Extrusion device, treatment system and treatment method

Abstract

To provide a treatment system for efficiently recovering a recyclable substance.SOLUTION: An extrusion device 11 has a cylinder 100, a screw 121, a decomposition treatment region 130, an irradiation device 140 and a delivery port 160. The cylinder 100 has a reception part 110 for receiving a treatment object from outside. The screw 121 is rotatably stored in the cylinder 100, and conveys the treatment object received from the reception part 110 to the downstream side while rotating the treatment object. The decomposition treatment region 130 is a space set in the cylinder 100. The irradiation device 140 irradiates the treatment object with a microwave in the decomposition treatment region 130. The delivery port 160 is a flow channel for sending out the treatment object, which is conveyed to the downstream after having been irradiated with the microwave, to outside of the cylinder 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an extrusion apparatus, a processing system and a processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a technique called chemical recycling that decomposes waste plastic and extracts reusable materials.

[0003] For example, the treatment device described in Patent Document 1 heats waste plastics, thermally decomposes chlorine-based polymers to generate chlorine compounds, and separates the waste plastics into molten waste plastics and the chlorine compounds. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-317072 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Further improvements in recycling technology are expected to help realize a circular economy.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and has an object to provide an extrusion device and the like that efficiently recovers reusable substances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The extrusion device according to the present disclosure has a cylinder, a screw, a decomposition treatment area, an irradiation device, and a delivery port. The cylinder has a receiving section that receives the treatment object from the outside. The screw is rotatably housed in the cylinder, and transports the treatment object received from the receiving section downstream while rotating. The decomposition treatment area is a space set in the cylinder. The irradiation device irradiates microwaves to the treatment object in the decomposition treatment area. The delivery port is a flow path that sends the treatment object transported downstream after being irradiated with microwaves out of the cylinder.

[0008] In the processing method according to the present disclosure, a processing system executes the following processing. The processing system receives an object to be processed inside a cylinder. The processing system transports the received object to be processed downstream by rotating a screw housed in the cylinder. The processing system irradiates microwaves to the object to be processed in a decomposition processing area, which is a space set in the cylinder. After being irradiated with microwaves, the processing system sends the object to be processed transported downstream out of the cylinder. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, an extrusion device, a processing system, and a processing method can be provided that efficiently recover reusable materials. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a processing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an extrusion device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3 is a flowchart of a processing method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an extrusion device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The present invention will be described below through the embodiments of the invention, but the invention according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential as means for solving the problems. In order to clarify the explanation, the following description and drawings are omitted and simplified as appropriate. In each drawing, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0012] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a processing system according to the first embodiment. The processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of each component for easy understanding. The processing system 1 thermally decomposes a processing target M10 to recover a first product M21 and a second product M22. The processing system 1 has, as its main components, an extrusion device 11, a secondary battery 200, a separation device 300, a storage device 400, and a control unit 500.

[0013] The following describes the extrusion device 11. The extrusion device 11 receives and thermally decomposes the treatment target M10. The extrusion device 11 has a cylinder 100, a screw 121, a decomposition treatment area 130, an irradiation device 140, and an outlet port 160 as main components.

[0014] The cylinder 100 has a receiving section 110 on the upstream side that receives the treatment target M10 from the outside. The receiving section 110 is an opening that receives the treatment target M10 from the outside into the extrusion device 11. The receiving section 110 may include a feeder for measuring and receiving the treatment target M10. The cylinder 100 also has a delivery port 160 on the downstream side. The delivery port 160 is a flow path that sends the pyrolyzed treatment target M10 out of the cylinder 100.

[0015] In this disclosure, the terms "upstream side" and "downstream side" are defined along the flow of the processing object M10. That is, the extrusion device 11 receives the processing object M10 on the upstream side of the cylinder 100, transports the processing object M10 to the downstream side, performs a predetermined process, and then sends the processing object M10 out of the cylinder 100 on the downstream side.

[0016] The processing target M10 includes at least a resin and a catalyst used for thermally decomposing the resin. The resin may be, for example, any thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or polyamide (PA), or any thermosetting resin such as epoxy, unsaturated polyester, polyimide, or polyurethane. The thermoplastic resin or thermosetting resin may be a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, or cellulose. The catalyst includes a substance that generates heat when exposed to a certain microwave and promotes the thermal decomposition of the resin. More specifically, the catalyst is an electromagnetic wave absorber such as iron oxide or carbon fiber. The catalyst may also include a substance that promotes the thermal decomposition of the resin, such as citric acid.

