A separation device for separating recycling fractions of a plurality of fragments obtained from a heterogeneous composite material, and a relative method
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023847757
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-02-10
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-17
AI Technical Summary
Current separation devices for recycling fractions from heterogeneous composite materials, such as photovoltaic panels, struggle to maximize glass recovery and require additional treatments to separate polymeric and metal materials, leading to contamination and inefficiencies.
A separation device with a cylindrical body featuring rotating screening sectors and a pair of rollers that apply a rubbing mechanical force to separate different materials within fragments, ensuring that glass and polymeric materials are effectively distinguished and separated from contaminants.
The device enhances the percentage of glass in the recycling fraction and reduces extraneous materials, minimizing the need for further treatments by achieving both dimensional and mechanical separation of materials within the fragments.
Smart Images
Figure IB2023063384_15082024_PF_FP
Abstract
Description
[0001] A SEPARATION DEVICE FOR SEPARATING RECYCLING FRACTIONS OF A PLURALITY OF FRAGMENTS OBTAINED FROM A HETEROGENEOUS COMPOSITE MATERIAL, AND A RELATIVE METHOD
[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to the technical sector concerning recovery of determined recycling fractions from a plurality of fragments. In particular, the present invention relates to a separation device for separating recycling fractions of a plurality of fragments obtained from a heterogeneous composite material, which plurality of fragments comprises a first composition having fragments made of a homogeneous material and a second composition having fragments made of a heterogeneous material, and a relative method.
[0004] DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0005] In recent years, our planet has been progressively suffering from excessive consumption of the raw materials that are available.
[0006] Further, these raw materials, once used in production or use cycles and, therefore, at the end of the working life thereof, become a waste product, for example refuse, which can be managed either by elimination in the garbage, or by recycling treatment. By managing this waste product with a recycling treatment it is possible to separate and recover these raw materials.
[0007] For this reason, it is progressively of greater importance to apply methodologies and separation devices of the recycling fractions of a waste product.
[0008] With particular reference to the photovoltaic sector, in recent years, the implementation of measures aimed at increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic cells has led to a significant increase in installations of photovoltaic panels all over the world, with the consequent activities of management of the product once it has reached the end of its working life.
[0009] It is known that a photovoltaic panel comprises: a photovoltaic cell, comprising silicon, copper and silver material; a glass layer for protection of the photovoltaic cell; a first layer of polymeric material for protection of the photovoltaic cell; a second layer of polymeric material for protection of the photovoltaic cell, with the photovoltaic cell arranged between the first layer in polymeric material and the second layer in polymeric material. With the purpose of completing the manufacture of the photovoltaic panel, the above layers are subjected to a laminator, or a kiln, so that the polymerisation of the polymeric material enables anchoring the various layers to one another. In relation to the management of the product, once having reached the end of its working life, of growing relevance is the possibility of recuperating a considerable percentage of the glass fraction: in fact, the recovery of the glass would enable a saving of the considerable energy used for its production.
[0010] In detail, with the aim of proceeding with the management of the photovoltaic panel when it has reached the end of its working life, the panel is first cut and crushed, once freed of the aluminium external frame and the electrical components. In this way, a plurality of fragments will be formed, obtained from a heterogeneous composite material, comprising a first composition having fragments made of a homogeneous material and a second composition having fragments made of a heterogeneous material.
[0011] A separation device is known for separating recycling fractions from a plurality of fragments, like the one described in the foregoing, comprising: a cylindrical separating body which is activatable in rotation about the longitudinal axis thereof and which in turn comprises: a first screening sector comprising a first lateral wall having a first plurality of meshes with a first opening value; a second screening sector comprising a second lateral wall having a second plurality of meshes with a second opening value, which second opening value is greater than the first opening value; the first plurality of meshes is conformed so as to be crossed by a first recycling fraction and the second plurality of meshes is conformed so as to be crossed by a second recycling fraction and the first screening sector and the second screening sector are consecutive to one another.
[0012] Further, the separation device comprises: a front wall; a rear wall; a first inlet for inlet of a plurality of fragments into the cylindrical separating body, which first inlet is arranged at the front wall; a first outlet which is arranged at the first lateral wall for the exit of the first recycling fraction; a second outlet which is arranged at the second lateral wall for the exit of the second recycling fraction; a rear outlet which is arranged at the rear wall for the exit of the third recycling fraction comprising the plurality of fragments freed of the first recycling fraction and of the second recycling fraction.
