Apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds by using biochemical solvent

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for decomposing a polymer compound using a biochemically active solvent, including: a tank in which an inlet and an outlet are formed to allow the polymer compound to pass therethrough, and in which the biochemically active solvent is contained; a conveying unit configured to move the polymer compound supplied through the inlet toward the outlet; and a stirring unit configured to flow the polymer compound moved by the operation of the conveying unit in a direction away from the moving direction thereof, thereby stirring the polymer compound and the biochemically active solvent and increasing the number of times and the time of contact of the polymer compound with the biochemically active solvent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using biochemically active solvents. Background Technology

[0002] Plastics, as examples of polymer compounds, constitute a significantly larger proportion of industrial and municipal waste compared to metals. Therefore, when their value is economically converted, they exceed that of metals. Simultaneously, the need for recycling plastics as waste emissions is becoming increasingly prominent due to the depletion of petroleum (the primary raw material for plastics).

[0003] When plastics are recycled, various types of plastics are typically used within a single product, and these various types of plastics are collected and recycled together. Therefore, each type of plastic material becomes an impurity for the others, making it difficult to completely maintain the purity of a single material type. Consequently, the quality decreases, and the economic value is evaluated as approximately 34% lower than that of the virgin plastic. In particular, it is difficult to economically separate mixed plastic waste contained in household waste according to its properties, and therefore there is an urgent need to develop technologies for sorting mixed plastic waste.

[0004] The plastic recycling process mainly consists of a pretreatment process and a recycling process, in which mixed plastic waste is separated and sorted according to its properties during pretreatment. Wet flotation is primarily used to separate and sort mixed plastic waste by its properties; however, wet flotation requires a large amount of water, and even after wet flotation, approximately 2% of other materials remain mixed, resulting in low-grade plastics being recycled. In particular, since polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exists as an impurity in plastics undergoing wet flotation, pretreatment of PVC is necessary during the plastic recycling process.

[0005] Meanwhile, technologies for treating wastewater or waste containing plastics using biochemically active solvents have recently been developed. For example, Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0350928 discloses a novel biochemically active solvent, Klebsiella pneumoniae CJ-PVA a (accession number KFCC-11126), which exhibits favorable growth under aerobic conditions and has improved polyvinyl alcohol decomposition ability, and discloses a method for treating wastewater containing polyvinyl alcohol using it.

[0006] In addition, Korean Patent No. 10-0513931 discloses Microbacterium barkeri LC (accession number KCCM 10507) and a method for biodegrading polyvinyl alcohol using it.

[0007] The mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) is an insect belonging to the family Tenebrionidae. The larvae of the mealworm are commonly known as mealworms and are primarily used as pet food and as edible insects. In 2015, it was discovered that mealworms can break down polystyrene into reusable organic matter [Jordan, Rob. “Plastic-eating worms mayoffer solution to mounting waste, Stanford researchers discover”. Stanford News Service. Retrieved March 24, 2016]. However, the mechanism by which mealworms break down plastic is not yet elucidated, and therefore, commercialization has not yet been attempted.

[0008] The background technology of this invention is disclosed in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2126889 (published on June 26, 2020, invention title: Novel biochemically active solvent having plastic decomposition activity and use thereof).

[0009] The methods for using microorganisms to decompose plastic waste according to relevant technologies lack specific technical configurations for mixing microbial culture media with plastic waste. Furthermore, they lack specific technical configurations for carrying out the decomposition process by continuously supplying large quantities of plastic waste and mixing it with microbial culture media. Therefore, it is difficult to continuously decompose large quantities of plastic waste, which leads to difficulties in reducing the time and cost required for the plastic waste decomposition process.

[0010] Therefore, improvements are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention aims to provide an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent, which can improve the recovery rate of polymer compounds by extracting high-purity polymer compounds formed from one of a plurality of materials. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a conveying unit configured to pass the polymer compound at a constant rate through a tank filled with a biochemically active solvent, which decomposes the remaining materials in the plurality of materials of the polymer compound. This enables the decomposition of large quantities of polymer compounds through a continuous process and reduces the time and cost required for the polymer compound decomposition process.

[0012] The present invention includes: a tank having an inlet and an outlet formed therein to allow a polymer compound to pass through, and a bioactive solvent contained therein; a conveying unit configured to move a polymer compound supplied through the inlet toward the outlet; and a stirring unit configured to allow the polymer compound moved by the operation of the conveying unit to flow in a direction away from its direction of movement, and to stir the polymer compound and the bioactive solvent to increase the number of contacts and the contact time between the polymer compound and the bioactive solvent, wherein the gap between the conveying unit and the tank is formed to be smaller than the particle size of the crushed polymer compound, such that when the polymer compound moves toward the outlet by the operation of the conveying unit, the bioactive solvent flows through the gap between the conveying unit and the tank, while the bioactive solvent remains contained in the tank during the continuous process of decomposing the polymer compound.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a residue prevention unit configured to prevent polymer compounds moved by the operation of the conveying unit from remaining through the outlet.

