Method and arrangement for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling

Abstract

The object of the invention is to create a method and a device for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, wherein residues at least from the glass or the solar module adhere to the EVA film residues or PVB film residues, thereby enabling the EVA film residues or PVB film residues generated during laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, which have previously only been landfilled or incinerated, to be completely recycled. Method for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, wherein residues (7) from the glass or solar module adhere to the EVA film residues or PVB film residues, characterized by that in step 1 the EVA film residues or PVB film residues with the adhering residues (7) are mixed with a solvent, wherein EVA film residues or PVB film residues form a solution (5) with the solvent and wherein a separation of the residues (7) is effected or takes place.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, wherein the EVA film residues or PVB film residues are polymer flakes that are generated or remain after shredding or roller crushing laminated glass panes or solar module recycling, in addition to the broken glass or solar cells. At least glass fragments or solar cell fragments of varying sizes adhere to the EVA film residues or PVB film residues as polymer flakes, as residues from the glass or solar module. Until now, these EVA film residues or PVB film residues as polymer flakes have been incinerated or landfilled.

[0002] Laminated glass refers to products that comprise two or more layers of float glass or flat glass bonded across their entire surface by one or more interlayer films, for example, made of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) as a copolymer or PVB (polyvinyl butyral) as a polymer. These interlayer films are elastic to prevent the individual panes from shattering into thousands of pieces upon breakage. The interlayer films between the two or more layers of float glass or flat glass create laminated safety glass.

[0003] PVB films (polyvinyl butyral films) have the property of bonding glass panes together in such a way that, in the event of breakage, the shards adhere to the PVB film and are extremely difficult to remove. In burglar-resistant or bullet-resistant safety glass, up to eight layers of film are used, and these layers are crucial for the glass's resistance.

[0004] Laminated glass is very difficult to recycle due to the desired functional bond between multiple panes of glass; unwanted remnants of the functional interlayer always remain, along with the adhering glass. This results in impure EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or PVB (polyvinyl butyral), which are unsuitable for reuse due to contamination. Furthermore, unnecessary waste is generated.

[0005] A multi-stage mechanical process is known from DE 195 09 244 C1, which is intended to detach large portions of the glass from the film by pre-crushing using roller crushers. Subsequently, pre-crushed film pieces with glass adhering to them are ground into a fine-grained powder by grinding with a grinding aid in ball and / or hammer mills. Pulverizing and mixing further reduce the adhesive forces between the film and glass, resulting in separate fractions with different chemical and physical properties that allow for separation. The film-glass particle mixture then undergoes a washing process with the addition of surfactants and kinetic energy through stirring, which is intended to separate the glass and film particles. The lighter film particles then float to the surface for skimming, and the wash water is fed into a second washing stage. The heavier glass particles are sieved out and dried.Alternatively, separation is achieved by utilizing the different densities of the particles using centrifuges or hydrocyclones. The washed-out film particles are dewatered and dried using established methods. They are then available for recycling.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 698 24 595 T2 discloses a chemical process in which the laminated glass is pulverized by mechanical fine grinding to eliminate the adhesive forces between the film and the glass. Subsequently, the microparticles are washed in water with the addition of surfactants in a washing process, causing the components to be attacked by a basic solution. The basic solution, glass, and film are then separated.

[0007] German patent DE 10 2011 000 322 A1 discloses a chemical process for separating multilayer systems, particularly photovoltaic modules, for recycling purposes. This patent specifies a separation medium in the form of a nanoscale dispersion (surfactant or combination) designed to break the adhesion between the coatings. The overall process is three-stage and includes, firstly, shredding or hammer mill comminution with sieving, secondly, washing, and thirdly, separation by a float-sink process with subsequent deposition.

[0008] The object of the invention is to create a method and a device for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, wherein residues at least from the glass or the solar module adhere to the EVA film residues or PVB film residues, thereby enabling the EVA film residues or PVB film residues generated during laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, which have previously only been landfilled or incinerated, to be completely recycled.

