Method for recovering composite material

Abstract

A method of recycling a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers embedded in a matrix material. The method comprises the following steps: loading the composite material into a container; treating the composite material in the container with a liquid; transporting the container to a recycle station wherein the liquid degrades the matrix material in the container during transport of the container; at the recycle station, the reinforcing fibers are recycled by separating the reinforcing fibers from the matrix material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for recycling composite materials, such as waste composite materials from wind turbine blades or other objects. The present invention also relates to a container for transporting composite materials. Background Art

[0002] In Karuppannan Gopalraj, S., The recycling of waste composite materials is introduced in T.'s "A Review of Recycling of Waste Carbon Fiber / Glass Fiber Reinforced Composites: Fiber Recovery, Performance and Life Cycle Analysis" (SN Applied Science 2, 433 (2020)).

[0003] Recent advances in recycling technology have made it possible to recycle epoxy-based composites using a two-step process. The first step decomposes the epoxy resin and separates the various components of the composite, including the fibers. This separation step involves soaking the composite in an acidic solution. For large structures like wind turbine blades, this process can take dozens of hours without heating, necessitating sufficient production capacity at the recycling site.

[0004] In La Rosa, Angela&Blanco, Ignazio&Banatao, Diosdado&Pastine, Stefan& Anna & Cicala, Gianluca (2018) Recycling of bio-epoxy composites by converting them into reusable thermoplastics A known method for chemical recycling of composite materials is described in “Innovative chemical processes for cured thermoset plastics – an LCA study” (Materials, 11.353.10.3390 / ma11030353).

[0005] When transporting waste composite materials, they are usually cut into smaller pieces or roughly shredded before transport. Even with these measures, the full loading capacity of a road truck container (e.g. 25 tons) cannot be fully utilized in most cases due to the inadequate packaging of the composite waste (overall bulk density).

[0006] In the best-case scenario, the container can only carry about 21 tons of material; in the worst-case scenario, only half of that capacity is used. This increases the transportation cost per ton of waste composite materials and reduces the energy efficiency of recycling.

[0007] US10953407 discloses a method for recycling fiber composite material source objects, such as wind turbine blades. In some embodiments, the method includes segmenting the wind turbine blades, crushing the wind turbine blade segments, tracking the progress of each blade in the recycling process, and loading the recycled material into a suitable shipping container. Summary of the Invention

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention provides a method for recycling a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers embedded in a matrix material, the method comprising: placing the composite material into a container; treating the composite material in the container with a liquid; transporting the container to a recycling site, wherein the liquid degrades the matrix material in the container during transportation of the container; and recovering the reinforcing fibers at the recycling site by separating the reinforcing fibers from the matrix material.

[0009] Optionally, a liquid is applied to the composite material in the container.

[0010] Optionally, the liquid is applied to the composite material within the container while the container is in transit.

[0011] Optionally, the liquid is sprayed onto the composite material, preferably by spraying the liquid from one or more nozzles within a container.

[0012] Optionally, the composite material is a composite material of a wind turbine blade.

[0013] Optionally, the container is transported by a vehicle (eg, a truck, train, or ship), and preferably the composite material is in and transported with the container.

[0014] Optionally, the method further comprises: storing the container containing the composite material and the liquid after arriving at the recycling site. Optionally, the container is stored until the degradation degree of the composite material reaches a predetermined level.

[0015] Optionally, after the composite material is filled into the container, the container is closed and the container remains closed during transportation of the container.

[0016] Optionally, the composite material is removed from the container before the reinforcing fibers are recovered.

[0017] Alternatively, the composite material is loaded into the container in the form of fragments of the composite material.

[0018] Optionally, the method further comprises dividing the component into fragments of composite material before placing it into the container.

[0019] Optionally, dividing comprises cutting and / or chopping.

[0020] Optionally, the component is cut by a liquid.

[0021] Optionally, the fragments are beads, particles, flakes, pieces, chips, slices or segments.

[0022] Optionally, at least some of the reinforcement fibers separated from the matrix material have a length greater than 10 cm or greater than 20 cm.

[0023] Optionally, the matrix material comprises a curable thermoset material.

[0024] Optionally, the matrix material comprises a polymer.

[0025] Optionally, the matrix material comprises a resin.

[0026] Optionally, the matrix material comprises epoxy resin.