[0014] Furthermore, the residue prevention unit of the present invention includes an inclined portion formed such that the diameter of the can decreases toward the outlet, and the polymer compound moving toward the outlet by the operation of the conveying unit rises along the inclined portion and is discharged to the outside of the can through the outlet.

[0015] Furthermore, the conveying unit of the present invention includes: a screw member configured to move a polymer compound supplied into the tank through an inlet toward an outlet and to cause the polymer compound to rise along an inclined portion for discharge to the outside of the tank; and a drive unit configured to supply power to the screw member.

[0016] Furthermore, the screw component of the present invention includes: a drive shaft rotatably mounted at an inlet and an outlet; a first screw formed in a helical shape around the drive shaft and configured to press and move a polymer compound supplied to the tank toward the outlet when the drive shaft rotates in one direction; and a second screw integrally connected to the first screw and formed in a helical shape on the drive shaft, the diameter of the second screw gradually decreasing toward the outlet to maintain a constant gap with the inclined portion.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention also includes a support unit configured to rotatably support the conveying unit and allow polymer compounds supplied to or discharged from the tank to pass through it.

[0018] Furthermore, the support unit of the present invention includes: a socket body into which the drive shaft of the conveying unit is rotatably inserted, and the socket body is mounted at an inlet or outlet; a connecting rib protruding from the socket body, and into which the inlet or outlet is inserted; a connecting ring fastened to the connecting rib to connect the connecting rib to the inlet or outlet; and a through-hole portion disposed in the socket body to allow the movement of a polymer compound through the inlet or outlet.

[0019] In addition, the present invention also includes a transmission unit disposed in the support unit to allow power provided by the drive unit to be transmitted to the drive shaft through the support unit.

[0020] Furthermore, the transmission unit of the present invention includes a transmission hole portion disposed in the socket body to allow the gear component of the drive unit to be inserted therein and the gear to be coupled to the drive shaft.

[0021] Furthermore, the drive unit of the present invention includes: a gear member connected to the output shaft of a power-providing motor and inserted along a transmission hole portion; and a power transmission unit configured to provide power to the transmission unit by transmitting power from the gear member toward an inlet or an outlet.

[0022] Furthermore, the power transmission unit of the present invention includes: a first gear tooth disposed on a drive shaft inserted from the inlet into the socket body and geared to a gear member; and a second gear tooth disposed on another drive shaft inserted from the outlet into the socket body and geared to a gear member, wherein a pair of cans are disposed adjacent to each other, and a drive shaft extending from the inlet of one can and a drive shaft extending from the outlet of the other can are inserted into the socket member and disposed in contact with each other, and the first gear tooth and the second gear tooth disposed on the pair of drive shafts are simultaneously geared to the gear member.

[0023] Furthermore, the stirring unit of the present invention includes: stirring blades disposed between a first screw or a second screw so that when the polymer compound is moved toward the outlet by the operation of the conveying unit, the polymer compound and the biochemically active solvent flow in a direction away from its direction of movement; and a sieve portion disposed in the stirring blades.

[0024] Furthermore, the present invention includes: a tank having an inlet and an outlet formed therein to allow a polymer compound to pass through, and a bioactive solvent contained therein; a conveying unit configured to move a polymer compound supplied through the inlet toward the outlet; a stirring unit configured to cause the polymer compound moved by the operation of the conveying unit to flow in a direction away from its direction of movement, and to stir the polymer compound and the bioactive solvent to increase the number of contacts and contact time between the polymer compound and the bioactive solvent; and an anti-clogging unit providing a flow path along which the polymer compound passes through the conveying unit, wherein, when the operation of the conveying unit moves the polymer compound toward the outlet, the polymer compound moves along the flow path formed by the anti-clogging unit to prevent the polymer compound from clogging between the tank and the conveying unit or between the screw member and the barrel member, and the bioactive solvent passes through the inside or outside of the anti-clogging unit, and the bioactive solvent remains contained in the tank during the continuous process of decomposing the polymer compound.

[0025] Furthermore, the anti-clogging unit of the present invention includes: a cylindrical member in which the conveying unit is integrally mounted and the cylindrical member is rotatably mounted in a can; and a plurality of mesh portions disposed in the cylindrical member to allow the biochemically active solvent to pass through the inner or outer side of the cylindrical member.

[0026] Furthermore, the conveying unit of the present invention includes: a screw member configured to move a polymer compound supplied into the tank through an inlet toward an outlet and to cause the polymer compound to rise along an inclined portion for discharge to the outside of the tank; and a drive unit configured to supply power to the screw member, wherein the end of the screw member engages with a cylinder member such that no gap is formed between the screw member and the cylinder member, and the screw member and the cylinder member rotate integrally.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention also includes an anti-residue unit configured to prevent polymer compounds that move along the anti-clogging unit through the operation of the conveying unit from remaining through the outlet.

[0028] Furthermore, the residue prevention unit of the present invention includes an inclined portion formed such that the diameter of the cylinder member decreases toward the outlet, and the polymer compound moving toward the outlet by the operation of the conveying unit rises along the inclined portion and is discharged to the outside of the tank through the outlet.

