Heated mixer for composite products with regulated outlet

Abstract

Heated Mixer for Composite Products with Regulated Outlet. The invention relates to a heated mixer (1) for composite products based on thermoplastic material(s), having an elongated construction defining a longitudinal processing path between at least one inlet and at least one outlet (2') and comprising a heated trough (3) in which two parallel and mutually interpenetrating twin screws (4 and 4') are mounted, forming dimensional reduction, heating, and displacement elements for the products to be processed introduced at the inlet. Each screw (4, 4') comprises a heated and driven support shaft (5) arranged along the direction of travel (DT). The mixer (1) is characterized in that it comprises, at the outlet(s) (2'), a flow control element (20) for the liquid or semi-liquid output of processed products flowing through the associated outlet (2'), advantageously under the effect of gravity.Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 8B.

Description

Title of the invention: Heated mixer for composite products with regulated output

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of recycling and recovery of factory and construction site waste in the context of sealing materials and systems, in particular in relation to bituminous sealing membranes, and has as its object a heated mixer with regulated output, an installation for the treatment and recovery of composite products based on thermoplastic materials as well as a method for controlling such an installation.

[0002] In the context of the general trend towards seeking possible valorization of waste, a growing demand, which is currently not being satisfactorily resolved, either technically or economically, concerns factory waste and especially construction site waste in the field of waterproofing, particularly in relation to bituminous waterproofing membranes.

[0003] One of the major problems encountered, and to date not satisfactorily solved in the proposals of the state of the art, concerns the presence, often intertwined with the material to be recovered (essentially the bituminous binder), of non-recoverable pollutants, in particular hard solid particles, of the metallic, mineral or other type (originating from assembly or fixing elements, covering layers, surface protection layers, or similar).

[0004] In particular, deconstruction waste from the renovation market currently represents a significant potential source of waterproofing membranes to be processed, estimated at approximately 100,000 tonnes per year in France (estimate by the French Waterproofing Trade Association), with this resource being replenished annually. The cost of landfilling this waste has been increasing for many years, and this trend is expected to continue, especially since no truly industrial solution for processing deconstruction waste is currently available.

[0005] There is therefore a strong and constant demand to try to find an industrial solution to reduce the consumption of a fossil resource which is becoming scarce and which would be really efficient in the recycling of sealing membranes.

[0006] However, the constitution and therefore the treatment of these wastes are complex, because during the renovation of building roofs, it is possible, and common practice, to superimpose several layers of membranes on top of each other, and to assemble them by gluing or welding, and to fix them mechanically to the support.

[0007] However, after a certain number of repairs (depending on the legislation of the country concerned), it is technically necessary and administratively mandatory tivement to remove the entire roofing system and to install a new waterproofing on the roof (framed roof; roof terrace or other) in its raw state.

[0008] The waste recovered following this total removal operation, known as deconstruction waste, consists primarily of layers of bituminous membranes bonded together and featuring various types of finishes, including slate granules, sand, and aluminum composite sheets (PET-aluminum). This waste may also contain solid pollutants, including insulation (PUR, XPS, mineral wool, wood fibers, etc.), metal parts (mechanically fixed metal fasteners for the membranes, saw blades for cutting the waste, etc.), and other miscellaneous debris associated with the storage of a waste collection skip on a construction site (pebbles, stones, cans, etc.).

[0009] Thus, in relation to the above-mentioned request, the composite products that it would be desirable to be able to process within the scope of the invention essentially include:

[0010] - predominantly bituminous membranes containing reinforcement, e.g.: Non-woven polyester (PNT or glass veil...), a bituminous binder (e.g., polymer and bitumen, additives, filler...), and a surface finish (e.g., sand-coated slate granules, laminated aluminum foil...). These membranes are potentially agglomerated in successive layers, fused together during installation by heating, thus forming sheets (dimensions of recovered sheets: ~1m x ~1m x (20) cm). Alternatively, the products to be processed may include rolls of bituminous membranes from production (second choice) or manufacturing offcuts from such rolls. Alternatively, these membranes may be pre-ground.