[0027] Optionally, at the recycling station, the reinforcing fibers are separated from the matrix material by treating the composite material with a separating agent. Optionally, the separating agent is a liquid.

[0028] Optionally, the liquid and / or separating agent comprises an acid, preferably at a pH below 4, most preferably at a pH below 3. Optionally, the acid is acetic acid or formic acid.

[0029] Optionally, the liquid and / or the separating agent chemically treat the matrix material.

[0030] Alternatively, the liquid and / or separating agent comprises a solution of the active ingredient in water.

[0031] Optionally, the liquid and / or the separating agent at least partially chemically decomposes the matrix material, for example by dissolving or depolymerizing the matrix material, or by solvolysis of the matrix material.

[0032] Optionally, the liquid has the same chemical composition as the separating agent.

[0033] Optionally, the temperature of the liquid and / or the separating agent is above 50°C or above 70°C when the composite material is treated with the liquid and / or the separating agent.

[0034] Optionally, when liquid is processing the composite material in the container, the liquid is heated such that the temperature of the liquid is higher than the ambient temperature outside the container.

[0035] Optionally, the temperature of the liquid and / or the separating agent when treating the composite material is below 100 degrees Celsius or below 50 degrees Celsius.

[0036] Optionally, the temperature of the liquid and / or the separating agent when treating the composite material is between 0 degrees Celsius and 100 degrees Celsius.

[0037] Optionally, the temperature of the liquid and / or separating agent when treating the fragments is between 20 degrees Celsius and 50 degrees Celsius.

[0038] Alternatively, the composite material includes a non-composite material, which may or may not be degraded by the liquid.

[0039] Another aspect of the present invention provides a container for transporting a composite material, the container comprising a system configured to apply a liquid to the composite material, wherein the system comprises a circulation system configured to capture the liquid that has contacted the composite material and feed it back to the composite material.

[0040] Optionally, the vessel further comprises a liquid refining station for separating the dissolved and / or particulate composite material from the liquid.

[0041] Optionally, the container further comprises a liquid reserve, preferably located in a reservoir of the container, wherein the system is configured to apply liquid in the liquid reserve to the composite material.

[0042] Optionally, the liquid from the liquid reserve comprises an acid. Optionally, the acid is acetic acid or formic acid.

[0043] Optionally, the circulation system comprises one or more nozzles in the container; and a pump configured to supply liquid to the one or more nozzles.

[0044] Optionally, the system includes one or more nozzles for spraying the liquid onto the composite material.

[0045] Optionally, the system is configured to apply the liquid to the composite material from above.

[0046] Optionally, the container has a liquid-tight bottom to prevent leakage of liquid.

[0047] Optionally, the container includes a pressure relief valve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1 A wind turbine is shown;

[0050] Figure 2 A system for recovering wind turbine blades according to a first embodiment is shown;

[0051] Figure 3 A container for transporting softened blade segments is shown;

[0052] Figure 4 A system for recovering wind turbine blades according to another embodiment is shown;

[0053] Figure 5 showing the container at the softening and loading station;

[0054] Figure 6A first layer of blade segments loaded into a container is shown;

[0055] Figure 7 showing a second layer of blade segments loaded into the container;

[0056] Figure 8 A stack of four layers of blade segments is shown;

[0057] Figure 9 The container is shown in a closed state and the stack is in a compressed state;

[0058] Figure 10 Show Figure 9 The container in is being transported;

[0059] Figure 11 A system for recovering wind turbine blades according to another embodiment is shown;

[0060] Figure 12 shows composite material scrap being loaded into a container;

[0061] Figure 13 A large pile of uncompressed debris is shown inside the container;

[0062] Figure 14 The heap is in a compressed state;

[0063] Figure 15 Shows excessive debris in the container;

[0064] Figure 16 Shows the debris compressed within the container in a closed state;

[0065] Figure 17 Show Figure 16 Containers are being transported;

[0066] Figure 18 Shows alternative containment for cooling / fire suppression system;

[0067] Figure 19 A system for recovering wind turbine blades according to another embodiment is shown;

[0068] Figure 20 A station having a transfer chute is shown that immerses composite material chips in a liquid softener; and

[0069] Figure 21 Shown is a station spraying liquid softener onto a stream of falling debris. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Figure 1A wind turbine 1 is shown. The wind turbine 1 has a tower 2 and a nacelle 3 located on top of the tower 2. A wind turbine rotor 4 is connected to the nacelle 3 and is arranged to rotate relative to the nacelle 3. The wind turbine rotor 4 includes a hub 5 and a plurality of blades 6 extending from the hub 5.

