POLYMER STIRRING DEVICE AND RECYCLING SYSTEM

Abstract

A polymer stirring device 700 comprises a container 710 into which a polymer PM is fed, a first rotating body 720 and a second rotating body 730 which rotate in the container 710 to stir the polymer PM, and an attachment position detection unit 760 which detects a position of the polymer PM attached to the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730. The attachment position detection unit 760 detects a highest reached position H of the polymer PM attached to the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730 in a vertical direction.The first rotating body 720 and the second rotating body 730 include a first rotating plate 721 and a second rotating plate 731, which rotate about a first rotating shaft 722 and a second rotating shaft 732 in a direction that intersects the vertical direction, and the attachment position detection unit 760 detects a highest reached position H of the polymer PM attached to the first rotating plate 721 and / or the second rotating plate 731 in the vertical direction.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a polymer stirring device or the like. State of the art

[0002] PTL 1 discloses a process for producing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flakes, which are raw materials for a new PET bottle, by shredding a PET bottle for recycling. In particular, mechanical recycling to obtain PET flakes by means of solid-phase polymerization or the like, after the shredded PET bottle has been heated and melted, and chemical recycling to obtain PET flakes by means of a repolymerization reaction, after the shredded PET bottle has been decomposed into an intermediate product, such as bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET), or a depolymerized product by means of a depolymerization reaction, are known. List of citations from patent literature [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-153176 [PTL 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2022-27158 Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0003] The quality of PET flakes or pellets, as described above (hereinafter simply referred to as flakes or pellets, and also more broadly as flakes or pellets not made from PET), depends on the quality of the raw material, such as PET bottles. Therefore, the quality of the flakes or pellets can vary when the same recycling process is applied to PET bottles or similar materials of different qualities.

[0004] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide a polymer stirring device or the like which can effectively evaluate the quality of a polymer, such as PET. Solution to the problem

[0005] To solve the above problem, a polymer stirring device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a container into which a polymer is fed, a rotating body which rotates in the container to stir the polymer, and an attachment position detection unit which detects a position of the polymer attached to the rotating body.

[0006] In the present embodiment, the position of the polymer on the rotating body that stirs the polymer is detected. Since the viscosity or degree of polymerization of the polymer can be indirectly determined based on its position, the quality of the polymer can be effectively evaluated.

[0007] A recycling system is provided according to another aspect of the present disclosure. The recycling system comprises a polymer supply device that feeds a polymer derived from a first molded product, and a polymer stirring device that stirs the polymer and feeds it to a molding machine that forms a second molded product. The polymer stirring device includes a container into which the polymer is fed, a rotating body that rotates within the container to stir the polymer, and an attachment position detection unit that detects the position of the polymer attached to the rotating body.

[0008] Any combination of the components described above, or any expression of these components, which is transformed into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program or the like, is also included in the present disclosure. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the quality of a polymer, such as PET, can be effectively assessed. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a configuration of a chemical recycling molding system. Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a polymerization reaction and a depolymerization reaction of PET. Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a configuration of a polymer stirring device. Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows a configuration of a polymer stirring device. Fig. Figure 5 shows a first modification example of the chemical recycling mold system. Fig. Figure 6 shows a second modification example of the chemical recycling form system. Description of embodiments

[0010] An embodiment for carrying out the present disclosure (hereinafter also referred to as an embodiment) is described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the description and / or the drawings, identical or equivalent components, elements, and processes are designated by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted where appropriate. The scale or shape of each part shown in the drawings is conveniently adjusted for simplification and ease of description and is not to be interpreted restrictively unless otherwise specified. The embodiment is exemplary and does not in any way limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure. All features and combinations thereof shown in the embodiment are not necessarily essential to the present disclosure.For the sake of simplicity, the embodiment is presented in a decomposed manner, broken down into components for each function and / or group of functions that realize the embodiment. However, in the embodiment, a component may actually be realized by a combination of several components as separate bodies, or several components in the embodiment may actually be realized by one component as an integral body.

[0011] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a configuration of a chemical recycling molding system as an embodiment of a recycling system according to the present disclosure. The chemical recycling molding system comprises a chemical recycling device 100 and an injection molding machine 1. The chemical recycling device 100 performs a chemical recycling process, which is described in detail below, on a first molded product, such as a PET bottle. Furthermore, the recycling system according to the present disclosure is not limited to the chemical recycling process, and a mechanical recycling process can be carried out.

[0012] The chemical recycling device 100 includes a polymer adaptation device 200, a reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization, a reaction vessel 400 for polymerization, a removal device 500 for by-product, and a polymer supply unit 600. The number of injection molding machines 1 (two are in Fig. (1 shown schematically), the number of polymer adaptation devices (200), the number of reaction vessels (300) for depolymerization, the number of reaction vessels (400) for polymerization, the number of removal devices (500) for by-product, and the number of polymer supply units (600) are arbitrary. In particular, by increasing the number of injection molding machines (1) and reaction vessels (400) for polymerization, which typically have slower processing speeds or reaction rates than other processing units, the processing performance can be improved compared to other processing units, so that these processing units do not become serious bottlenecks.

[0013] The polymer adaptation device 200 adapts a polymer, such as PET, which forms a first product, such as a PET bottle, for the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization in a subsequent stage. Specifically, the polymer adaptation device 200 performs a process such as grinding, heating, melting, and mixing on the first product, such as a PET bottle, and adapts the polymer, such as PET, to a suitable state (phase, shape, size, and the like) for a depolymerization reaction in the reaction vessel 300. The first product can be any product other than a bottle, such as a sheet, a film, or a fiber. Furthermore, the polymer forming the first product can be any polymer other than PET, such as polyester (including PET), polyamide, and polyurethane.

[0014] The depolymerization reaction vessel 300 decomposes the polymer, such as PET, which has been adapted by the polymer adaptation device 200, into a depolymerized product through a depolymerization reaction. In a case where the polymer supplied by the polymer adaptation device 200 is PET, BHET, which is an intermediate, is obtained as the depolymerized product by the depolymerization reaction in the depolymerization reaction vessel 300. The depolymerized product obtained in the depolymerization reaction vessel 300 may contain a monomer of the polymer. In a case where the polymer is PET, the monomer is, for example, ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid, dimethyl terephthalate, or ethylene terephthalate.

[0015] As in Fig. As shown schematically in 2, PET is depolymerized in the depolymerization reaction (300) of PET as a polymer by ethylene glycol (EG) as a supply unit 310 for depolymerization material ( Fig. 1) The depolymerization material supplied to the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization is decomposed, and BHET is obtained as a depolymerized product. In addition, instead of or in addition to the supply unit 310 for depolymerization material, material can be supplied to the polymer adaptation device 200. To promote such a depolymerization reaction, the inside of the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization is heated by a heating unit 320 ( Fig. 1) or a temperature control unit, which is provided in conjunction with the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization, maintained at a suitable temperature for the depolymerization reaction. A suitable temperature for the depolymerization reaction of PET to BHET in Fig. 2 is between 220 °C and 250 °C, preferably between 230 °C and 245 °C, and more preferably between 235 °C and 240 °C. Furthermore, a suitable pressure for the depolymerization reaction of PET to BHET is present in Fig. 2 between 0.3 MPa and 0.8 MPa, preferably between 0.4 MPa and 0.6 MPa, and more preferably between 0.45 MPa and 0.55 MPa. The pressure in the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization is adjusted by a pump (not shown) or the like, which is provided in conjunction with the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization.

[0016] The viscosity of a fluid in reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization, in which BHET with a lower molecular weight than PET, which is a polymer, is produced, is lower than the viscosity of a fluid in reaction vessel 400 for polymerization, which will be described later, in which PET with a higher molecular weight is produced. Therefore, a low-viscosity stirring blade 330 is used to stir the fluid in reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization to promote the depolymerization reaction. A propeller blade, a disc agitator blade, and a paddle blade are shown as examples of the low-viscosity stirring blade 330.