[0013] The separation device is arranged and configured in such a way that, during use, following inlet of the plurality of fragments into the cylindrical separating body, the driving in rotation of the cylindrical separating body determines: the exit of the first recycling fraction from the first outlet, when the first plurality of fragments crosses the first screening sector; the exit of the second recycling fraction from the second outlet, when the first plurality of fragments crosses the second screening sector; the exit of the third recycling fraction from the rear outlet.
[0014] The known separation device, therefore, enables carrying out a dimensional separation of the fragments of the plurality of fragments in inlet and, therefore, the first outlet and the second outlet will receive contaminated glass fragments, in differing percentages, contaminated by polymeric material and metal material, having different dimensions according to the dimensions of the first plurality of meshes and of the second plurality of meshes.
[0015] The polymeric material can comprise EVA and / or tedlar, for example.
[0016] There is a consequential need to have recourse to further methodologies and devices, following the operations carried out by the above-mentioned separation device, with the aim of reducing the percentage of fractions that are extraneous to the glass and maximising the percentage of glass present in the first recycling fraction and in the second recycling fraction.
[0017] Further, as mentioned above, in a case in which the plurality of fragments derive from the crushing of a photovoltaic panel, since the layers thereof are fixed to one another following the polymerisation of the polymeric material, the plurality of fragments comprises a first composition having fragments made of a homogeneous material and a second composition having fragments made of a heterogeneous material. In this case, both the first recycling fraction and the second recycling fraction will have, in differing percentages, the first composition and the second composition, which will require a further mechanical treatment, following the operations carried out by the above- mentioned known separation device, so as to separate the different materials which make up each fragment of the second composition.
[0018] In the light of the above, the aim of the present invention consists in obviating the above-mentioned drawbacks.
[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] An aim of the present invention is to maximise the percentage of glass in the second recycling fraction, starting from a plurality of fragments obtained from a heterogeneous composite material, such as a photovoltaic panel, for example. A further aim is to limit the further treatments downstream of the use of a separation device for separating recycling fractions of a plurality of fragments obtained from a heterogeneous composite material, comprising a first composition having fragments made of a homogeneous material and a second composition having fragments made of a heterogeneous material.
[0021] The above aims are attained by a separation device for separating recycling fractions from a plurality of fragments obtained from a heterogeneous composite material and a relative method, according to claim 1 and claim 9.
[0022] The pair of rollers, which are activatable in rotation, each in an opposite direction to the other, advantageously intercepts the second composition of the plurality of fragments so that the second composition, when crossing the space with respect to which the two rollers are reciprocally distanced, is subject to a rubbing mechanical force exerted by the external surface of each roller so as to separate the different materials which make up the fragments of the second composition.
[0023] In this way, a reduction of the extraneous fractions in the second recycling fraction is guaranteed: in fact, having carried out a separation of the different materials which make up each fragment of the second composition, the extraneous fractions having a low specific weight will exit from the cylindrical separating body through the rear outlet, while the second recycling fraction, having a high specific weight, will exit from the second outlet.
[0024] Therefore, in a case in which the heterogeneous composite material derives from a photovoltaic panel, previously cut and crushed, the pair of rollers will intercept fragments made of a heterogeneous material so as to ensure a separation, mainly, of the glass material and of the polymeric material of a same fragment, the portion of polymeric material will exit from the rear outlet, while the portion of glass material will exit from the second outlet, following the driving in rotation of the cylindrical separating body and of the second screening sector.
[0025] The separation device object of the present invention ensures carrying out a dimensional separation through the screening sectors and, at the same time, a mechanical separation of the different materials that make up each fragment of the second composition.
[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following part of the present description, according to what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the accompanying tables of drawings, in which:
[0028] - figures 1-4 are views, respectively, frontal, lateral, rear and from above of the separation device object of the present invention;
[0029] - figure 5 is a view alike to figure 3, in which some components have been removed better to observe others;
[0030] - figure 6 is a view alike to figure 4, in which some components have been removed better to observe others;
[0031] - figure 7 is a view of detail W of figure 5;
[0032] - figure 8 is a view alike to figure 2, in which some components have been removed better to observe others.
