving module and a stirring module in a thermal decomposition reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] In another embodiment, the moving module 1300 and the stirring module 1400 can be arranged to continuously extend along the length direction of the shaft and overlap each other within the inner shell 1100.

[0082] As Figure 7 shown in Figures (a) and (b) and Figure 8 shown, the stirring module 1400 can be fixed on the shaft and extend in the length direction of the shaft. The stirring module 1400 includes a plurality of stirring plates 1410'. The plurality of stirring plates 1410' are arranged on the shaft 1200 at equal angular intervals. The stirring plates 1410' can be arranged 2 to 4 on the shaft 1200. The plurality of stirring plates 1410' extend along the length direction of the shaft 1200.

[0083] The stirring plate 1410' includes a horizontal plate 1411 and a vertical plate 1412.

[0084] The horizontal plate 1411 has an N shape. The horizontal plate 1411 can bring the waste composite material into contact with the plate surface for heat transfer. The width S of the horizontal plate 1411 can be determined according to the specifications of the thermal decomposition reactor.

[0085] The degree of heat transfer applied to the waste composite material 2000 varies according to the width S of the horizontal plate 1411. When the width S of the horizontal plate 1411 is large, a larger amount of the waste composite material comes into contact with the stirring plate 1410' when the stirring plate 1410' rotates. When the size of the waste composite material 2000 to be thermally decomposed is large or the amount of the waste composite material 2000 is large, the width S of the horizontal plate 1411 can be increased, so that a larger area of the waste composite material 2000 comes into contact with the stirring plate 1410' or more broken pieces of the waste composite material 2000 come into contact with the stirring plate 1410'.

[0086] In order to fix the horizontal plate 1411 more firmly to the shaft 1200, a plurality of connecting parts can also be provided. Prevent the waste composite material 2000 from falling into the space between the horizontal plate 1411 and the shaft 1200 and being clamped or fixed to the stirring plate 1410'. In addition, not only can heat be better transferred to the waste composite material 2000, but also the waste composite material 2000 can be better mixed with the high-temperature air during the process of falling from the stirring plate 1410' to the bottom surface of the inner shell 1100. Thereby, the heat transfer efficiency to the waste composite material can be maximized.

[0087] The vertical plate 1412 is arranged on the horizontal plate 1411 in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plate 1411. The vertical plate 1412 is rectangular and has a long side extending in the length direction of the shaft 1200 and a short side extending in the radial direction of the inner shell. The vertical plate 1412 can bring the waste composite material into contact with the plate surface for heat transfer. In addition, it restricts the fall of the waste composite material 2000 lifted by the horizontal plate 1411, so that the waste composite material does not fall immediately but contacts the horizontal plate 1411 and the vertical plate 1412 for a longer time, thereby further improving the heat transfer efficiency. The material of the stirring plate 1410' can be a metal with high thermal conductivity.

[0088] The moving module 1300 is fixed to one side of the stirring plate 1410' and extends in the length direction of the shaft 1200. The moving module 1300 is provided with a spiral blade 1310'. The spiral blade 1310' is arranged to be separated from the shaft 1200. The spiral blade 1310' is supported by being inserted into the horizontal plate 1411 of a plurality of stirring plates 1410'. For more firm support of the spiral blade 1310', the moving module 1300 can also be provided with a plurality of brackets. One end of the plurality of brackets can be fixed to the shaft 1200 and extend in the radial direction to fix the spiral blade 1310'.

[0089] The width of the spiral blade 1310' can be adjusted according to the design specifications. For example, the width of the spiral blade 1310' can be 10 to 15 cm. The spacing between adjacent spiral blades 1310' can be set differently according to the target residence time. For example, the spacing between the spiral blades can be 0.3 to 0.5 m. The material of the spiral blade 1310' can be a metal with high thermal conductivity.

[0090] The spacing between the spiral blades 1310' and the rotation speed of the shaft 1200 can be adjusted to adjust the residence speed of the waste composite material and the state of the reactants.

[0091] The spiral blade 1310' and the inner wall surface of the inner shell 1100 can be separated by 4 to 10 mm. By separating the spiral blade 1310' from the inner wall surface of the inner shell 1100, the durability of the spiral blade 1310' can be ensured, and at the same time, the waste composite material 2000 located on the bottom surface of the inner shell 1100 can be effectively moved.