[0017] In the subsequent stage of the depolymerization reaction vessel 300, foreign material removal devices 340, 350, and 360 are provided for removing foreign material from the fluid, which consists mainly of BHET as the depolymerized product. A foreign resin removal device 340 removes a resin and / or a depolymerized product that differs from a target resin, such as PET, by using flotation separation and sedimentation removal principles. A dye removal device 350 removes a dye material by using activated carbon or the like. A metal ion removal device 360 ​​removes metal ions by means of a principle such as ion exchange.A buffer vessel 370 is provided in the subsequent stage of the foreign substance removal devices 340, 350 and 360 to temporarily store the fluid, which consists mainly of BHET or the like, after the foreign substance has been removed, before the fluid is fed into the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization.

[0018] In the buffer vessel 370, a first preheater 371 can be provided for heating or maintaining the temperature of the depolymerized product (a fluid consisting mainly of BHET or the like) before it is fed to the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization in the subsequent stage. The first preheater 371 can maintain the depolymerized product at the same temperature (between 220 °C and 250 °C) as that of the heating unit 320, which is connected to the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization, or it can maintain the depolymerized product at a temperature suitable for a polymerization reaction (between 250 °C and 300 °C), which is the same as that of a heating unit 410, which is connected to the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization, described later.In this way, by providing the buffer vessel 370, which contains a preheating mechanism (first preheater 371), as required in the preceding stage of the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization, it is possible to store the depolymerized product waiting to be conveyed to the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization, which typically has a slower processing speed or reaction rate than other processing units, such as the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization and the removal device 500 for by-product, which will be described later, while the depolymerized product is kept at a suitable temperature.As a result, the capacity of the entire chemical recycling device 100 can be increased, and the chemical recycling device 100 can be operated stably and continuously (without causing so-called "resin shortages"), while a suitable quantity of a reaction product is supplied in a timely manner to each of the processing units, such as the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization, the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization, the removal device 500 for by-product, and the polymer supply unit 600. The preheating mechanism, such as the first preheater 371, is not limited to the buffer vessel 370 and can be provided at any point (for example, the removal devices 340, 350, and 360 for foreign matter) between the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization and the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization.

[0019] The polymerization reaction vessel 400 synthesizes the depolymerized product, such as BHET, which is generated in the depolymerization reaction vessel 300 and from which the foreign matter is removed by the foreign matter removal devices 340, 350, and 360, into the polymer through the polymerization reaction. In a case where the depolymerized product generated in the depolymerization reaction vessel 300 is BHET, PET, which is the polymer, is obtained again through the polymerization reaction in the polymerization reaction vessel 400.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 2, EG is generated as a byproduct, along with PET as a main product (which is a polymer), in the polymerization reaction (400) of BHET as the depolymerized product. The EG can be circulated to the depolymerization material supply unit 310 and used for the PET depolymerization reaction in the depolymerization reaction vessel 300. Since the EG generated in the polymerization reaction vessel 400 can be reused on-site (in the depolymerization reaction vessel 300) without being wasted, the operating efficiency of the chemical recycling device 100 can be improved. In particular, the amount of EG that needs to be acquired for the PET depolymerization reaction in the depolymerization reaction vessel 300 can be significantly reduced, thus lowering the operating costs of the chemical recycling device 100.

[0021] To promote the polymerization reaction as described above, the inside of the reaction vessel 400 is heated for polymerization by the heating unit 410 ( Fig. 1) or the temperature control unit, which serves as a second heating unit intended for use in conjunction with reaction vessel 400 for polymerization, is maintained at a suitable temperature for the polymerization reaction. The suitable temperature for the polymerization reaction of BHET to PET in Fig. 2 lies between 250 °C and 300 °C, preferably between 260 °C and 290 °C, and more preferably between 270 °C and 280 °C. Here, the heating temperature for polymerization by the heating unit 410, which is provided in conjunction with the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization, is higher than the heating temperature for depolymerization by the heating unit 320, which is provided in conjunction with the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization. Although PET, with a large molecular weight and a high melting point, is produced in the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization, the temperature of the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization is maintained higher than the temperature of the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization, in which BHET, with a small molecular weight and a low melting point, is produced, so that PET, which is the main product of the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization, is kept in a molten state.It is preferred that the polymerization reaction of BHET to PET takes place in . Fig. 2 is carried out under a vacuum. For this reason, the reaction vessel 400 is designed for polymerization in conjunction with a vacuum pump or the like (not shown).

[0022] The viscosity of the fluid in reaction vessel 400 for polymerization, in which the high-molecular-weight PET is produced, is higher than the viscosity of the fluid in reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization, in which BHET, with a lower molecular weight than PET (the polymer), is produced. Therefore, a stirring blade 420 is used to stir the fluid in reaction vessel 400 for polymerization to promote the polymerization reaction at high viscosity. Examples of high-viscosity stirring blades 420 include an anchor blade and a ribbon helical blade.

[0023] A numerical value that correlates with the degree of polymerization of a polymer such as PET is known as intrinsic viscosity (IV). The IV value (dL / g) is also used as an index for the polymer's suitability. For PET, an IV value of approximately 0.72 or higher is suitable for bottles, an IV value of approximately 0.65 or higher for sheets, films, or the like, and an IV value of approximately 0.58 or higher for fibers. In the present embodiment, the objective is to ultimately obtain PET with an IV value suitable for bottles or sheets.As will be described later, the IV value is also increased by the removal device 500 for by-product arranged in the subsequent stage and / or the polymer supply unit 600 (polymer stirring device according to the present disclosure) of the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization. Therefore, the IV value of the PET synthesized in the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization can be relatively low. In particular, the IV value of the PET synthesized in the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization is between 0.2 and 0.7, preferably between 0.3 and 0.7, and more preferably between 0.3 and 0.55.

[0024] A buffer vessel 430, which temporarily stores the polymer synthesized in the polymerization reaction vessel 400 before the polymer is fed to the by-product removal device 500 in the subsequent stage and / or the polymer supply unit 600, may be provided in the subsequent stage of the polymerization reaction vessel 400. A second preheater 431 may be provided in the buffer vessel 430 for heating or maintaining the temperature of the polymer before it is fed to the by-product removal device 500 and / or the polymer supply unit 600 in the subsequent stage.The second preheater 431 can maintain the polymer at the same temperature (between 250 °C and 300 °C) as that of the heating unit 410, which is provided in conjunction with the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization; can maintain the polymer at a suitable temperature (between 250 °C and 290 °C) for the polymerization reaction, which is the same as that of a heating unit 520, which is provided in conjunction with the removal device 500 for by-product, which will be described later; or can maintain the polymer at the same temperature (between 250 °C and 290 °C) as that of a heating unit 620, which is provided in conjunction with the polymer supply unit 600, which will be described later.

[0025] By providing the buffer tank 430, which contains the preheating mechanism (second preheater 431), in the preceding stage of the by-product removal device 500 and / or the polymer supply unit 600 when required, it is possible to store the polymer waiting to be fed to the by-product removal device 500 and / or the polymer supply unit 600 while keeping the polymer at a suitable temperature.As a result, the capacity of the entire chemical recycling device 100 can be increased, and the chemical recycling device 100 can be operated stably and continuously (without causing so-called "resin shortages") while a suitable quantity of a reaction product is supplied in a timely manner to each of the processing units, such as the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization, the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization, the by-product removal device 500, and the polymer supply unit 600. The preheating mechanism, such as the second preheater 431, is not limited to the buffer vessel 430 and can be provided in any configuration at any point between the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization and the by-product removal device 500 and / or at any point between the by-product removal device 500 and the polymer supply unit 600.