[0011] - solid pollutants of various kinds: insulators (PUR, XPS, mineral wool, wood fibers...), metal parts (mechanically fixed metal clips for membranes, saw blades for cutting waste...), or various debris (sand, gravel, pebbles, stones, cans...).

[0012] At the end of at least a first phase of the treatment, the output product should include in particular smooth bitumen-based binders, also incorporating polymers and dispersed fiber particles or fragments, preferably with a size of less than 100 pm.

[0013] Furthermore, while the inputs are at ambient temperature (typically between 0°C and 30°C), the output of this first treatment should, by appropriate transformation of the inputs, be at least at the temperature of use of bituminous and thermoplastic binders, namely between 150°C and 200°C typically.

[0014] Such a state of the extract facilitates its subsequent processing, in particular the extraction of macroscopic solid pollutants, not or insufficiently reduced during this first phase of processing (such as pebbles, stones, gravel, screws, bolts, rivets, nails, sheet metal fragments, ...), as well as its subsequent transfer and packaging in a valuable and advantageously reusable form.

[0015] To achieve this, and taking into account the type of inputs to be transformed / recovered and their condition upon entry, the technical device carrying out said (at least) first treatment phase should progressively and simultaneously heat the inputs until they reach a softening / melting temperature of the bituminous binder (at least near the outlet) and shear the membranes (pre-cut or not) to cause their reinforcements to break down and disintegrate. This device should also allow the passage of the aforementioned hard macroscopic pollutants without risk of blockage and preferably exhibit a limited wear rate.

[0016] However, the devices and installations known to date for recycling the type of products mentioned above do not make it possible to meet the above demand, nor to achieve the desired result, in any case not in a reliable and sustainable way.

[0017] Thus, ferromagnetic (with magnets) or non-ferromagnetic (with eddy current) metallic pollutant separators target only one type of pollutant, do not transform or insufficiently transform the output products, and do not allow the extraction of elements embedded, intertwined or too intimately bound to the materials to be recovered.

[0018] Similarly, systems based on separation due to differences in density between components, such as centrifugal systems, density tables, settling devices or the like, are either inefficient or economically unviable.

[0019] Some known devices satisfactorily perform some of the aforementioned functions expected for the first phase of treatment, but not all.

[0020] Thus, heated Z-arm mixer type processing devices achieve good shearing, but poor heating (process carried out by batch / lot), and paddle mixers provide satisfactory heating of the products and are robust to pollutants, but achieve mediocre shearing.

[0021] In addition, known systems (see in particular WO 2008 / 103035, US 2005 / 263625, EP 1 123 182 and WO 2009 / 090546) in the form of extruders or conventional helical screw conveyors, are subject to blockage in the presence of a hard macroscopic particle (such as a screw or bolt) and suffer significant and rapid wear in the presence of microscopic hard particles (such as sand).

[0022] Finally, we also know of Archimedes double screw conveyor-mixers, in which the screws and the trough are heated: they achieve good heating and good shearing, but are also subject to blockages and significant wear mentioned above when processing composite products / waste mentioned previously.

[0023] The applicant has already developed a mixer that overcomes the This mixer, which avoids most of the drawbacks of the aforementioned known mixers, has an elongated design defining a longitudinal processing path between at least one inlet and at least one outlet. It comprises a heated trough in which at least one screw is mounted, preferably two parallel, mutually interpenetrating screws. These screws form the processing element(s) by reducing the size and heating the products to be treated, which are introduced at the inlet(s). Each screw includes a heated and driven support shaft arranged in the trough along the direction of the processing path. The products are moved during processing from the inlet(s) to the outlet(s). This mixer is the subject of a PCT patent application, No. PCT / EP2021 / 058730, filed on April 1, 2021, in the name of the applicant.