[0071] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A method for recovering composite material from a blade 6 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0072] First, each blade 6 is divided into fragments of composite material. Each fragment of composite material may also include non-composite materials such as metals, polymer parts or coatings.

[0073] In this example, the blade 6 is cut into segments in the chordwise direction at a cutting station 10 . Figure 2 A cross-section of one of the segments 11 is shown. The segment 11 comprises a shell 12 and a shear web 13.

[0074] The shell 12 and the shear web 12 are each primarily made of a composite material including reinforcing fibers embedded in a matrix material.

[0075] The majority of the reinforcement fibers consist of glass fibers, although a small portion may consist of carbon fibers.

[0076] The matrix material may comprise a polymer such as a polyester or an epoxy resin. The matrix material preferably comprises an amine cured thermosetting epoxy resin.

[0077] The matrix material may comprise a curing thermoset material, such as an epoxy resin.

[0078] For example, the matrix material may include those described in https: / / www.abg-am.com / portfolio / chemistry / recyclamine-technology / F008?tab=1 (accessed October 16, 2022), or in La Rosa, Angela & Blanco, Ignazio & Banatao, Diosdado & Pastine, Stefan & Anna & Cicala, Gianluca (2018) Recycling of bio-epoxy composites by converting them into reusable thermoplastics The novel chemical process for curing thermoset plastics – an LCA study (Materials, 11.353.10.3390 / ma11030353) (hereinafter referred to as La Rosa et al.) is described in Epoxy system.

[0079] In some cases, the softening of the matrix material may involve chemical or physical degradation of the matrix material. Studies have found that the softening of the matrix material advantageously involves swelling and fragmentation of the matrix material. In some cases, the softening of the matrix material may involve partial dissolution of the matrix material.

[0080] By treating the segment 11 with a liquid softening agent at the softening station 14 , the matrix material of the segment 11 is softened.

[0081] The chemical composition of the liquid softening agent depends on the nature of the matrix material to be softened. For example, the liquid softening agent may include an organic solvent (such as hexane or toluene); or an acid (preferably at a pH value below 4, most preferably at a pH value below 3).

[0082] For example, liquid softeners may include acetic acid or formic acid. These substances have relatively low environmental impact and have been shown to be effective in softening certain thermoset matrix materials.

[0083] Organic or aqueous solvents and catalysts may also be part of the liquid softener.

[0084] In one embodiment, the liquid softener comprises 70% acetic acid or more. In another embodiment, the liquid softener comprises at least 50% formic acid.

[0085] The liquid softener transforms the segments 11 into softened segments 11a. Each softened segment 11a may deform under its own weight or under the action of an external force (not shown), thereby becoming flatter overall. This flattening is facilitated by the bending of the softened shear webs 13 and / or the reduction in the stiffness of the blade shell 12 (as shown by the softened segments 11a). This change in shape can occur during or after the segments have softened.

[0086] Prior to softening, at least some of the segments 11 may have an aspect ratio greater than 2, or greater than 3, or greater than 10. The aspect ratio is the ratio between the largest dimension and the smallest dimension of the segment 11. Flattening may increase the aspect ratio.

[0087] The sections 11 may be relatively large, and at least some of the sections 11 may have at least one dimension that is greater than 100 cm or greater than 200 cm.

[0088] The softening agent may be applied at the softening station 14 in a number of different ways, such as by spraying or by dipping the segments 11 into a softening agent bath.

[0089] The liquid softening agent may be heated so that its temperature is above ambient temperature as it processes section 11 .

[0090] The temperature of the softening agent in the treatment section 11 may be higher than 50 degrees Celsius or higher than 70 degrees Celsius. Studies have found that the higher the temperature, the faster the softening speed.

[0091] The softening agent can be at a temperature below 100°C or below 50°C during its treatment zone 11. Lower temperatures will reduce energy requirements and evaporation of the softening agent. Studies have found that temperatures between 20°C and 50°C represent a suitable compromise, with relatively rapid softening and limited evaporation.

[0092] Optionally, the softening agent is at ambient temperature as it processes section 11 .