[0033] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] With reference to the appended tables of drawings, generic reference numeral (1) relates to a separation device for separating recycling fractions of a plurality of fragments obtained from a heterogeneous composite material, which plurality of fragments comprises a first composition having fragments made of a homogeneous material and a second composition having fragments made of a heterogeneous material, the separation device comprising: a cylindrical separating body (2) which is activatable in rotation about the longitudinal axis (L) thereof and which in turn comprises: a first screening sector (3) comprising a first lateral wall (4) having a first plurality of meshes (5) with a first opening value; a second screening sector (6) comprising a second lateral wall (7) having a second plurality of meshes (8) with a second opening value, which second opening value is greater than the first opening value; the first plurality of meshes (5) is conformed so as to be crossed by a first recycling fraction (R1) and the second plurality of meshes (8) is conformed so as to be crossed by a second recycling fraction (R2); the first screening sector (3) and the second screening sector (6) are consecutive to one another (see figures 1-4, 6).
[0035] Further, the separation device (1) comprises: a front wall (9); a rear wall (10); a first inlet (11) for ingress of a plurality of fragments into the cylindrical separating body (2), which first inlet (11) is arranged at the front wall (9); a first outlet (12) which is arranged at the first lateral wall (4) for the exit of the first recycling fraction (R1); a second outlet (13) which is arranged at the second lateral wall (7) for the exit of the second recycling fraction (R2); a rear outlet (14) which is arranged at the rear wall (10) for the exit of a third recycling fraction (R3) comprising the plurality of fragments freed of the first recycling fraction (R1) and of the second recycling fraction (R2); a pair of rollers (15): which are activatable in rotation, each in an opposite direction to the other, which are arranged so as to extend, at least partially, along the second screening sector (6), which are spaced from one another so as to define a space (16) there-between and which are positioned so as to intercept the second composition of the plurality of fragments so that the second composition, when crossing the space (16), is subject to a rubbing mechanical force exerted by the external surface of each roller (15a) so as to separate the different materials which make up the fragments of the second composition (see figures 1-4, 6).
[0036] The separation device (1) is predisposed and configured so that, during use, following inlet of the plurality of fragments into the cylindrical separating body (2), the driving in rotation of the cylindrical separating body (2) determines: the exit of the first recycling fraction (R1) from the first outlet (12), when the first plurality of fragments crosses the first screening sector (3); the projection of the plurality of fragments, freed of the first recycling fraction (R1), towards the pair of rollers (15); the exit of the second recycling fraction (R2) from the second outlet (13), when the plurality of fragments crosses the second screening sector (6); the exit of the third recycling fraction (R3) from the rear outlet (14).
[0037] The third recycling fraction (R3) has, in a greater percentage, fragments of a material with a determined specific weight value, which determined specific weight value is lower than the specific weight value of the fragments, in a greater percentage, of the first recycling fraction (R1) and of the second recycling fraction (R2).
[0038] In figure 2, the reference to the first recycling fraction (R1) has been illustrated in proximity of the first outlet (12), the reference to the second recycling fraction (R2) has been illustrated in proximity of the second outlet (13) and the reference to the third recycling fraction (R3) has been illustrated in proximity of the rear outlet (14).
[0039] The term heterogeneous composite material is understood to mean a material comprising portions of a different nature or quality, coupled to one another.
[0040] The plurality of fragments can mainly comprise fragments of silicon, copper, silver, glass and polymer. The plurality of fragments can be obtained from operations of cutting and, thereafter, crushing a photovoltaic panel, previously freed of the aluminium external frame and the electrical components.
[0041] Fragments of homogeneous material can be understood to be fragments of a same material; while fragments of heterogeneous material can be understood to be fragments of different materials.
[0042] In the specific case, fragments of heterogeneous material can be understood to be fragments where each is composed of different materials.
[0043] By way of example, the separation device (1) can comprise a screw conveyor (not illustrated) for inlet of the plurality of fragments into the cylindrical separating body (2), via the first inlet (11).
[0044] The separation device (1) can comprise first motor means (17) for driving in rotation the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figures 2 and 4).
[0045] With reference to the appended figures, the first motor means (17) can preferably comprise a motorised slewing bearing (18), which is arranged in such a way that the cylindrical separating body (2) rotates with respect to the front wall (9) (see figures 2 and 4).
[0046] The first motor means (17) can be arranged interposed between the front wall (9) and the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figures 2 and 4).
[0047] The longitudinal axis (L) of the cylindrical separating body (2) can coincide with the axis (A) of the cylindrical separating body (2), i.e. the axis (A) on which the relative height extends (see figure 2). The term “screening sector” is taken to mean the transversal sector, centred on the axis (A) of the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figure 6).