[0029] Beneficial effects

[0030] The apparatus according to the invention for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent includes a conveying unit configured to continuously supply and pass the polymer compound through a tank filled with the biochemically active solvent. Therefore, when a large quantity of polymer compound is continuously supplied to the tank and stirred together with the biochemically active solvent, a high-purity polymer compound formed from one of a variety of materials can be continuously extracted. This provides the advantage of reducing the time and cost required for the decomposition process of large quantities of polymer compounds.

[0031] Furthermore, the apparatus according to the invention for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent includes a stirring unit configured to allow the polymer compound, introduced into the tank and moving toward the outlet, to flow vertically. Therefore, as the polymer compound passes through the tank, the biochemically active solvent contained within the tank and the polymer compound are stirred vertically, thereby increasing the contact area and contact time between the polymer compound and the biochemically active solvent. This improves the efficiency of the polymer compound decomposition process, which offers the advantage of further increasing the purity of the polymer compounds (such as plastics) produced by the decomposition process.

[0032] Furthermore, the apparatus according to the invention for decomposing polymer compounds using biochemically active solvents includes a residue prevention unit configured to prevent polymer compounds discharged through the tank outlet from failing to cross the boundary between the outlet and the tank and remaining inside the tank. Therefore, even when a large amount of polymer compound is decomposed through a continuous process, residue of polymer compound in the tank can be prevented. This provides the advantage that tank cleaning operations required when the accumulated amount of polymer compound remaining in the tank exceeds a set value can be omitted.

[0033] Furthermore, the apparatus according to the invention for decomposing polymer compounds using biochemically active solvents includes a support unit configured to rotatably support a conveying unit. Therefore, even when the conveying unit is driven for an extended period, displacement due to operational vibrations can be prevented, and thus a constant gap can be maintained between the conveying unit and the inner wall of the container. This provides the advantage that as the gap between the conveying unit and the inner wall of the container widens, polymer compounds are prevented from remaining inside the container due to leakage from the conveying unit without moving.

[0034] Furthermore, the apparatus according to the invention for decomposing polymer compounds using biochemically active solvents has the advantage that the gap between the conveying unit and the inner wall of the tank is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the crushed polymer compound. This prevents interference between the conveying unit and the inner wall of the tank, while also preventing the loss of polymer compound through the gap, thereby more effectively preventing polymer compound residue from remaining in the tank.

[0035] Furthermore, the apparatus according to the invention for decomposing polymer compounds using biochemically active solvents has the advantage of having a through-hole portion through which the polymer compound passes in the socket body forming the support unit. Therefore, the polymer compound moved by the operation of the conveying unit can be discharged to the outside of the tank through the through-hole portion along the outlet. Moreover, by arranging multiple tanks in series and connecting them such that the outlet of the first tank and the inlet of the second tank are in communication with each other, a decomposition apparatus in which multiple processes are performed continuously can be provided.

[0036] Furthermore, the apparatus according to the invention for decomposing polymer compounds using biochemically active solvents includes a transmission unit for connecting a drive unit and a drive shaft, such that power transmitted from the drive unit disposed outside the tank is transmitted through a support unit to the drive shaft of the transmission unit. Therefore, a separate technical configuration for transmitting power to the drive shaft disposed inside the tank is eliminated, thereby reducing the time and cost required for installing the drive unit. This also allows for easy connection of multiple tanks, thereby reducing the time and cost required for installing multiple decomposition devices or replacing any one of the multiple decomposition devices.

[0037] Furthermore, the apparatus according to the invention for decomposing polymer compounds using biochemically active solvents further includes an anti-clogging unit configured to prevent polymer compounds from clogging in the gap between the tank and the transfer unit, and thus prevents malfunctions caused by polymer compounds clogging in the gap between the screw member of the transfer unit and the inner wall of the tank as they move along the interior of the tank.

[0038] Furthermore, the apparatus according to the invention for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent has a first screw and a second screw, which are screw members welded and integrally joined to the inner wall of a cylinder member of an anti-clogging unit. Since the first screw, the second screw, and the cylinder member rotate integrally, the polymer compound introduced into the can moves along the cylinder member via the first and second screws without contacting the inner wall of the can. As the biochemically active solvent passes through the interior or exterior of the cylinder member along a plurality of mesh portions formed therein, the solvent contacts the polymer compound to carry out the decomposition process, thereby effectively preventing malfunctions caused by polymer compounds clogging in the gaps between the first and second screws and the can, or clogging in the gaps between the first and second screws and the cylinder member. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a view illustrating the gap between the transfer unit and the tank in an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the support unit and transmission unit of an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a side view illustrating a support unit of an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] In the following description, embodiments of the apparatus according to the invention for decomposing polymer compounds using biochemically active solvents will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] In this process, for clarity and ease of description, the thickness of lines or the dimensions of components shown in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms to be described below are defined in consideration of their function in this invention and may vary according to the intentions or habits of the user or operator.