[0093] After the section 11 has been softened at the softening station 14, it is loaded into a container 20, such as Figure 3 The flat shape of the softened segments 11a enables them to be loaded into the container 20 at a higher bulk density than in the unsoftened state.

[0094] Alternatively, the liquid softener 51 is absorbed by the matrix material, thereby softening it. This can cause the matrix material to swell, resulting in a localized increase in the wall thickness of the shell 12 and shear web 13. This localized swelling is offset by a change in the overall shape of the softened segments 11a, allowing them to be packed more tightly together despite the localized increase in wall thickness. Therefore, even with the addition of a softener, surprisingly more composite material can be packed within a limited space, such as a container.

[0095] The softened segments 11 a may form a pile of softened fragments in the container 20 , wherein the softened segments 11 a are stacked one on top of the other.

[0096] Softening of the chips 11 begins at the softening station 14 before the chips are loaded into the container at the loading station 15, but the segments may still be soaked in softening agent so that the softening process continues at the loading station 15 after the segments have been loaded into the container.

[0097] At least some of the softened segments 11 may change shape while in the pile, for example due to further softening or due to the weight of softened portions above them. This change in shape can further increase the packing density of the pile. Furthermore, external forces can be applied to further increase the packing density of the pile.

[0098] The container 20 is then loaded onto a vehicle 21, such as a truck, train, or ship. The vehicle 21 transports the container to a recovery station 16, where the softened segments 11a can be removed from the container 20 and recovered by separating the reinforcing fibers from the matrix material, for example, by treating the softened segments 11a with a separator, such as a liquid separator.

[0099] Optionally, the container can be stored upon arrival at the recycling site. Storage may be more advantageous if the composite material has not yet reached a desired level of degradation upon arrival. For example, if the temperature is relatively low, it may be most efficient to continue processing in the container for a period of time before continuing the recycling process at the recycling site. Storage can continue until the composite material reaches a predetermined level of degradation, which may correspond, for example, to a predetermined time / temperature exposure, a predetermined composition of the liquid softener, and a predetermined amount of the composite material separated from the liquid softener.

[0100] The most typical separating agent is an acid, preferably with a pH value below 4, most preferably a pH value below 3. For example, the acid can be acetic acid or formic acid. Organic or aqueous solvents and catalysts can also be included.

[0101] The separating agent may have the same chemical composition as the liquid softening agent.The separating agent may include the same active compounds as the liquid softening agent, but in different concentrations and / or ratios.

[0102] Alternatively, the separating agent is a dilute (20-80%) formic acid solution.

[0103] An alternative separating agent is a circulating solution of acetic acid, which can be used as described by LaRosa et al. by placing the segments in a circulating tank of dilute acetic acid (25%) at 70°C for one hour. Once the thermosetting matrix has completely dissolved or degraded to the point where the reinforcing fibers are released, the reinforcing fibers can be removed from the circulating solution, rinsed with water, and then dried at room temperature. To recover the epoxy resin, the acidic circulating solution can be neutralized with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) under appropriate conditions, for example to promote the depolymerization of the epoxy resin.

[0104] By transporting the composite material in relatively large pieces, relatively long reinforcing fibers, such as fibers having a length greater than 10 cm, greater than 20 cm, greater than 50 cm, or greater than 100 cm, can be recovered at the recycling station 16. This is particularly useful for carbon fibers, which have a high value as a recycled product.

[0105] The liquid softening agent may be removed before the softened section 11a is loaded into the container 20, but more preferably, at least some of the softening liquid remains in contact with the softened section 11a, thereby degrading the matrix material in the container 20 during transportation of the container 20. This degradation process may be advantageous because it may initiate the chemical treatment process earlier, thereby saving time and / or space at the recycling station 16. Furthermore, since there are fewer time constraints, it may reduce or even eliminate the need for heating during the matrix degradation process.

[0106] After the segments 11a are loaded into the container, the container 20 is closed and remains closed during transport of the container.

[0107] The degradation process may generate fumes, and the container 20 may have a pressure relief valve 22 to allow these fumes 23 to escape.

[0108] The pressure inside the container 20 may increase due to the degradation process, and the pressure relief valve 22 ensures that the pressure inside the container does not become too high.