[0024] However, the inventors were able to verify during tests that it could be advantageous, or even necessary in certain operating modes, to be able to regulate the quantity of treated product leaving the mixer.

[0025] To this end, the invention relates to a heated mixer for composite products based on thermoplastic material(s) of the aforementioned type characterized in that it comprises, at the level of the outlet or each outlet, a control element for the flow of liquid or semi-liquid extract of treated products, flowing through the associated outlet, advantageously under the effect of gravity.

[0026] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0027] [Fig. 1 A] is an exploded view of a heating mixer of the type referred to in the context of the invention, but lacking a control device for the output flow of the treated product;

[0028] [Fig. IB] is a perspective and top view of a heated mixer according to [Fig.1A], with the trough closing cover removed;

[0029] [Fig.2A] is a cross-sectional view along a vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis of the mixer of [Fig.1B];

[0030] [Fig.2B] is an elevational view along the direction of the longitudinal axis and partially transparent of the mixer shown [Fig.1B];

[0031] [Fig.3] is a top view of the two screws forming part of the mixer of Figures 1 and 2;

[0032] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view along A - A of the mixer of [Fig.lB];

[0033] [Fig.5] is a partial and perspective view of the mixer of [Fig.4];

[0034] [Fig.6] is a detail view of a scraping structure forming part of the mixer re shown in figures 4 and 5;

[0035] [Fig.7A] and

[0036] [Fig.7B] are lateral elevation (7A) and sectional (7B) views, along a plane vertical offset from that of figure (7A), of a heating mixer according to the invention;

[0037] [Fig.8A] and

[0038] [Fig.8B] are partial cross-sectional and perspective views, at the level of the outlets of the mixer in Figures 7, in two different directions and with different degrees of opening of the outlets;

[0039] [Fig.9] is a schematic representation illustrating the servo loop regulating the outgoing flow from the mixer in Figures 7 and 8, and,

[0040] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of a treatment and recovery installation comprising two mixers according to figures 1 to 9, mounted in parallel and forming the first treatment stations of this installation.

[0041] Figures 1 to 8 illustrate, at least in part, a heated mixer 1 for composite products based on thermoplastic material(s), in particular waste from factories or construction sites containing mainly bituminous membranes.

[0042] This heated mixer 1 has an elongated construction defining a longitudinal processing path between at least one inlet (2) and at least one outlet 2' and comprising a heated trough 3 in which is mounted at least one screw 4, 4', preferably two parallel and mutually interpenetrating twin screws 4 and 4', forming processing element(s) by dimensional reduction and heating for the products to be treated introduced at the level of the inlet 2 or of each inlet 2, said or each screw 4, 4' comprising a heated and driven support shaft 5, disposed in the trough 3 being arranged according to the direction of path DT and the products being moved during processing from the inlet(s) 2 to the level of the outlet(s) 2'.

[0043] In accordance with the invention, and as shown in Figures 7 to 9, this mixer 1 comprises, at the outlet or outlets 2', a flow control element 20 for the flow of liquid or semi-liquid extract of processed products, flowing through the associated outlet 2', advantageously under the effect of gravity. By means of such an element or elements 20, it is possible to regulate or meter the quantity of processed material delivered by the mixer 1, and also to control the delivery method.

[0044] Advantageously, the or each organ 20 is of the progressive opening type and can be controlled independently either for continuous output delivery (the flow rate of material discharged being then determined directly and solely by the degree of opening), or for sequential or batch output delivery (intermittent opening, the flow rate being fixed by both the degree of opening and the opening time).

[0045] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, and as shown in Figures 8, the output flow control element or each 20 consists of a poppet valve or pivoting flap.