[0048] The first plurality of meshes (5) can be dimensioned so as to be crossed by fragments of the first recycling fraction (R1).
[0049] The first recycling fraction (R1) can comprise fragments having a dimension that is equal to, or smaller than, the first opening value.
[0050] The second plurality of meshes (8) can be dimensioned so as to be crossed by fragments of the second recycling fraction (R2).
[0051] The second recycling fraction (R2) can comprise fragments having a dimension that is equal to, or smaller than, the second opening value.
[0052] The front wall (9) can be arranged at a first end (2a) of the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figures 2 and 4).
[0053] The front wall (9) and the cylindrical separating body (2) can be fixed to one another at the first end (2a) of the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figures 2 and 4).
[0054] The rear wall (10) can be arranged at a second end (2b) of the cylindrical separating body (2), which second end (2b) is opposite and parallel to the first end (2a) (see figures 2 and 4).
[0055] The rear wall (10) and the cylindrical separating body (2) can be fixed to one another at the second end (2b) of the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figures 2 and 4).
[0056] The first inlet (11) can be borne by the front wall (9) to allow inlet of the plurality of fragments into the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figure 1).
[0057] The cylindrical separating body (2) can comprise an internal volume (19) and the first inlet (11) can place in communication the internal volume (19) with the outside of the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figure 1).
[0058] The first outlet (12) can be arranged underlying the first screening sector (3), so that the first recycling fraction (R1) can reach, by falling into, the first outlet (12), once it has undergone the screening process in the first screening sector (3) (see figures 2 and 8).
[0059] The second outlet (13) can be arranged underlying the second screening sector (6), so that the second recycling fraction (R2) can reach, by falling into, the second outlet (13), once it has undergone the screening process in the second screening sector (6) (see figures 2 and 8).
[0060] The rear outlet (14) can be borne by the rear wall (10) in order to allow exit of the third recycling fraction (R3) from the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figure 3).
[0061] The rear outlet (14) can place the internal volume (19) in communication with the outside of the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figure 3).
[0062] The rear wall (10) and the cylindrical separating body (2) can be fixed to one another by bearings (20) so that the cylindrical separating body (2) can rotate with respect to the rear wall (10) (see figure 5).
[0063] The space (16) can be dimensioned so as to be crossed by fragments of the second composition of the plurality of fragments, once freed of the first recycling fraction (R1).
[0064] The plurality of fragments can be obtained from a photovoltaic panel.
[0065] If follows that, the first recycling fraction (R1) can comprise fragments of glass, polymeric and copper material.
[0066] Further, the second recycling fraction (R2) can comprise fragments of glass material, in a greater percentage, and fragments of polymeric or copper material, in a smaller percentage.
[0067] The third recycling fraction (R3) can comprise fragments of polymeric material, in a greater percentage, and fragments of glass and copper material, in a smaller percentage.
[0068] The pair of rollers (15) can be arranged at the rear wall (10).
[0069] On the basis of what is described above, it follows that the second recycling fraction (R2) has, in a greater percentage, fragments of a material with a second specific weight value; which second specific weight value is greater than the predetermined specific weight value.
[0070] The second recycling fraction (R2), advantageously comprising, in a greater percentage with respect to the whole, fragments of a material with a high specific weight, will reach the second outlet (13) by effect of the force of gravity.
[0071] Further, the third recycling fraction (R3) comprising, in a greater percentage with respect to the whole, fragments of a material with a low specific weight, will reach the rear outlet (14) by effect of a drawing force affecting it following the driving in rotation of the cylindrical separating body (2).
[0072] The separation device can be configured so that, during use, following inlet of the plurality of fragments into the cylindrical separating body (2), the driving in rotation of the cylindrical separating body (2) determines: the exit of the first recycling fraction (R1) from the first outlet (12); the exit of the second recycling fraction (R2) from the second outlet (13), the second recycling fraction (R2) having, in a greater percentage, fragments of a material with a second specific weight value which is greater than the predetermined specific weight value; the exit of the third recycling fraction (R3) from the rear outlet (14).
[0073] The cylindrical separating body (2) preferably comprises a third screening sector (21) comprising a third lateral wall (22) having a third plurality of meshes (23) with a relative third opening value; the third screening sector (21) is arranged interposed between the first screening sector (3) and the second screening sector (6); the third plurality of meshes (23) is conformed to be crossed by a fourth recycling fraction (R4) (see figures 4 and 6).
[0074] The third plurality of meshes (23) can be dimensioned so as to be crossed by fragments of the fourth recycling fraction (R4).