[0026] In the subsequent stage of the polymerization reaction vessel 400 (and a preceding stage of the polymer supply unit 600, which will be described later), a by-product removal device 500 can be provided through which PET (main product) and EG (by-product) generated by the polymerization reaction in the polymerization reaction vessel 400 pass, and which removes the EG as the by-product. The by-product removal device 500 in the example shown contains a large number of linear elements 510 extending from top to bottom. Due to the increased surface area provided by the large number of linear elements 510, the volatilization of EG adhering to the surface of each linear element 510 is promoted, and the EG is effectively separated from and removed from the high-viscosity PET.

[0027] The EG can be circulated to the supply unit 310 for depolymerization material and used for the PET depolymerization reaction in the depolymerization reaction vessel 300. Since the EG separated and removed in the by-product removal device 500 can be reused on-site (in the depolymerization reaction vessel 300) without being wasted, the operating efficiency of the chemical recycling device 100 can be improved. In particular, the amount of EG required for the PET depolymerization reaction in the depolymerization reaction vessel 300 can be significantly reduced, thus lowering the operating costs of the chemical recycling device 100.

[0028] Furthermore, the PET with a relatively low degree of polymerization (i.e., an IV value) and the BHET, which has not been reacted in the polymerization reaction vessel 400, also adhere to the surface of each of the linear elements 510, so that the polymerization reaction, which is similar to that in the polymerization reaction vessel 400, proceeds effectively due to a large surface area. For this reason, the IV value of the PET as the main product is increased by passing it through the by-product removal device 500. In particular, the IV value of the PET after passing through the by-product removal device 500 is 0.7 or more, preferably 0.8 or more, and more preferably 0.85 or more.

[0029] To promote such a polymerization reaction, an inner side of the removal device 500 for by-product is heated by the heating unit 520 ( Fig. 1) or the temperature control unit, which serves as the second heating unit provided in conjunction with the by-product removal device 500, is maintained at a suitable temperature for the polymerization reaction. In particular, the heating temperature by the heating unit 520 is between 250 °C and 290 °C, and preferably between 260 °C and 280 °C. Here, the heating temperature by the heating unit 520, which is provided in conjunction with the by-product removal device 500, is preferably higher than a heating temperature for polymerization by the heating unit 410, which is provided in conjunction with the polymerization reaction vessel 400. In the by-product removal device 500, the polymerization reaction proceeds further than in the polymerization reaction vessel 400, resulting in a higher molecular weight of PET as a polymer and a higher melting point.By maintaining a higher temperature within the by-product removal device 500 than within the polymerization reaction vessel 400, the PET, as a product of the by-product removal device 500, can be kept in a molten state. A heating unit or a temperature maintenance unit, serving as a second heating unit for heating or maintaining the temperature at least at the heating temperature for polymerization by the heating unit 410, which is provided in conjunction with the polymerization reaction vessel 400, can be provided around a tube or the like between the polymerization reaction vessel 400 and the by-product removal device 500. Furthermore, it is preferred that the polymerization reaction in the by-product removal device 500 is carried out in the same manner as the polymerization reaction in the polymerization reaction vessel 400 under a vacuum.For this reason, the removal device 500 for by-products is designed for use with a vacuum pump or similar device (not shown). The EC, as the by-product, can be efficiently removed by placing the inside of the removal device 500 for by-products in a vacuum state (reduced pressure state).

[0030] The configuration of the removal device 500 for by-product is not a “vertical type”, as in Fig. 1 shown, limited. For example, a stirring device of the “horizontal type”, as in Fig. 3 shown, and the like, which will be described later, when the removal device 500 is used for by-product. In addition, as will be described later, the configuration or function of the "horizontal type" stirring device, as shown in Fig. 3 shown, or the like as part of the polymer supply unit 600 (polymer stirring device according to the present disclosure). In this case, it is not necessary to provide the by-product removal device 500 separately from the polymer supply unit 600.

[0031] The polymer supply unit 600 feeds the polymer, such as PET, which has been synthesized in the polymerization reaction vessel 400 (or the polymerization reaction vessel 400 and the by-product removal device 500), to the injection molding machine 1, which forms the second molded product, such as a PET bottle. The polymer supply unit 600 includes a feed pump 610, such as a gear pump or a screw pump, which is suitable for feeding the high-purity and high-viscosity (i.e., high degree of polymerization or high IV value) PET, from which the by-product is removed in the by-product removal device 500, into the injection molding machine 1 in a molten state.

[0032] The polymer supply unit 600 is equipped with the heating unit 620 or the temperature maintenance unit as a first heating unit for heating or maintaining the temperature of the polymer, such as PET, which is to be transferred to the injection molding machine 1 by the feed pump 610 in order to keep it in a molten state. In particular, the heating temperature by the heating unit 620 is between 250 °C and 290 °C and preferably between 260 °C and 280 °C.Here, the heating temperature (first heating temperature) provided by the heating unit 620 (first heating unit) in the polymer supply unit 600 is preferably higher than a second heating temperature provided by the second heating unit, such as the heating unit 410 connected to the polymerization reaction vessel 400, the heating unit 520 connected to the by-product removal device 500, and a heating unit (not shown) located between the polymerization reaction vessel 400 and the by-product removal device 500. The polymerization reaction, which begins in the polymerization reaction vessel 400, proceeds gradually and is completed in the by-product removal device 500.As a result, the molecular weight of the polymer, such as PET, increases in the polymer supply unit 600, and its melting point becomes higher than in the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization and the removal device 500 for by-product. Therefore, by making the first heating temperature in the polymer supply unit 600 higher than the previous second heating temperature, the polymer, such as PET, with its high viscosity (i.e., high degree of polymerization or high IV value) and high melting point, can be kept in a molten state.

[0033] A temperature gradient can be provided such that the heating temperature increases stepwise from the polymerization reaction vessel 400 to the polymer supply unit 600. For example, by making the heating temperature by a heating unit (not shown) located between the polymerization reaction vessel 400 and the by-product removal device 500 higher than the heating temperature by the heating unit 410 connected to the polymerization reaction vessel 400, by making the heating temperature by the heating unit 520 connected to the by-product removal device 500 higher than the heating temperature by the heating unit (not shown), and by making the heating temperature by the heating unit 620 located in the polymer supply unit 600 higher than the heating temperature by the heating unit 520, it is possible to increase the polymersuch as PET, whose melting point increases from the polymerization reaction vessel 400 to the polymer supply unit 600, must be reliably kept in a molten state. A heating unit for heating or maintaining the temperature of the polymer, such as PET, to keep it in a molten state can be provided between the polymer supply unit 600 and the injection molding machine 1.

[0034] The injection molding machine 1 forms the polymer, such as PET, from a molten state generated by the chemical recycling device 100 into a second molded product. The second molded product can be the same as or different from the first molded product, which undergoes a comminution process or the like by the polymer adaptation device 200. For example, both the first and second molded products can be PET bottles. Furthermore, one of the first and second molded products can be a PET bottle, and the other can be a molded product other than a bottle, such as a sheet, a film, or a fiber. Generally, in mechanical recycling, the IV value of the second molded product after recycling will be lower than the IV value of the first molded product before recycling.According to the chemical recycling device 100 of the present embodiment, which includes the mechanism for increasing the IV values, such as the foreign material removal devices 340, 350 and 360 and the by-product removal device 500, it is also possible to increase the IV value of the second molded product after recycling so that it is higher than the IV value of the first molded product before recycling. For example, according to the present embodiment, the PET fiber with a low IV value can be recycled as the first molded product into the PET bottle with a high IV value as the second molded product.

[0035] Injection molding machine 1 forms a molten resin, such as PET, into a second molded product. An injection molding machine that uses a molten resin as a raw material is disclosed, for example, in PTL 2. The present application claims priority based on the literature filed on July 31, 2020 (Japanese patent application no. 2020-130985), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As in Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 1, several of the injection molding machines 1 can be provided in parallel. The molding machine to which the molten resin or the like is fed from the chemical recycling device 100 is not limited to an injection molding machine and can be any molding machine (for example, a compression molding machine).