[0092] The spiral blade 1310' of the moving module 1300 rotates by the rotation of the shaft 1200, thereby moving the waste composite material. The rotation speed of the shaft 1200 can be adjusted to adjust the residence time of the waste composite material 2000 in the inner shell 1100. The spiral blade 1310' is separated from the shaft 1200 and supported by the horizontal plate 1411 of the stirring plate 1410', so that the waste composite material 2000 can be prevented from being clamped or fixed in the space between the spiral blade 1310' and the stirring plate 1410' and the shaft 1200. Therefore, the durability of the moving module 1300 can be improved.

[0093] Figure 9 FIG. is a diagram schematically showing a carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 FIG. is a diagram showing that two thermal decomposition reactors are stacked according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] As Figure 9 shown, the carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling apparatus 3000 includes a waste composite material supply unit 3100, a reaction unit 3200, a heat supply unit 3300, a modification unit 3400, and a separation unit 3500.

[0095] The waste composite material supply unit 3100 supplies the waste composite material to the reaction unit 3200. The waste composite material supply unit 3100 can pre-treat the waste composite material into a state suitable for thermal decomposition and then supply it to the reaction unit 3200.

[0096] The waste composite material supply unit 3100 includes a crushing module, a conveying module, a storage module, and a feeding module. The crushing module crushes the recycled waste composite material into a specified size and moves it to the storage module through the conveying module. The crushing module can crush the waste composite material cut to a specified length into a thickness of less than 20 mm. On the other hand, the crushing module can adjust the crushing size of the cut waste composite material. The crushing size of the waste composite material can be adjusted according to the target state of the waste composite material and the final product. When long fibers can be recycled, the crushing size of the waste pieces can be increased.

[0097] In the recycling process, a conveyor can be used to transport the waste composite material to each unit and each module. Multiple conveyors can be arranged continuously or side by side according to the movement path of the waste composite material. The waste composite material can be screened during transportation.

[0098] In order to reduce the generation of water vapor during the thermal decomposition of the waste composite material, hot air can be supplied to the storage module to dry the stored waste composite material.

[0099] The feeding module feeds the waste composite material into the thermal decomposition reactor 1000 of the reaction unit 3200. In order to feed the crushed waste composite material, a single-screw feeder can be used. The feeding module can feed the waste composite material into the feeding part 1300 of the thermal decomposition reactor 1000 once or continuously.

[0100] On the other hand, it is necessary to reduce the temperature of the waste composite material placed in the feeding module 1140. Cooling jackets can be arranged on the bottom surface and side surface of the feeding module 1140 to cool the waste composite material. The thermal decomposition reactor connected to the lower part of the feeding part is in a high-temperature state due to the high-temperature gas flowing inside. By arranging cooling jackets on the bottom surface and side surface of the feeding module 1140, the heat released from the thermal decomposition reactor can be prevented from being transferred to the feeding module 1140, resulting in a fire of the waste blades located in the feeding module 1140 before being fed into the thermal decomposition reactor. The cooling jackets can receive cold water from the cooling tower of the modification unit to reduce the temperature of the fed waste composite material.

[0101] The reaction unit 3200 receives the waste composite material from the waste composite material supply unit 3100 and performs thermal decomposition. The reaction unit 3200 includes at least one thermal decomposition reactor 1000. The thermal decomposition reactor 1000 can include an inner shell 1100, a shaft 1200, a moving module 1300, a stirring module 1400, a heating furnace 1500, a feeding part 1600, and a discharging part 1700.

[0102] The thermal decomposition reactor 1000 has been described above, so the description is omitted.

[0103] The waste composite materials fed into the pyrolysis reactor 1000 are pyrolyzed in the pyrolysis reactor 1000. The pyrolysis step can go through a first pyrolysis step and a second pyrolysis step. Through the first pyrolysis, resins such as epoxy resin and wood contained in the waste composite materials are gasified. Through the second pyrolysis, the resins and charred substances of the residual carbon fiber and glass fiber blocks are decomposed. During the first and second pyrolysis, the internal temperature of the pyrolysis reactor 1000 can be 400 - 600 °C.

[0104] The first pyrolysis and the second pyrolysis can be carried out by the pyrolysis reactor 1000. Considering the residence time of the waste composite materials in the reactor, the size of the fed waste composite materials, etc., two or more pyrolysis reactors can be connected and used. For example, the reaction unit 3200 can include a first pyrolysis reactor 1000 and a second pyrolysis reactor 1000'. Or, in order to ensure the residence time during the first pyrolysis, the reaction unit 3200 can also include two first pyrolysis reactors 1000 and a second pyrolysis reactor 1000'.