[0075] The fourth recycling fraction (R4) can comprise fragments having a dimension that is equal to, or smaller than, the third opening value.
[0076] The separation device (1) advantageously enables maximising a further screening, with the aim of reducing the percentage of extraneous fractions and maximising the percentage of glass and polymeric material, respectively in the second recycling fraction (R2) and the third recycling fraction (R3), in a case in which the plurality of fragments derives from a photovoltaic panel.
[0077] The considerations made above for the first screening sector (3) and for the second screening sector (6) can also be made for the third screening sector (21).
[0078] The first screening sector (3), the third screening sector (21) and the second screening sector (6) can be consecutive to one another.
[0079] In detail, the first lateral wall (4), the second lateral wall (7) and the third lateral wall (22) can be arranged in such a way as to define the whole lateral wall of the cylindrical separating body (2). In other words, the first lateral wall (4) can form a first cylindrical portion, the second lateral wall (7) can form a second cylindrical portion and the third lateral wall (22) can form a third cylindrical portion, which is interposed between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion.
[0080] The first lateral wall (4) can form a first perforated sheet, in which the holes have a dimensional value comprised between 2.5-3.5 mm2.
[0081] The second lateral wall (7) can form a second perforated sheet, in which the holes have a dimensional value comprised between 5.5-6.5 mm2.
[0082] The third lateral wall (22) can form a third perforated sheet, in which the holes have a dimensional value comprised between 3.5-4.5 mm2.
[0083] Further, the separation device (1) can comprise a third outlet (24) which is arranged at the third lateral wall (22) for the exit of the fourth recycling fraction (R4) (see figures 2 and 8).
[0084] In figure 2, the reference to the fourth recycling fraction (R4) has been illustrated in proximity of the third outlet (24).
[0085] The third outlet (24) can be arranged underlying the third screening sector (21), so that the fourth recycling fraction (R4) can reach, by falling into, the third outlet (24), once it has undergone the screening process in the third screening sector (21) (see figures 2 and 8).
[0086] The third outlet (24) can be arranged interposed between the first outlet (12) and the second outlet (13) (see figures 2 and 8).
[0087] The separation device (1) can be arranged and configured so that, during use, following inlet of the plurality of fragments into the cylindrical separating body (2), the driving in rotation of the cylindrical separating body (2) determines: the exit of the first recycling fraction (R1) from the first outlet (12), when the plurality of fragments crosses the first screening sector (3); the exit of the fourth recycling fraction (R4) from the third outlet (24), when the plurality of fragments, freed of the first recycling fraction (R1), crosses the third screening sector (21); the projection of the plurality of fragments, freed of the first recycling fraction (R1) and of the fourth recycling fraction (R4), towards the pair of rollers (15); the exit of the second recycling fraction (R2) from the second outlet (13), when the plurality of fragments crosses the second screening sector (6); the exit of the third recycling fraction (R3) from the rear outlet (14).
[0088] The cylindrical separating body (2) preferably comprises a plurality of wings (25), each arranged in such a way as to have a radial extension with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) of the cylindrical separating body (2) and in such a way that, during the rotation of the cylindrical separating body (2), the wings intercept the fragments of the second composition so as to convey the fragments towards the pair of rollers (15) (see figures 5 and 7).
[0089] During the rotation of the cylindrical separating body (2), the plurality of fragments advantageously advances towards the second screening sector (6) and, when the fragments of the second composition intercept the wings of the first plurality of wings (25), the fragments will be projected towards the space (16).
[0090] The wings of the plurality of wings (25) can extend starting from the internal walls of the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figures 5 and 7).
[0091] Further, the wings of the plurality of wings (25) can extend transversally to the internal walls of the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figures 5 and 7).
[0092] In other words, each wing of the first plurality of wings (25) can be arranged in such a way as to have a radial extension with respect to the axis (A) of the cylindrical separating body (2).
[0093] With reference to the appended figures, the cylindrical separating body (2) comprises four wings.
[0094] The wings of the plurality of wings (25) can extend in length, along the longitudinal axis (L) of the cylindrical separating body (2).
[0095] In detail, the wings of the plurality of wings (25) can extend longitudinally for the whole length of the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figures 5 and 7). The wings of the first plurality of wings (25) can form sheets.
[0096] The wings of the plurality of wings (25) and the cylindrical separating body (2) can be solidly constrained to one another.
