Extrusion device, processing system, and processing method

Abstract

An extrusion device (11) is provided with a cylinder (100), a spiral section (121), a decomposition processing region (130), an irradiation device (140), and a delivery port (160). The cylinder (100) has a receiving portion (110) configured to receive a material to be processed from an exterior thereof. The spiral part (121) is rotatably accommodated in the cylinder (100), and conveys the material to be processed downstream while rotating the material to be processed received from the receiving part (110). The decomposition treatment region (130) is a space provided in the cylinder (100). The irradiation device (140) irradiates the material to be processed with microwaves in the decomposition processing region (130). The delivery port (160) serves as a flow path for delivering to the outside of the cylinder (100) the material to be processed, which has been delivered to the downstream side after being irradiated with microwaves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to extrusion apparatus, processing system, and processing method. Background Technology

[0002] As a technology for breaking down waste plastics and extracting reusable materials, there exists a method known as chemical recycling.

[0003] For example, the processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 heats waste plastics, causing the chlorine-based polymers to thermally decompose and thus produce chlorine compounds. In doing so, the processing apparatus separates the waste plastics into molten waste plastics and chlorine compounds.

[0004] Reference List

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication JP 2002-317072. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To achieve a circular society, we look forward to further improvements in recycling technology.

[0008] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an extrusion apparatus, etc., that can efficiently recycle reusable materials.

[0009] The extrusion apparatus according to this disclosure includes a barrel, a auger, a decomposition processing zone, an irradiation device, and a discharge outlet. The barrel has a receiving section configured to receive material to be processed from its outside. The auger is rotatably housed within the barrel and configured to convey the material to be processed downstream while rotating the material received from the receiving section. The decomposition processing zone is a space disposed within the barrel. The irradiation device is configured to irradiate the material to be processed with microwaves within the decomposition processing zone. The discharge outlet is configured as a flow path that discharges the material to be processed, after being irradiated with microwaves and conveyed downstream, to the outside of the barrel.

[0010] In the processing method according to this disclosure, the processing system performs the following processes: The processing system receives the material to be processed into the interior of the barrel. The processing system conveys the received material to be processed downstream by rotating a spiral portion housed within the barrel. The processing system irradiates the material to be processed with microwaves within a decomposition processing area, which is a space provided within the barrel. The processing system then discharges the microwave-irradiated material to be processed, which has been conveyed downstream, to the outside of the barrel.

[0011] According to this disclosure, extrusion apparatus, processing system and processing method capable of efficiently recycling reusable materials can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1This is an overall structural diagram of the processing system according to the first embodiment;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the extrusion apparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the processing method according to the first embodiment; and

[0015] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the extrusion apparatus according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The present disclosure will now be described through embodiments thereof, but the present disclosure according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all components / structures described in the embodiments are necessary means to solve the problem. For clarity, appropriate omissions and simplifications have been made in the following description and drawings. Note that in the drawings, the same elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted where necessary.

[0017] <First Implementation Method>

[0018] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the processing system according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 The components / structures of the processing system 1 are schematically shown to facilitate understanding. The processing system 1 thermally decomposes the material to be processed, M10, and recovers the first product M21 and the second product M22. The processing system 1 includes an extrusion device 11, a secondary battery 200, a separation device 300, a storage tank 400, and a control unit 500 as its main components.

[0019] The extrusion apparatus 11 will now be described. The extrusion apparatus 11 receives the material M10 to be processed and thermally decomposes it. The extrusion apparatus 11 has a barrel 100, a auger 121, a decomposition processing zone 130, an irradiation device 140, and an outlet 160 as its main components.

[0020] The barrel 100 has a receiving section 110 on its upstream side for receiving the material to be processed M10 from its outside. The receiving section 110 is an opening for receiving the material to be processed M10 from its outside into the extrusion unit 11. The receiving section 110 may have a feeder for measuring the amount of the material to be processed while receiving the material to be processed M10. In addition, the barrel 100 has a discharge outlet 160 on its downstream side. The discharge outlet 160 serves as a flow path that discharges the thermally decomposed material to be processed M10 to the outside of the barrel 100.

[0021] Note that in this disclosure, "upstream side" and "downstream side" are defined along the flow of the material to be processed M10. That is, after the extrusion device 11 receives the material to be processed M10 on the upstream side of the barrel 100, it conveys the material to be processed M10 to the downstream side, performs one or more predetermined processing on it, and then sends the material to be processed M10 to the outside of the barrel 100 on the downstream side.