[0036] In the present embodiment, as described above, the polymer resynthesized in the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization is not processed into flakes or pellets, but is fed as is to the injection molding machine 1 by the polymer supply unit 600. Since the cooling and heating processes for the flakes or pellets, as in the prior art, are not required, the molded product, such as a PET bottle, can be recycled with less energy.

[0037] In the chemical recycling device 100 according to the present embodiment, it is necessary to quickly achieve the IV value of the polymer required for the molded product (second molded product), since the polymer resynthesized in the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization is fed as is to the injection molding machine 1. In the present embodiment, the by-product removal device 500 and / or the polymer supply unit 600, which have the function of promoting the polymerization reaction to increase the IV value of the polymer, are provided in addition to the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization. Therefore, this requirement can also be adequately met.

[0038] A polymer stirring device according to the present disclosure is described below. In the example of Fig. 1. The removal device 500 for by-product and / or the polymer supply unit 600, which stirs the polymer, such as PET, before it is fed to the injection molding machine 1 for forming the second molded product, constitute the polymer stirring device. Furthermore, a polymer adapting device 200, a reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization, a reaction vessel 400 for polymerization, and the like, which feed a polymer, such as PET, derived from the first molded product to such a polymer stirring device, constitute a polymer supply device according to the present disclosure. In addition, the polymer supply device in the example of Fig. 1. The chemical recycling device that feeds the polymer, such as PET, obtained through the chemical recycling process. However, the polymer supply device according to the present disclosure can be a mechanical recycling device that feeds the polymer, such as PET, obtained through the mechanical recycling process.

[0039] Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows a configuration of a polymer stirring device 700 according to the present embodiment. The polymer stirring device 700 is configured to be a “horizontal” stirring device, which performs the same function as the “vertical” removal device 500 for by-product in Fig. 1 fulfilled, integrally contains the polymer supply unit 600. Therefore, in a case where the in Fig. 3 and Fig. The polymer stirring device 700 shown in section 4 is used; it is not necessary to use the one shown in the diagram. Fig. 1. The removal device 500 shown is to be provided separately from the polymer stirring device 700 for the by-product of the “vertical type”. Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 is a three-dimensional coordinate system simplified by an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. For example, the X-axis and Y-axis are in a horizontal direction, and the Z-axis is in a vertical direction. Here, the "vertical type" (the removal device 500 for by-product in Fig. 1) that the device is long in a Z-direction, and the “horizontal type” (the polymer stirrer 700 in Fig. 3) means that the device is long in an X direction.

[0040] The polymer stirring device 700 includes a container 710, a first rotating body 720, a second rotating body 730, a first rotary drive unit 740, a second rotary drive unit 750, an attachment position detection unit 760, a stirring mode adjustment unit 770 and a degree of polymerization estimation unit 780.

[0041] For example, a polymer PM, such as PET, which is made from a first molded product that is in a reaction vessel 400 for polymerization in a polymer supply device as a chemical recycling device in Fig. The polymer PM, which has been newly synthesized, is fed into container 710. Container 710 contains a feed port 711, which is connected to the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization, to feed the polymer PM into container 710, and a discharge port 712 for discharging the polymer PM, stirred by a first rotating body 720 and a second rotating body 730 (to be described later), to the outside of container 710 in order to supply the polymer PM to the injection molding machine 1.A feed pump 610, such as a gear pump or a screw pump, which is able to adjust the feed quantity or feed rate of the polymer PM to the inside of the container 710, can be connected to the feed port 711, and a feed pump 610, such as a gear pump or a screw pump, which is able to adjust the discharge quantity or discharge rate of the polymer PM to the outside of the container 710, can be connected to the discharge port 712.

[0042] Container 710 is, as in Fig. 3 shown, long in the X direction and indicates, as in Fig. Figure 4 shows an essentially rectangular YZ cross-section. As will be described later, the YZ cross-section ( Fig. 4) of the container 710 is elongated in a Y-direction (i.e., a rectangle) to accommodate the first rotating body 720 and the second rotating body 730, which are arranged so that they are displaced in the Y-direction. In Fig. Figure 4 states that the bottom section of the container 710 has a circular shape along both the first rotating body 720 and the second rotating body 730. This reduces the space or distance between the bottom section of the container 710 and the first rotating body 720 and the second rotating body 730. Consequently, the polymer PM in the container 710 is effectively stirred by the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730 without remaining excessively in contact with the bottom section. As a result, the IV value, viscosity, degree of polymerization, and similar properties of the polymer PM in the container 710 are standardized.

[0043] In Fig. 3 is the supply connection 711 at an end section (left end section in Fig. 3) of the container 710 in the X direction, and the discharge connection 712 is located at the other end section (right end section in Fig. 3) of the container 710 in the X-direction. The first rotating body 720 and the second rotating body 730 are provided in the X-direction area between the feed port 711 and the discharge port 712 to stir the polymer PM in the container 710.

[0044] The first rotating body 720 rotates in the container 710 to stir the polymer PM. The first rotating body 720 contains one or more first rotating plates 721, which rotate around a first rotating shaft 722 in one direction (in the example of Fig. 3 rotate the X-direction perpendicular to the Z-direction), which is the vertical direction (in the example of Fig. 3 the Z-direction). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first turntable 721, for example, is a disk with a circular YZ cross-section. However, the shape of the YZ cross-section of the first turntable 721 is arbitrary and can be, for example, an ellipse, a triangle, a quadrilateral, or the like. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, it is preferred that the center or center of gravity of the first rotary plate 721 coincides in a YZ plane with the center of the first rotating shaft 722. In this case, one or more first rotary plates 721 and the first rotating shaft 722 are arranged coaxially.

[0045] In the example of Fig. Figure 3: The first rotating body 720 contains several first rotating plates 721 separated in an axial direction (X-direction) of the first rotating shaft 722. The axial distance between two adjacent first rotating plates 721 can be constant or different, as shown in the drawing. As described later, the viscosity or degree of polymerization of the polymer PM increases as the polymer PM approaches an outlet side (i.e., the side of the discharge port 712) of the container 710, and the polymer PM is more likely to adhere to the first rotating plate 721. If the distance between the first rotating plates 721 on the outlet side of the container 710 is too small, the polymers PM adhering to each of the first rotating plates 721 may interfere with each other, and the polymers PM may impede the stirring of the polymers PM or the rotation of the first rotating body 720.Therefore, as shown in the drawing, it is preferred to increase the distance between the first rotary plate 721 from the feed port 711 of the container 710 to the discharge port 712. For example, in the example shown in the drawing, a distance d between the two first rotary plates 721 that are closest to the feed port 711 is smaller than a distance D between the two first rotary plates 721 that are closest to the discharge port 712.

[0046] The first rotary body 720 is driven by a first rotary drive unit 740, which is configured with a motor or the like. In particular, the first rotary drive unit 740 is connected to the first rotary shaft 722 of the first rotary body 720 to drive the first rotary body 720 in a rotating manner. As in Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 4, a first direction of rotation of the first rotating body 720 by the first rotary drive unit 740 is, for example, a clockwise direction in the YZ plane. In this way, when the first rotary drive unit 740 rotates the first rotating shaft 722, the multiple first rotary plates 721, which are attached to the first rotating shaft 722, rotate integrally in the first direction of rotation. Then the polymer PM, which is fed from the feed port 711 into the container 710 and directed to the discharge port 712, is effectively stirred by the multiple rotating first rotary plates 721.