[0046] Furthermore, and in accordance with a simple and advantageous practical implementation, said valve consists of a portion 3" of the wall 3' of the trough 3 that can be moved, preferably continuously, between a closed position in which it is integrated into said wall 3', preferably with a continuous surface connection to the inner face of this wall 3', and a maximum open position in which the corresponding outlet 2' is substantially fully open. When the mixer 1 has two openings 2' and two elements 20, the latter can be controlled either separately and independently, or jointly and synchronously, or in either way depending on the operator's wishes or the requirements of the overall processing method.

[0047] Advantageously, the trough 3 has a double-walled 3' and the shaft 5 is a hollow tube, both carrying a hot fluid (oil). Alternatively, the wall 3' may also be single-walled and have hot fluid circulation channels 3" on the outside. The valve or valves 3" will have a single-walled structure, optionally thermally insulated.

[0048] As shown in particular in Figures 4, 5 and 8, the wall 3' of the trough 3 has, in its lower part forming the bottom of the trough, a curved (partially cylindrical) shape conforming to the shape of the screw(s) 4, 4' over a portion of its circumference(s). In this or these bottom region(s) of the wall 3' are the outlet(s) 2', the valve(s) having a shape that integrates continuously into the corresponding bottom region.

[0049] According to a possible practical embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figures 8 and combining simplicity, robustness, and precise control, the output flow control element(s) 20, consisting of a pivoting poppet valve, comprises an actuator in the form of a motorized rack and pinion device 21, determining the positioning of the poppet 3”. This motorized device advantageously takes the form of a driven pinion 21' meshing with a circular rack 21” integral with said poppet 3”, preferably supporting the latter. The position of the poppet(s) 3” can be determined very precisely by a position encoder or by a sensor (at the pivot axis of the poppet 3” or of the motorized pinion 21').

[0050] According to a feature of the invention, shown in [Fig.9], the control element 20 of the output flow E flowing through the associated outlet 2' is controlled by an automatic regulation device 22 associated with or integrated into a control system for the operation of the mixer 1, where appropriate in relation to a program for controlling the operating mode of said mixer 1, this device 22 evaluating at least indicative signals of the quantity of products present in this mixer 1 and controlling the position or state of the element 20 accordingly.

[0051] Preferably, and as symbolically shown in [Fig. 9] and partially in Figures 7, the automatic control device 22 is part of a feedback loop 22' for controlling the output flow of said mixer 1. Indicative signals of the quantity of product present in the mixer 1 can be provided by at least one weighing means 23 for said mixer 1, for example, a pair of load cells. The feedback loop 22' can itself be part of, or dependent on, a control system for a processing plant 14 into which said mixer 1 is integrated.

[0052] As shown in Figures 8, and in order to be able, for example, to direct the output flow to a subsequent treatment station (while avoiding dispersion), the trough 3 may include, at the level of the outlet(s) 2' and extending outwards from the opening of the latter, a nozzle 24 forming a discharge channel. This nozzle 24 also advantageously provides a preferred flow surface 24' for the output, adjacent to the outlet opening concerned, and with which the valve 3" interacts during its opening movement to define a discharge passage with a variable cross-section.

[0053] According to a preferred practical design, which facilitates precise, gradual opening of the outlet 2', the free end of the pivoting valve 3 sweeps across the preferred flow surface 24' during part of its pivoting movement, at least at the beginning of the opening of the outlet 2'. The valve 3 advantageously forms part of the discharge channel 24 in its fully open position. Such a configuration of the valve 3" and the surface 24' allows, in particular, self-regulation of the output flow rate E for a given viscosity.

[0054] Although not shown, the heating mixer 1 according to the invention may have only one screw, and therefore only one outlet and only one output flow control element.

[0055] However, preferably and as can be seen from the attached figures, the mixer according to the invention comprises two parallel twin screws 4 and 4', each screw 4, 4' being associated with a respective outlet 2' provided with a corresponding element 20 for controlling the flow of output discharged through the outlet 2' concerned

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 7B, the thread 4" of the screw or each screw 4, 4' is an interrupted or discontinuous thread and comprises, over at least a major part of the length of the screw 4, 4' considered, a plurality of first blades 6 in the form of flat and smooth plates, separated from each other axially and radially and all arranged according to a constant screw pitch and with a determined inclination with respect to a plane perpendicular to the AV axis of the screw 4, 4' considered.