[0022] The material to be treated, M10, contains at least a resin and a catalyst used for the thermal decomposition of that resin. The resin can be, for example, any thermoplastic resin, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), or polyamide (PA), or any thermosetting resin, such as epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester, polyimide, or polyurethane. Alternatively, the resin can be a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, or cellulose in a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin. The catalyst contains a substance that heats up when irradiated with a predetermined microwave and thus promotes the thermal decomposition of the resin. More specifically, the catalyst is an electromagnetic wave absorber, such as iron oxide or carbon fiber. Furthermore, the catalyst may also contain a substance that promotes the thermal decomposition of the resin, such as citric acid.

[0023] The auger 121 is rotatably housed within the barrel 100 and conveys the material to be processed M10 received from the receiving section 110 downstream while rotating it. The auger 121 has a shaft extending in the direction of extension of the barrel 100 and helical ribs disposed on the outer periphery of the shaft. When the shaft of the auger 121 rotates, the helical ribs continuously push and move the material to be processed M10 supplied to the barrel 100 in the direction of rotation and downstream. Thus, the auger 121 conveys the material to be processed M10 to the decomposition processing zone 130 while stirring or mixing it.

[0024] Furthermore, the extrusion unit 11 may be equipped with a temperature control device on at least a portion of the barrel 100. The temperature control device heats or cools the barrel 100. Thus, the extrusion unit 11 can, for example, heat the material to be processed M10 while conveying it. In this case, the auger 121 can agitate or knead the heated material to be processed M10 to the decomposition processing zone 130 while conveying it to the decomposition processing zone 130.

[0025] The decomposition processing zone 130 is a space pre-established within the barrel 100, downstream of the receiving section 110 and upstream of the outlet 160. The decomposition processing zone 130 is a space for absorbing microwaves irradiated by the irradiation device 140 onto the material to be processed M10.

[0026] If atmospheric air enters and remains in the decomposition processing zone 130 or the barrel 100, and this air reacts with the gas generated by the material to be treated M10 through microwave decomposition, the recovery rates of the first product M21 and the second product M22 will decrease. Therefore, the extrusion device 11 preferably has the function of injecting an inert gas, such as nitrogen, into the barrel 100 and / or the decomposition processing zone 130. Furthermore, the extrusion device 11 more preferably has the function of maintaining the pressure in the barrel 100 and / or a portion of the decomposition processing zone 130 below atmospheric pressure. More specifically, the extrusion device 11 may, for example, have a degassing device for sucking up the air trapped inside the barrel 100 and discharging the air to the outside of the extrusion device. The degassing device may, for example, have an opening located at the top of the barrel 100, through which air inside the barrel 100 is discharged. Note that a filter for preventing leakage of the material to be treated M10 may be provided in the opening provided on the barrel 100. With the above configuration, the extrusion device 11 can facilitate the removal of residual air inside the barrel 100.

[0027] The irradiation device 140 irradiates the material M10 to be treated with microwaves in the decomposition processing zone 130. The microwaves are, for example, electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 300 MHz to 30 GHz, and preferably electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 2.45 GHz. The irradiation device 140 has at least a magnetron for generating microwaves. The output of the magnetron is, for example, about 1000 watts. The irradiation device 140 irradiates the decomposition processing zone 130 with microwaves for, for example, about 1 minute to 10 minutes. Note that the magnetron output and irradiation time of the irradiation device 140 shown above are merely examples, and the operation of the irradiation device 140 in this embodiment is not limited to the example shown here.

[0028] When the irradiation device 140 irradiates the decomposition processing zone 130 with microwaves, the material to be treated M10 remaining in the decomposition processing zone 130 is irradiated with microwaves. Substances in the microwave-irradiated material to be treated M10 that absorb microwaves, such as electromagnetic wave absorbers, are heated, thereby increasing their temperature. As a result, the resin mixed in the material to be treated M10 is also heated and undergoes thermal decomposition. At this time, the temperature in the decomposition processing zone 130 is, for example, 400°C to 900°C.

[0029] One or more polymers of the heated resin decompose and are converted into hydrogen, one or more lower hydrocarbons, one or more organic gases, and other intermediate products. Thermal decomposition continues as microwaves are further applied by the irradiation device 140, generating a first product M21 and a second product M22 from the material to be treated M10. The first product M21 is a gas and contains hydrogen. The second product M22 is one or more substances other than the first product M21 and contains carbon. The carbon is, for example, carbon nanotubes (CNTs). After the material to be treated M10 decomposes into the first product M21 and the second product M22, the irradiation device 140 stops applying microwaves. The thermally decomposed material to be treated M10 (the first product M21 and the second product M22) is transported downstream of the decomposition treatment zone 130.