[0017] The screw 121 is rotatably housed in the cylinder 100, and conveys the target M10 received from the receiving section 110 downstream while rotating. The screw 121 includes a shaft extending along the extension direction of the cylinder 100, and a spiral flight provided on the outer periphery of the shaft. As the shaft of the screw 121 rotates, the flight continuously pushes and moves the target M10 supplied to the cylinder 100 in the rotational direction and downstream direction. In this way, the screw 121 conveys the target M10 to the decomposition processing area 130 while stirring or kneading it.

[0018] The extrusion device 11 may also include a temperature control device in at least a part of the cylinder 100. The temperature control device heats or cools the cylinder 100. This allows the extrusion device 11 to, for example, transport the treatment target M10 while heating it. In this case, the screw 121 can stir or knead the treatment target M10 heated by the temperature control device while transporting it to the decomposition treatment area 130.

[0019] The decomposition processing area 130 is a space that is set in advance downstream of the receiving part 110 in the cylinder 100 and upstream of the delivery port 160. The decomposition processing area 130 is a space for allowing the microwaves irradiated by the irradiation device 140 to be absorbed by the processing target M10.

[0020] When air from the atmosphere enters and remains in the decomposition treatment area 130 or the cylinder 100, and this air reacts with the gas generated from the treatment target M10 decomposed by microwaves, the recovery rate of the first product M21 and the second product M22 decreases. Therefore, it is preferable that the extrusion device 11 has a function of pressurizing an inert gas such as nitrogen gas into the cylinder 100 or the decomposition treatment area 130. More preferably, it is preferable that the extrusion device 11 has a function of making a part of the cylinder 100 or the decomposition treatment area 130 below atmospheric pressure. More specifically, the extrusion device 11 may have a degassing device for sucking air remaining in the cylinder 100 and discharging it to the outside. The degassing device may have an opening, for example, at the top of the cylinder 100, and discharge the air inside the cylinder 100 from this opening. Note that a filter may be installed in the opening provided in the cylinder 100 to prevent the treatment target M10 from leaking out. With this configuration, the extrusion device 11 can promote the removal of air remaining inside the cylinder 100.

[0021] The irradiation device 140 irradiates microwaves to the processing target M10 in the decomposition processing area 130. The microwaves are, for example, electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 300 MHz to 30 GHz, and preferably electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 2.45 GHz (2.45 gigahertz). The irradiation device 140 includes at least a magnetron that generates microwaves. The output of the magnetron is, for example, about 1000 watts. The irradiation device 140 irradiates the decomposition processing area 130 for, for example, about 1 minute to 10 minutes. Note that the magnetron output and the irradiation time of the irradiation device 140 shown here are examples, and the operation of the irradiation device 140 in this embodiment is not limited to the example shown here.

[0022] When the irradiation device 140 irradiates the decomposition processing area 130 with microwaves, the processing target M10 remaining in the decomposition processing area 130 receives the microwaves. Of the processing target M10 that receives the microwaves, substances that absorb microwaves, such as electromagnetic wave absorbers, are heated and the temperature rises. As a result, the resins present are also heated and pyrolyzed. The temperature inside the decomposition processing area 130 at this time is, for example, 400 to 900 degrees Celsius.

[0023] The heated resin is decomposed into polymers, and is converted into hydrogen, lower hydrocarbons, organic gases, and other intermediate products. The irradiation device 140 further irradiates microwaves to advance pyrolysis, and a first product M21 and a second product M22 can be generated from the treatment target M10. The first product M21 is a gas and contains hydrogen. The second product M22 is a substance other than the first product M21 and contains carbon. The carbon is, for example, CNT (carbon nanotube). The irradiation device 140 stops irradiating the microwaves after the treatment target M10 is decomposed into the first product M21 and the second product M22. The pyrolyzed treatment target M10 (the first product M21 and the second product M22) is transported downstream of the decomposition treatment area 130.