[0049] Therefore, the definitions of such terms should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 This is a view illustrating the gap between the transfer unit and the tank of an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] also, Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the support unit and transmission unit of an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a side view illustrating a support unit of an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] See Figures 1 to 5 An apparatus for decomposing a polymer compound using a bioactive solvent according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a tank 10 in which an inlet 12 and an outlet 14 are formed to allow the polymer compound to pass through and the bioactive solvent to be stored; a conveying unit 30 configured to move the polymer compound supplied through the inlet 12 toward the outlet 14; and a stirring unit 70 configured to cause the polymer compound moved by the operation of the conveying unit 30 to flow in a direction away from its direction of movement, and to stir the polymer compound and the bioactive solvent to increase the number of contacts and the contact time between the polymer compound and the bioactive solvent.

[0053] Therefore, the crushed polymer compound supplied through inlet 12 is stirred together with the bioactive solvent contained in tank 10. Among the polymer compounds formed from multiple materials, the polymer compounds formed from the remaining materials, excluding those formed from one material, are decomposed by the bioactive solvent, thereby allowing the polymer compounds to be regenerated into high-purity polymer compounds of a single material, such as high-purity plastics.

[0054] Here, as Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the gap between the conveying unit 30 and the tank 10 is formed to be smaller than the particle size of the crushed polymer compound, such that when the polymer compound moves toward the outlet 14 through the operation of the conveying unit 30, the bioactive solvent flows through the gap between the conveying unit 30 and the tank 10, while the bioactive solvent can remain contained in the tank 10 during the continuous process of decomposing the polymer compound.

[0055] Therefore, a continuous process for the continuous decomposition of large quantities of polymer compounds using biochemically active solvents contained in tank 10 can be carried out, thereby significantly reducing the time and cost required for the decomposition of large quantities of polymer compounds.

[0056] The polymer compound is crushed into particles with a diameter of 0.5 cm to 3 cm and fed into tank 10. Since the gap between the conveying unit 30 and the inner wall of tank 10 is 0.1 cm to 0.3 cm, it is possible to prevent the polymer compound from escaping through the gap between the conveying unit 30 and tank 10 and thus preventing malfunctions that would prevent it from being conveyed.

[0057] In addition, such as Figure 1As shown, this embodiment can provide a system in which multiple tanks 10 are connected in series, so that while the polymer compound passes through the multiple tanks 10 in stages, a continuous process including input, washing, biochemically active solvent decomposition, washing and drying is carried out in stages.

[0058] The first tank 10 is a liquid reactor in which sterilization processes, including the input of polymer compounds and washing, are carried out; the second tank 10 is a place in which degradation processes, including the decomposition of biochemically active solvents, are carried out; and the third tank 10 is a place in which washing and drying processes, including washing and drying, are carried out.

[0059] As described above, three tanks 10 can be used to continuously perform the input, washing, biochemically active solvent decomposition, washing and drying processes of polymer compounds, and the decomposition device of this embodiment is installed between the crushing process and the extrusion process of the polymer compound.

[0060] Therefore, the crushing and gravity sorting processes can be carried out before the polymer compound is supplied to the decomposition unit, and the drying and extrusion processes can be carried out after the decomposition process is completed for the production of pellets.

[0061] In the first tank 10 of this embodiment, an ethanol solution with a concentration range capable of sterilization can fill the entire interior of tank 10, and then be dried using a hot air blower so that no ethanol remains in subsequent parts of tank 10. Alternatively, sterilization can be performed in a single tank 10 using a gamma ray sterilizer, and simultaneously, a process can be performed to filter out small non-plastic foreign objects by blowing them upwards using a blower. To collect residues that have moved to the upper part of tank 10, a discharge port 18 can be installed at the upper part.

[0062] In the tank 10 of this embodiment, a culture medium for the bioactive solvent, formed by specially prepared plastic-degrading bacteria, is contained inside the second tank 10 to be filled with bioactive solvent for the decomposition of the bioactive solvent.

[0063] In addition, an air inlet 16 is provided in the lower part of the tank 10 to support the survival of biochemically active solvents and the decomposition of plastics, and an air pump and HEPA filter are installed in the pipe extending from the inlet 16 to provide sterile air.

[0064] Basically, organic matter can be completely decomposed and does not need to be collected separately, but some organic and inorganic matter can accumulate externally and can be collected in a separate space via pipes.

[0065] In addition, since bioactive solvents may age or die, the bioactive solvent culture medium and culture medium inlet 16 can be installed in the upper part of the tank 10 to maintain the optimal condition of the bioactive solvent, and various sensors and culture control devices can be attached to monitor and manage the internal condition of the tank 10.

[0066] Therefore, the growth status and decomposition degree of biochemically active solvents can be monitored using sensors. Sensors that can be installed in the upper part of tank 10 may include pH sensors, temperature sensors, optical density (OD) sensors, carbon dioxide sensors, and hazardous substance concentration sensors capable of inhibiting the growth of various types of biochemically active solvents.