[0047] The second rotating body 730 also rotates in the container 710 and stirs the polymer PM, as with the first rotating body 720. The second rotating body 730 contains one or more second rotating plates 731, which rotate around a second rotating shaft 732 in one direction (in the example of Fig. 3 rotate the X-direction perpendicular to the Z-direction), which is the vertical direction (in the example of Fig. 3 the Z-direction). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the second turntable 731, for example, is a disk with a circular YZ cross-section. However, the shape of the YZ cross-section of the second turntable 731 is arbitrary and can be, for example, an ellipse, a triangle, a quadrilateral, or the like. The shape and / or size of the YZ cross-section of the second turntable 731 can be the same or different from the shape and / or size of the YZ cross-section of the first turntable 721. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, it is preferred that the center or center of gravity of the second rotary plate 731 in the YZ plane coincides with the center of the second rotary shaft 732. In this case, one or more second rotary plates 731 and the second rotary shaft 732 are arranged coaxially.

[0048] Furthermore, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the second rotating shaft 732 of the second rotating body 730 is arranged such that it is displaced from the first rotating shaft 722 of the first rotating body 720 in at least the Y-direction (it may also be arranged so that it is displaced in the Z-direction). As a result, the first rotating plate 721, which rotates around the first rotating shaft 722, does not interfere with or come into contact with the second rotating shaft 732, and the second rotating plate 731, which rotates around the second rotating shaft 732, does not interfere with or come into contact with the first rotating shaft 722.

[0049] In the example of Fig. Figure 3 of the second rotating body 730 contains several second rotating plates 731, which are separated from each other in the axial direction (X-direction) of the second rotating shaft 732. The axial distance between the two adjacent second rotating plates 731 can be constant or can be different, as shown in the drawing. As will be described later, the viscosity or degree of polymerization of the polymer PM increases as the polymer PM approaches the outlet side (i.e., the side of the discharge port 712) of the container 710, and the polymer PM is more likely to adhere to the second rotating plate 731. If the distance between the second rotating plates 731 on the outlet side of the container 710 is too small, the polymers PM adhering to each of the second rotating plates 731 can interfere with each other, and the polymers PM can impede the stirring of the polymers PM or the rotation of the second rotating body 730.Therefore, as shown in the drawing, it is preferred to increase the distance between the second rotary plates 731 from the feed port 711 of the container 710 to the discharge port 712.

[0050] Furthermore, it is preferred that each of the second rotary plates 731 is positioned between the first rotary plates 721, or more preferably, at the center of the first rotary plates 721 in the X-direction. Similarly, each of the first rotary plates 721 (except those at both ends in the X-direction) is positioned between each of the second rotary plates 731, preferably at the center of each of the second rotary plates 731 in the X-direction. In this case, the distance between the first rotary plate 721 and the second rotary plate 731 closest to the feed port 711 is d / 2, and the distance between the first rotary plate 721 and the second rotary plate 731 closest to the discharge port 712 is D / 2.

[0051] The second rotary body 730 is driven by a second rotary drive unit 750, which is configured with a motor or the like. Specifically, the second rotary drive unit 750 is connected to the second rotary shaft 732 of the second rotary body 730 and drives the second rotary body 730 in a rotating manner. As shown in Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 4, a second direction of rotation of the second rotating body 730 by the second rotary drive unit 750 is, for example, a counterclockwise direction in the YZ plane. That is, the second direction of rotation (counterclockwise direction in Fig. 4) The rotation of the second rotating body 730 by the second rotary drive unit 750 is opposite to the first rotary drive direction (clockwise direction). Fig. 4) of the first rotating body 720 by the first rotary drive unit 740. In this way, when the second rotary shaft 732 is driven by the second rotary drive unit 750, the several second rotary plates 731, which are attached to the second rotary shaft 732, rotate integrally in the second rotary drive direction. Then the polymer PM, which is fed from the feed port 711 into the container 710 and directed to the discharge port 712, is effectively stirred by the several second rotary plates 731, which are rotating.

[0052] As described above, the polymer PM, which is fed from the feed port 711 into the container 710 and directed to the discharge port 712, is transferred by the several first rotary plates 721 and the several second rotary plates 731, which are arranged alternately in the X-direction, as shown in Fig. 3 shown, in the first body of revolution 720 and the second body of revolution 730, which are arranged such that they are at least offset from each other in the Y-direction, as in Fig. 4 shown, effectively stirred.

[0053] A vapor phase of the liquid (melting state) polymer PM in the container 710, which is located above a liquid surface LL, is in a vacuum state or a decompressed state by a vacuum device (not shown) connected to one or more exhaust ports 713 provided in an upper section of the container 710. Therefore, by the first rotating body 720 and the second rotating body 730 efficiently release byproducts, such as EG, contained in the polymer PM, such as PET, which is stirred by the first rotating body 720 and the second rotating body 730, as well as various impurities, into the vapor phase in the container 710 and discharge them from the exhaust port 713. Furthermore, the polymerization reaction of any remaining BHET or the like to PET also progresses due to the stirring action of the first rotating body 720 and the second rotating body 730.As a result, the IV value, viscosity and degree of polymerization of the polymer PM, such as PET, gradually increase in the container 710 from the feed port 711 to the discharge port 712.

[0054] The height (i.e., the position in the Z-direction) of the liquid surface LL in the container 710 is arbitrary. However, in order to compensate for the stirring of the polymer PM by the first rotating body 720 and the second rotating body 730, the exhaust gas by the vapor phase and the exhaust port 713, and the detection of the attachment position of the polymer PM on the first rotating plate 721 and / or the second rotating plate 731 by the attachment position detection unit 760 (which will be described later), it is preferred to adjust the height so that it is essentially the same as that of the first rotating shaft 722 and / or the second rotating shaft 732 (for example, approximately half the height of the container 710 itself). In particular, to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the detection of the mounting position by the mounting position detection unit 760, it is preferred to set the liquid level LL below the first rotating shaft 722 and the second rotating shaft 732.In this case, since the first rotating shaft 722 and the second rotating shaft 732 are not immersed in the liquid polymer PM, the fluctuation of the liquid surface LL caused by the rotation of the first rotating shaft 722 and the second rotating shaft 732 themselves can be minimized, and a situation in which the polymer PM adheres excessively to the first rotating plate 721 and the second rotating plate 731 can be prevented.

[0055] The in Fig. The attachment position detection unit 760 shown in Figure 4 detects the position of the polymer PM attached to the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730. As shown in Figure 4, the attachment position detection unit 760 detects the position of the polymer PM attached to the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the attachment position detection unit 760 can detect the highest reached position of the polymer PM attached to the first rotating plate 721 and / or the second rotating plate 731 in the vertical direction (Z-direction) above the liquid surface LL (a position of height H relative to the first rotating shaft 722 and / or the second rotating shaft 732). Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the attachment position detection unit 760 can detect the highest position reached in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the polymer PM, which is attached to the first rotating plate 721 and / or the second rotating plate 732 above the liquid surface LL, by means of light L which propagates in the vertical direction (Z direction) and in a direction (Y direction) which intersects the first rotating shaft 722 and / or the second rotating shaft 732 (X direction).

[0056] The mounting position detection unit 760 in the example of Fig. 4 comprises a light-emitting unit 761, wherein a suitable irradiation area of ​​light L is defined as an area above the liquid surface LL and the first rotating shaft 722 and / or the second rotating shaft 732 and below a topmost section of the first rotating plate 721 and / or the second rotating plate 731 in the Z direction, and a light-receiving unit 762, which receives light from the light-emitting unit 761. The light-emitting unit 761 is located at an end section (right end section in Fig. 4) of the container 710 in the Y-direction and emits light L, such as a laser beam, in the Y-direction. A portion of the light L is deflected by the first rotating shaft 722 or the polymer PM (see Fig. 3), which adheres to the surface of the first rotating plate 721, is blocked. Then the light receiving unit 762, which is designed to be positioned at the other end section (the left end section in ), receives the light from the light emitting unit 761. Fig. 4) facing in the Y direction above the container 710, the remaining light L that is not blocked by the polymer PM or the like adhering to the surface of the first rotating plate 721.