[0024] The outlet 160 is a flow path for sending out the treatment target M10 transported from the decomposition treatment region 130 to the outside. The outlet 160 is provided at the downstream end of the cylinder 100. The outlet 160 is connected to the separation device 300. Therefore, the first product M21 and the second product M22 pushed out from the decomposition treatment region 130 are supplied to the separation device 300 via the outlet 160.

[0025] The above describes the extrusion device 11. With the above-mentioned configuration, the extrusion device 11 pyrolyzes the received treatment target M10, and supplies the first product M21 and the second product M22 generated after the pyrolysis to the separation device 300. The extrusion device 11 may also have at least one or more irradiation devices 140 downstream of the receiving section 110. In this case, the extrusion device 11 can also change the microwave irradiation conditions in each of the multiple irradiation devices 140.

[0026] The secondary battery 200 supplies power to the extrusion device 11. More specifically, for example, the secondary battery 200 can supply power to the irradiation device 140 of the extrusion device 11. The secondary battery 200 is, for example, a lithium ion battery, a sodium ion battery, a lead storage battery, or the like.

[0027] The secondary battery 200 can store power generated from renewable energy. The secondary battery 200 shown in FIG. 1 receives power from a wind power generation system 90. With this configuration, the treatment system 1 having the secondary battery 200 performs thermal decomposition of the treatment target M10 while suppressing the environmental load. The wind power generation system 90 is one aspect of a power generation system using renewable energy. The power generation system using renewable energy may be, for example, one that uses solar light or geothermal heat. The power generation system using renewable energy may also include, for example, a system that generates power using a hydrogen boiler that uses the generated hydrogen.

[0028] The secondary battery 200 may be a reusable product. Reusable products include, for example, batteries that have been used in electric vehicles or the like, but have been removed from the electric vehicles or the like because they no longer meet the specifications for use in electric vehicles or the like. By employing a reusable product as the secondary battery 200, the processing system 1 can reduce the environmental load.

[0029] The separation device 300 receives the first product M21 and the second product M22 from the extrusion device 11 and separates at least the first product M21 and the second product M22. The separation device 300 sends the first product M21 to the storage device 400 via the delivery pipe 310. The storage device 400 compresses and stores the received first product M21, for example. The separation device 300 may have a function of removing gases other than hydrogen from the first product M21 supplied to the storage device 400. For example, when the first product M21 contains carbon dioxide, the separation device 300 removes carbon dioxide from the first product M21 by a water displacement method. With this configuration, the separation device 300 extracts hydrogen from the pyrolyzed treatment target M10.

[0030] The separation device 300 also discharges the separated second product M22 to the outside from the discharge port 320. When the second product M22 contains substances other than carbon, the separation device 300 may have a function of separating the carbon from the other substances. With this configuration, the separation device 300 extracts carbon from the pyrolyzed treatment target M10.

[0031] The control unit 500 is communicatively connected to at least the extrusion device 11, and controls the operation of the extrusion device 11. The control unit 500 is a control device including a calculation device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The control unit 500 may also be communicatively connected to the secondary battery 200, the separation device 300, and the irradiation device 140, and control the extrusion device 11 while acquiring data from these devices.

[0032] The processing system 1 has been described above. In the processing system 1, the irradiation device 140 of the extrusion device 11 irradiates the processing target M10 with microwaves to heat the processing target M10 to a temperature at which the processing target M10 can be separated into hydrogen. The irradiation device 140 also irradiates the processing target M10 with microwaves to heat the processing target M10 to a temperature at which the processing target M10 can be separated into carbon. In this way, the separation device 300 separates and extracts hydrogen from the pyrolyzed processing target M10. The separation device 300 also separates and extracts carbon from the pyrolyzed processing target M10.