[0067] Control devices may include oxygen concentration controllers, temperature controllers, humidity controllers, pH controllers, etc., and can control phenomena detected by sensors and manage the culture environment of biochemically active solvents.

[0068] To prevent the introduction of bacterial contaminants, a pressurizer capable of maintaining positive pressure inside the tank 10, an air outlet 14 capable of quickly replacing the rapidly changing air, and a sealing member disposed in the gap between the tank 10 and the support unit 80 and formed of a latex material with strong elasticity and adhesion can be installed to prevent the initial leakage of the culture medium to the outside.

[0069] In the third tank 10 of this embodiment, a high-pressure water spray nozzle can be installed in all directions at the upper portion of tank 10 to perform a high-pressure water washing process for removing bioactive solvents and producing clean polymer compounds for reuse. The bioactive solvents can be physically removed and sterilized when the wash water sprayed from the nozzle collides with the polymer compounds carried along the lower part of tank 10.

[0070] A hot air generator can be installed at the rear of tank 10 to dry the polymer compound. Since there is a risk of bioactive solvent proliferation or foreign matter introduction if water remains in the tank after washing, a drain port can be installed in tank 10 to drain the wash water.

[0071] The control equipment can be operated using a central processing system capable of simultaneously monitoring and processing data from the aforementioned sensors, and communication equipment capable of remote control. Typically, in systems utilizing living organisms, it is important to create a continuous and constant environment, and a power outage can lead to a severe reduction in decomposition efficiency. To prevent this problem, the power storage system can be configured to supply auxiliary power in emergencies using solar cells.

[0072] The residue collected in tank 10 can be manually collected using outlet 14. However, an automatic collection device can also be added internally to improve the ease of collection.

[0073] A screen with a dense structure, such as a mesh, can be installed at the upper edge of the drum to collect residue from the entire upper portion as the drum rotates. The screen can be connected to the central shaft of the screw in each drum and can be configured to rotate continuously therein.

[0074] When the collection device reaches its capacity limit and collection is required, or when additional materials are to be added, the collection device can be mechanically separated by the control device, and the contents of the collection device can be removed from the outlet 14.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment also includes a residue prevention unit 76, which is configured to prevent polymer compounds moved by the operation of the conveying unit 30 from remaining through the outlet 14.

[0076] The residue prevention unit 76 of this embodiment includes an inclined portion 78, which is formed such that the diameter of the tank 10 decreases toward the outlet 14, and thus the polymer compound moving toward the outlet 14 by the operation of the conveying unit 30 rises along the inclined portion 78 and is discharged to the outside of the tank 10 through the outlet 14.

[0077] The conveying unit 30 of this embodiment includes a screw member 32 configured to move a polymer compound supplied to the tank 10 through the inlet 12 toward the outlet 14 and to cause the polymer compound to rise along the inclined portion 78 to be discharged to the outside of the tank 10; and a drive unit 50 configured to supply power to the screw member 32.

[0078] Therefore, power is transmitted to the screw member 32 by the operation of the drive unit 50 installed outside the tank 10, and as the screw member 32 installed from the inlet 12 to the outlet 14 of the tank 10 rotates in one direction, the polymer compound supplied to the tank 10 through the inlet 12 moves along the screw member 32 toward the outlet 14 while contacting the biochemically active solvent, thereby carrying out the decomposition process.

[0079] The screw assembly 32 of this embodiment includes a drive shaft 34 rotatably mounted at the inlet 12 and the outlet 14; a first screw 36 formed in a helical shape around the drive shaft 34 and configured to press and move the polymer compound supplied to the tank 10 toward the outlet 14 when the drive shaft 34 rotates in one direction; and a second screw 38 integrally connected to the first screw 36 and formed in a helical shape on the drive shaft 34, the diameter of the second screw 38 gradually decreasing toward the outlet 14 to maintain a constant gap with the inclined portion 78.

[0080] Therefore, the second screw 38 is arranged along the inclined portion 78, which is formed such that the diameter of the can 10 is reduced, and the gap between the second screw 38 and the inclined portion 78 can be maintained at 0.1 cm to 0.3 cm. Thus, the polymer compound that moves to the inclined portion 78 by the rotational movement of the first screw 36 can rise along the inclined portion 78 by the rotational movement of the second screw 38 and move to the outlet 14.

[0081] The stirring unit 70 of this embodiment includes stirring blades 72 disposed between the first screw 36 or the second screw 38 so that when the polymer compound is moved toward the outlet 14 by the operation of the conveying unit 30, the polymer compound and the biochemically active solvent flow in a direction away from its direction of movement; and a sieve portion 74 disposed in the stirring blades 72.

[0082] Therefore, the polymer compound, moving towards outlet 14 by the rotational motion of the first screw 36 and the second screw 38, collides with the stirring blades 72, thereby flowing vertically in the tank 10. With the repetition of this flow—in which the polymer compound is immersed in the bioactive solvent and then rises to the upper part of the tank 10—the number of contacts and the contact time with the bioactive solvent flowing to the upper and lower parts of the culture medium increase. This allows the bioactive solvent to more effectively carry out the decomposition process of the polymer compound.

