Method and plant for treating waste materials

Abstract

The invention relates to a plant for treating comminuted waste materials, comprising: a reactor, which has a treatment chamber, for receiving a waste suspension containing the waste materials and a treatment fluid; at least one ultrasound generator; and a control unit by means of which the ultrasound generator can be adjusted and serves to adjust a treatment intensity. According to the invention, a detection unit is provided which serves to determine an amount of material in the waste suspension. The invention also relates to a method for treating comminuted waste materials, wherein the waste materials are present as a waste suspension in a treatment fluid, and wherein the waste suspension is subjected to ultrasonic treatment (1). According to the invention, at least one amount of material in the waste suspension is detected as an actual value, and a treatment intensity is regulated if the actual value deviates from a target value.

Description

[0001] WASTE TREATMENT PROCESS AND PLANT

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a plant according to the features in the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the features in the preamble of claim 12, according to which ultrasound forms the starting point for the provision of processed waste materials.

[0004] In general, the recycling of waste materials is aimed at reducing resource consumption and benefiting environmental protection. This requires that the waste materials be processed in such a way that they are treated, for example, cleaned, and made available in a pure, high-quality manner.

[0005] For reasons of transportability and storage, waste materials are generally first shredded, for example, using a shredder. The geometry of the shredded waste materials is subject to considerable variability, typically ranging from a few millimeters in edge length to several centimeters, and from scraps of film, foil, or paper to fragments.

[0006] The present proposal covers a wide range of waste materials, from (food) packaging such as beverage cartons made of paper, plastic and / or aluminum, yogurt cups and other aluminum-plastic composites to electronic components such as photovoltaic modules made of glass, semiconductors, plastics, and lithium-ion batteries made of aluminum, lithium metal oxide, graphite, copper; as well as safety glass, e.g. windscreens made of glass, polyvinyl butyral; and the like.

[0007] Waste materials are characterized by a high degree of material heterogeneity, which often occurs as bonded composites, making recycling difficult. In addition, there are adhesions, including organic ones, which can impair the waste materials' olfactory properties in the long term.

[0008] The use of ultrasound for waste processing is well known in the art. For this purpose, the waste is suspended, regularly mixed with a treatment liquid, such as water, and subjected to ultrasound. Ultrasound causes vapor bubbles to form in the waste suspension, which then collapse suddenly. These energy releases, in the form of increases in pressure and temperature, during ultrasonic treatment are used to reprocess waste, particularly to clean it, remove dyes, break down material or substance bonds, and separate materials according to type.

[0009] It is known in practice to treat waste materials with ultrasound, i.e., to wash and thus clean them, inter alia, to kill pathogens in a hygienic manner or to neutralize odorous adhesions. DE 30 28 690 A1 discloses a device and a method for cleaning soiled objects, wherein a mechanical-chemical washing device is combined with an ultrasonic cleaning device. DE 41 26 145 A1 relates to a method and a system for processing biologically contaminated waste for reuse. A hot wash in combination with ultrasonic treatment is proposed, inter alia, to improve the quality for further processing, whereby prior comminution of the plastics may be provided.

[0010] The use of ultrasound for dissolving and removing printing inks is known in practice. DE 27 09 515 A1 relates to a method and a device for removing coatings from metallic objects. It proposes dissolving ink or varnish layers in an ultrasonic field. US Pat. No. 5,413,675 A discloses a method for deinking laser-printed paper waste. It proposes how a heat-resistant ink on the paper waste can be dissolved and removed using a solvent and ultrasound.

[0011] It is known in practice to break down composite systems using ultrasound. DE 103 12 953 A1 relates to a method for separating composite bodies. It proposes separating the bond between a foam and the covering layer lying on the foam by introducing a liquid and subjecting it to ultrasonic treatment. The addition of minerals to the liquid increases the detachment rate. DE 195 23 588 A1 discloses a method for removing coatings from expandable styrene polymers. It proposes, in particular, removing coatings from polystyrene beads in a liquid bath using ultrasound.