[0030] The outlet 160 serves as a flow path for discharging the material M10 to be processed from the decomposition processing zone 130 to the outside. The outlet 160 is located at the downstream end of the barrel 100. The outlet 160 is connected to the separation device 300. Therefore, the first product M21 and the second product M22 exiting from the decomposition processing zone 130 are supplied to the separation device 300 through the outlet 160.

[0031] The extrusion apparatus 11 has been described above. With the above configuration, the extrusion apparatus 11 thermally decomposes the received material M10 and supplies the first product M21 and the second product M22 generated after thermal decomposition to the separation device 300. Furthermore, the extrusion apparatus 11 may have at least one irradiation device 140 downstream of the receiving section 110. In this case, the extrusion apparatus 11 can change the microwave application conditions of each of the multiple irradiation devices 140.

[0032] The secondary battery 200 supplies power to the extrusion apparatus 11. More specifically, the secondary battery 200 may, for example, supply power to the irradiation device 140 of the extrusion apparatus 11. The secondary battery 200 may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a lead-acid battery.

[0033] In addition, the secondary battery 200 can store electricity generated by renewable energy generation. Figure 1 The secondary battery 200 shown receives electricity supplied from the wind power generation system 90. With the above configuration, the processing system 1, equipped with the secondary battery 200, thermally decomposes the material M10 to be processed while reducing environmental impact. Note that the wind power generation system 90 is an embodiment of a power generation system utilizing renewable energy. A power generation system utilizing renewable energy may, for example, be a power generation system utilizing sunlight or geothermal energy. Furthermore, a power generation system utilizing renewable energy may, for example, include a system for generating electricity using generated hydrogen via a hydrogen boiler.

[0034] Note that the secondary battery 200 may be a reusable product (reusable product). Reusable products include, for example, products that have been used in electric vehicles, etc., and then removed from electric vehicles, etc., because they no longer meet the specifications for use in electric vehicles, etc. By using a reusable product for the secondary battery 200, the processing system 1 can reduce the environmental impact.

[0035] The separation device 300 receives a first product M21 and a second product M22 from the extrusion device 11, and at least separates the first product M21 and the second product M22. The separation device 300 delivers the first product M21 to the storage container 400 through the delivery pipe 310. The received first product M21 is stored in the storage container 400, for example, in a compressed state. The separation device 300 may have the function of removing gases other than hydrogen from the first product M21 to be supplied to the storage container 400. For example, when the first product M21 contains carbon dioxide, the separation device 300 removes the carbon dioxide from the first product M21 by water displacement. With the above configuration, the separation device 300 extracts hydrogen from the thermally decomposed material M10.

[0036] Furthermore, the separation device 300 discharges the separated second product M22 from the discharge port 320 to the outside. When the second product M22 contains substances other than carbon, the separation device 300 can separate carbon from other substances. With the above configuration, the separation device 300 extracts carbon from the thermally decomposed material M10.

[0037] The control unit 500 is communicatively connected to at least the extrusion apparatus 11 and controls the operation of the extrusion apparatus 11. The control unit 500 is a control device having a computing device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and a communication interface. The control unit 500 can also be communicatively connected to the secondary battery 200, the separation device 300, and the irradiation device 140, and can control the extrusion apparatus 11 while acquiring data from these devices.

[0038] The processing system 1 has been described above. In processing system 1, the irradiation device 140 of the extrusion unit 11 irradiates the material to be processed M10 with microwaves, thereby heating the material to be processed M10 to a temperature from which hydrogen can be separated. Furthermore, the irradiation device 140 irradiates the material to be processed M10 with microwaves, thereby heating the material to be processed M10 to a temperature from which carbon can be separated. Thus, the separation device 300 separates and extracts hydrogen from the thermally decomposed material to be processed M10. Furthermore, the separation device 300 separates and extracts carbon from the thermally decomposed material to be processed M10.

[0039] Through the above-described structure, the treatment system 1 recovers hydrogen and carbon from the material to be treated, M10. The material to be treated, M10, contains, for example, waste plastics. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly include ensuring sustainable consumption and production. The treatment system 1 contributes to ensuring sustainable consumption and production by recovering reusable hydrogen and carbon from waste plastics. Furthermore, the treatment system 1 can receive at least a portion of the electricity generated by the devices used in the treatment system 1 from renewable energy sources. Thus, the treatment system 1 contributes to achieving a sustainable society.