[0109] The softening process can be initiated at the softening station 14, or at the cutting station 10, by spraying a liquid softener onto the segments 11 as part of dust suppression and / or by using the liquid softener as a spray stream to cut the blades. The liquid softener can enhance the cutting process.

[0110] Figures 4 to 10 A composite material recycling method according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figures 4 to 10 Some components in Figure 2 and Figure 3 These elements have the same reference numerals and are not described again.

[0111] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the section 11 is softened at the softening station 14 and then the softened section 11a is loaded at the loading station 15. Figure 4 In the example, each section is softened and loaded at the softening and loading station 31. Figure 5-9 shown.

[0112] A container 40 for transporting composite materials is provided at station 31. Figure 3 Unlike the more conventional container 20, the container 40 includes a system configured to apply a liquid softener to the composite material - in this example, a nozzle 45 configured to spray the liquid softener 51 onto the composite material. Figure 6 shown.

[0113] The chemical composition of the liquid softener 51 may be the same as that described in the previous embodiment, and thus will not be described in detail.

[0114] The container 40 has a liquid-tight bottom 42 to prevent liquid leakage, and a grid 41 serving as a false bottom. The space below the grid 41 forms a reservoir for storing a stock 43 of liquid softener 51.

[0115] Optionally, the liquid softener 51 can be heated so that it is higher than the ambient temperature outside the container 40 during the treatment section. Suitable temperatures have been given in the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here. For example, the liquid softener 51 can be heated by a heating element in a storage tank.

[0116] The circulation system is used to capture liquid that has contacted the composite material and return it to the composite material. The circulation system includes a pump 44 for transferring liquid from the reservoir 43 to the nozzle 45. The piping of the circulation system can be provided in the container wall, the container bottom and / or the container top.

[0117] The circulation system includes a liquid softener refining station 46, which can be integrated with a separate component of the pump, circulation system or container, which is very advantageous. The softener may physically and / or chemically degrade the composite material, especially the matrix material, so that over time, the liquid softener may contain more and more dissolved (for example, by chemical disassembly of the resin) or granular (for example, by swelling and disintegration) solid matrix material, reinforcing fibers or other components released by the composite material during transportation. The liquid softener refining station can separate the composite material components transported in the liquid softener from the liquid softener by, for example, filtration, settling chambers, cooling traps, combinations of these technologies or other known liquid refining technologies. This allows the liquid softener to maintain an active process during transportation and reduces the risk of wear and clogging of the circulation system, thereby improving the efficiency of the recovery method and container.

[0118] The refining station is preferably arranged on the wall or bottom of the container. The refining station can be equipped with a storage chamber for storing the substances separated from the liquid softener, and the separated substances can be conveniently taken out from the storage chamber when the container reaches the recycling station.

[0119] The unsoftened section 11 may be Figure 6-8 As shown, the sections 11 are loaded layer by layer into the container. When the sections 11 are loaded, the system sprays the liquid softener 51 onto the sections 11 from above.

[0120] Figure 6 The first layer 50 of the section 11 is shown, Figure 7 A stack 52 is shown formed of two layers, and Figure 8 A stack 54 formed of four layers is shown.

[0121] Figure 8 The stack 54 is shown as being relatively ordered, but this is merely schematic and more typically the stack 54 will be less ordered as the blade segments will have a variety of different shapes and sizes.

[0122] As in the previous embodiment, the liquid softener 51 converts the segments 11 into softened segments 11a. Each segment may change shape after softening under its own weight and / or the weight of the segments above it in the stack, such as Figure 9 As shown, it becomes flatter.

[0123] like Figure 8 As shown, after the segment has been loaded, as Figure 9As shown, a lid 60 is installed to close the container. The lid 60 can compress the pile of softened chips within the container by applying a downward compressive force, thereby increasing the overall packing density of the pile and enabling the container to be closed.

[0124] Optionally, the cover 60 has additional nozzles 62 that can spray the liquid softener 51 onto the sections from above, such as Figure 10 shown.

[0125] Then, the container 40 is loaded onto the vehicle 21 as in the previous embodiment and then transported to the recycling site 16. The recycling process has been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0126] The liquid softener 51 can be applied to the composite material in the container during transportation. In this example, during transportation, the liquid softener 51 is continuously sprayed (e.g. Figure 10 As shown), and trickles through the stack into the reservoir and through pump 44 (for ease of illustration, Figure 10 ) continues the cycle.