[0057] The helical thread 4"" of each of the two screws 4 and 4', which rotate in mutually opposite directions so as to generate a material transport movement from the inlet 2 to the outlet 2' of the trough 3 (along the direction DT), is therefore consisting of a plurality of blades 6 in the shape of flat, distinct, and separate ring sectors, joined (for example by welding) to the shaft 5 of the screw 4, 4' concerned along a helical line. Furthermore, these blades 6 are arranged with mutual spacing and individual angular extension such that longitudinal alignments 7 of blades 6 are formed.

[0058] Preferably, each first blade 6 has an angular extension around the shaft considered which is less than 180°, advantageously less than 120°, preferably about 90°. In addition, said first blades 6 are configured and arranged on the support shaft 5 concerned so as to constitute a limited number of alignments 7 of blades 6 along the direction of the AV axis of the screw 4, 4', which are distributed around the periphery of the support shaft 5 and which define between them clear areas 8 extending along the screw 4, 4' between neighboring alignments 7.

[0059] Thus each of the screws 4, 4' is substantially, at least over part of its length, like an Archimedes screw with a continuous helical thread, but cut along the direction of the AV axis of the shaft 5 to form straight holes parallel to said AV axis.

[0060] It is the spacing between the blades 6, and more particularly the resulting passages in the form of holes, which allow the transport without blockage of macroscopic pollutants (present in the products to be treated forming inputs) from the inlet 2 to the outlet 2'.

[0061] Furthermore, the metal blades 6 are relatively thick (for example, 8 to 15 mm) to ensure sufficient thermal inertia to heat the bitumen throughout, while simultaneously drawing in and loosening the impurities in the form of membranes (the "hot knife into cold butter" effect). In addition, being flat and smooth, the blades 6 offer no adhesion to the bituminous binder or any other material.

[0062] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7B, it is provided that the screw or screws 4, 4' comprise, over at least part of its length, a plurality of second blades 9 in the form of flat plates, separated from each other and all arranged in planes perpendicular to the axis of the screw 4, 4' in question, that each second blade 9 has an angular extension of less than 180°, advantageously less than 120°, preferably about 90°, and that said second blades 9 are configured and arranged on the relevant support shaft 5 so as to constitute a limited number of alignments 7' of blades along the direction of the AV axis of the screw 4, 4' and around the shaft 5, with clear areas extending between the neighboring alignments 7' (angularly or circumferentially) along the screw 4, 4'.

[0063] While the first blades 6 are mounted on the respective shaft 5 with an inclination with respect to a plane perpendicular to the AV axis of said shaft, the second blades 9 are shown perpendicular to this AV axis.

[0064] Advantageously, each alignment 7' of second blades 9 extends only over a fraction of the length of the part of the screw 4, 4' containing them and over a fraction of the circumference of the shaft 5 of the latter and constitutes at least one local group of second blades 9, each group being offset angularly and / or axially with respect to each of the other groups and at least one, preferably each, group of second blades 9 of a screw 4, 4' coming into interpenetrating engagement, in an interstitial manner, with a corresponding group of second blades 9 of the other screw 4', 4.

[0065] Additionally or alternatively, the trough 3 may include, on at least a part of its inner face, located opposite the longitudinal part(s) of the screw 4, 4' comprising second blades 9, fixed counter-blades, located in parallel and interstitial planes with respect to the planes of the second blades 9 and coming into interpenetrating engagement with the second blades 9 during the rotation of the screw 4, 4' considered, each cooperating arrangement of at least two groups of movable second blades 9 belonging respectively to one of the two screws 4, 4', and possibly fixed counter-blades, constituting a privileged shear module 11.