[0040] Next, refer to Figure 2 The extrusion device 11 will be further described. Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the extrusion apparatus 11. For ease of understanding, a portion of the extrusion apparatus 11 is shown in cross-section. The extrusion apparatus 11 includes a barrel 100, a receiving section 110, a auger section 121, a decomposition processing zone 130, an irradiation device 140, an outlet 160, and a valve 161 as its main components. Furthermore, the extrusion apparatus 11 also includes a drive unit 120, a heating device 171, a cooling mechanism 172, thermometers 181A and 181B, and a pressure gauge 182.

[0041] Note that, for ease of illustrating the positional relationships between the components, Figure 2 A right-handed orthogonal coordinate system is shown. Furthermore, in Figure 3 And in the accompanying diagrams, when an orthogonal coordinate system is shown, Figure 2 The directions of the X, Y, and Z axes in the coordinate system are consistent with the directions of the X, Y, and Z axes in the orthogonal coordinate system.

[0042] The barrel 100 is cylindrical and houses the spiral portion 121 within it. The barrel 100 extends in a left-right direction, and the drive unit 120 is connected to the upstream end corresponding to the left side. Furthermore, the barrel 100 has a receiving portion 110 at its upper upstream side. Additionally, the barrel 100... Figure 2 The downstream end corresponding to the right side of the middle has an outlet 160.

[0043] The drive unit 120 has a drive mechanism for driving the spiral section 121. The drive mechanism includes, for example, a motor and a reducer. The drive unit 120 has a mechanism for rotating the spiral section 121. Note that the rotation of the spiral section 121 refers to the rotation of the spiral section 121 along its axis. When the spiral section 121 rotates, the material M10 to be processed is conveyed downstream.

[0044] The receiving section 110 has a first receiving section 111 and a second receiving section 112. The first receiving section 111 is located upstream of the second receiving section 112. The second receiving section 112 is located downstream of the first receiving section 111. The first receiving section 111 is a receiving port for receiving resin M11. The second receiving section 112 is a receiving port for receiving catalyst M12.

[0045] Note that the receiving unit 110 may have one or more feeders or one or more hoppers. In this case, the receiving unit 110 may have the function of adjusting the amount of catalyst M12 according to the amount of resin M11 to be added. Alternatively, the receiving unit 110 may have the function of adjusting the amount of resin M11 according to the amount of catalyst M12 to be added. With the above configuration, the extrusion apparatus 11 can increase the degree of freedom in the combination of resin M11 and catalyst M12.

[0046] The spiral section 121 is rotatably supported by a drive device 120 located at the upstream end of the barrel 100. The spiral section 121 conveys the material to be treated, containing resin M11 and catalyst M12, while mixing them. The spiral section 121 has at least a shaft extending from the upstream side to the downstream side and helical threads arranged around the shaft. In addition to the helical threads, the spiral section 121 may also have an uneven shape for stirring or mixing the material to be treated M10.

[0047] Figure 2 The illustrated spiral portion 121 has a helical ridge extending from the upstream side to the front of the decomposition processing zone 130, and the spiral portion 121 is supported by the drive device 120 on the upstream side. No helical ridge is provided on the spiral portion 121 within the decomposition processing zone 130. The spiral portion 121 has a columnar or barrel-shaped thermal decomposition section 122 within the decomposition processing zone 130. A helical ridge is also provided on the spiral portion 121 on the downstream side of the decomposition processing zone 130. The shape of the spiral portion 121 with the helical ridge extends to the vicinity of the outlet 160.

[0048] The auger 121 conveys the un-thermally decomposed material M10 (i.e., a portion of the material M10) located upstream of the decomposition processing zone 130 to the decomposition processing zone 130, and in doing so, pushes the thermally decomposed material (i.e., the first product M21 and the second product M22) (i.e., a portion of the material M10) to the downstream side of the decomposition processing zone 130. Thus, the extrusion device 11 can convey the material M10 located in the decomposition processing zone 130 downstream by the rotation of the auger 121 on the upstream side.

[0049] With the aforementioned shape, the spiral portion 121 stirs or mixes the resin M11 and catalyst M12 while conveying them to the decomposition processing zone 130. Furthermore, in the decomposition processing zone 130, the spiral portion 121 suppresses microwave absorption by the thermal decomposition portion 122. Thus, the extrusion apparatus 11 can efficiently thermally decompose the material to be treated M10 in the decomposition processing zone 130. Additionally, the spiral portion 121 conveys the thermally decomposed material to be treated M10 (first product M21 and second product M22) to the outlet 160 downstream of the decomposition processing zone 130.