[0012] It is known that ultrasonics can be used to remove microdispersed gases from waste materials, thus simplifying, for example, sorting. A device and method for the sink-float separation of solid particles of different densities are known from EP 2 033 713 A1. It is proposed to use ultrasonic generators to remove air elements from the solid particles in order to achieve better separation.

[0013] Waste materials are known to be characterized by a pronounced heterogeneity, both in terms of the materials themselves and in terms of any adhesions or other contaminants. Pre-sorting is complex and increases the necessary resource expenditure. The current waste treatment practice is often based on the problem that resource-intensive processes are unavoidable in order to reliably achieve the greatest possible treatment.

[0014] The present invention is based on the objective of improving the existing treatment practice in order to provide high-quality waste materials for the purpose of efficient value creation. The required resource consumption and harmful environmental impacts are to be minimized.

[0015] The object is achieved by a system according to the features of claim 1 and by a method according to the features of claim 12. Advantageous embodiments are explained in more detail in the subclaims.

[0016] In other words, the invention proposes adjusting the intensity of the ultrasound treatment based on indicators, i.e., at least one detected quantity of material or a value of a detected quantity of material, so that shredded waste materials can be converted into high-quality raw materials or valuable materials, under the premise that the required resource expenditure can be kept to a minimum. For comprehensive processing, the waste materials can be cleaned, deinked, digested, and / or separated according to their type.

[0017] The proposed system comprises a reactor with a treatment chamber for receiving a waste suspension. The waste suspension, which essentially consists of shredded waste materials and a treatment liquid, is subjected to sonication in the treatment chamber. Thus, the design features of the reactor, on the one hand, and an effective sonication range, on the other, define the size of the sonication chamber.

[0018] At least one ultrasonic generator or ultrasonic transducer, for example a rod oscillator, is provided for the treatment. Advantageously, several ultrasonic generators can be provided, preferably in an arrangement that promotes positive superposition of the ultrasound in the reactor, but largely excludes mutual cancellation. A control unit is provided to activate the ultrasonic generator. In the simplest case, this can generate an output signal that initiates deactivation of the ultrasonic generator. Furthermore, it can be provided to set a specific frequency range of the emitted ultrasound by means of the control unit to define the ultrasonic power and thereby fundamentally the treatment intensity.

[0019] According to the proposed system, the plant incorporates a detection unit designed to indicate one or more quantities of substances in the waste suspension as a reference for any necessary adjustment of the treatment intensity. The detected quantity of substance can be related to another quantity or volume of substance to quantify a relative value, such as a substance concentration.

[0020] Advantageously, the collection unit can be provided with a filter device, in particular a filter device for removing suspended matter from the liquid phase of the waste suspension. Suspended matter is usually insoluble, organic, or mineral solids in the waste suspension, including food residues, adhesive residues, or the like, which enter the waste suspension with the shredded waste materials. The amount of suspended matter can be easily approximated, for example, gravimetrically by weighing a filter.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the detection unit may have optical and / or spectroscopic functionality for detecting suspended matter. For example, the amount of suspended matter may be determined photometrically. Spectroscopic analysis methods can be particularly advantageous for identifying specific substances. However, they generally do not directly determine the quantitative quantity. Instead, conclusions for adjusting the treatment intensity can be drawn only when a certain amount of substance, defined as a detection limit, is reached.

[0022] Advantageously, the detection unit is designed to determine the acidic or alkaline nature of the waste suspension. For example, the pH value can provide information about whether certain reactions are taking place in the waste suspension or whether certain additives, which may be added to the waste suspension, are effective.

[0023] The recording unit can be designed in such a way that several indicators can be determined, which can contribute to greater process reliability.

[0024] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the system can be provided with a control system that connects the control unit to the detection unit, such that the detection unit generates an input signal, and the control unit, upon appropriate initiation of the control system, generates an output signal for regulating the treatment intensity depending on the detected indicator(s). In particular, an automated control system can advantageously be provided, which enables largely personnel-independent process control. Furthermore, such a control system ensures optimized resource consumption by adapting the treatment process individually to the waste materials to be treated.A centralized control system also has the advantage of simplifying process control, for example through an overview visualization of the process factors with the effective variable settings.