[0066] Thus, the second blades 9 of the screws 4, 4' are not only interfering and interpenetrating between the two screws 4 and 4', but also with fixed counter-blades installed in the trough 3, for example on a support structure mounted interchangeably in the trough 3 (not shown).

[0067] The areas of the mixer 1 comprising groups of pluralities of movable second blades 9, and optionally fixed counter-blades, constitute, due to the density of elements forming interpenetrating blades with small air gaps, modules of intense shear. The mixer 1 may comprise one or more such module(s), possibly distributed along the trough 3. Preferably, a (final) shear module is arranged near the outlet of the mixer 1.

[0068] The prediction of a distribution of the second blades 9 by alignments 7' spaced circumferentially and / or axially allows the solid macroscopic pollutants to pass through the areas of these modules without blocking the screws 4, 4'.

[0069] As shown by way of illustrative example in Figures 2A, 3 and 7B, the or each screw is advantageously made up of differentiated longitudinal segments comprising alternately alignments of first blades 6 inclined and alignments of second blades 9 perpendicular.

[0070] In order to limit wear on the first and / or second blades 6, 9 (by providing a sufficient air gap between their outer edges and the wall of the trough 3), while promoting, on the one hand, heat transfer between the screws 4, 4' and / or the trough 3 and the products being processed in transit and, on the other hand, shearing (despite the presence of a significant air gap - for example 0.5 mm to 3 to 5 cm - between blades 6, 9 and trough 3), it It can be provided that at least some first and / or second blades 6, 9 are provided, at the level of their outer free edge 9', with at least one added scraping structure 12, projecting radially from said edge 9' and elastically deformable at least in one radial direction (see figures 4 to 6 and 8).

[0071] As shown in Figures 8, at least one scraping structure 12 (preferably several mounted on the ends of the screw blades 6, 9) is present at the level of each portion (3”) of the wall (3') of the trough (3) forming a flapper, the inner surface of this portion (3”) being swept by this structure with each rotation of the screw (4, 4') concerned. Thus, the flappers 3” are free from any accumulation of material that could block their operation and allows the inner face of the wall 3' to remain clean and free from any agglomeration of output components (fibers, minerals, bitumen, ...).

[0072] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, shown in the aforementioned Figures 4 to 6 and 8, the deformable attached structure 12 consists of a plate 12', or a stack of at least two plates 12', with a substantially elliptical contour and comprising cutouts defining a plurality of concentric elliptical rings 13, connected by material bridges 13' between adjacent rings 13, said structure 12 being mounted on the corresponding blade 6, 9 with an orientation such that the direction of the small semi-axis of the elliptical contour passes through the longitudinal axis AV of the support shaft 5.

[0073] Said mixer 1 advantageously comprises two parallel twin screws 4 and 4' whose respective blades 6, 9 intersect intimately over at least part of their height, preferably a majority part, either in at least one zone of mutual meshing of opposite threads of first blades 6 inclined with respect to the axis of the support shaft 5, or in at least one zone of mutual interpenetration of second blades 9 perpendicular to the axis of the support shaft 5, advantageously in both types of zones.

[0074] The invention also relates, as shown for example in [Fig. 10], to an installation 14 for the treatment and recovery of thermoplastic-based composite products, for example of waste consisting mainly of bituminous products, in particular bituminous membranes.

[0075] This installation 14 is characterized in that it includes, as a processing station(s), at least one mixer 1 as described above, preferably as the first processing station.

[0076] As shown in [Fig. 10], the installation 14 may comprise two heated mixers 1 as described above, mounted in parallel, supplied with inputs by a conveyor belt 15 (carrying, for example, pre-cut waste) and each forming the first station of a treatment and recovery pathway, respect- actively associated downstream.