[0097] In other words, the wings of the plurality of wings (25) can be set in rotation by the cylindrical separating body (2), when activated in rotation.
[0098] The separation device (1) preferably comprises a frame (26) which bears the cylindrical separating body (2) in such a way that the longitudinal axis (L) of the cylindrical separating body (2) is orientated, starting from the front wall (9), with a downwards inclination (see figure 2).
[0099] The advancement of the plurality of fragments into the cylindrical separating body (2) is advantageously at least partially determined by effect of the force of gravity, as a function of the orientation of the cylindrical separating body (2). In other words, the longitudinal axis (L) of the cylindrical separating body (2) is orientated inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.
[0100] The frame (26) can bear the cylindrical separating body (2) in such a way that the longitudinal axis (L) of the cylindrical separating body (2) is orientated inclined, with respect to a horizontal plane, by a value comprised between 5°- 9°.
[0101] The longitudinal axis (L) and the orientation axis of the cylindrical separating body (2) can be parallel to one another.
[0102] The separation device (1) preferably comprises a first aeraulic separator (27) which is arranged at the first screening sector (3) for receiving the first recycling fraction (R1); a second aeraulic separator (28) which is arranged at the second screening sector (6) for receiving the second recycling fraction (R2) (see figures 2 and 8).
[0103] The first aeraulic separator (27) and the second aeraulic separator (28) advantageously ensure the separation of the light component and the heavy component present in the first recycling fraction (R1) and in the second recycling fraction (R2).
[0104] The first aeraulic separator (27) can be of a zig-zag type.
[0105] Likewise, the second aeraulic separator (28) can be of a zig-zag type.
[0106] Further, the separation device (1) can comprise a third aeraulic separator (29) which is arranged at the third screening sector (21) for receiving the fourth recycling fraction (R4) (see figures 2 and 8).
[0107] The third aeraulic separator (29) can be of a zig-zag type.
[0108] Each roller (15a) of the pair of rollers (15) is preferably arranged in such a way as to have the relative axis (A1) thereof offset with respect to the axis (A) of the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figure 7).
[0109] The space (16) advantageously extends parallel to the axis (A) of the cylindrical separating body (2).
[0110] Each roller (15a) of the pair of rollers (15) has a relative extension axis and can be arranged in such a way that the relative extension axis is offset with respect to the axis (A) of the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figure 7).
[0111] In other words, the extension axis of each roller (15a) of the pair of rollers (15) can be decentred with respect to the axis (A) of the cylindrical separating body (2) (see figure 7).
[0112] The axis (A1) of each roller (15a) of the pair of rollers (15) can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the cylindrical separating body (see figure 7). The axes (A1) of each roller (15a) can extend parallel to one another.
[0113] With reference to figures 5 and 7, the rollers of the pair of rollers (15) can be arranged in the portion of the cylindrical separating body (2) overlying the axis (A) of the cylindrical separating body (2).
[0114] Advantageously, the wings of the plurality of wings (25), when they intercept the fragments of the second composition, exert a pushing force thereon in such a way as to project the fragments towards the portion of the cylindrical separating body (2) overlying the axis (A) of the cylindrical separating body (2).
[0115] If follows that, by positioning also the pair of rollers (15) in the portion of the cylindrical separating body (2) overlying the axis (A) of the cylindrical separating body (2), there are greater probabilities for the fragments of the second composition to cross the space (16).
[0116] The pair of rollers (15) can be motorised independently of one another.
[0117] Further, the separation device (1) can comprise second motor means comprising, in turn, a first motor for driving in rotation a roller (15a) of the pair of rollers (15) and a second motor for driving in rotation the other roller (15a) of the pair of rollers (15) (not illustrated).
[0118] By way of example, the rollers of the pair of rollers (15) can be distanced from one another at a distance value comprised between 3-4 mm.
[0119] In detail, the separation device (1) object of the present invention, can be used in a recycling system of a photovoltaic panel.