[0025] A further configuration of the system can include a temperature control unit designed to adjust the temperature of the waste suspension. For example, the system can include a heating element that directly heats the waste suspension. It can also be provided to directly adjust the temperature of the treatment liquid before it is mixed with the waste materials. In the simplest case, the temperature control unit can be controlled by a control unit, without integration into or feedback from a control system.

[0026] In principle, the effectiveness of the treatment process can be increased with increasing temperature of the waste suspension, although this also requires more resources. It is particularly advantageous to integrate the temperature control unit into the control system so that it can transmit signals. This allows the treatment intensity to be regulated by setting a specific temperature, depending on certain indicators. The system advantageously has a mixing tank with an agitator. In the mixing tank, the shredded waste materials can be mixed with the treatment liquid. An agitator can help to homogenize the waste suspension, for example by preventing certain waste materials from floating to the surface and by distributing the waste materials evenly within the waste suspension. After mixing, the waste suspension can be fed into the treatment chamber of the reactor for treatment.

[0027] Firstly, a mixing tank can act as a buffer storage to ensure a largely continuous treatment in the reactor. Secondly, the mixing tank can have at least one detection unit so that the actual state of the waste suspension can be detected in order to be able to implement a subsequent ultrasonic treatment in a reactor in an optimized manner, for example with regard to the intensity of the

[0028] Ultrasound treatment or the temperature of the

[0029] Waste suspension.

[0030] For the precise addition of reduced-size waste materials or a treatment liquid, especially water, for producing the waste suspension, the system can be equipped with a dosing device with one or more dosing elements. Any necessary auxiliary materials, such as caustic soda or the like, which may influence the effectiveness of the treatment process, can be added in a precise ratio, particularly via a dosing device, in order to conserve resources and minimize potential environmental impacts.

[0031] Particularly for a step-by-step treatment of the waste suspension, the plant can be configured to have several interconnected reactors. This allows the treatment intensities in the reactors to vary, for example, depending on the characteristics of certain indicators. A detection unit arranged to detect substance quantities in the waste suspension following a first treatment in a first reactor can provide information about indicators to adjust the treatment intensity of a second ultrasonic treatment in a second reactor accordingly.

[0032] One embodiment of the system may include a conveying device that creates a waste suspension flow, particularly between the mixing tank and the reactor and / or between reactors or in the treatment chamber of one or more reactors. Due to its performance, a positive displacement pump may advantageously be provided for this purpose.

[0033] A conveying device can be used to implement recirculation for a treatment process in the proposed plant. For example, the waste suspension can be recirculated to a reactor, for example, if at least one detected indicator indicates that additional treatment is necessary. Such recirculation can essentially be considered equivalent to extending the treatment duration and represents the simplest form of regulating the treatment intensity.

[0034] Particularly advantageous is ultrasonic treatment of the waste suspension using the countercurrent principle. A further embodiment of the system can therefore provide for the reactor to have a baffle wall that is oriented substantially orthogonally to the direction of the waste suspension flow and arranged within the waste suspension flow. At least one ultrasonic generator can be associated with the baffle wall, which is arranged in such a way that ultrasound can be introduced into the waste suspension via the baffle wall, substantially counter to the flow direction of the waste suspension flow. In this way, the treatment intensity can be increased in a constructive manner without requiring increased resource expenditure, in particular increased energy expenditure.

[0035] Particularly in favor of a continuous treatment process, it can preferably be provided that the reactor is essentially tubular in design, and that the waste suspension flows through the treatment chamber of the reactor during treatment. A tubular reactor is advantageous, for example, in order to be able to achieve a precise flow velocity of the waste suspension, for example in conjunction with a conveying device and the ratio of the cross-sectional dimensions of the reactor to the conveying volume of the waste suspension stream. Compared to container-based ultrasound treatment, usually in a batch process, the sonication of a waste suspension in a flow-through, tubular reactor can be much more effective, for example due to an increased probability of comprehensive sonication of the waste materials.Firstly, the waste materials in the waste suspension stream can be conveyed past one or more ultrasound sources at very close distances. Secondly, conveying the waste materials in the treatment chamber can ensure continuous mixing and thus homogeneous sonication. This eliminates the need for agitators, which generally promote the formation of microplastics, especially in waste materials with brittle strength properties, such as plastics like polyethylene terephthalate.