[0077] This installation includes, for example, two heated mixers 1, mounted in parallel, supplied with inputs by a conveyor belt 15 and each forming the first station of a treatment and recovery pathway, respectively associated downstream. These mixers 1 are installed at a height such that their liquid or semi-liquid outputs, discharged through the outlet openings 2', fall through two superimposed grinding stations 16, each formed of a mill with opposing rollers and whose gaps are aligned. Between the two grinding stations 16 is arranged a solid macroscopic pollutant separator in the form of a discharge device, with a movable extraction element, for example by pivoting not visible in [Fig. 10].

[0078] Next, the purified extract of macroscopic pollutants can be transferred (for example by a delicerating pump 17) into a refiner 18 with a drum mounted movable eccentrically in a cylindrical enclosure, and then stored in a tank 19, as a reusable recovered product.

[0079] Such an installation is described and represented in PCT patent application no. PCT / EP2021 / 058719 of April 1, 2021.

[0080] The invention also relates to a method of controlling a mixer 1 as described above, characterized in that it consists, either in a continuous operating mode or in a sequential batch operating mode, of driving the screw(s) 4, 4' with a control protocol comprising at least two drive phases causing a movement of the materials in the mixer 1 along the direction DT of the processing path, separated by at least one contrary drive phase, i.e. causing a movement of the processed materials in the direction opposite to the processing path, the occurrence, duration and number of the contrary drive phases being either predetermined or a function of values ​​provided by sensors measuring operating parameters, such as, for example, the drive torque, the composition and / or quality of the processed products, the quantity of materials present in the mixer 1.

[0081] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Heated mixer (1) for the treatment of composite products based on thermoplastic material(s), in particular waste from factories or construction sites containing mainly bituminous membranes, said mixer (1) having an elongated construction defining a longitudinal treatment path between at least one inlet (2) and at least one outlet (2') and comprising a heated trough (3) in which is mounted at least one screw (4, 4'), preferably two parallel and mutually interpenetrating twin screws (4 and 4'), forming treatment element(s) by dimensional reduction and heating for the products to be treated introduced at the inlet (2) or at each inlet (2), said screw or each screw (4, 4') comprising a heated and driven support shaft (5),arranged in the trough (3) along the direction of travel (DT), with the products being moved during processing from the inlet(s) (2) to the outlet(s) (2'), a mixer (1) characterized in that it comprises, at the outlet(s) (2'), a flow control device (20) for the liquid or semi-liquid output of processed products flowing through the associated outlet (2'), advantageously by gravity, allowing the quantity of processed material delivered by the mixer (1) to be regulated or metered, and also controlling the delivery method, and in that the output flow control device(s) (20) consists of a poppet or pivoting flap valve, said flap consisting of a portion (3") of the trough wall (3') that can be moved, preferably continuously, between a closed position in which it is integrated into said wall (3'),preferably with a continuous surface connection to the inner face of this wall, and a maximum opening position in which the corresponding outlet (2') is substantially fully open.

2. Heated mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that the output flow control element or elements (20) consists of a pivoting poppet valve and includes an actuator in the form of a motorized rack and pinion device (21), determining the positioning of the poppet (3”) and advantageously taking the form of a driven pinion (21') meshing with a circular arc rack (21”) integral with said poppet (3”).

3. Heated mixer according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the output flow control element (20) flowing through the associated outlet (2') is controlled by an automatic control device (22) associated with or integrated into a control system for the operation of the mixer (1), where appropriate in relation to a control program for the operating mode of said mixer (1), this device (22) evaluating at least indicative signals of the quantity of products present in this mixer (1) and controlling the position or state of the element (20) accordingly.

4. Heated mixer according to claim 3, characterized in that the automatic control device (22) is part of a control loop for the output flow of said mixer (1) and in that the indicative signals of the quantity of product present in the mixer (1) are provided by at least one weighing means (23) of said mixer (1), for example a pair of load cells.