[0009] As a first aspect of the invention, in the specified application, a method for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling is achieved, wherein residues of at least glass or solar module adhere to the EVA film residues or PVB film residues, wherein in step 1 the EVA film residues or PVB film residues with the adhering residues of at least glass or solar module are mixed with a solvent, wherein the EVA film residues or PVB film residues form a solution with the solvent, and wherein separation of at least the glass fragments or solar cell fragments is effected or occurs, and thus dissolved EVA as dissolved copolymer or dissolved PVB as dissolved polymer can be supplied for further processing.Furthermore, the dissolved copolymers or polymers are at least free of the glass fragments or solar cell fragments, so that the glass separated or removed from the solution can be further processed as shards or glass powder, and the solar cell fragments can also be further processed or disposed of.

[0010] Although EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a copolymer and PVB (polyvinyl butyral) is a polymer, in the following, EVA and PVB will be referred to simply as polymers.

[0011] A solution is understood to be a homogeneous mixture comprising two or more substances and containing one or more solutes and a solvent, and which is not recognizable as such externally, since it only has one phase and the solutes are therefore evenly distributed in the solvent.

[0012] Suitable solvents include ethanol and other liquid hydrocarbons.

[0013] A second aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, wherein residues of at least glass or solar module adhere to the EVA film residues or PVB film residues. The arrangement comprises a dissolving vessel for receiving the EVA film residues or PVB film residues with the adhering residues of at least glass or solar module and at least one solvent. The dissolving vessel has an inlet opening for introducing the EVA film residues or PVB film residues, an inlet opening for introducing the solvent, and an outlet opening for a solution formed from the EVA film residues or PVB film residues and the solvent, as well as a discharge opening for the residues of at least glass or solar module.Advantageously, the EVA film residues or PVB film residues can be dissolved in the solvent in the device, and the residues can at least be separated or separated from the glass or the solar module and prepared or processed for further processing.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0015] By subjecting the solution to fine purification in an intermediate step 1a in the process following step 1, particles or very small residues as well as other impurities or suspended particles can be removed from the solution, thus improving the quality of the solution for further processing.

[0016] By partially or completely recovering the solvent from the solution in step 2 of the process, whereby the solvent evaporates, the solvent can be completely or partially removed from the solution and a solvent-containing or solvent-free viscous polymer can be formed from the dissolved EVA film residues or PVB film residues, depending on the degree of solvent evaporation, for targeted further processing.

[0017] By condensing the solvent evaporated in step 2 and feeding the condensed solvent back into step 1, it can be reused, thus promoting efficient use of solvent and also preventing the intentional, uncontrolled release of the evaporated solvent into the environment.

[0018] By temporarily storing and / or feeding the thickened EVA or PVB as a viscous polymer in step 2, achieved by evaporating the solvent, the process can be combined with a processing process for preparation, and a buffer can also be provided for later processing.

[0019] By feeding the thickened EVA or the thickened PVB as a viscous polymer into a manufacturing process for laminated glass or a forming process, the process for the preparation of the film residues from laminated glass recycling can be directly or indirectly fed back into the production of laminated glass, thus forming a closed cycle.

[0020] By measuring and / or monitoring the viscosity of the solution in step 1 and / or measuring and / or monitoring the viscosity of the thickened EVA or thickened PVB as a viscous polymer in step 2, the formation and saturation of the solution with the dissolved EVA film residues or PVB film residues, as well as the formation and fulfillment of criteria of the viscous polymer, e.g., the proportion of remaining solvent for further processing, can be monitored and influenced.

[0021] By incorporating temperature control and / or pressure monitoring or pressure measurement into the process in step 1 and / or step 2, the formation of the solution is promoted in step 1, depending on the type of film residue, and / or the evaporation of the solvent is promoted in step 2, depending on the requirements.

[0022] By circulating or stirring the EVA film residues or PVB film residues in the solvent and / or solution during step 1 of the process, the formation of the solution is promoted.

[0023] By circulating or stirring the thickened EVA or thickened PVB as a viscous polymer in step 2 of the process, the evaporation of the solvent and / or the formation of the viscous polymer is promoted.

[0024] By using gravity to separate the residues, at least from the glass or the solar module, in the solution, the removal of the residues, at least from the glass or the solar module, in the solution is simplified.

[0025] By using centrifugal separation of the residues, at least from the glass or the solar module, in the solution, the removal of the residues, at least from the glass or the solar module, in the solution becomes more efficient.

[0026] By connecting the dissolving containers to a fine cleaning device, for example via the outlet opening for the solution, the solution can be further purified for subsequent use or processing. This allows the solution to be freed from any remaining impurities before further processing.