[0050] Note that the spiral section 121 may have a structure for stirring the material M10 to be processed in the decomposition processing zone 130. The pitch of the spiral ridges of the spiral section 121 does not need to be uniform. For example, the pitch of the spiral ridges of the spiral section 121 may be set according to the state of the material M10 to be processed. Alternatively, the pitch of the spiral ridges of the spiral section 121 may be set according to the conveying speed of the material M10 to be processed. Furthermore, only one spiral section 121 may be used, or two or more spiral sections 121 may be used.

[0051] A heating device 171 is disposed on the outer periphery of the barrel 100. The heating device 171 heats the material to be processed M10 conveyed from the receiving section 110 to the decomposition processing zone 130 by the auger section 121. While the heating device 171 heats the material to be processed M10, the extrusion unit 11 efficiently thermally decomposes the material to be processed M10 in the decomposition processing zone 130. Examples of the heating device 171 include various temperature-controlled heaters, such as sheath heaters, coil heaters, and ceramic heaters. The heating device 171 may be a heating medium heater in which a heated fluid circulates.

[0052] The cooling mechanism 172 is a mechanism for suppressing the temperature rise of the barrel 100. The cooling mechanism 172, for example, has a flow path disposed within the wall of the barrel 100 and a device for allowing cooling water to flow through the flow path. When the cooling mechanism 172 allows cooling water to flow through the flow path disposed on the barrel 100, the extrusion device 11 prevents excessive temperature rise inside the barrel. The flow path of the barrel disposed in the cooling mechanism 172 is divided into multiple sections along the direction of extension of the barrel 100. Thus, the cooling mechanism 172 can, for example, separately control the cooling state of the upstream side of the decomposition processing zone 130 and the cooling state of the downstream side of the decomposition processing zone 130. In particular, when the cooling mechanism 172 controls the temperature of the downstream side of the decomposition processing zone 130, the extrusion device 11 can process the first product M21 more safely. Regarding the device for allowing cooling water to flow through the cooling mechanism 172, a deep-cooled section (not shown) for circulating cooling fluid can be used, for example. Furthermore, to precisely control the cooling temperature, the cooling mechanism 172 can have cooling fins or a cooling fan.

[0053] The outlet 160, located at the downstream end of the barrel 100, is a nozzle-shaped flow path for discharging the incoming material to be processed M10 (first product M21 and second product M22) to the outside.

[0054] The outlet 160 has a freely openable and closable valve 161. Valve 161 can be opened and closed according to the pressure near the outlet 160 on the barrel 100. Alternatively, the opening degree of valve 161 can be adjusted according to the pressure near the outlet 160 on the barrel 100. By providing valve 161, the extrusion unit 11 can suppress the flow of the material to be processed M10 from the separation unit 300 connected to the extrusion unit 11 in the rearward direction.

[0055] Thermometer 181A is disposed on the upstream side of the decomposition processing zone 130 on the barrel 100. Thermometer 181B and pressure gauge 182 are disposed near the outlet 160 on the downstream side of the barrel 100. Thermometer 181B and pressure gauge 182 measure the internal temperature or internal pressure of the barrel 100, which are used as indicators for controlling valve 161.

[0056] Valve 161 can be set to close when the air pressure is below a preset threshold and open when the air pressure reaches or exceeds the threshold. This allows the extrusion unit 11 to safely recover the first product M21.

[0057] An irradiation device 140 is disposed on the barrel 100 adjacent to the decomposition processing region 130. The irradiation device 140 generates microwaves and irradiates the decomposition processing region 130 with microwaves. Therefore, the barrel 100 has a structure that allows the microwaves generated by the irradiation device 140 to pass through at least a portion of the decomposition processing region 130. That is, at least a portion of the inner wall of the barrel 100 has a portion that can irradiate microwaves into the decomposition processing region 130.

[0058] The structure that allows microwaves to pass through the decomposition processing region 130 can be, for example, a structure that exposes an antenna for irradiating the decomposition processing region 130 with microwaves generated by the irradiation device 140. The structure that allows microwaves to pass through the decomposition processing region 130 can also be, for example, a structure having a component that allows microwaves generated by the irradiation device 140 to pass through the decomposition processing region 130, while preventing the material to be processed M10 and the first product M21 and the second product M22 resulting from thermal decomposition from passing through the decomposition processing region 130.

[0059] The irradiation device 140 may include a thermometer for measuring the temperature in the decomposition processing zone 130. The irradiation device 140 may also include a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure in the decomposition processing zone 130. Furthermore, the irradiation device 140 may include an inverter. The inverter can controllably change the microwave output by altering the operating voltage of the magnetron.