5. Heated mixer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the trough (3) comprises, at the level of the outlet or each outlet (2') and in the extension outwards of the opening of the latter, a nozzle (24) forming an evacuation channel, this nozzle (24) providing a preferred flow surface (24') of the output, adjacent to the outlet opening concerned and with which the valve (3") during its opening movement to define an evacuation passage with variable section.

6. Heated mixer according to claim 5, characterized in that the free end of the pivoting valve (3”) sweeps the preferred flow surface (24') on a part of its pivoting movement, at least at the beginning of the clearance of the outlet opening (2'), said valve (3”) advantageously constituting a part of the discharge channel (24) in its maximum opening position.

7. A heating mixer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the thread (4") of the screw or each screw (4, 4') is an interrupted or discontinuous thread and comprises, over at least a major part of the length of the screw (4, 4') considered, a plurality of first blades (6) in the form of flat, smooth plates, separated from each other axially and radially and all arranged with a constant screw pitch and with a determined inclination with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis (AV) of the screw (4, 4') considered, in that the screw or each screw (4, 4') comprises, over at least a part of its length, a plurality of second blades (9) in the form of flat plates, separated between them and all arranged according to planes perpendicular to the axis of the screw (4, 4') considered and in that said second blades (9) are configured and arranged on the support shaft (5) concerned so as to constitute a limited number of alignments (7') of blades along the direction of the axis (AV) of the screw (4, 4') and around the shaft (5), clear areas extending between the neighboring alignments (7') along the screw (4, 4').

8. Mixer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least some first and / or second blades (6, 9) are provided, at the level of their outer free edge (9'), with at least one added scraping structure (12), projecting radially from said edge (9') and elastically deformable at least in a radial direction.

9. Mixer according to claims 1 and 8, characterized in that at least one scraping structure (12) is present at the level of the or each portion (3”) of the wall (3') of the trough (3) forming a valve, the internal surface of this portion (3”) being swept by this structure at each rotation of the screw (4, 4') concerned.

10. Mixer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises two parallel twin screws (4 and 4') whose respective blades (6, 9) intersect intimately over at least a part of their height, preferably over a majority part, either in at least one zone of mutual meshing of opposite threads of first blades (6) inclined with respect to the axis of the support shaft (5), or in at least one zone of mutual interpenetration of second blades (9) perpendicular to the axis of the support shaft (5), advantageously in both types of zones, each screw (4, 4') being associated with a respective outlet (2') provided with a corresponding element (20) for controlling the flow of output discharged through the outlet (2') concerned.

11. Installation (14) for the treatment and recovery of thermoplastic-based composite products, for example of waste consisting mainly of bituminous products, in particular bituminous membranes, characterized in that it comprises, as a treatment station(s), at least one mixer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, preferably as the first treatment station.

12. Treatment and recovery installation according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises two heated mixers (1), mounted in parallel, supplied with inputs by a conveyor belt (15) and each forming the first station of a treatment and recovery route, respectively associated downstream, in that these mixers (1) are installed at a height such that their liquid or semi-liquid outputs, discharged through the outlet openings (2'), fall through two superimposed grinding stations (16), each formed of a crusher with opposing rollers and whose air gaps are aligned, and in that between the two grinding stations (16) is arranged a solid macroscopic pollutant separator device in the form of a discharge device, with a movable extraction element, for example by pivoting.

13. A method of controlling a mixer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it consists, either in a continuous operating mode or in a sequential batch operating mode, of driving the screw(s) (4, 4') with a control protocol comprising at least two drive phases causing a movement of the materials in the mixer (1) in the direction (DT) of the processing path, separated by at least one contrary drive phase, i.e. causing a movement of the processed materials in the direction opposite to the processing path, the occurrence, duration and number of the contrary drive phases being either predetermined or a function of values ​​provided by sensors measuring operating parameters, such as, for example, the drive torque, the composition and / or quality of the processed products, the quantity of materials present in the mixer (1).

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