[0027] By connecting the outlet opening for the solution or the fine cleaning device to a reduction tank or a collection tank in the arrangement, the solution can be provided for further processing immediately or after further cleaning, or it can be temporarily stored for later processing.

[0028] By incorporating a heating device and / or a stirrer or circulation system into the arrangement of the dissolution vessels and / or the reduction vessels, it is possible to promote, on the one hand, the formation of the solution in the dissolution vessel and / or, on the other hand, the formation of a viscous polymer with or without a residual proportion of solvent in the reduction vessel.

[0029] By incorporating solvent recirculation into the arrangement, with the reduction vessel connected to a solvent condenser and the solvent condenser connected to the dissolution vessel, solvent consumption can be reduced while simultaneously preventing uncontrolled escape of evaporated solvent. A closed-loop system can be achieved with respect to the solvent, as the evaporated and condensed solvent is returned to the solution formation process.

[0030] By having a polymer outlet in the arrangement of the reduction vessels, the viscous polymer, with or without a residual amount of solvent, can be directly removed from the reduction vessel and fed into further processing.

[0031] By arranging the reduction vessel and / or the dissolution vessel as a pressure vessel, one can, on the one hand, promote the formation of the solution in the dissolution vessel under increased pressure and temperature-induced pressure increases, thereby also reducing uncontrolled evaporation of the solvent in the dissolution vessel, and / or, on the other hand, promote the evaporation of the solvent in the reduction vessel under a vacuum. The reduction vessel can also be pressurized.

[0032] Using a pressure vessel as a dissolving vessel makes it possible to promote the formation of the solution even with an increase in temperature, so that the pressure vessel prevents the solvent from escaping the dissolving vessel even at higher pressures.

[0033] Advantageously, a pressure sensor is present in the dissolving vessel and / or the reduction vessel and / or a viscosity sensor is present in the solution and / or the viscous polymer, so that the pressure in the respective dissolving vessel and / or the reduction vessel and the saturation or the utilization as well as the viscosity of the solution and the degree of viscosity of the solution to be reduced or thickened up to the viscous polymer can be detected and monitored.

[0034] Several embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below. They show: Fig. 1. An arrangement for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, comprising a dissolving container. Fig. 2. An arrangement for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, comprising a heated dissolution tank, fine cleaning and fine cleaning device, a heated reduction tank, and solvent recirculation. Fig. 3 an arrangement for the processing of EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling with dissolution tank, fine cleaning and fine cleaning device, an intermediate storage tank as well as a heated reduction tank and with solvent recirculation.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an arrangement according to the invention for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, wherein residues 7, at least from the glass or solar module, adhere to the EVA film residues or PVB film residues. The arrangement comprises a dissolving vessel 1 for receiving the EVA film residues or PVB film residues with the adhering residues 7 and at least one solvent. The dissolving vessel 1 comprises an inlet opening 2 for introducing the EVA film residues or PVB film residues, an inlet opening 3 for introducing the solvent, and an outlet opening 4 for a solution 5 formed from the EVA film residues or PVB film residues and the solvent. Furthermore, a dispensing opening 6 for the residues 7 is provided on the dissolving vessel 1, for example, in the lower region.Preferably, the dissolving container 1 is designed with a conical taper, so that the residues 7 accumulate in one area and are therefore easier to remove. For removal, for example, a dispensing chute is provided in which the residues 7 accumulate or in which the residues 7 are collected.

[0036] Advantageously, the dissolving vessel 1 includes a pressure sensor 17 and a viscosity sensor 18.

[0037] The arrangement according to the invention allows the implementation of the inventive method for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, wherein residues 7, at least from the glass or solar module, adhere to the EVA film residues or PVB film residues. In step 1 of the method, the EVA film residues or PVB film residues with the adhering residues 7 are mixed with a solvent. The EVA film residues or PVB film residues form a solution 5 in and with the solvent, and separation of the residues 7 is effected or occurs. The separation of the residues 7 in the solution can be effected or occurs by gravity or centrifugally.

[0038] Furthermore, in step 1, the viscosity of the solution is recorded and / or monitored, and pressure is monitored or measured.