[0120] The separation device (1) can comprise a suction pump of the powders (not illustrated) which can be arranged in connection with the cylindrical separating body (2) and can have a power that is such as to enable aspiration of only the fine particles. The following is a description of a method for separating recycling fractions of a plurality of fragments obtained from a heterogeneous composite material, which plurality of fragments comprises a first composition having fragments made of a homogeneous material and a second composition having fragments made of a heterogeneous material, also object of the present invention, comprising steps of: arranging a cylindrical separating body (2) which is activatable in rotation about the longitudinal axis thereof (L) and which in turn comprises: a first screening sector (3) comprising a first lateral wall (4) having a first plurality of meshes (5) with a first opening value; a second screening sector (6) comprising a second lateral wall (7) having a second plurality of meshes (8) with a second opening value, which second opening value is greater than the first opening value; the first plurality of meshes (5) is conformed so as to be crossed by a first recycling fraction (R1) and the second plurality of meshes (8) is conformed so as to be crossed by a second recycling fraction (R2); the first screening sector (3) and the second screening sector (6) are consecutive to one another; arranging a pair of rollers (15): which are activatable in rotation, each in an opposite direction to the other, which are arranged so as to extend, at least partially, along the second screening sector (6), which are spaced from one another so as to define a space (16) there-between and which are positioned so as to intercept the second composition of the plurality of fragments so that the second composition, when crossing the space (16), is subject to a rubbing mechanical force exerted by the external surface of each roller (15a) so as to separate the different materials which make up the fragments of the second composition; introducing a plurality of fragments into the cylindrical separating body (2); driving in rotation the cylindrical separating body (2); screening the plurality of fragments through the first screening sector (3) so as to determine the first recycling fraction (R1); projecting the plurality of fragments, freed of the first recycling fraction (R1), towards the pair of rollers (15); screening the plurality of fragments, freed of the first recycling fraction (R1), through the second screening sector (6) so as to determine the second recycling fraction (R2); driving in rotation each roller (15a) of the pair of rollers (15) in an opposite direction to one other so that the second composition, when crossing the space (16), is subject to a rubbing mechanical force so as to separate the different materials which make up the fragments of the second composition; determining a third recycling fraction (R3) comprising the plurality of fragments freed of the first recycling fraction (R1) and of the second recycling fraction (R2).
[0121] The considerations made above, with reference to the separation device (1), can also be considered valid for the method described herein.
[0122] The separation device (1) of the present invention can actuate the steps of the above-described method.
[0123] With reference to the above-described method, the step of determining the third recycling fraction (R3) includes determining the third recycling fraction (R3) which has, in a greater percentage, fragments made of a material with a determined specific weight value, which determined specific weight value is lower than the specific weight value of the fragments, in a greater percentage, of the first recycling fraction (R1) and of the second recycling fraction (R2).
[0124] It follows that the second recycling fraction (R2) has, in a greater percentage, fragments of a material with a second specific weight value; which second specific weight value is greater than the predetermined specific weight value.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A separation device (1) for separating recycling fractions of a plurality of fragments obtained from a heterogeneous composite material, which plurality of fragments comprises a first composition having fragments made of a homogeneous material and a second composition having fragments made of a heterogeneous material, comprising: a cylindrical separating body (2) which is activatable in rotation about the longitudinal axis (L) thereof and which in turn comprises: a first screening sector (3) comprising a first lateral wall (4) having a first plurality of meshes (5) with a first opening value; a second screening sector (6) comprising a second lateral wall (7) having a second plurality of meshes (8) with a second opening value, which second opening value is greater than the first opening value; the first plurality of meshes (5) being conformed so as to be crossed by a first recycling fraction (R1) and the second plurality of meshes (8) being conformed so as to be crossed by a second recycling fraction (R2); the first screening sector (3) and the second screening sector (6) being consecutive to one another; a front wall (9); a rear wall (10); a first inlet (11) for ingress of a plurality of fragments into the cylindrical separating body (2), which first inlet (11) is arranged at the front wall (9); a first outlet (12) which is arranged at the first lateral wall (4) for the exit of the first recycling fraction (R1); a second outlet (13) which is arranged at the second lateral wall (7) for the exit of the second recycling fraction (R2); a rear outlet (14) which is arranged at the rear wall (10) for the exit of a third recycling fraction (R3) comprising the plurality of fragments freed of the first recycling fraction (R1) and of the second recycling fraction (R2);a pair of rollers (15): which are activatable in rotation, each in an opposite direction to the other, which are arranged so as to extend, at least partially, along the second screening sector (6), which are spaced from one another so as to define a space (16) there-between and which are positioned so as to intercept the second composition of the plurality of fragments so that the second composition, when crossing the space (16), is subject to a rubbing mechanical force exerted by the external surface of each roller (15a) so as to separate the different materials which make up the fragments of the second composition; the separation device (1) being predisposed and configured so that, during use, following inlet of the plurality of fragments into the cylindrical separating body (2), the driving in rotation of the cylindrical separating body (2) determines: the exit of the first recycling fraction (R1) from the first outlet (12), when the plurality of fragments crosses the first screening sector (3); the projection of the plurality of fragments, freed of the first recycling fraction (R1), towards the pair of rollers (15); the exit of the second recycling fraction (R2) from the second outlet (13), when the plurality of fragments crosses the second screening sector (6); the exit of the third recycling fraction (R3) from the rear outlet (14); wherein the third recycling fraction (R3) has, in a greater percentage, fragments of a material with a determined specific weight value, which determined specific weight value is lower than the specific weight value of the fragments, in a greater percentage, of the first recycling fraction (R1) and of the second recycling fraction (R2).