[0033] The treatment system 1, with the above-mentioned configuration, recovers hydrogen and carbon from the treatment target M10. The treatment target M10 includes, for example, waste plastic. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly include ensuring a sustainable consumption and production pattern. The treatment system 1 can contribute to ensuring a sustainable consumption and production pattern by recovering reusable hydrogen and carbon from the waste plastic. Furthermore, the treatment system 1 can receive at least a portion of the power for the devices used in the treatment system 1 from renewable energy. In this way, the treatment system 1 can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

[0034] Next, the extrusion device 11 will be further described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram of the extrusion device 11. For ease of understanding, the extrusion device 11 is partially shown in cross section. The extrusion device 11 mainly comprises a cylinder 100, a receiving section 110, a screw 121, a decomposition processing area 130, an irradiation device 140, a delivery port 160, and a valve 161. The extrusion device 11 further comprises a drive device 120, a heating device 171, a cooling mechanism 172, a thermometer 181A, a thermometer 181B, and a pressure gauge 182.

[0035] For convenience of explaining the positional relationship of the components, a right-handed Cartesian coordinate system is used in Fig. 2. Also, in Fig. 3 and subsequent figures, when a Cartesian coordinate system is used, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions in Fig. 2 coincide with the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions in these Cartesian coordinate systems, respectively.

[0036] The cylinder 100 is formed in a cylindrical shape and accommodates a screw 121. The cylinder 100 extends in the left-right direction, and a driving device 120 is connected to the upstream end corresponding to the left side. The cylinder 100 also has a receiving section 110 at an upper portion on the upstream side. Furthermore, the cylinder 100 has a delivery port 160 at the downstream end corresponding to the right side in FIG. 2.

[0037] The driving device 120 includes a driving device for driving the screw 121. The driving device includes, for example, a motor and a reducer. The driving device 120 has a mechanism for rotating the screw 121. Note that the rotation of the screw 121 refers to the rotation of the screw 121 along the axis of the screw 121. By rotating, the screw 121 transports the treatment target M10 downstream.

[0038] The receiving portion 110 includes a first receiving portion 111 and a second receiving portion 112. The first receiving portion 111 is located relatively upstream of the second receiving portion 112. The second receiving portion 112 is located relatively downstream of the first receiving portion 111. The first receiving portion 111 is an inlet for receiving the resin M11. The second receiving portion 112 is an inlet for receiving the catalyst M12.

[0039] The receiving unit 110 may have a feeder or a hopper. In this case, the receiving unit 110 may have a function of adjusting the amount of the catalyst M12 according to the amount of the resin M11 to be introduced. Alternatively, the receiving unit 110 may have a function of adjusting the amount of the resin M11 according to the amount of the catalyst M12 to be introduced. With such a configuration, the extrusion device 11 can improve the degree of freedom in the combination of the resin M11 and the catalyst M12.

[0040] The screw 121 is rotatably supported by a driving device 120 provided at the upstream end of the cylinder 100. The screw 121 transports the treatment target M10 containing the resin M11 and the catalyst M12 while mixing them. The screw 121 has at least a shaft extending from the upstream side to the downstream side and a spiral flight provided around the shaft. In addition to the spiral flight, the screw 121 may have an uneven shape for stirring or kneading the treatment target M10.

[0041] The screw 121 shown in FIG. 2 has flights from the upstream side supported by the drive device 120 to just before the decomposition treatment area 130. The screw 121 does not have flights in the decomposition treatment area 130. The screw 121 has a pyrolysis section 122 formed in a cylindrical or barrel shape in the decomposition treatment area 130. The screw 121 has flights again downstream of the decomposition treatment area 130. The shape of the screw 121 having flights extends to the vicinity of the delivery port 160.

[0042] The screw 121 transports the treatment target M10 before being thermally decomposed upstream of the decomposition treatment region 130 to the decomposition treatment region 130, and thereby pushes the treatment target after being thermally decomposed (the first product M21 and the second product M22) downstream from the decomposition treatment region 130. In this way, the extrusion device 11 can transport the treatment target M10 in the decomposition treatment region 130 downstream by rotating the screw 121 on the upstream side.

[0043] Due to the above-mentioned shape, the screw 121 transports the resin M11 and the catalyst M12 to the decomposition treatment region 130 while stirring or kneading them. Furthermore, the screw 121 suppresses the thermal decomposition section 122 from absorbing microwaves in the decomposition treatment region 130. This allows the extrusion device 11 to efficiently thermally decompose the treatment target M10 in the decomposition treatment region 130. Furthermore, the screw 121 transports the treatment target M10 after thermal decomposition (first product M21 and second product M22) to the delivery port 160 downstream of the decomposition treatment region 130.