[0083] Furthermore, when the stirring blade 72 collides with the bioactive solvent, the culture medium may flow more than needed due to the stirring blade 72. However, because multiple sieve portions 74 are formed in the stirring blade 72 of this embodiment, the culture medium passes through the multiple sieve portions 74 to prevent the bioactive solvent from flowing more than needed.

[0084] In addition, a portion of the bioactive solvent passes through the sieve aperture portion 74 and flows in a relatively small amount. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunctions in which the bioactive solvent is completely driven into a portion of the tank 10 by the first screw 36, the second screw 38, and the stirring blades 72.

[0085] Furthermore, this embodiment also includes a support unit 80 that rotatably supports the delivery unit 30 and allows polymer compounds supplied to or discharged from the tank 10 to pass through it. The support unit 80 includes a socket body 82 into which the drive shaft 34 of the delivery unit 30 is rotatably inserted, and the socket body is located at an inlet 12 or an outlet 14; a connecting rib that protrudes from the socket body 82 and into which the inlet 12 or outlet 14 is inserted; a connecting ring that is fastened to the connecting rib to connect the connecting rib to the inlet 12 or outlet 14; and a through-hole portion 89 that is located in the socket body 82 to allow polymer compounds moving through the inlet 12 or outlet 14 to pass through it.

[0086] The socket body 82 is formed as a circular block shape with a diameter larger than that of the inlet 12 and the outlet port 18. One of the inlet 12 or the outlet 14 is inserted into one surface of the socket body 82, while the other is inserted into its other surface, thereby connecting a pair of tanks 10 that are arranged adjacent to each other and simultaneously support a pair of drive shafts 34.

[0087] The first connecting rib 84 protrudes from one surface of the socket member and is inserted therein, and the second connecting rib 87 protrudes from the other surface of the socket member and is inserted therein, the other of the inlet 12 or the outlet port 18.

[0088] The first connecting rib 84 and the second connecting rib 87 have threads formed on their outer walls and are provided with multiple cutouts, and thus when the inlet 12 or the outlet 14 is inserted, the first connecting rib 84 or the second connecting rib 87 expands, thereby allowing the inlet 12 or the outlet 14 to be easily inserted.

[0089] The first connecting ring 86 and the second connecting ring 88 are respectively fastened to the first connecting rib 84 and the second connecting rib 87. When the first connecting ring 86 or the second connecting ring 88 is fastened to the first connecting rib 84 or the second connecting rib 87 after the inlet 12 or the outlet 14 is inserted into the first connecting rib 84 or the second connecting rib 87, the first connecting rib 84 and the second connecting rib 87 are in close contact with and connected to the inlet 12 and the outlet 14.

[0090] Furthermore, a through-hole portion is located at the center of the socket body 82, and a drive shaft 34 extending from the can 10 is inserted therein. A bearing 59 is provided on the inner wall of the through-hole portion, and thus the drive shaft 34 is rotatably supported by the socket body 82.

[0091] In addition, this embodiment also includes a transmission unit 90 disposed in the support unit 80 to allow power provided by the drive unit 50 to be transmitted through the support unit 80 to the drive shaft 34, and the transmission unit 90 includes a transmission hole portion 92 disposed in the socket body 82, such that the gear member 52 of the drive unit 50 is inserted therein and the gear is engaged with the drive shaft 34.

[0092] A transmission hole portion 92 extending from the upper end to the through hole portion is formed in the upper portion of the socket body 82 through which the polymer compound does not pass, and the gear member 52 of the drive unit 50 is inserted along the transmission hole portion 92 and the gear is coupled to the drive shaft 34 mounted in the through hole portion.

[0093] Therefore, the power supplied from the drive source located outside the tank 10 is transmitted to the drive shaft 34 through the gear component 52, thereby enabling the first screw 36 and the second screw 38 to rotate.

[0094] The drive unit 50 of this embodiment includes a gear member 52 connected to the output shaft of a power-providing motor and inserted along a transmission hole portion 92; and power transmission units 90, 54 configured to transmit the power from the gear member 52 toward an inlet 12 or an outlet 14 to provide power to the transmission unit 30.

[0095] Furthermore, the power transmission units 90 and 54 of this embodiment include a first gear tooth 56, which is disposed on a drive shaft 34 inserted from the inlet into the socket body 82 and geared to a gear member 52; and a second gear tooth 58, which is disposed on another drive shaft 34 inserted from the outlet 14 into the socket body 82 and geared to a gear member 52.

[0096] Therefore, a pair of cans 10 are arranged adjacent to each other, and a drive shaft 34 extending from the inlet 12 of one can of the cans 10 and a drive shaft 34 extending from the outlet 14 of the other can of the cans 10 are inserted into a socket member and arranged to contact each other, and a first gear tooth 56 and a second gear tooth 58 arranged on the pair of drive shafts 34 are simultaneously geared to a gear member 52.