[0105] The first pyrolysis reactor 1000 for the first pyrolysis and the second pyrolysis reactor 1000' for the second pyrolysis can be connected horizontally or vertically. As Figure 10 shown, when multiple pyrolysis reactors are connected vertically, the advantage is that the size of the entire equipment can be reduced and the degree of freedom in design can be improved.

[0106] The oxygen concentration in the first pyrolysis reactor 1000 during the first pyrolysis should be maintained below 10%. A sensor can be arranged inside the first pyrolysis reactor 1000 to continuously measure the oxygen concentration. In another embodiment, a sensor can also be arranged in the discharge line to measure the oxygen concentration in the discharged gas.

[0107] The residence time of the crushed waste composite materials in the first pyrolysis reactor 1000 during the first pyrolysis can be 9 hours or less. If the residence time is 9 hours or more, the reactants may be over-carbonized. The temperature inside the first pyrolysis reactor 1000 can be 400 - 500 °C.

[0108] After the first pyrolysis, in the pyrolysis reactor 1000, resins such as epoxy resin and wood contained in the waste composite materials are gasified, leaving carbon fiber and glass fiber blocks as products. At this time, the resins that have not been gasified in time are carbonized (charred substances, char) and remain on the surface of the carbon fiber and glass fiber.

[0109] As products of the first thermal decomposition process, in addition to gases and char, an oil mist is also generated. The oil mist is cooled during the process of passing through the modification unit 1400, so that part of it can be extracted as gas and part of it can be extracted as oil. The oil mist can be cooled by water. The gas generated from the oil mist can have a calorific value and can flow to the gas tank of the heat supply unit 1300 to be used as an indirect heat source for the second thermal decomposition.

[0110] The second thermal decomposition can be carried out in the second thermal decomposition reactor 1000'. The second thermal decomposition is a combustion reaction. The carbon fiber and glass fiber blocks with part of the char removed are moved to the second thermal decomposition reactor 1000'. In this step, the carbon fiber and glass fiber may be contaminated with char between the fibers. During the second thermal decomposition process, the combustion gas containing about 10% oxygen causes the remaining epoxy resin and char to burn. Through the second thermal decomposition process, i.e., the combustion process, the remaining epoxy resin and char are removed, leaving only carbon fiber and glass fiber.

[0111] The heat source for the second thermal decomposition can be combustion gas. The temperature of the combustion gas injected into the second thermal decomposition reactor 1000' can be 500 - 600 °C, preferably 500 °C. The oxygen concentration in the combustion gas can be about 10%. Through the combustion reaction in the second thermal decomposition reactor 1000', the resin and char remaining on the carbon fiber and glass fiber blocks are decomposed.

[0112] The residence time of the carbon fiber and glass fiber blocks in the second thermal decomposition reactor 1000' can be 3 hours or less. At this time, if the oxygen concentration in the second thermal decomposition reactor 1000' is high, oxidation of the heating object may occur, so the oxygen concentration is maintained below 10%.

[0113] After the second thermal decomposition, high-purity carbon fiber and glass fiber are left.

[0114] The heat supply unit 3300 can include a burner, a heat exchanger, a blower, a scrubber, and a chimney. The heat energy required for the thermal decomposition reaction can be supplied by the burner. The burner can supply combustion gas to the external shell in an indirect heating form. The burner can use thermal decomposition gas and LNG as fuel. The blower injects external air into the heat exchanger to make the external air undergo heat exchange. The external air is heated by the heat exchanger and supplied to the storage module.

[0115] The scrubber treats waste gas. As the scrubber, a dust collection device using an aqueous NaOH solution can be used. In this embodiment, although a clean dust collection device using an aqueous NaOH solution is used, it is not limited thereto, and scrubbers using filtration methods, electrostatic methods, etc. can also be used. The chimney finally discharges the waste gas and by-products.

[0116] The modification unit 3400 may include a catalyst tower, a heat exchanger, a separation tank, a cleaning tank, and a pressure control tank. The modification unit 3400 converts the pyrolysis gas into oil. Approximately 30% of the entire pyrolysis gas can be converted into pyrolysis oil. Thereby, the fuel amount of the pyrolysis furnace can be saved.

[0117] As the catalyst tower, a commercial catalyst of the zeolite series such as ZSM-5 can be used, but it is not limited thereto. The pyrolysis gas is modified while flowing from the lower part into the catalyst tower and upward. The heat exchanger cools the pyrolysis gas after passing through the catalyst tower and atomizes the oil mist.