[0044] The screw 121 may have a structure for stirring the treatment target M10 in the decomposition treatment area 130. The pitch of the flight of the screw 121 may not be uniform. For example, the pitch of the flight of the screw 121 may be set according to the state of the treatment target M10. Alternatively, the pitch of the flight of the screw 121 may be set according to the speed at which the treatment target M10 is transported. The screw 121 may be one or two or more.

[0045] A heating device 171 is provided on the outer periphery of the cylinder 100. The heating device 171 heats the treatment target M10 transported from the receiving section 110 to the decomposition treatment area 130 by the screw 121. By the heating device 171 heating the treatment target M10, the extrusion device 11 efficiently thermally decomposes the treatment target M10 in the decomposition treatment area 130. The heating device 171 includes any heater capable of controlling temperature, such as a sheath heater, a coil heater, or a ceramic heater. The heating device 171 may be a heat medium heater that circulates a heated fluid.

[0046] The cooling mechanism 172 is a mechanism for suppressing a temperature rise in the cylinder 100. The cooling mechanism 172 includes, for example, a flow path provided in the wall of the cylinder 100 and a means for flowing cooling water through the flow path. The cooling mechanism 172 flows cooling water through the flow path provided in the cylinder 100, so that the extrusion device 11 prevents an excessive temperature rise in the cylinder. The flow path of the cylinder 100 provided in the cooling mechanism 172 is divided into multiple parts along the extension direction of the cylinder 100. This allows the cooling mechanism 172 to separately control, for example, a cooling state upstream of the decomposition treatment region 130 and a cooling state downstream of the decomposition treatment region 130. In particular, by the cooling mechanism 172 controlling the temperature downstream of the decomposition treatment region 130, the extrusion device 11 can more safely process the first product M21. The means for flowing cooling water through the cooling mechanism 172 may be, for example, a chiller unit (not shown) that circulates a cooled fluid. Additionally, the cooling mechanism 172 may include cooling fins and a cooling fan to provide advanced control over the cooling temperature.

[0047] The delivery port 160 provided at the downstream end of the cylinder 100 is a nozzle-shaped flow path that delivers the transported treatment target M10 (the first product M21 and the second product M22) to the outside.

[0048] The delivery port 160 is provided with a valve 161 that can be opened and closed freely. The valve 161 can be opened and closed according to the pressure in the vicinity of the delivery port 160 in the cylinder 100. Alternatively, the opening degree of the valve 161 can be adjusted according to the pressure in the vicinity of the delivery port 160 in the cylinder 100. By having the valve 161, the extrusion device 11 can prevent the treatment target M10 from flowing back from the separation device 300 connected thereto.

[0049] A thermometer 181A is provided in the cylinder 100 upstream of the decomposition treatment area 130. A thermometer 181B and a pressure gauge 182 are provided in the vicinity of the delivery port 160 on the downstream side of the cylinder 100. The thermometer 181B and the pressure gauge 182 measure the temperature or pressure inside the cylinder 100, which are used as indicators for controlling the valve 161.

[0050] The valve 161 may be set to close when the air pressure is below a preset threshold and to open when the air pressure is equal to or greater than the threshold, allowing the extrusion device 11 to safely collect the first product M21.

[0051] An irradiation device 140 is provided at a position adjacent to the decomposition processing region 130 in the cylinder 100. The irradiation device 140 generates microwaves and irradiates the decomposition processing region 130 with the microwaves. Therefore, the cylinder 100 has a structure in at least a part of the decomposition processing region 130 that allows the microwaves generated by the irradiation device 140 to pass through the decomposition processing region 130. That is, at least a part of the inner wall of the cylinder 100 includes a portion that can irradiate the decomposition processing region 130 with microwaves.

[0052] The microwave-passable structure may be, for example, a structure in which an antenna for irradiating the microwaves generated by the irradiation device 140 to the decomposition treatment area 130 is exposed. The microwave-passable structure may include, for example, a member that passes the microwaves generated by the irradiation device 140 but does not pass the treatment target M10 or the pyrolyzed first product M21 and second product M22.