[0097] As described above, since power from one drive source is simultaneously transmitted to a pair of drive shafts 34, power can be transmitted to a pair of adjacent tanks 10, thereby reducing the electrical energy required to drive multiple tanks 10 simultaneously and reducing the cost required for the polymer compound decomposition process.

[0098] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent according to a second embodiment of the invention, the upper part of the tank 10 is open, and thus the biochemically active solvent contained in the tank 10 can easily come into contact with air in the atmosphere, thereby effectively carrying out the biochemical reaction.

[0100] Furthermore, an apparatus for decomposing a polymer compound using a bioactive solvent according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a tank 10, wherein an inlet and an outlet 14 are formed to allow the polymer compound to pass through and the bioactive solvent is contained therein; a conveying unit 30 configured to move the polymer compound supplied through the inlet toward the outlet 14; a stirring unit 70 configured to allow the polymer compound moved by the operation of the conveying unit 30 to flow in a direction away from its direction of movement and to stir the polymer compound and the bioactive solvent to increase the number of contacts and the contact time between the polymer compound and the bioactive solvent; and an anti-clogging unit 94 providing a flow path through which the polymer compound passes along the conveying unit 30.

[0101] Therefore, as the polymer compound moves toward the outlet 14 through the operation of the conveying unit 30, the polymer compound moves along the flow path formed by the anti-clogging unit 94 to prevent the polymer compound from clogging between the tank 10 and the conveying unit 30.

[0102] Furthermore, the biochemically active solvent of this embodiment passes through the inside or outside of the anti-clogging unit 94, and remains contained in the tank 10 during the continuous execution of the polymer compound decomposition process, thereby enabling the decomposition of a large number of polymer compounds through a continuous process and reducing the time and cost required to perform the decomposition process of a large number of polymer compounds.

[0103] The anti-clogging unit 94 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical member 96 in which the conveying unit 30 is integrally mounted and the cylindrical member is rotatably mounted in the tank 10; and a plurality of mesh portions 98 disposed in the cylindrical member 96 to allow biochemically active solvents to pass through the inner or outer side of the cylindrical member 96.

[0104] Therefore, the biochemically active solvent contained in the tank 10 passes through the mesh portion 98 through the inside and outside of the cylinder member 96 and comes into contact with the polymer compound to carry out the decomposition process. Since the polymer compound moving along the cylinder member 96 toward the outlet 14 does not come into contact with the tank 10, malfunctions caused by polymer compounds clogging the gap between the transfer unit 30 and the tank 10 can be prevented.

[0105] In addition, this embodiment also includes a residue prevention unit 76, which is configured to prevent polymer compounds moving along the anti-clogging unit 94 by the operation of the conveying unit 30 from remaining through the outlet 14, and the residue prevention unit 76 includes an inclined portion 78, which is formed such that the diameter of the cylinder member 96 decreases toward the outlet 14.

[0106] Therefore, the polymer compound that moves toward the outlet 14 by the operation of the conveying unit 30 moves toward the outlet 14 along the cylindrical member 96 that is integrally formed with and rotates together with the conveying unit 30, rises along the inclined portion 78, and is discharged to the outside of the tank 10 through the outlet 14.

[0107] Therefore, by extracting high-purity polymer compounds from a single material from polymer compounds formed from multiple materials, the recovery rate of polymer compounds can be improved. Furthermore, since a conveying unit is provided to allow the polymer compounds to pass at a constant rate through a tank filled with a biochemically active solvent for the decomposition of polymer compounds from multiple materials, a large quantity of polymer compounds can be decomposed through a continuous process. Therefore, an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent can be provided, which can reduce the time and cost required for the decomposition process of polymer compounds.

[0108] The invention has been described with reference to one embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but this is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments are thus possible.

[0109] Furthermore, examples of apparatuses for decomposing polymer compounds using bioactive solvents have been described, but these are merely exemplary, and the decomposition apparatus of the present invention can be used in other products that are not apparatuses for decomposing polymer compounds using bioactive solvents.

[0110] Therefore, the true scope of protection of this invention should be defined by the appended claims.

[0111] Industrial applicability

[0112] The present invention relates to an apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using biochemically active solvents, and is therefore industrially applicable.