[0060] In the extrusion apparatus 11 described above, the processing area can be defined (i.e. divided) from the upstream side to the downstream side into region P1, region P2, region P3, region P4, region P5 and region P6.

[0061] Region P1 is the conveying region. Within region P1, the auger 121 conveys the received material to be processed M10 (resin M11 and catalyst M12) downstream. Furthermore, the auger 121 can apply pressure to the received material to be processed M10 while conveying it.

[0062] Region P2 is a heating zone. Within region P2, the spiral section 121 stirs and mixes the material to be treated M10 (resin M11 and catalyst M12) while conveying it to the decomposition treatment zone 130. Furthermore, the heating device 171 heats the conveyed material to be treated M10.

[0063] Region P3 is the reaction zone. Within region P3, the irradiation device 140 thermally decomposes the material to be treated M10 into a first product M21 and a second product M22. In region P3, the thermally decomposed material to be treated M10 is pushed further downstream by the material to be treated M10 transported from region P2.

[0064] Region P4 is the transport region. Within region P4, the spiral section 121 transports the first product M21 and the second product M22, which have been thermally decomposed by the irradiation device 140, downstream.

[0065] Zone P5 is a cooling zone. Within zone P5, the auger 121 conveys the thermally decomposed first product M21 and second product M22 to zone P6. During this conveying process, within zone P5, the cooling mechanism 172 controls the cooling of the first product M21 and second product M22. Because the first product M21 and second product M22 are cooled within zone P5, the user of the extrusion apparatus 11 can safely use the extrusion apparatus 11.

[0066] Region P6 is the discharge region. Within region P6, discharge outlet 160 discharges the first product M21 and the second product M22, which have been thermally decomposed and then cooled, to discharge outlet 160.

[0067] With the above-described structure, the extrusion device 11 can continuously and efficiently recover reusable materials.

[0068] Next, refer to Figure 3 The processing method executed by processing system 1 is described. Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the processing method according to the first embodiment. The processing described below may, for example, be instructions given by the control unit 500 to the configuration of the processing system 1.

[0069] First, the extrusion unit 11 adjusts the temperature of the barrel 100, which serves as the processing furnace (step S11). More specifically, the heating device 171 of the extrusion unit 11 adjusts the temperature of the heating zone P2, for example, so that the temperature of the barrel 100 falls within a preset range. When doing so, if the temperature exceeds the preset temperature, the extrusion unit 11, for example, allows cooling water to flow through a flow path provided on the barrel. In this way, the extrusion unit 11 adjusts the temperature of the barrel 100 to reach the set temperature.

[0070] Next, the receiving part 110 of the extrusion device 11 receives the material to be processed M10 (or resin M11 and catalyst M12) into the barrel 100 (step S12).

[0071] Next, the extrusion unit 11 heats the received material M10 to be processed by the heating unit 171, and the auger 121 rotates to stir or mix the material M10 to be processed while conveying it (step S13). The auger 121 supplies the heated and mixed material M10 to the decomposition processing zone 130 located downstream of it.

[0072] Next, the irradiation device 140 irradiates the material to be processed M10, which is being transported to the decomposition processing area 130, with microwaves (step S14). The material to be processed M10 is transported downstream while being irradiated with microwaves and thus undergoing thermal decomposition.

[0073] Next, the extrusion device 11 extrudes the material to be processed M10 (first product M21 and second product M22) that has been thermally decomposed in the decomposition processing zone 130 from the outlet 160 to the outside of the barrel 100 (step S15).

[0074] Next, the separation device 300 of processing system 1 separates and extracts the decomposed substances from the material to be processed M10 received from extrusion device 11 (step S16). More specifically, for example, the separation device 300 of processing system 1 separates and extracts a first product M21 from the material to be processed M10. Alternatively, the separation device 300 further separates and extracts hydrogen from the first product M21. In addition, the separation device 300 separates and extracts a second product M22 from the material to be processed M10. Alternatively, the separation device 300 further separates and extracts carbon from the second product M22. When the separation device 300 separates and extracts the above substances, processing system 1 ends a series of processes.

[0075] Note that when the above series of processes begins, steps S12 to S16 will be executed in parallel and continuously. By continuously executing the above series of processes, the processing system 1 continuously and efficiently thermally decomposes the material M10 to be processed.

[0076] Although the implementation method has been described above, the structure and function of the processing system 1 are not limited to the above. The control unit 500 can control the relationship between the rotation speed of the spiral section 121 and the magnitude of the microwave output emitted by the irradiation device 140.