[0057] As a result, the light receiving unit 762 can detect the shape of the polymer PM adhering to the surface of the first rotating plate 721, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows this schematically. In particular, the light receiving unit 762 can detect the height H of the mounting mold as the highest position reached by the polymer PM attached to the first rotating plate 721 in the vertical direction (Z-direction). Furthermore, the light receiving unit 762 can detect the thickness of the polymer PM adhering to the surface of the first rotating plate 721 in the horizontal direction (X-direction) from the mounting mold. The thickness of the polymer PM adhering to the surface of the first rotating plate 721 increases as the position decreases and decreases as the position increases (the position at which the thickness is zero is the highest position reached H).The light receiving unit 762 and / or the information processing unit, such as a computer (not shown), in the subsequent stage can record the thickness of the polymer PM at substantially all heights, can record the thickness of the polymer PM at a representative height, or can record a representative value for thickness obtained by performing suitable statistical processing on the thickness of the polymer PM at each height.

[0058] The attachment position detection unit 760 is not limited to an optical measuring device, such as a laser measuring device containing a pair of light-emitting units 761 and light-receiving units 762, and can be configured by a camera or the like that directly records the polymer PM attached to the first rotating plate 721 and / or the second rotating plate 731. Furthermore, the attachment position detection unit 760 can detect the polymer PM attached to the first rotating plate 721 and / or the second rotating plate 731 directly or indirectly by physical means other than light.

[0059] Furthermore, the attachment pattern, the highest reached position H, the thickness, and the like of the polymer PM detected by the light receiving unit 762 not only change over time but can also assume a temporary abnormal value or an outlier. Therefore, it is preferred that the light receiving unit 762 and / or the information processing unit, such as a computer (not shown), perform suitable statistical processing, such as processing moving averages, on the data series detected over the predetermined period in a subsequent stage.

[0060] The forms of polymer PM adhesion, the highest position reached H, the thickness, and similar properties on the surface of the first rotary plate 721, which are detected by the adhesion position detection unit 760 as described above, correlate with the IV value, viscosity, and degree of polymerization of the polymer PM. For example, the polymer PM is more likely to adhere to the surface of the first rotary plate 721 when the viscosity or degree of polymerization is higher. Therefore, the highest position reached H, which can be detected by the adhesion position detection unit 760, will be higher, and the thickness will be greater. Conversely, the lower the viscosity or degree of polymerization, the less likely it is that the polymer PM will adhere to the surface of the first rotary plate 721.Therefore, the highest position H that can be detected by the application position detection unit 760 is lowered, and the thickness is reduced. In this way, the application position detection unit 760 can indirectly detect the viscosity or degree of polymerization of the polymer PM in the container 710 from the application position or the application shape of the polymer PM on the surface of the first rotary plate 721.

[0061] The stirring mode adjustment unit 770 adjusts the stirring mode of the polymer PM in the container 710 so that the deviation of the application position detected by the application position detection unit 760 (for example, the highest position reached H) of the polymer PM from a desired position is reduced. The desired position corresponds here to a desired viscosity or degree of polymerization of the polymer PM in the container 710. That is, the stirring mode adjustment unit 770 adjusts the stirring mode of the polymer PM so that the polymer PM in the container 710 has a desired viscosity or degree of polymerization.

[0062] In particular, the stirring mode adjustment unit 770 adjusts at least one of the following parameters as the stirring mode of the polymer PM in the container 710: the feed quantity of polymer PM to the inside of the container 710, the feed rate of polymer PM to the inside of the container 710, the discharge quantity of polymer PM to the outside of the container 710, the discharge rate of polymer PM to the outside of the container 710, the rotational speed of the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730, the pressure in the container 710 and the temperature in the container 710.

[0063] For example, the stirring mode of the polymer PM in the container 710 can be adjusted by adjusting the quantity of polymer PM supplied to the inside of the container 710 and the feed rate of polymer PM supplied to the inside of the container 710 by the feed pump 610, such as a gear pump or a screw pump, which is connected to the feed port 711.

[0064] For example, if the highest position H reached by the application position detection unit 760 of the polymer PM is higher than the desired position (or the application thickness of the polymer PM is greater than the desired thickness), the polymer PM will have a viscosity or degree of polymerization higher than the desired viscosity or degree of polymerization. Therefore, the stirring mode adjustment unit 770 increases the feed rate and feed rate of the polymer PM to the inside of the vessel 710 by the feed pump 610 at the feed port 711. As a result, the effective residence time of the polymer PM in the vessel 710 is reduced, thus suppressing the increase in viscosity or degree of polymerization of the polymer PM caused by excessive stirring by the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730 in the vessel 710.

[0065] Conversely, if the highest position H reached by the polymer PM, as detected by the application position detection unit 760, is lower than the desired position (or the application thickness of the polymer PM is less than the desired thickness), the polymer PM will have a viscosity or degree of polymerization that is lower than the desired viscosity or degree of polymerization. Therefore, the stirring mode adjustment unit 770 reduces the feed rate and the feed rate of the polymer PM to the inside of the container 710 by the feed pump 610 at the feed port 711. As a result, the effective residence time of the polymer PM in the container 710 is increased, and thus the viscosity and degree of polymerization of the polymer PM are increased by sufficient stirring by the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730 in the container 710.

[0066] As a stirring mode of the polymer PM in the container 710, for example the delivery quantity of the polymer PM to the outside of the container 710 and the delivery rate of the polymer PM to the outside of the container 710 can be adjusted by the feed pump 610, such as a gear pump or a screw pump, which is connected to the delivery port 712.

[0067] For example, if the highest position H reached by the application position detection unit 760 of the polymer PM is higher than the desired position (or the application thickness of the polymer PM is greater than the desired thickness), the polymer PM will have a viscosity or degree of polymerization higher than the desired viscosity or degree of polymerization. Therefore, the stirring mode adjustment unit 770 increases the delivery quantity and rate of the polymer PM to the outside of the container 710 by the feed pump 610 at the side of the discharge port 712. As a result, the effective residence time of the polymer PM in the container 710 is reduced, thus suppressing the increase in the viscosity or degree of polymerization of the polymer PM caused by excessive stirring by the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730 in the container 710.

[0068] Conversely, if the highest position H reached by the polymer PM, as detected by the application position detection unit 760, is lower than the desired position (or the application thickness of the polymer PM is less than the desired thickness), the polymer PM will have a viscosity or degree of polymerization that is lower than the desired viscosity or degree of polymerization. Therefore, the stirring mode adjustment unit 770 reduces the delivery quantity and rate of the polymer PM to the outside of the container 710 by the feed pump 610 at the side of the discharge port 712. As a result, the effective residence time of the polymer PM in the container 710 is extended, and thus the viscosity and degree of polymerization of the polymer PM are increased by sufficient stirring by the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730 in the container 710.

[0069] Furthermore, if only one of the feed rate / speed of polymer PM to the inside of container 710 and the discharge rate / speed of polymer PM to the outside of container 710 is changed, the total amount of polymer PM in container 710 will change. Therefore, it is preferred that the feed pump 610 connected to the feed port 711 and the feed pump 610 connected to the discharge port 712 synchronize with each other to adjust the feed rate / speed and the discharge rate in order to suppress any change in the total amount of polymer PM in container 710.For example, in a case where the highest position H reached by the polymer PM, as detected by the attachment position detection unit 760, is higher (or lower) than the desired position, the stirring mode adjustment unit 770 simultaneously increases (or decreases) the feed rate / feed speed and the discharge rate / discharge speed.

[0070] For example, the rotational speed of the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730 can be adjusted as the stirring mode of the polymer PM in the container 710 by the first rotary drive unit 740 and / or the second rotary drive unit 750. The relationship between the rotational speed of the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730 and the viscosity or degree of polymerization of the polymer PM, which is indirectly detected by the mounting position detection unit 760, may not simply be a positive or negative correlation. Therefore, it is preferred that the relationship be identified in advance by a test using the actual polymer stirring device 700 or the like.