[0039] The Fig. 2 shows the in Fig. Figure 1 shows an arrangement according to the invention for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, wherein residues 7, at least from the glass or solar module, adhere to the EVA film residues or PVB film residues. The arrangement comprises a dissolving vessel 1 for receiving the EVA film residues or PVB film residues with the adhering residues 7 and at least one solvent. For corresponding or identical details, reference is made to the description of Figure 1. Fig. 1 referred.

[0040] In addition to and / or deviating from the representation in Fig. 1 includes the in Fig. 2. Arrangement shown for the processing of EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling includes a dissolving container 1 heated by a heating device 10, so that the dissolving of the EVA film residues or PVB film residues is promoted.

[0041] Furthermore, the dissolving vessel 1 is connected to a fine cleaning device 8 via a pipeline. The solution 5 enters the fine cleaning device 8 through the outlet opening 4, where fine cleaning takes place and further residues 7 are removed or separated.

[0042] Furthermore, the fine cleaning device 8 is connected to a reduction tank 9 via a pipeline, so that the finely cleaned solution 5 can enter the reduction tank 9.

[0043] Alternatively, if the requirements allow, the solution can enter the reduction vessel 9 without further purification [not shown].

[0044] The reduction vessel 9, like the dissolution vessel 1, has a heating device 10 and an agitator 11, so that the solution is reliably thickened to a viscous polymer by evaporating the solvent. Like the dissolution vessel 1, the reduction vessel 9 also includes a pressure sensor 17 and a viscosity sensor 18.

[0045] Advantageously, a solvent return system 12 is provided. For this purpose, the reduction vessel 9 is connected to a solvent condensation device 13. The solvent condensation device 13 is connected to the dissolution vessel 1 via a pipeline of the solvent return system 12, so that solvent can be fed back into the dissolution vessel 1 to form the solution 5.

[0046] The reduction vessel 9 has a polymer outlet 14, from which the viscous polymer can be removed from the reduction vessel 9 and further processed.

[0047] Advantageously, the reduction vessel 9 and the dissolution vessel 1 are both pressure vessels, so that the dissolution of the EVA film residues or PVB film residues and the reduction of the solution 5 are promoted by corresponding overpressures or underpressures and temperature increases.

[0048] Accordingly, the process for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, to which residues 7 adhere at least from the glass or the solar module, is carried out as follows: Fig. 1 and step 1 and the dissolving container 1 are shown. For the corresponding or matching details of the procedure, refer to the description for Fig. 1 referred.

[0049] In addition, after step 1, an intermediate step 1a takes place in which solution 5 is fed into the fine cleaning device 8 for fine purification. After intermediate step 1a and fine purification, a partial or complete solvent recovery from solution 5 takes place in the reduction vessel 9 in step 2, whereby the solvent is evaporated, for which the reduction vessel 9 is heated.

[0050] The solvent evaporated in step 2 is condensed in the solvent condensation device 13. The condensed solvent is fed back to step 1 via the solvent return 12.

[0051] The EVA or PVB thickened as a viscous polymer 15 after sufficient evaporation of the solvent in step 2 is temporarily stored or, as described in Fig. 2 shown, is fed into a processing process for the production of new laminated glass 16.

[0052] Alternatively, the thickened EVA or the thickened PVB can be fed as a viscous polymer 15 into a forming process to produce PVB or EVA films or PVB or EVA granules.

[0053] Step 1 of the dissolving process in the dissolving vessel is monitored. This involves at least the measurement and / or monitoring of the solution's viscosity and pressure.

[0054] Similarly, step 2 of the reduction or thickening process in the reduction vessel 9 is monitored. For this purpose, the viscosity of solution 5 is also measured and / or monitored in the reduction vessel 9 until thickened EVA or thickened PVB is reached as a viscous polymer 15.

[0055] Advantageously, in step 1, the EVA or PVB film residues are circulated or stirred in the solvent and the solution itself. In step 2, the solution is also circulated or stirred until thickened EVA or thickened PVB is obtained as a viscous polymer 15.

[0056] The Fig. 3 shows the in Fig. 2. The arrangement shown in the invention is for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, wherein residues 7, at least from the glass or the solar module, adhere to the EVA film residues or PVB film residues. For the corresponding or identical details, reference is made to the description of the Fig. 2 referred.

[0057] In contrast to the representation in Fig. 2 includes the in Fig. 3. Arrangement shown for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, a dissolving vessel 1 without temperature control, as described in Fig. 1 is also shown. For the corresponding details of the dissolving container 1, please refer to the description of Fig. 1 referred.