[0077] For example, the control unit 500 can control at least one of the microwave emission output and the rotation speed of the spiral unit 121, so that the temperature measured by the thermometer 181A attached to the upstream side of the irradiation device 140 and the thermometer 181B attached to the downstream side of the irradiation device 140 reaches a preset temperature.

[0078] In this case, the control unit 500 can perform control in the following manner: when the temperature measured by the thermometer 181A (the first temperature) is lower than the set temperature, the control unit 500 increases the microwave irradiation output, decreases the rotation speed of the spiral section 121, and / or increases the output of the heating device 171 attached to the barrel 100. Furthermore, the control unit 500 can perform control in the following manner: when the temperature measured by the thermometer 181A (the first temperature) reaches or exceeds the set temperature, the control unit 500 decreases the microwave irradiation output, increases the rotation speed of the spiral section 121, and / or decreases the output of the heating device 171 attached to the barrel 100.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 500 can perform control in such a manner that when the temperature measured by the thermometer 181B (the second temperature) is lower than the set temperature, the control unit 500 increases the microwave irradiation output, decreases the rotation speed of the spiral section 121, and / or increases the output of the heating device 171 attached to the barrel 100. Furthermore, the control unit 500 can perform control in such a manner that when the temperature measured by the thermometer 181B (the second temperature) reaches or exceeds the set temperature, the control unit 500 decreases the microwave irradiation output, increases the rotation speed of the spiral section 121, and / or decreases the output of the heating device 171 attached to the barrel 100.

[0080] Because the control unit 500 has the above-mentioned functions, the extrusion device 11 can continuously and stably process the material M10 to be processed while performing feedback control.

[0081] The first embodiment has been described above. With the above-described structure, this embodiment provides an extrusion apparatus, a processing system, and a processing method capable of efficiently recycling reusable materials.

[0082] <Second Implementation Method>

[0083] Figure 4This is a structural diagram of the extrusion apparatus 12 according to the second embodiment. The structure of the auger 121 of the extrusion apparatus 12 is different from that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the structure of the extrusion apparatus 12 related to the processing of the thermally decomposed material M10 is also different from that of the first embodiment.

[0084] According to this embodiment, the spiral portion 121 extends from the drive device 120 to the decomposition processing area 130, but does not extend to the vicinity of the outlet 160. That is, the extrusion device 12 does not convey the first product M21 and the second product M22 after thermal decomposition through the spiral portion 121.

[0085] In the extrusion apparatus 12, the barrel 100 has a residue discharge port 163 in its lower part between the decomposition processing zone 130 and the outlet 160. The extrusion apparatus 12 discharges the second product M22 from the residue discharge port 163. The barrel 100 has a ramp on the upstream side of the residue discharge port 163. Because the extrusion apparatus 12 has a ramp, the second product M22 can easily flow into the residue discharge port 163.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the first product M21 is discharged from the outlet 160. Compared with the outlet 160 of the barrel 100 shown in the first embodiment, the outlet 160 of this embodiment is provided at a relatively high position on the barrel 100. In this way, the outlet 160 can easily discharge the first product M21, which is a gas, and can prevent liquids and solids from being discharged from the outlet 160.

[0087] With the above-described configuration, the extrusion apparatus 12 can easily separate the first product M21 and the second product M22 after thermal decomposition. Note that the residue outlet 163 may, for example, have a gear pump. In this way, the extrusion apparatus 12 can prevent the first product M21 from flowing out of the residue outlet 163.

[0088] The second embodiment has been described above. With the above-described structure, this embodiment provides an extrusion apparatus, a processing system, and a processing method capable of efficiently separating and recovering reusable materials.

[0089] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the invention is not limited to the above description. Various modifications to the construction and details of the invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, the auger and barrel of the extrusion apparatus according to this disclosure are not limited to the auger and barrel of a double-auger extrusion apparatus. The auger and barrel of the extrusion equipment according to this disclosure can be the auger and barrel of a single-auger extrusion apparatus.

[0090] This application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application JP 2023-150840, filed on September 19, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0091] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0092] 1. Processing System

[0093] 11 Extrusion Unit

[0094] 12 Extrusion Unit

[0095] 90 Wind power generation system

[0096] 100 barrel

[0097] 110 Receiving Department

[0098] 111 First Receiving Section

[0099] 112 Second Receiving Unit

[0100] 120 drive unit

[0101] 121 Spiral section

[0102] 122 Thermal decomposition section

[0103] 130 Decomposition Processing Area

[0104] 140 Irradiation Device

[0105] 150 Ejection Section

[0106] 160 Export

[0107] 161 Valve

[0108] 163 Residue was spat out.