[0118] The separation tank separates the condensed pyrolysis gas into gas and oil. The cooled pyrolysis gas moves to the separation tank. The pyrolysis gas in the gas state is discharged from the upper part of the separation tank, and the oil condenses and is discharged from the lower part of the separation tank. The condensed oil can be stored in the pyrolysis oil storage tank.

[0119] The pyrolysis gas discharged from the upper part of the separation tank flows into the cleaning tank, and the impurities in the pyrolysis gas in the gas state are removed. The cleaning tank neutralizes the pyrolysis gas to reduce the amount of hydrogen chloride (HCl) in the pyrolysis gas, and the neutralized pyrolysis gas flows to the pressure control tank. The pressure control tank is configured to prevent the reflux of the pyrolysis gas before the pyrolysis gas is supplied to the burner. The pyrolysis gas discharged from the pressure control tank can be supplied to the burner.

[0120] The modified pyrolysis gas is used again as fuel for heating the first and second pyrolysis reactors 1000, 1000'. By using the pyrolysis gas as fuel again, the overall fuel consumption can be reduced, and pollutant emissions can be reduced.

[0121] The separation unit 3500 may include a washing section, a separation section, a first chamber, a second chamber, a carding module, and a granulation module. The washing section receives the second pyrolysis product and washes it in such a way that the lumps of carbon fiber and glass fiber are left. The separation section separates the second pyrolysis product into r-CF (reused carbon fiber) and r-GF (reused glass fiber). r-CF and r-GF can be separated using the density difference. As a method using the density difference, there are a dry method and a wet method. The dry method utilizes the flow of air to cause the flow of air to the second pyrolysis product moving on the conveyor to move the light carbon fiber.

[0122] The wet method is a method of separating carbon fiber and glass fiber using a liquid with a density between the densities of carbon fiber and glass fiber.

[0123] The separated carbon fibers and glass fibers are respectively moved to the first chamber and the second chamber. The separation operation of the carbon fibers and glass fibers can be carried out on a conveyor.

[0124] The carbon fibers and glass fibers stored in the first chamber and the second chamber respectively can be post-processed and then leave the factory.

[0125] The carding module combs the r-CF and r-GF with a specified length. The lengths of the r-CF and r-GF after removing the resin are less than 50 mm. Since the fiber lengths of the r-CF and r-GF are short, they are combed for post-processing. The combed r-CF and r-GF are pressed and processed into non-woven fabrics. When the lengths of the r-CF and r-GF are less than 5 mm, it is difficult to comb them, so they are not fed into the carding module. Before the recycled r-CF and r-GF are fed into the carding module, sieves or the like can be used to separate the r-CF and r-GF with lengths less than 5 mm.

[0126] The granulation module melts and mixes the recycled r-CF, r-GF and resin to make granules. The granulation module cuts the non-woven fabric generated in the carding module into a specified size and mixes it with the molten resin. The r-CF and r-GF non-woven fabrics whose structures are hardened by pressing are cured together with the resin and then leave the factory.

[0127] The r-CF and r-GF with lengths less than 5 mm respectively flow directly into the granulation module. The r-CF and r-GF with lengths less than 5 mm are directly mixed with the resin to make granules.

[0128] The control unit can receive the size of the waste composite material particles fed into the pyrolysis reactor from the waste composite material supply module 3100, and determine whether the carbon fibers and glass fibers stored in the first chamber and the second chamber respectively move to the granulation module through the carding module or directly move to the granulation module. It can also adjust the crushing size of the waste composite material in the crushing step according to the user's needs.

[0129] The waste composite material of the present invention can be crushed, pyrolyzed, and the carbon fibers and glass fibers can be separated in one process, and then moved to each unit through a conveyor. One or more conveyors can be connected to adjust the residence time in each unit.

[0130] Above, an embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, as long as those skilled in the art can, within the scope of the idea of the present invention described in the claims, make various modifications and changes to the present invention by adding, changing, deleting or adding components, etc., this is also included in the scope of the present invention rights.

[0131] Description of reference numerals

[0132] 1000: Thermal decomposition reactor 1100: Inner shell

[0133] 1200: Shaft 1300: Moving module

[0134] 1310: Helical blade 1320: Horizontal support

[0135] 1330: Vertical support 1400: Stirring module

[0136] 1410: Stirring plate 1411: Horizontal plate

[0137] 1412: Vertical plate 1500: Heating furnace

[0138] 1600: Feeding section 1610: Hopper

[0139] 1620: First valve 1630: Second valve

[0140] 1640: Gas inlet 1650: Gas outlet

[0141] 1700: Discharge section 2000: Thermal decomposition product.