[0071] In a case where the relationship between the rotational speed of the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730 and the viscosity or degree of polymerization of the polymer PM, which is indirectly detected by the attachment position detection unit 760, is a simple positive correlation, the stirring mode adjustment unit 770 reduces the rotational speed of the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730 if the viscosity or degree of polymerization of the polymer PM, which is indirectly detected by the attachment position detection unit 760, is higher than the desired value, and increases the rotational speed of the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730 if the viscosity or degree of polymerization of the polymer PM, which is indirectly detected by the attachment position detection unit 760, is lower than the desired value.

[0072] Furthermore, in a case where the relationship between the rotational speed of the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730 and the viscosity or degree of polymerization of the polymer PM indirectly detected by the attachment position detection unit 760 is a simple negative correlation, the stirring mode adjustment unit 770 increases the rotational speed of the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730 if the viscosity or degree of polymerization of the polymer PM indirectly detected by the attachment position detection unit 760 is higher than the desired value, and reduces the rotational speed of the first rotating body 720 and / or the second rotating body 730 if the viscosity or degree of polymerization of the polymer PM indirectly detected by the attachment position detection unit 760 is lower than the desired value. 730.

[0073] The pressure in the container 710, as well as the stirring mode of the polymer PM in the container 710, can be adjusted, for example, by a vacuum device connected to the exhaust port 713.

[0074] For example, if the highest position H reached by the attachment position detection unit 760 of the polymer PM is higher than the desired position (or the attachment thickness of the polymer PM is greater than the desired thickness), the polymer PM will have a viscosity or degree of polymerization higher than the desired viscosity or degree of polymerization. Therefore, the stirring mode adjustment unit 770 increases the pressure in the vessel 710 (reduces the degree of vacuum) by means of the vacuum device connected to the exhaust port 713. As a result, the exhaust gas through the vapor phase and the exhaust port 713 in the vessel 710 is weakened, and an excessive increase in the purity (i.e., the IV value, viscosity, degree of polymerization, and the like) of the polymer PM is avoided.

[0075] Conversely, if the highest position H reached by the polymer PM, as detected by the attachment position detection unit 760, is lower than the desired position (or the attachment thickness of the polymer PM is less than the desired thickness), the polymer PM will have a viscosity or degree of polymerization that is lower than the desired viscosity or degree of polymerization. Therefore, the stirring mode adjustment unit 770 reduces the pressure in the vessel 710 (increasing the degree of vacuum) by means of the vacuum device connected to the exhaust port 713. As a result, the exhaust gas through the vapor phase and the exhaust port 713 in the vessel 710 is intensified, and the purity of the polymer PM (i.e., the IV value, viscosity, degree of polymerization, or the like) is increased.

[0076] The temperature in the container 710, as well as the stirring mode of the polymer PM in the container 710, can be adjusted, for example, by a temperature control device (not shown) built into the container 710.

[0077] For example, if the highest position H reached by the attachment position detection unit 760 of the polymer PM is higher than the desired position (or the attachment thickness of the polymer PM is greater than the desired thickness), the polymer PM will have a viscosity or degree of polymerization higher than the desired viscosity or degree of polymerization. Therefore, the stirring mode adjustment unit 770 lowers the temperature in the vessel 710 by means of the temperature control device. As a result, the release of impurities from the polymer PM into the vapor phase of the vessel 710 and the polymerization reaction of the polymer PM to PET, such as BHET, which remains in the polymer PM, are suppressed. Therefore, an excessive increase in the purity (i.e., the IV value, viscosity, degree of polymerization, and the like) of the polymer PM is avoided.

[0078] Conversely, if the highest position H reached by the polymer PM, as detected by the application position detection unit 760, is lower than the desired position (or the application thickness of the polymer PM is less than the desired thickness), the polymer PM will have a viscosity or degree of polymerization that is lower than the desired viscosity or degree of polymerization. Therefore, the stirring mode adjustment unit 770 increases the temperature in the vessel 710 by means of the temperature control device. As a result, the release of impurities or the like from the polymer PM into the vapor phase of the vessel 710 and the polymerization reaction of the polymer PM to PET or the like, such as BHET, which remains in the polymer PM, are promoted. Therefore, the purity of the polymer PM (i.e., the IV value, viscosity, degree of polymerization, etc.) is increased.

[0079] To effectively adjust the stirring mode of the polymer PM by the stirring mode adjustment unit 770, as described above, the mounting position detection unit 760 preferentially detects, among several of the rotary plates 721 and 731, the highest reached position H of the polymer PM that is on the rotary plate (the first rotary plate 721 in the last stage in the example of Fig. 3) which is closest to the discharge port 712 of the container 710, adheres in the vertical direction. The viscosity or degree of polymerization of the polymer PM can be indirectly detected by the attachment position detection unit 760 immediately before it is fed from the discharge port 712 of the injection molding machine 1, and the viscosity or degree of polymerization can be brought close to a desired viscosity or degree of polymerization by adjusting the stirring mode using the stirring mode adjustment unit 770. The positions and number of rotary plates 721 and 731 at which the attachment position detection unit 760 detects the attachment of the polymer PM are arbitrary.For example, the mounting position detection unit 760 can use the second rotary plate 731, which is closest to the discharge port 712 of the container 710, as a detection target, or it can use one or more of the rotary plates 721 and 731 at any position as a detection target.

[0080] Furthermore, instead of the automatic adjustment of the stirring mode of the polymer PM by the stirring mode adjustment unit 770, as described above, an administrator (person) who receives information about the application position of the polymer PM detected by the application position detection unit 760 can manually adjust the stirring mode of the polymer PM.

[0081] In addition to the application position detection unit 760, which indirectly detects the degree of polymerization of the polymer PM, a degree of polymerization estimation unit 780 can be provided. This unit estimates the degree of polymerization of the polymer PM based on the application position of the polymer PM detected by the application position detection unit 760. In this case, the stirring mode adjustment unit 770 adjusts the stirring mode of the polymer PM in the vessel 710 so that the deviation of the degree of polymerization of the polymer PM estimated by the degree of polymerization estimation unit 780 from the desired value is reduced.

[0082] The present disclosure has been described above on the basis of the embodiment. Various modification examples are possible in the combination of each component and each process in the embodiment, and it is obvious to the person skilled in the art that such modification examples fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0083] In the example of Fig. Only one of the polymer adaptation device 200, the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization, the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization, the removal device 500 for by-product, the polymer supply unit 600, and the like is provided, but several of each of them can be provided. The multiple processing units can perform the same processing in parallel, thus improving the processing performance of the processing unit group. In addition, the difference in processing speed or reaction rate between the processing units can be reduced by increasing the number of slower processing units.

[0084] Furthermore, one or more of the processing units can receive external material supplied by a location or facility separate from the one in Fig. The chemical recycling system shown in Figure 1 differs in that the material is procured from the processing unit in the preceding stage, either instead of or in addition to it. For example, in a case where several reaction vessels 400 are provided for polymerization, some of the reaction vessels 400 for polymerization can be supplied with the depolymerized product from the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization, and the others can be supplied with the depolymerized product (synonymous with the depolymerized product supplied by a supply unit 300A for depolymerized product, which will be described later) procured from an external source.Similarly, in a case where several by-product removal devices 500 and / or polymer supply units 600 are provided, some of the by-product removal devices 500 and / or polymer supply units 600 can be supplied with the polymer from the polymerization reaction vessel 400, and the others can be supplied with the externally sourced polymer (synonymous with the polymer supplied by a polymer supply unit 400A, which will be described later). By enabling the intake of external material at each processing stage in the chemical recycling molding system, the flexibility of the chemical recycling molding system can be ensured, and the system can operate efficiently.

[0085] Fig. Figure 5 shows a first modification example of the chemical recycling mold system. The same components as in Fig. Items 1 and 2 are designated with the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. In the present modification example, the supply unit 300A for depolymerized product replaces the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization or the like. Fig. 1. The supply unit 300A for depolymerized product feeds a depolymerized product, such as BHET, derived from the first molded product, which is decomposed in the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization (not shown), which is installed at a different location or facility than the chemical recycling molding system shown in the drawing, to the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization.