[0127] and Figure 2 Compared to an embodiment of the present invention (a system in which the container does not apply a liquid softener to the composite material), Figure 10 The continuous spraying process causes more degradation of the matrix material in the container during the container transportation.

[0128] The liquid softener 51 can be heated, for example, by an electric heating element in the storage tank or other suitable method. Heating can accelerate the degradation / swelling process, allowing it to reach a predetermined level before the container 40 arrives at the recycling station 16. In some cases, heating is unnecessary due to long shipping times, thereby saving energy. In other cases, heating is used to prevent the softener from solidifying due to the lower ambient temperature during transportation.

[0129] Other process parameters may also change (ie, increase and / or decrease) during transport, such as the acidity of the liquid softener, the circulation rate, or the volume of liquid softener in the storage tank.

[0130] In an alternative embodiment, the softened segments 11a can be completely immersed in the liquid softener during transport, but this will significantly increase the weight of the container. The circulation system ensures that the segments are always immersed in the liquid softener 51 during transport without being completely immersed.

[0131] The stock 43 of liquid softener 51 may be drained from a storage tank at the recovery station 16 or may be reused for the next load of composite material.

[0132] Figures 11 to 17 A composite material recycling method according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figures 11 to 17Some components in Figures 2 to 10 As shown in FIG, these elements have the same reference numerals and are not described again in detail.

[0133] exist Figure 2-10 In the wind turbine blades are divided by cutting them into blade segments, the relatively large segments constituting the fragments which are loaded into containers and transported to the recycling site 16. Figure 11-17 In the embodiment, the blade segments are further shredded at a shredding station 72 to provide chips 73, which are loaded into the container 40 at a loading and softening station 74, as shown. Figure 12-16 shown.

[0134] Prior to softening, at least some of the chips 73 may have an aspect ratio greater than 5 or greater than 10. The aspect ratio is the ratio between the largest dimension and the smallest dimension of the chips 73 .

[0135] The debris 73 is much smaller than the blade segments 11 , but at least some of the debris 73 may have at least one dimension that is greater than 10 cm or greater than 20 cm.

[0136] At least some of the chips 73 may have reinforcing fibers having a length greater than 10 cm or greater than 20 cm.

[0137] like Figure 12 As shown, the chips 73 are loaded in batches from an excavator bucket 80 into a container at a loading and softening station 74. During the loading process, liquid softener 51 is sprayed from nozzles 45 onto the chips 73.

[0138] like Figure 13 As shown, the debris accumulates into a large, disorganized pile 84. At least some of the softened debris may undergo shape changes within the pile 84, for example, due to softening or due to the weight of softened debris above the pile. This shape change may increase the packing density of the pile 84 by allowing the debris in the pile to settle more easily. The shape change may include, for example, flattening and / or bending and / or twisting.

[0139] Alternatively, an excavator bucket 80 or other member for applying force may compress the pile 84 of softened debris in the container by applying a downward compressive force to the pile 84, thereby increasing the overall packing density of the pile and enabling the container to be closed.

[0140] Figure 14 The stack 84 is shown in a compressed state (labeled as compressed stack 84'). The compressed stack 84' takes up less space and can therefore be used as a Figure 15 Add more chips as shown to form a larger pile 85, the weight of which may reach the weight limit of the container. Figure 16 As shown, upon closing the container, the stack 85 is further compressed by the lid 60 .

[0141] exist Figures 12 to 16 During the loading process and Figure 17 During the transportation process, the liquid softening agent 51 can be continuously sprayed from the nozzle. Similarly, the refining station for the liquid softening system can also be continuously operated during the transportation process.

[0142] As with the previous embodiment, the circulation process ensures that the chips remain soaked in the liquid softener 51 during transport.

[0143] The softening process can be initiated at the loading and softening station 74 or earlier. For example, the softening process can be initiated at the cutting station 10 by spraying a liquid softener onto the segments 11 as part of dust suppression and / or using the liquid softener as a jet to cut the blades. The softening process can also be initiated or continued at the chopping station 72 by spraying a liquid softener onto the segments 11 as part of dust suppression.

[0144] Figure 18 An alternative container 40a is shown. Container 40a is similar to container 40, so only the differences will be described. Container 40a includes a cooling / fire suppression system that, when activated by a sensor or manual switch (not shown), supplies a cooling fluid 92 (e.g., carbon dioxide, liquid nitrogen, or water) to the circulation system. In this case, cooling fluid 92 is supplied from a tank 90 connected to a nozzle.