2. The separation device (1) of the preceding claim, wherein: the second recycling fraction (R2) has, in a greater percentage, fragments of a material with a second specific weight value; the second specific weight value is greater than the predetermined specific weight value.
3. The separation device (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the cylindrical separating body (2) comprises a third screening sector (21) comprising a third lateral wall (22) having a third plurality of meshes (23) with a relative third opening value; the third screening sector (21) is arranged interposed between the first screening sector (3) and the second screening sector (6); the third plurality of meshes (23) is conformed to be crossed by a fourth recycling fraction (R4).
4. The separation device (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cylindrical separating body (2) comprises a plurality of wings (25), each arranged in such a way as to have a radial extension with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) of the cylindrical separating body (2) and in such a way that, during the rotation of the cylindrical separating body (2), the wings intercept the fragments of the second composition so as to convey the fragments towards the pair of rollers (15).
5. The separation device (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a frame (26) which bears the cylindrical separating body (2) in such a way that the longitudinal axis (L) of the cylindrical separating body (2) is orientated, starting from the front wall (9), with a downwards inclination.
6. The separation device (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises: a first aeraulic separator (27) which is arranged at the first screening sector (3) for receiving the first recycling fraction (R1); a second aeraulic separator (28) which is arranged at the second screening sector (6) so as to receive the second recycling fraction (R2).
7. The separation device (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each roller (15a) of the pair of rollers (15) is arranged in such a way as to have the relative axis (A1) thereof offset with respect to the axis (A) of the cylindrical separating body (2).
8. The separation device (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the axis (A1) of each roller (15a) of the pair of rollers (15) extends parallel to thelongitudinal axis (L) of the cylindrical separating body (2).
9. A method for separating recycling fractions from a plurality of fragments obtained from a heterogeneous composite material, which plurality of fragments comprises a first composition having fragments made of a homogeneous material and a second composition having fragments made of a heterogeneous material, comprising steps of: arranging a cylindrical separating body (2) which is activatable in rotation about the longitudinal axis thereof (L) and which in turn comprises: a first screening sector (3) comprising a first lateral wall (4) having a first plurality of meshes (5) with a first opening value; and second screening sector (6) comprising a second lateral wall (7) having a second plurality of meshes (8) with a second opening value, which second opening value is greater than the first opening value; the first plurality of meshes (5) being conformed so as to be crossed by a first recycling fraction (R1) and the second plurality of meshes (8) being conformed so as to be crossed by a second recycling fraction (R2); the first screening sector (3) and the second screening sector (6) being consecutive to one another; arranging a pair of rollers (15): which are activatable in rotation, each in an opposite direction to the other, which are arranged so as to extend, at least partially, along the second screening sector (6), which are spaced from one another so as to define a space (16) there-between and which are positioned so as to intercept the second composition of the plurality of fragments so that the second composition, when crossing the space (16), is subject to a rubbing mechanical force exerted by the external surface of each roller (15a) so as to separate the different materials which make up each fragment of the second composition; introducing a plurality of fragments into the cylindrical separating body (2);driving in rotation the cylindrical separating body (2); screening the plurality of fragments through the first screening sector (3) so as to determine the first recycling fraction (R1); projecting the plurality of fragments, freed of the first recycling fraction (R1), towards the pair of rollers (15); screening the plurality of fragments, freed of the first recycling fraction (R1), through the second screening sector (6) so as to determine the second recycling fraction (R2); driving in rotation each roller (15a) of the pair of rollers (15) in an opposite direction to one other so that the second composition, when crossing the space (16), is subject to a rubbing mechanical force so as to separate the different materials which make up each fragment of the second composition; determining a third recycling fraction (R3) comprising the plurality of fragments freed of the first recycling fraction (R1) and of the second recycling fraction (R2).