[0109] 171 Heating device

[0110] 172 Cooling Mechanism

[0111] 181 Thermometer

[0112] 182 pressure gauge

[0113] 200 rechargeable batteries

[0114] 300 Separation Device

[0115] 301 First Separation Unit

[0116] 302 Second Separation Unit

[0117] 310 Outgoing pipe

[0118] 320 spit out

[0119] 400 storage

[0120] 500 Control Department

[0121] 610 Conveyor Drive Unit

[0122] M10 Material to be processed

[0123] M11 resin

[0124] M12 catalyst

[0125] M21 First product

[0126] M22 Second product

Claims

1. An extrusion device, comprising: A barrel having a receiving section configured to receive material to be processed from its outside; A spiral section, which is rotatably housed within the barrel, is configured to convey the material to be processed downstream while rotating the material to be processed received from the receiving section. The decomposition processing area is a space located inside the barrel. An irradiation device configured to irradiate the material to be treated with microwaves within the decomposition processing area; as well as The outlet is configured to serve as a flow path for discharging the material to be processed, which has been transported to the downstream side after being irradiated by the microwave, to the outside of the barrel.

2. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The spiral section transports the material to be processed, which is located upstream of the decomposition processing area and has not yet been thermally decomposed, to the decomposition processing area, thereby pushing the thermally decomposed material to be processed downstream of the decomposition processing area.

3. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The extrusion device also features: A heating device configured to heat the material to be processed in the region between the receiving part and the decomposition processing area; as well as A cooling mechanism is configured to cool the thermally decomposed material to be processed in the region between the decomposition processing area and the outlet.

4. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The barrel has a pressure gauge configured to measure the pressure near the outlet. The outlet has a valve configured to open and close according to a predetermined preset pressure, and The valve is configured to close when the pressure is below a preset threshold and open when the pressure is above the preset threshold.

5. The extrusion apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The receiving unit receives the material to be processed, which contains at least resin, and The irradiation device thermally decomposes the material to be treated by irradiating it with microwaves, thereby enabling at least hydrogen to be separated from the material to be treated.

6. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The receiving section includes a first receiving section configured to receive the resin and a second receiving section configured to receive a catalyst that promotes thermal decomposition. The spiral section mixes the material to be treated, which contains the resin and the catalyst, while conveying the material to be treated.

7. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The irradiation device thermally decomposes the material to be treated by irradiating it with microwaves at a frequency of 300MHz to 30GHz.

8. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The extrusion device also features: A thermometer configured to measure the internal temperature of the barrel near the decomposition processing area; and The control unit is configured to control at least one of the microwave irradiation output and the rotational speed of the spiral section based on the temperature measured by the thermometer. When the temperature displayed by the thermometer located on the barrel upstream of the irradiation device is lower than a preset first temperature, the control unit increases the irradiation output of the microwave, or decreases the rotation speed of the spiral section, or increases the temperature of the barrel.

9. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The extrusion device also features: A thermometer configured to measure the internal temperature of the barrel near the decomposition processing area; The control unit is configured to control at least one of the microwave irradiation output and the rotational speed of the spiral section based on the temperature measured by the thermometer. When the temperature displayed by the thermometer reaches or exceeds a preset second temperature, the control unit reduces the microwave irradiation output, increases the rotation speed of the spiral section, or increases the temperature of the barrel.

10. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The extrusion apparatus also has a control unit configured to control the rotational speed of the spiral section, the magnitude of the microwave irradiation output irradiated by the irradiation device, and the temperature of the barrel.

11. A processing system, having: The extrusion apparatus according to claim 5; and A separation device configured to separate and extract hydrogen from the material to be processed discharged from the outlet of the extrusion device.

12. The processing system according to claim 11, wherein, The irradiation device of the extrusion apparatus thermally decomposes the material to be treated by irradiating it with microwaves, thereby enabling the further separation of carbon from the material to be treated. The separation device further separates and extracts carbon from the thermally decomposed material to be treated.

13. The processing system according to claim 11, wherein, The processing system also has a secondary battery configured to supply power to the irradiation device.

14. The processing system according to claim 13, wherein, The secondary battery can store electricity generated by renewable energy sources.

15. Processing methods, including: The material to be processed is received into the inside of the barrel; By rotating the auger housed within the barrel, the received material to be processed is conveyed downstream. In the decomposition processing area, which is a space provided inside the barrel, the material to be processed is irradiated with microwaves; as well as The material to be processed, after being irradiated by the microwave, is conveyed to the downstream side and then discharged to the outside of the barrel.

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