[0145] exist Figure 11-17 In the embodiment, the blade segments are shredded at a shredding station 72 to provide chips 73 which are loaded into the container 40 at a loading and softening station 74 . Figure 19-21 Another embodiment is shown, in which the blade segments are chopped, softened and loaded at the chopped, softened and loaded section 95, as shown in FIG. Figure 20 and 21 shown.

[0146] Figure 20 A first embodiment of a shredding, softening, and loading section 95 is shown. The segments are loaded into a shredder 100, which shreds the segments 11 and delivers the chips 73 to a transfer chute 102. The transfer chute 102 includes a feed screw (not shown) immersed in a liquid softener. As the chips are fed along the transfer chute 102 by the feed screw, they are soaked in the liquid softener before falling into a container 104. Thus, the chips 73 are treated with the liquid softener before being loaded into the container 104.

[0147] Figure 21A second embodiment of the shredding, softening and loading section 95 is shown. A stream of chips 73 falls from the shredder 100 under gravity, and liquid softener 51 is sprayed onto the chips 73 from a nozzle, which may or may not be part of the container 104. Thus, the liquid softener 51 treats the chips 73 as they are loaded into the container 104.

[0148] The degradation process may generate heat, causing the temperature inside the container to rise during transportation. This may accelerate the degradation process. Therefore, the container 20, 40, 40a, 104 in any of the above embodiments may be insulated to reduce heat loss, for example, by lining with insulating material or adopting a double-wall structure.

[0149] In the above-described embodiment, the fragments of composite material are handled and transported in the form of segments 11a or chips 73, but in other embodiments, the fragments of composite material may have other forms, such as beads, particles, flakes, chunks, or slices.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the matrix material is chemically treated by the liquid softener 51 and / or liquid separator applied at the recovery station 16. As non-limiting examples, the liquid may include alcohol or water in a critical state; an acid (such as acetic acid or formic acid); or an organic solvent.

[0151] Optionally, the liquid softener 51 and / or liquid separating agent applied at the recovery station 16 comprises a solution of the active ingredient in water—for example a solution of acetic acid or formic acid in water.

[0152] Optionally, the liquid softener 51 and / or liquid separating agent applied at the recovery station 16 at least partially chemically disintegrates the matrix material, for example by dissolving and / or depolymerizing the matrix material and / or by solvolysis of the matrix material.

[0153] The above embodiments describe various methods of transporting and recovering composite materials from wind turbine blades 6, but the present invention is applicable to transporting and / or recovering composite materials from other sources.

[0154] Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for recycling a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers embedded in a matrix material, the method comprising: placing the composite material into a container; treating the composite material in the container with a liquid; The container is transported to a recycling site, wherein the liquid degrades the matrix material in the container during transportation of the container; and at the recycling site, the reinforcement fibers are recovered by separating the reinforcement fibers from the matrix material.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid is applied to the composite material in the container.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the liquid is applied to the composite material within the container during transport of the container.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid is sprayed onto the composite material, preferably by spraying the liquid from one or more nozzles in the container.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is closed after the composite material has been filled into the container and remains closed during transport of the container.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing fibres are separated from the matrix material at the recovery station by treating the composite material with a separating agent.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composite material is a composite material of a wind turbine blade.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the container is transported by means of a vehicle such as a truck, train or ship.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising storing the container containing the composite material and the liquid after arrival at the recycling site, preferably storing the container until degradation of the composite material reaches a predetermined level.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid and / or separating agent comprises an acid, preferably at a pH below 4, most preferably at a pH below 3.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the acid is acetic acid or formic acid.

12. A container for transporting a composite material, the container comprising a system configured to apply a liquid to the composite material, wherein the system comprises a circulation system configured to capture liquid that has contacted the composite material and feed it back onto the composite material.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein the system further comprises a liquid refining station for separating dissolved and / or particulate composite material from the liquid.

14. The container according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a liquid reserve, preferably located in a reservoir of the container, wherein the system is configured to apply liquid in the liquid reserve to the composite material.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein the liquid from the liquid reserve comprises an acid.

16. The container of claim 15, wherein the acid is acetic acid or formic acid.

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