[0036] Furthermore, a method for ultrasonic treatment of a waste suspension containing comminuted waste materials and a treatment liquid is proposed. In principle, a batch process can be provided, but preferably a continuous process.

[0037] According to the invention, at least a quantity of substance in the waste suspension is detected as a function of an indicator. This input signal, detected as an actual value, serves as the starting point for regulating the treatment intensity. In particular, if the actual value deviates from a predetermined target value outside a tolerance range, i.e., if the processing of the treated waste materials is inadequate, for example, with regard to the degree of purification or digestion, a control system can generate an output signal, preferably automatically, which adjusts the treatment intensity via a control unit. The tolerance range within which a determined deviation is unproblematic can be adjusted on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type of waste materials or the like.

[0038] For example, optimal control of the treatment intensity is advantageous in order to avoid unnecessarily impairing essential characteristics of the waste materials, such as strength properties, through ultrasound treatment.

[0039] For an advantageous embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the recording of an actual value in the process sequence takes place before the waste suspension is treated. Upstream recording of at least one essential characteristic of the waste suspension to be treated, specifically with regard to the treatment intensity, is advantageous in order to be able to estimate the necessary treatment intensity in advance and thus limit the resource consumption associated with treatment to a necessary level. In particular, it can be provided that the treatment intensity is aligned with a planned treatment duration based on at least one recorded indicator.

[0040] Downstream recording in the process is advantageous for verifying the success or effectiveness of the treatment. Consequently, it may be planned to retreat a waste suspension that has already been treated for the first time if one or more recorded actual values ​​deviate from the target values. Furthermore, it may be planned to consider a corresponding adjustment of the treatment intensity for a subsequent, as yet untreated waste suspension.

[0041] Advantageously, an actual value can be recorded inline during treatment and preferably evaluated in real time, for example, by the control system. Based on data from inline recording, the treatment intensity can be adjusted without having to interrupt the treatment process. Furthermore, indicators recorded inline can contribute to continuously adjusting the treatment intensity, even during treatment, so that both the resource consumption and the waste load can be limited to a necessary level.

[0042] In the simplest case, the treatment intensity can be regulated over the duration of a treatment in such a way that the treatment intensity can be increased with increasing treatment time. In this sense, for example, the period during which the waste suspension remains in the treatment chamber of the reactor can be extended or shortened. Furthermore, it can be provided that the waste suspension is first discharged from a reactor after an initial treatment interval in order to be fed back to a reactor for further treatment later in the treatment process. In principle, the present proposal can promote shorter treatment times and thus an increased throughput rate for the provision of high-quality waste materials, namely by adjusting the treatment intensity to the waste materials to be treated.

[0043] One embodiment of the method may provide for the treatment intensity to be regulated by adjusting the ultrasound, in particular by setting specific frequency ranges. Advantageously, sound emission can be provided in the frequency range between 1 kHz and 10 MHz, in particular between 16-60 kHz, particularly preferably between 20-60 kHz.

[0044] Elevated process temperatures are beneficial for treatment, as these directly interact with the ultrasound. Therefore, temperature control of the waste suspension can advantageously be provided. The temperature of the treatment liquid is preferably set to 50–90 °C, particularly preferably to approximately 60 °C. The waste suspension temperature can be adjusted directly by temperature control of the waste suspension. Indirect temperature control can be provided by temperature control of the treatment liquid before the waste suspension is produced or by additionally adding the treatment liquid to the waste suspension.

[0045] In principle, the interaction between ultrasound and waste suspension temperature can enable reduced temperature control effort, which can contribute to energy savings. Preferably, for heavily contaminated waste materials, dry mechanical cleaning can be included in the process before the waste suspension is produced, in order to avoid the otherwise necessary high process temperatures.

[0046] Furthermore, the temperature setting can be used to regulate the treatment intensity. For example, if one or more indicators detected prior to treatment indicate that a high treatment intensity will be required, the temperature can be increased in advance, so that an intensified ultrasound is not always necessary.