Claims

1. An apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent, the apparatus comprising: A container in which an inlet and an outlet are formed to allow polymer compounds to pass through, and a biochemically active solvent is contained therein; A conveying unit configured to move the polymer compound supplied through the inlet toward the outlet; and A stirring unit is configured to cause the polymer compound, which is moved by the operation of the conveying unit, to flow in a direction away from its direction of movement, and to stir the polymer compound and the bioactive solvent to increase the number of contacts and the contact time between the polymer compound and the bioactive solvent. The gap between the conveying unit and the tank is formed to be smaller than the particle size of the crushed polymer compound, such that when the polymer compound moves toward the outlet through the operation of the conveying unit, the bioactive solvent flows through the gap between the conveying unit and the tank, while the bioactive solvent remains contained in the tank during the continuous process of decomposing the polymer compound.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an anti-residue unit configured to prevent the polymer compound moved by the operation of the conveying unit from remaining through the outlet.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the anti-residue unit includes an inclined portion, the inclined portion being configured such that the diameter of the can decreases toward the outlet, and The polymer compound, which moves toward the outlet by the operation of the conveying unit, rises along the inclined section and is discharged to the outside of the tank through the outlet.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transmitting unit comprises: A screw assembly configured to move the polymer compound supplied into the tank through the inlet toward the outlet and to cause the polymer compound to rise along the inclined portion for discharge to the outside of the tank; as well as A drive unit configured to supply power to the screw assembly.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the screw member comprises: A drive shaft, rotatably mounted at the inlet and the outlet; A first screw, which is formed in a helical shape around the drive shaft, is configured to press and move the polymer compound supplied to the can toward the outlet when the drive shaft rotates in one direction; as well as The second screw is integrally connected to the first screw and is formed in a helical shape on the drive shaft. The diameter of the second screw gradually decreases toward the outlet to maintain a constant gap with the inclined portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 further includes a support unit configured to rotatably support the conveying unit and allow the polymer compound supplied to or discharged from the tank to pass through it.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the support unit comprises: The socket body, the drive shaft of the conveying unit is rotatably inserted into the socket body, and the socket body is installed at the inlet or the outlet; A connecting rib protrudes from the socket body, and the inlet or the outlet is inserted into the connecting rib; A connecting ring, the connecting ring being fastened to the connecting rib to connect the connecting rib to the inlet or the outlet; as well as A through-hole portion is provided in the socket body to allow the polymer compound to move through the inlet or the outlet.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 further includes a transmission unit disposed in the support unit to allow power provided by the drive unit to be transmitted through the support unit to the drive shaft.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the transmission unit includes a transmission hole portion disposed in the socket body to allow a gear component of the drive unit to be inserted therein and geared to the drive shaft.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the driving unit comprises: A gear assembly connected to the output shaft of a power-providing motor and inserted along the drive hole portion; as well as A power transmission unit configured to provide power to the transmission unit by transmitting power from the gear component toward the inlet or the outlet.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the power transmission unit comprises: A first gear tooth is disposed on the drive shaft that is inserted from the inlet into the socket body and is gear-connected to the gear member; as well as The second gear tooth is disposed on another drive shaft that is inserted from the outlet into the socket body and is geared to the gear member. One pair of cans are arranged adjacent to each other, and the drive shaft extending from the inlet of one of the cans and the drive shaft extending from the outlet of the other can are inserted into the socket member and arranged to contact each other. The first gear teeth and the second gear teeth, which are disposed on the pair of drive shafts, are simultaneously geared to the gear component.

12. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the stirring unit comprises: A stirring blade is disposed between the first screw or the second screw so that, when the polymer compound is moved toward the outlet by the operation of the conveying unit, the polymer compound and the bioactive solvent flow in a direction away from their direction of movement. as well as The sieve portion is disposed in the stirring blade.

13. An apparatus for decomposing polymer compounds using a biochemically active solvent, the apparatus comprising: A container in which an inlet and an outlet are formed to allow polymer compounds to pass through, and a biochemically active solvent is contained therein; A conveying unit configured to move the polymer compound supplied through the inlet toward the outlet; A stirring unit configured to cause the polymer compound, moved by the operation of the conveying unit, to flow in a direction away from its direction of movement, and to stir the polymer compound and the bioactive solvent to increase the number of contacts and the contact time between the polymer compound and the bioactive solvent; and An anti-clogging unit provides a flow path through which the polymer compound travels along the conveying unit. When the polymer compound is moved toward the outlet by the operation of the conveying unit, the polymer compound moves along the flow path formed by the anti-clogging unit to prevent clogging between the tank and the conveying unit or between the screw member and the barrel member. The bioactive solvent passes through the inside or outside of the anti-clogging unit, and remains contained in the tank during the continuous process of decomposing the polymer compound.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the anti-clogging unit comprises: The cylindrical component, the conveying unit is integrally installed in the cylindrical component, and the cylindrical component is rotatably installed in the tank; as well as Multiple mesh portions are provided in the cylindrical member to allow the biochemically active solvent to pass through the inner or outer side of the cylindrical member.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the transmitting unit comprises: A screw assembly configured to move the polymer compound supplied into the tank through the inlet toward the outlet and to cause the polymer compound to rise along an inclined portion for discharge to the outside of the tank; as well as A drive unit configured to supply power to the screw assembly. The end of the screw member is engaged with the cylinder member such that no gap is formed between the screw member and the cylinder member, and the screw member and the cylinder member rotate integrally.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising an anti-residue unit configured to prevent the polymer compound that has moved along the anti-clogging unit by the operation of the conveying unit from remaining through the outlet.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the anti-residue unit includes an inclined portion, the inclined portion being configured such that the diameter of the cylindrical member decreases toward the outlet, and The polymer compound, which moves toward the outlet by the operation of the conveying unit, rises along the inclined section and is discharged to the outside of the tank through the outlet.

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