[0086] A first preheater 371, which heats or preheats the depolymerized product, such as BHET, supplied by the depolymerized product supply unit 300A, to a molten state, can be provided at the downstream stage of the depolymerized product supply unit 300A and the upstream stage of the polymerization reaction vessel 400. The first preheater 371 can heat the depolymerization product to the same temperature (between 220 °C and 250 °C) as the temperature of the heating unit 320, which is located in Fig. 1 is provided and is provided in the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization, or can maintain the depolymerized product at a suitable temperature (between 250 °C and 300 °C) for the polymerization reaction, which is the same as the temperature of the heating unit 410 provided in the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization.

[0087] In the polymerization reaction vessel 400 and / or the by-product removal device 500, the EG, obtained along with the PET as the main product, can be stored in the EG storage unit 530. The EG stored in the EG storage unit 530 can be used for other purposes at other locations or facilities, or it can be sold to a customer.

[0088] In the first modification example, as described above, the polymer resynthesized in reaction vessel 400 for polymerization is not processed into flakes or pellets and is fed as is to injection molding machine 1 from polymer supply unit 600. Since the cooling and heating processes for the flakes or pellets, as in the prior art, are not required, the molded product, such as a PET bottle, can be recycled with less energy compared to the prior art.

[0089] In the chemical recycling device 100 according to the first modification example, it is necessary to quickly achieve the IV value of the polymer required for the molded product (second molded product), since the polymer resynthesized in the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization is fed as is to the injection molding machine 1. In the present modification example, the removal device 500 for by-product and / or the polymer supply unit 600, which have the function of promoting the polymerization reaction to increase the IV value of the polymer, are provided in addition to the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization. Therefore, this requirement can be adequately met.

[0090] Fig. Figure 6 shows a second modification example of the chemical recycling form system. The same reference symbols are assigned to the components with the same configuration as in Figure 6. Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 5 is given, and its description is omitted. In the present modification example, the polymer supply unit 400A is used instead of the reaction vessel 300 for depolymerization and the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization in Fig. 1 provided. The polymer supply unit 400A feeds a polymer, such as PET, derived from a first molded product synthesized in a polymerization reaction vessel 400 (not shown), installed at a different location or facility than the chemical recycling molding system shown, to the by-product removal device 500 and / or the polymer supply unit 600.

[0091] In the downstream stage of the polymer supply unit 400A, in the upstream stage of the by-product removal device 500, and / or in the polymer supply unit 600, a second preheater 431 may be provided, which heats or preheats the polymer, such as PET, supplied from the polymer supply unit 400A, to a molten state. The second preheater 431 can heat the polymer to the same temperature (between 250 °C and 300 °C) as the temperature of the polymer supplied by the heating unit 410 located in the reaction vessel 400 for polymerization. Fig. 1 or Fig.5 is provided, is kept, can keep the polymer at the temperature suitable for the polymerization reaction (between 250 °C and 290 °C), which is the same as the temperature of the polymer kept by the heating unit 520 provided in the removal device 500 for by-product, or can keep the polymer at the same temperature (between 250 °C and 290 °C) as the temperature of the polymer kept by the heating unit 620 provided in the polymer supply unit 600.

[0092] The EC obtained together with the PET in the removal device 500 for by-products can be stored in the EC storage unit 530. The EC stored in the EC storage unit 530 can be used for other purposes in other locations or facilities, or it can be sold to a customer.

[0093] In the chemical recycling device 100 according to this second modification example, the polymer supplied by the polymer supply unit 400A is fed directly to the injection molding machine 1. Therefore, it is necessary to quickly achieve the polymer's required IV value for the molded product (second molded product). In this modification example, the by-product removal device 500 and / or the polymer supply unit 600, which promote the polymerization reaction to increase the polymer's IV value, are provided. Therefore, this requirement can be adequately met.

[0094] The configurations, operations, and functions of each device and method described in the embodiment can be implemented by hardware resources, software resources, or by the cooperative operation of both. For example, a processor, ROM, RAM, and various integrated circuits can be used as the hardware resources. Programs, such as an operating system and applications, can be used as the software resources. Industrial applicability

[0095] The present disclosure relates to a polymer stirring device or the like. Reference symbol list 1 injection molding machine 100 chemical recycling devices 200 polymer adaptation device 300 reaction vessels for depolymerization 400 reaction vessels for polymerization 500 By-product removal device 600 polymer supply unit 700 Polymer Stirring Device 710 containers 711 Supply connection 712 Delivery point 720 first rotating body 721 first turntable 722 first rotating shaft 730 second rotating body 731 second turntable 732 second rotary shaft 760 Mounting position detection unit 761 light-emitting unit 762 Light receiving unit 770 Stirring mode adjustment unit 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] JP 2016-153176

[0002] JP 2022-27158

[0002] JP 2020-130985

[0035]

Claims

[1] Polymer stirrer comprising: a container into which a polymer is fed; a rotating body that spins in the container to stir the polymer; and an attachment position detection unit that detects the position of the polymer attached to the rotating body. [2] Polymer stirring device according to claim 1, wherein the attachment position detection unit detects a highest reached position of the polymer attached to the rotating body in a vertical direction. [3] Polymer stirring device according to claim 2, wherein the rotating body includes a rotating plate which rotates around a rotating shaft in a direction that intersects the vertical direction, and The attachment position detection unit detects the highest reached position of the polymer attached to the rotating plate in the vertical direction. [4] Polymer stirring device according to claim 3, wherein the attachment position detection unit detects the highest position reached of the polymer attached to the rotating plate in the vertical direction by means of light propagating in the vertical direction and in a direction that intersects the rotating shaft. [5] Polymer stirring device according to claim 3, wherein the container includes a dispensing port through which the polymer is dispensed, the rotating body contains several of the rotating plates that rotate around the rotating shaft, and The attachment position detection unit detects the highest reached position of the polymer, which is attached to the rotary plate closest to the dispensing port, among the multiple rotary plates, in the vertical direction. [6] Polymer stirring device according to claim 3, wherein the rotating shaft contains a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft, The rotary plate comprises a first rotary plate rotating around the first rotating shaft and a second rotary plate rotating around the second rotating shaft, and the attachment position detection unit detects a highest achieved position of the polymer attached to at least one of the first rotary plate and the second rotary plate in the vertical direction. [7] Polymer stirring device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the attachment position detection unit detects a position of the polymer attached to the rotating body above a liquid surface of the polymer in the container. [8] Polymer stirring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a stirring mode adjustment unit that adjusts the stirring mode of the polymer in the container in such a way as to reduce the deviation of an application position of the polymer detected by the application position detection unit from a desired position. [9] Polymer stirring device according to claim 8, wherein the stirring mode adaptation unit adapts at least one stirring mode of the polymer in the container to a supply quantity of the polymer to an inside of the container, a supply rate of the polymer to the inside of the container, a delivery quantity of the polymer to an outside of the container, a delivery rate of the polymer to the outside of the container, a rotational speed of the rotating body, a pressure in the container and a temperature in the container. [10] Polymer stirring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a degree of polymerization estimation unit that estimates the degree of polymerization of the polymer based on the attachment position of the polymer detected by the attachment position detection unit. [11] Polymer stirring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the attachment position detection unit detects a thickness of the polymer attached to the rotating body in a horizontal direction. [12] Polymer stirring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the polymer is polyethylene terephthalate. [13] Recycling system, including: a polymer supply device that supplies a polymer derived from a first molded product; and a polymer stirring device that stirs the polymer and feeds the polymer to a molding machine that forms a second molded product, the polymer stirring device contains: a container into which the polymer is fed, a rotating body that spins inside the container to stir the polymer, and an attachment position detection unit that detects the position of the polymer attached to the rotating body.

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