[0053] The irradiation device 140 may include a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the decomposition processing region 130. The irradiation device 140 may include a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure of the decomposition processing region 130. The irradiation device 140 may also have an inverter. The inverter controllably changes the microwave output by changing the operating voltage of the magnetron.

[0054] In the above-described extrusion device 11, the processing regions can be defined as region P1, region P2, region P3, region P4, region P5 and region P6 from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0055] The region P1 is a conveying region. In the region P1, the screw 121 conveys the received treatment target M10 (resin M11 and catalyst M12) downstream. The screw 121 can also pressurize the received treatment target M10 while conveying it.

[0056] The region P2 is a heating region. In the region P2, the screw 121 conveys the treatment target M10 (the resin M11 and the catalyst M12) to the decomposition treatment region 130 while stirring and kneading the treatment target M10. At this time, the heating device 171 heats the treatment target M10 being conveyed.

[0057] The region P3 is a reaction region. In the region P3, the irradiation device 140 pyrolyzes the treatment target M10 into a first product M21 and a second product M22. The treatment target M10 pyrolyzed in the region P3 is pushed downstream by the treatment target M10 transported from the region P2.

[0058] The zone P4 is a conveying zone. In the zone P4, the screw 121 conveys the first product M21 and the second product M22 pyrolyzed by the irradiation device 140 downstream.

[0059] The region P5 is a cooling region. In the region P5, the screw 121 transports the pyrolyzed first product M21 and second product M22 to the region P6. At this time, in the region P5, the cooling mechanism 172 cools and controls the first product M21 and second product M22 being transported. By cooling the first product M21 and the second product M22 in the region P5, a user who uses the extrusion device 11 can use the extrusion device 11 safely.

[0060] The region P6 is a discharge region. In the region P6, the discharge port 160 discharges the first product M21 and the second product M22 that have been pyrolyzed and then cooled.

[0061] With the above-described configuration, the extrusion device 11 can continuously and efficiently recover reusable materials.

[0062] Next, a processing method executed by the processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart of the processing method according to the first embodiment. The processing shown below may be, for example, instructions given by the control unit 500 to each component.

[0063] First, the extrusion device 11 adjusts the temperature of the cylinder 100, which is a processing furnace (step S11). More specifically, the heating device 171 of the extrusion device 11 adjusts, for example, the temperature of the heating region P2 so that the temperature is within a preset range. At that time, if the temperature exceeds the set temperature, the extrusion device 11, for example, flows cooling water into a flow path provided in the cylinder. In this way, the extrusion device 11 adjusts the cylinder 100 so that it becomes the set temperature.

[0064] Next, the receiving section 110 of the extrusion device 11 receives the treatment object M10 (or the resin M11 and the catalyst M12) into the inside of the cylinder 100 (step S12).

[0065] Next, in the extrusion device 11, the heating device 171 heats the treated object M10 received, and the screw 121 rotates to convey the treated object M10 while stirring or kneading it (step S13). The screw 121 supplies the heated and kneaded treated object M10 to the decomposition treatment area 130 provided downstream.

[0066] Next, the irradiation device 140 irradiates the treatment target M10 transported to the decomposition treatment area 130 with microwaves (step S14). The treatment target M10 is transported downstream while being thermally decomposed by the microwaves.

[0067] Next, the extrusion device 11 extrudes the treatment target M10 (the first product M21 and the second product M22) after being thermally decomposed in the decomposition treatment area 130 from the delivery port 160 to the outside of the cylinder 100 (step S15).

[0068] Next, the separation device 300 of the processing system 1 separates and extracts the decomposed substances from the processing target M10 received from the extrusion device 11 (step S16). More specifically, for example, the separation device 300 of the processing system 1 separates and extracts the first product M21 from the processing target M10. Alternatively, the separation device 300 further separates and extracts hydrogen from the first product M21. Furthermore, the separation device 300 separates and extracts the second product M22 from the processing target M10. Alternatively, the separation device 300 further separates and extracts carbon from the second product M22. When the separation device 300 separates and extracts the above substances, the processing system 1 ends the processing.

[0069] When the above-mentioned process is started, steps S12 to S16 are continuously executed in parallel. By continuously executing the above-mentioned processes, the processing system 1 continuously and efficiently pyrolyzes the processing target M10.