[0058] Further differing from and supplementing the representation in Fig. 2 includes the in Fig. 3 Arrangement shown for the processing of EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling between the fine cleaning device 8 and the reduction tank 9 a collection tank 19 for the finely cleaned solution 5.

[0059] Alternatively, the outlet opening 4 is connected to the solution 5 and thus to the dissolving container 1 and the collection container 19.

[0060] Accordingly, the procedure is carried out as before Fig. 2 described. The only difference is that the solution 5 is buffered or stored in the collection container 19.

[0061] The statements according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 can be combined, exchanged or supplemented as desired and are not limited to the version shown. Compilation of reference symbols 1 dissolving container 2 Inlet opening 3 Inlet opening 4 Outlet opening 5 Solution 6. Sampling opening 7 residues 8 Fine cleaning device 9 reduction tanks 10 Heating system 11 Agitator 12 Solvent recycling 13 Solvent condensation device 14 Polymer outlet 15 viscous polymer 16 laminated glass 17 Pressure sensor 18 Viscosity sensor 19 collection containers QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 195 09 244 C1

[0005] DE 698 24 595 T2

[0006] DE 10 2011 000 322 A1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Method for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, wherein residues (7) from the glass or solar module adhere to the EVA film residues or PVB film residues, characterized by , that in step 1 the EVA film residues or PVB film residues with the adhering residues (7) are mixed with a solvent, wherein EVA film residues or PVB film residues form a solution (5) with the solvent and wherein a separation of the residues (7) is effected or takes place. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that after step 1 in an intermediate step 1a the solution (5) is subjected to fine purification. [3] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that in step 2 a partial or complete solvent recovery from the solution (5) takes place, whereby an evaporation of the solvent occurs. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by , that the solvent evaporated in step 2 condenses and the condensed solvent is fed to step 1. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims 3 and 4, characterized by , that the EVA or PVB thickened by the evaporation of the solvent in step 2 is temporarily stored as a viscous polymer (15) and / or fed into a processing process. [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that the thickened EVA or the thickened PVB as a viscous polymer (15) is fed into a manufacturing process for laminated glass (16) or a forming process. [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that in step 1 the viscosity of the solution is measured and / or monitored and / or in step 2 the viscosity of the thickened EVA or thickened PVB is measured and / or monitored as a viscous polymer (15). [8] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in step 1 and in step 2 temperature control and / or pressure monitoring or pressure measurement takes place. [9] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in step 1 the EVA film residues or PVB film residues are circulated or stirred in the solvent and / or solution and / or that in step 2 the thickened EVA or thickened PVB as a viscous polymer (15) is circulated or stirred. [10] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the separation of the residues (7) in the solution is brought about or takes place by means of gravity or centrifugal force. [11] Arrangement for processing EVA film residues or PVB film residues from laminated glass recycling or solar module recycling, wherein residues (7) of at least the glass or the solar module adhere to the EVA film residues or PVB film residues, for example for carrying out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a dissolving vessel (1) for receiving the EVA film residues or PVB film residues with the adhering residues (7) and at least one solvent, wherein the dissolving vessel (1) has an inlet opening (2) for introducing the EVA film residues or PVB film residues, an inlet opening (3) for introducing the solvent and an outlet opening (4) for a solution (5) formed from the EVA film residues or PVB film residues and the solvent, as well as a discharge opening (6) for the residues (7). [12] Arrangement according to claim 11, characterized by, that the dissolving container (1) is connected to a fine cleaning device (8). [13] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 11 and 12, characterized by , that the outlet opening (4) for the solution (5) or the fine cleaning device (8) is connected to a reduction vessel (9) or a collection vessel (19). [14] Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 13, characterized by , that the dissolving vessel (1) and / or the reduction vessel (9) has a heating device (10) and / or a stirrer (11) or a circulation system. [15] Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 14, characterized by , that a solvent recirculation (12) is provided, wherein the reduction vessel (9) is connected to a solvent condensation device (13) and the solvent condensation device (13) is connected to the dissolution vessel (1). [16] Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 15, characterized by , that the reduction vessel (9) has a polymer outlet (14). [17] Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 15, characterized by , that the reduction vessel (9) and / or the dissolution vessel (1) is a pressure vessel.

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