[0047] If, for example, an excessive decrease in temperature in the waste suspension is detected during treatment, it can be provided that the emission of ultrasound is intensified for a short time in order to ensure a certain level of required treatment intensity overall.

[0048] For a further embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the waste suspension is conveyed to form a waste suspension flow, whereby a homogeneous volume flow can be advantageous for a sufficient treatment quality.

[0049] The conveying process can be designed such that the waste suspension flows, for example, from the mixing tank to the reactor and / or from a first to a second reactor. Advantageously, the proposed process can be provided with a recirculation mode, such that the waste suspension is fed back to a reactor, particularly if at least one detected indicator indicates that further ultrasonic treatment is necessary.

[0050] In particular, the treatment intensity can be regulated by controlling the flow rate of the waste suspension stream, particularly in response to a detected indicator. In principle, the treatment intensity can be increased with decreasing

[0051] Flow velocity can be increased, comparable to a longer treatment duration.

[0052] In general, the direction of ultrasound propagation can influence the treatment intensity. It can be designed so that the ultrasound propagation direction is essentially opposite to the flow direction of the waste suspension stream, in order to achieve a homogeneous and intensive treatment without, for example, requiring increased energy consumption.

[0053] Particularly for shredded waste materials with a low moisture content, it can be provided that the waste materials are mixed with a treatment liquid before treatment to create the waste suspension. Firstly, conveying a waste suspension can be simplified compared to waste materials with only low moisture contents. Secondly, a high moisture content is a prerequisite for the effectiveness of ultrasonic treatment. Thirdly, a waste suspension enables a homogeneous distribution of the waste materials to be treated in the treatment chamber, thus ensuring comprehensive, efficient treatment. Mixing can take place in a reactor or in a dedicated mixing tank.

[0054] A further embodiment of the proposed method can provide for the addition of agents or auxiliary materials, such as caustic soda, to the waste suspension. These can help reduce the treatment intensity required for specific waste materials and thus the associated resource expenditure. In particular, to determine the amount of certain auxiliary materials, it can be provided, for example, to record the pH value of the waste suspension, which can allow conclusions to be drawn about the reactive conversion of auxiliary materials in the waste suspension. If, for example, the recorded amount of an auxiliary material falls below a required level during treatment, the treatment intensity can be regulated, for example by increasing the intensity of the ultrasound or adding additional treatment fluid at a higher temperature.In the interest of environmental protection, it is important to reduce the addition of auxiliary substances which are not converted by the treatment but remain in the treatment liquid and have to be removed afterwards at great expense.

[0055] Advantageously, the treatment can be followed by a type-dependent separation of the waste materials, for example, using a sink-float process. For the purpose of comprehensive treatment of the waste materials and in preparation for further processing, drying of the waste materials can be provided. The proposed invention is explained in more detail using purely schematic embodiments.

[0056] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a process sequence with the detection of a quantity of substance after a treatment,

[0057] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a process sequence with a detection of a quantity of substance after and before a treatment, and

[0058] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a process sequence with a detection of a quantity of substance during a treatment.

[0059] The features of the exemplary embodiments presented below can in principle be provided individually or in combinations according to the invention.

[0060] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a process sequence, wherein the substance quantity measurement takes place downstream 23 of the ultrasonic treatment 1.

[0061] First, the waste suspension is transferred to the treatment chamber of a reactor. The waste suspension to be treated can either be fed directly there, or the shredded waste materials, the treatment liquid and, if applicable, auxiliary materials are fed separately into the treatment chamber so that they are mixed in the treatment chamber to produce the waste suspension. An agitator located in the treatment chamber of the reactor homogenizes the waste suspension. After the waste suspension has been added or produced, it is treated with ultrasound 1. The treatment parameters, in particular the frequency range of the ultrasound and the treatment duration, are set to define the treatment intensity. After the ultrasound treatment 1 has ended, a quantity of substance is recorded 23, namely the quantity of suspended matter in the waste suspension.For this purpose, a defined amount of the liquid phase of the waste suspension is passed through a filter. The amount of suspended matter in the filter is determined gravimetrically, which represents a recorded actual value. Based on the composition of the shredded waste materials, if necessary in conjunction with empirical values, the deviation of the actual value from a target value is determined. In other words, it is determined whether sufficient processing has taken place, for example with regard to the degree of cleaning or digestion. If the deviation lies outside a waste material-dependent tolerance range, the waste suspension is treated again with ultrasound 1 , effectively regulating the treatment intensity in order to extend the treatment time. If the deviation lies within the tolerance range or no deviation can be detected, the waste materials are then density-separated from the waste suspension using the sink-float process.For reasons of better transportability, the sorted waste materials are then dried in preparation for subsequent processing.