[0070] Although the embodiment has been described above, the configuration or functions of the processing system 1 are not limited to those described above. The control unit 500 may control the relationship between the rotation speed of the screw 121 and the magnitude of the irradiation output of the microwave irradiated by the irradiation device 140.

[0071] For example, the control unit 500 may control at least one of the microwave irradiation output or the rotation speed of the screw 121 so that the temperatures measured by the thermometer 181A attached upstream of the irradiation device 140 and the thermometer 181B attached downstream of the irradiation device 140 reach a preset temperature.

[0072] In this case, when the temperature measured by the thermometer 181A (first temperature) is lower than the set temperature, the control unit 500 may perform control such as increasing the microwave irradiation output, slowing the rotation speed of the screw 121, and increasing the output of the heating device 171 attached to the cylinder 100. Furthermore, when the temperature measured by the thermometer 181A (first temperature) is equal to or higher than the set temperature, the control unit 500 may perform control such as decreasing the microwave irradiation output, increasing the rotation speed of the screw 121, and decreasing the output of the heating device 171 attached to the cylinder 100.

[0073] Furthermore, when the temperature (second temperature) measured by thermometer 181B is lower than the set temperature, control unit 500 may perform control such as increasing the microwave irradiation output, slowing the rotation speed of screw 121, and increasing the output of heating device 171 attached to cylinder 100. Furthermore, when the temperature (second temperature) measured by thermometer 181B is equal to or higher than the set temperature, control unit 500 may perform control such as decreasing the microwave irradiation output, increasing the rotation speed of screw 121, and decreasing the output of heating device 171 attached to cylinder 100.

[0074] Since the control unit 500 has the above-mentioned functions, the extrusion device 11 can continuously and appropriately process the processing target M10 while performing feedback control.

[0075] The above has described embodiment 1. With the above-mentioned configuration, this embodiment can provide an extrusion device, a processing system, and a processing method that efficiently recover reusable substances.

[0076] <Embodiment 2> 4 is a configuration diagram of the extrusion device 12 according to the embodiment 2. The extrusion device 12 differs from the embodiment 1 in the configuration of the screw 121. The extrusion device 12 also differs from the embodiment 1 in the configuration related to the treatment of the treatment target M10 after pyrolysis.

[0077] The screw 121 according to the present embodiment extends from the driving device 120 to the decomposition treatment area 130, but does not extend to the vicinity of the delivery port 160. That is, the extrusion device 12 does not convey the first product M21 and the second product M22 after pyrolysis by the screw 121.

[0078] In the extrusion device 12, the cylinder 100 has a residue discharge port 163 at a lower portion between the decomposition treatment area 130 and the delivery port 160. The extrusion device 12 discharges the second product M22 from the residue discharge port 163. The cylinder 100 has a slope on the upstream side of the residue discharge port 163. By having the slope, the extrusion device 12 makes it easier for the second product M22 to flow into the residue discharge port 163.

[0079] The outlet 160 according to the present embodiment delivers the first product M21. The outlet 160 according to the present embodiment is provided relatively on the upper side of the cylinder 100 compared to the cylinder 100 shown in the first embodiment. This makes it easier for the outlet 160 to deliver the first product M21, which is a gas, while preventing liquids and solids from being delivered from the outlet 160.

[0080] With the above-mentioned configuration, the extrusion device 12 can easily separate the first product M21 and the second product M22 after pyrolysis. The residue discharge port 163 may have, for example, a gear pump. This allows the extrusion device 12 to prevent the first product M21 from flowing out from the residue discharge port 163.

[0081] This concludes the description of embodiment 2. With the above-mentioned configuration, this embodiment can provide an extrusion device, a processing system, and a processing method that efficiently separate and recover reusable substances.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the invention. For example, the screw and cylinder of the extruder according to the present disclosure are not limited to a twin-screw extruder. The screw and cylinder of the extruder according to the present disclosure may be a single-screw extruder. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 Processing System 11 Extrusion equipment 12 Extrusion equipment 90 Wind Power Generation System 100 cylinders 110 Acceptance Department 111 1st reception department 112 2nd reception department 120 Drive unit 121 Screw 122 Pyrolysis section 130 Decomposition Processing Area 140 Irradiation device 150 Injection part 160 outlet 161 Valve 163 Residue discharge port 171 Heating device 172 Cooling mechanism 181 Thermometer 182 Pressure Gauge 200 Secondary battery 300 Separation equipment 301 1st separation device 302 Second separation device 310 Delivery pipe 320 outlet 400 Reservoir 500 Control section 610 Conveyor drive unit M10 Processing target M11 resin M12 Catalyst M21 1st product M22 2nd product