Claims

1. A thermal decomposition reactor, characterized in that, Comprising: A cylindrical inner shell; A shaft, disposed at the radial center of the inner shell and extending in the longitudinal direction of the inner shell; At least one moving module, fixed on the shaft; and At least one stirring module, fixed on the shaft and alternately arranged with the moving module.

2. The thermal decomposition reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further comprising: A heating furnace, having a burner and accommodating the inner shell therein.

3. The thermal decomposition reactor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The moving module comprises: A plurality of horizontal brackets, one end of which extends horizontally from the shaft; A plurality of vertical brackets, one end of which extends vertically from the shaft; and A spiral blade, having a predetermined width and connected to the other ends of the horizontal brackets and the vertical brackets.

4. The thermal decomposition reactor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The stirring module comprises a plurality of stirring plates arranged at equal angular intervals on the shaft, The stirring plate comprises: An N-shaped horizontal plate, one end of which is fixed to the shaft and extends horizontally; and A rectangular vertical plate, extending vertically on the horizontal plate.

5. The thermal decomposition reactor according to claim 2, characterized in that, Further comprising: A feeding part, disposed on one side of the heating furnace and connected to one end of the inner shell.

6. The thermal decomposition reactor according to claim 2, characterized in that, Further comprising: A discharging part, disposed on the other side of the heating furnace and connected to the other end of the inner shell.

7. The thermal decomposition reactor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A combustion gas at 400 - 500 °C is supplied into the inner shell.

8. The thermal decomposition reactor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The separation distance between the inner wall of the inner shell and the spiral blade is 4 - 10 mm.

9. The thermal decomposition reactor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The distance between adjacent blades of the spiral blade is 0.3 - 0.5 m.

10. The thermal decomposition reactor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The diameter of the shaft is 0.1 - 0.3 m.

11. A thermal decomposition reactor, characterized in that, Comprising: A cylindrical inner shell; A shaft, disposed at the radial center of the inner shell and extending in the longitudinal direction of the inner shell; A stirring module, comprising a plurality of stirring plates fixed on the shaft and extending in the longitudinal direction of the shaft; and A moving module, fixed on the stirring plate and extending along the longitudinal direction of the shaft.

12. The thermal decomposition reactor according to claim 11, characterized in that, The stirring plate comprises: An N-shaped horizontal plate, one end of which is fixed to the shaft and extends horizontally; and A rectangular vertical plate, extending vertically on the horizontal plate.

13. A carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device, characterized in that, Comprising: A waste composite material supply unit; A reaction unit, heating the waste composite material supplied from the waste composite material supply unit; A heat supply unit, providing heat to the reaction unit; A modification unit that separates the pyrolysis gas discharged from the reaction unit into gas and oil; and A separation unit including a separation section that separates the product of the reaction unit into a first substance and a second substance, a first chamber that houses the first substance, and a second chamber that houses the second substance, The reaction unit includes at least one pyrolysis reactor, and The pyrolysis reactor includes: A cylindrical inner shell, A shaft disposed at the radial center of the inner shell and extending in the longitudinal direction of the inner shell, At least one moving module fixed to the shaft, At least one stirring module fixed to the shaft and alternately arranged with the moving module.

14. The carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to claim 13, wherein The pyrolysis reactor further includes: A heating furnace having a burner and housing the inner shell therein.

15. The carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein The moving module includes: A plurality of horizontal brackets, one end of which extends horizontally from the shaft; A plurality of vertical brackets, one end of which extends vertically from the shaft; and A spiral blade having a predetermined width and connected to the other ends of the horizontal brackets and the vertical brackets.

16. The carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein The stirring module includes a plurality of stirring plates arranged at equal angular intervals on the shaft, The stirring plate includes: An N-shaped horizontal plate, one end of which is fixed to the shaft and extends horizontally; and A rectangular vertical plate extending vertically on the horizontal plate.

17. The carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein Combustion gas at 400 to 500 °C is supplied into the inner shell.

18. The carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to claim 15, wherein The separation distance between the inner wall of the inner shell and the spiral blade is 4 to 10 mm.

19. The carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to claim 15, wherein The spacing between adjacent blades of the spiral blade is 0.3 to 0.5 m.

20. The carbon fiber and glass fiber recycling device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein The diameter of the shaft is 0.1 to 0.3 m.

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