[0062] In individual cases, if there is a significant deviation from the actual value, a higher temperature of the waste suspension can be set if necessary. In interaction with the ultrasound, the treatment intensity can thus be precisely controlled. For example, if the treatment duration is to be shortened, the treatment intensity must be increased, for example, by setting a higher temperature or increasing the ultrasound power.

[0063] A schematic representation of a further method sequence with a detection of a quantity of substance after and before 22 of an ultrasound treatment 1 is shown in Fig. 2. In addition to the method shown, a similar method can be provided for a further exemplary embodiment not shown here, wherein the process shown in Fig. 1 can also be part of a more complex method which, starting from a method according to Fig. 2, includes a method according to Fig. 1 at least step by step.

[0064] To produce the waste suspension, the shredded waste materials, the treatment liquid, and, in individual cases, also auxiliary materials are metered into a mixing tank 61, 62, 63 and mixed 4. In particular, the auxiliary materials 63 are usually metered in only small quantities, as they are highly effective but can have a significant impact on the environment. Therefore, clarification of the treatment liquid can be complex unless the auxiliary materials are fully converted during treatment. In the mixing tank, the waste suspension is homogenized using an agitator.

[0065] In the homogenized waste suspension, a first

[0066] The amount of material is recorded 21 , for example, the amount of suspended matter in the liquid phase of the waste suspension. The amount of suspended matter captured in a filter is recorded gravimetrically to determine an actual value. The target value is defined as a larger amount of material, dependent on the waste material, which, for example, is achieved based on experience with a sufficient degree of treatment. The required treatment intensity is derived from the deviation of the actual value from the target value, and the necessary process control is regulated.

[0067] In addition, within the scope of upstream recording 21, a quantity of substance can be determined spectroscopically, in particular if it can be deduced from relative proportions of specific substances whether, for example, a certain bonding strength of a material composite can be expected, for example by detecting certain adhesive proportions, so that a corresponding treatment intensity will be necessary in order to be able to sufficiently break down this material composite in terms of processing.

[0068] Following the ultrasonic treatment 1, a further, downstream substance quantity measurement 22 takes place. In addition to the gravimetric determination of the suspended matter, the pH value of the waste suspension can be measured. If a sufficient deviation is detected, the waste suspension can be fed back into the mixing container and an additional auxiliary substance can be dosed 63 and added to regulate the treatment intensity, for example, caustic soda. Subsequently, the addition can be followed by a further ultrasonic treatment 1, which is followed by a downstream substance measurement 23. Based on the actual value of this substance quantity measurement, the waste suspension is either fed to the density separation 5 or, if there is a sufficient deviation, subjected to a further ultrasonic treatment 1, whereby the treatment intensity is adjusted to the determined substance quantities, in particular the amount of suspended matter.

[0069] If, during the downstream substance quantity detection 22, a deviation from the actual value is determined to an extent that does not make the addition of further auxiliary substances necessary, the treatment intensity for the subsequent ultrasound treatment 1 is regulated in the sense of an upstream substance quantity detection 22, in particular the ultrasound power or the treatment duration.

[0070] Such a process allows for customized process control that is optimally tailored to the waste materials to be treated, while minimizing the resources used. Furthermore, it creates the possibility of specifically controlling individual process parameters while adapting the remaining parameters according to external conditions. For example, if a short treatment duration is planned, any necessary adjustments to the ultrasound power or waste suspension temperature can be made without significantly compromising the quality of the reprocessing result.

[0071] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a method with a substance quantity measurement during an ultrasound treatment 1. This exemplary embodiment can also be provided as a subprocess of a method. For example, integration into a method can be provided, as shown in Fig. 1 or 2.