Claims

1. a cylinder having a receiving portion for receiving an object to be treated from the outside; A screw that is rotatably accommodated in the cylinder and conveys the object received from the receiving section downstream while rotating; A decomposition processing area which is a space set in the cylinder; an irradiation device that irradiates the treatment object with microwaves in the decomposition treatment area; an outlet which is a flow path for sending the object to be processed that has been irradiated with microwaves and then transported downstream out of the cylinder.

2. The screw transports the object to be treated before being pyrolyzed upstream of the decomposition treatment zone to the decomposition treatment zone, thereby pushing the object to be treated after being pyrolyzed downstream from the decomposition treatment zone.

2. The extrusion apparatus of claim 1.

3. a heating device for heating the treatment object in a region between the receiving section and the decomposition treatment region; and a cooling mechanism for cooling the treatment target after being thermally decomposed in a region between the decomposition treatment region and the delivery port.

2. The extrusion apparatus of claim 1.

4. The cylinder has a pressure gauge for measuring a pressure in the vicinity of the delivery port, The outlet has a valve that is set to open and close in response to a preset pressure, The valve is configured to close when the pressure is below a preset threshold and to open when the pressure is equal to or greater than the threshold.

2. The extrusion apparatus of claim 1.

5. the receiving section receives the processing object including at least a resin, The irradiation device irradiates the microwaves to pyrolyze the treatment target so that at least hydrogen can be separated. An extrusion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The receiving portion includes a first receiving portion for receiving the resin and a second receiving portion for receiving a catalyst for promoting thermal decomposition, The screw conveys the treatment object containing the resin and the catalyst while mixing them.

6. The extrusion apparatus of claim 5.

7. The irradiation device thermally decomposes the treatment object by irradiating the microwave having a frequency of 300 MHz to 30 GHz.

7. The extrusion apparatus of claim 6.

8. a thermometer for measuring the temperature inside the cylinder in the vicinity of the decomposition treatment zone; A control unit that controls at least one of the microwave irradiation output or the rotation speed of the screw according to the temperature measured by the thermometer, The control unit increases the microwave irradiation output, slows down the rotation speed of the screw, or increases the temperature of the cylinder when the temperature indicated by the thermometer provided in the cylinder upstream of the irradiation device is less than a preset first temperature.

6. The extrusion apparatus of claim 5.

9. a thermometer for measuring the temperature inside the cylinder in the vicinity of the decomposition treatment zone; A control unit that controls at least one of the microwave irradiation output or the rotation speed of the screw according to the temperature measured by the thermometer, 6. The extrusion device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit reduces the microwave irradiation output, increases the rotation speed of the screw, or increases the temperature of the cylinder when the temperature indicated by the thermometer is equal to or higher than a preset second temperature.

10. Further comprising a control unit for controlling the rotation speed of the screw, the magnitude of the microwave irradiation output irradiated by the irradiation device, and the temperature of the cylinder; 6. The extrusion apparatus of claim 5.

11. An extrusion device according to claim 5; a separation device that separates and extracts the hydrogen from the treatment target sent out from the delivery port of the extrusion device.

12. The irradiation device of the extrusion device pyrolyzes the treatment object so as to further separate carbon by irradiating the microwave, The separation device further separates and extracts carbon from the pyrolyzed treatment target. The processing system of claim 11.

13. Further comprising a secondary battery for supplying power to the irradiation device. The processing system of claim 11.

14. The secondary battery is capable of storing power generated by renewable energy. The processing system of claim 13.

15. The object to be processed is placed inside the cylinder. The screw housed in the cylinder is rotated to transport the received object to a downstream side, Irradiating the target with microwaves in a decomposition treatment area, which is a space set in the cylinder; Sending the processing object transported downstream after being irradiated with the microwaves out of the cylinder. Processing methods.

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