[0072] The waste suspension in the treatment chamber of a reactor is monitored during ultrasonic treatment 1, preferably repeatedly, by photometrically recording the amount of substance in the waste suspension. For this purpose, the amount of suspended matter can be recorded, for example, via the absorption behavior of the aqueous phase of the waste suspension. Using real-time evaluation, an automated control system can immediately adjust the treatment intensity during ultrasonic treatment 1 if a recorded actual value deviates significantly from a target value, in particular by controlling the power of the ultrasound or changing the treatment duration. As a result, the process control is immediately optimized according to requirements, while the use of resources is kept to a minimum.

[0073] Reference symbol:

[0074] Ultrasound treatment

[0075] Upstream substance quantity recording

[0076] Downstream and upstream substance quantity recording

[0077] Downstream substance quantity recording

[0078] Simultaneous substance quantity recording

[0079] Temperature setting

[0080] Mixture for producing the waste suspension

[0081] Density separation of waste materials

[0082] Dosing of the shredded waste materials

[0083] Dosage of the treatment fluid

[0084] Dosage of excipients

Claims

Claims:

1. Plant for the treatment of shredded waste materials, comprising a reactor with a treatment chamber for receiving a waste suspension containing the waste materials and a treatment liquid, with at least one ultrasonic generator, and with a control unit with which the ultrasonic generator can be adjusted and serves to set a treatment intensity, characterized by a detection unit which serves to determine a quantity of substance in the waste suspension.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the collection unit has a filter device which filters suspended solids from the waste suspension.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection unit has an optical and / or a spectroscopic functionality for detecting the suspended solids in the waste suspension.

4. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises a control system which connects the control unit and the detection unit to each other in a signal-transmitting manner.

5. System according to claim 4, wherein the system comprises a temperature control unit which serves to adjust the temperature of the waste suspension and which is effective for signal transmission. is integrated into the control system. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises a mixing vessel with an agitator, wherein the mixing vessel is effectively connected to the reactor via flow. System according to claim 6, wherein the system comprises a metering device with at least one metering element, which is effectively connected to the reactor and / or the mixing vessel via flow. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two reactors are arranged, which are effectively connected to each other via flow. System according to one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the system comprises a conveying device, which generates a waste suspension flow, and which is effectively integrated into the control system for signal transmission. System according to claim 9, wherein the reactor comprises an impact wall, which is arranged in the waste suspension flow and to which at least one ultrasonic generator is effectively associated for sound transmission.

11. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reactor is essentially tubular and designed to allow flow through it by the waste suspension.

12. Method for treating shredded waste materials, wherein the waste materials are present in a treatment liquid as a waste suspension, and wherein the waste suspension is subjected to ultrasonic treatment (1 ), characterized in that at least a quantity of material is recorded as an actual value in the waste suspension, and that a treatment intensity is controlled when the actual value deviates from a target value.

13. Treatment method according to claim 12, wherein a capture takes place before (21 ) and / or after (23) the ultrasonic treatment (1 ) of the waste suspension.

14. Treatment method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a capture takes place during (24) the ultrasonic treatment (1 ) of the waste suspension.

15. Treatment method according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the treatment intensity is regulated over the treatment duration.

16. Treatment method according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the treatment intensity is controlled via the frequency range of the ultrasound. Treatment method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the temperature of the waste suspension is set (3), and wherein the treatment intensity is controlled via the temperature of the waste suspension. Treatment method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the waste suspension is conveyed to form a waste suspension stream and the flow velocity of the waste suspension stream is controlled to regulate the treatment intensity. Treatment method according to claim 18, wherein the propagation of the ultrasound is oriented substantially opposite to the flow direction of the waste suspension stream. Treatment method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the waste materials are mixed (4) with a treatment liquid to produce a waste suspension. Treatment method according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein additives are added to the waste suspension.Treatment method according to claim 21, wherein sodium hydroxide is added. Treatment method according to any one of claims 12 to 22, wherein the treated waste materials are separated from one another according to type. Treatment method according to one of claims 12 to 23, wherein the treatment liquid is removed from the waste suspension and the treated waste materials are dried.

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