Pyrolysis reactor and carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device incorporating the same

Abstract

To provide a pyrolysis reactor that effectively transfers heat to waste composite materials by means of a stirring module, thereby shortening the time required for the pyrolysis process, and a carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device that includes this reactor.SOLUTION: The pyrolysis reactor comprises a casing, at least one moving module, and at least one stirring module. The moving module may be mounted on the inner wall of the casing and may have spiral blades extending in the longitudinal direction of the casing. The stirring module may be mounted perpendicular to the inner wall of the casing and may have a plurality of plate-shaped swirls extending in the longitudinal direction of the casing. The stirring modules may be arranged alternately with the moving modules. The moving modules move the waste composite material within the inner casing, and the stirring modules mix the waste composite material with hot air within the inner casing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pyrolysis reactor and a recovery device for carbon fibers and glass fibers including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Wind power generation is a power generation method in which the kinetic energy of wind rotates blades to convert it into mechanical energy and then converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. Its utilization is increasing as an alternative to existing power generation methods that mainly use fossil fuels.

[0003] In a wind turbine, a plurality of blades are attached to the rotating shaft of the generator. In order to produce more electrical energy, the blades are made long and wide. As the size of the blade increases, the weight of the blade increases. However, the blade must be made as light as possible for energy efficiency. In addition, since the blade continuously collides with the wind, the strength of the blade must be improved and its durability must also be ensured. To solve such problems, carbon fiber reinforced plastic or glass fiber reinforced plastic is used as the material of the blade. The composite material containing carbon fibers and glass fibers is light but has high strength, and is used in various fields such as the automotive field and the aviation field in addition to the blade.

[0004] However, after the blade of the wind turbine is damaged or its life is exhausted, the treatment of the waste blade becomes a problem. Generally, composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic or glass fiber reinforced plastic are difficult to recycle and are mostly landfilled. However, it is impossible to continuously landfill the increasing composite material waste, and the need for treatment methods other than landfilling or recyclable methods has been continuously emerging.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a reactor and a recovery device that can effectively recover carbon fibers or glass fibers from used waste blades. In addition to waste blades, it is also necessary to develop devices and methods for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers in waste composite materials discharged in the automotive industry, aerospace industry, etc.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a pyrolysis reactor capable of maximizing heat transfer efficiency and recovering recycled fibers in a short time, as well as a recovery device for carbon fibers and glass fibers.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pyrolysis reactor capable of preventing waste composite materials from being pinched and staying inside the reactor when the reactor rotates, as well as a recovery device for carbon fibers and glass fibers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a casing, at least one moving module, and at least one stirring module. The casing is cylindrical. The moving module can be mounted on the inner wall of the casing and include spiral blades developed in the longitudinal direction of the casing. The stirring module can be mounted perpendicular to the inner wall of the casing and include a plurality of plate-shaped swaras extending in the longitudinal direction of the casing. The stirring module may be alternately arranged with the moving module.

[0010] In a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the swirler may include a flat plate portion having a short side in the radial direction of the casing and an inclined portion inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the flat plate portion.

[0011] In a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the angle between the flat plate portion and the inclined portion may be 90 to 170°.

[0012] In a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the end of the inclined portion can face the rotation direction of the casing.

[0013] In a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the length ratio of the cross section of the flat plate portion to the inclined portion may be 1:1 to 1:0.3.

[0014] A pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a burner and further include a heating furnace in which a casing is accommodated.

[0015] A pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention may be disposed on one side of the heating furnace and further include a charging portion connected to one side end of the casing.

[0016] In a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the charging portion may include a first valve located on the upstream side, a second valve located on the downstream side, and a gas inlet located between the first valve and the second valve.

[0017] A pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention can supply combustion gas at 400 to 500 °C into the casing.

[0018] In a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the distance between adjacent spirals in the spiral blade may be 0.1 to 0.3 m.

[0019] The pyrolysis reactor according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a casing, a moving module, and a stirring module. The casing is formed in a cylindrical shape. The moving module can be mounted on the inner wall of the casing and include spiral blades that are deployed in the longitudinal direction of the casing. The stirring module can be mounted perpendicular to the inner wall of the casing and include a plurality of plate-shaped swaras with one side fitted to the spiral blades and extending in the longitudinal direction of the casing.

[0020] In the pyrolysis reactor according to another embodiment of the present invention, the swara can include a flat plate portion with a short side having the radial direction of the casing and an inclined portion inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the flat plate portion. The angle between the flat plate portion and the inclined portion may be 90 to 170°.

[0021] The carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a waste composite material supply unit, a reaction unit that heats the waste composite material supplied from the waste composite material supply unit, a heat supply unit that provides heat to the reaction unit, a reforming unit that separates the pyrolysis gas discharged from the reaction unit into gas and oil, and a separation unit that separates the result of the reaction unit into a first substance and a second substance, a first chamber that houses the first substance, and a separation unit that includes a second chamber that houses the second substance. The reaction unit can include at least one pyrolysis reactor. The pyrolysis reactor includes a casing, at least one moving module, and at least one stirring module. The casing is cylindrical. The moving module can be mounted on the inner wall of the casing and include spiral blades that are deployed in the longitudinal direction of the casing. The stirring module can be mounted perpendicular to the inner wall of the casing and include a plurality of plate-shaped swaras that extend in the longitudinal direction of the casing. The stirring module may be alternately arranged with the moving module.

[0022] In the carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the swara can include a flat plate portion with a short side having the radial direction of the casing and an inclined portion inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the flat plate portion.

[0023] In the carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the angle between the flat plate portion and the inclined portion may be 90 to 170°.

[0024] In the carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the end of the inclined portion can face the rotation direction of the casing.

[0025] In the carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the length ratio of the cross section of the flat plate portion to the inclined portion may be 1:1 to 1:0.3.

[0026] In the carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pyrolysis reactor may include a burner and further include a heating furnace in which a casing is accommodated inside.

[0027] In the carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pyrolysis reactor is arranged on one side of the heating furnace and may further include a charging portion connected to one side end of the casing.

[0028] In the carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the charging portion may include a first valve located on the upstream side, a second valve located on the downstream side, and a gas inlet located between the first valve and the second valve.

[0029] The carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention can supply combustion gas at 400 to 500°C into the casing.

[0030] In the carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the interval between adjacent spirals in the spiral blade may be 0.1 to 0.3 m.

Advantages of the Invention

[0031] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the heat transfer efficiency can be maximized to recover recycled fibers within a short time.

[0032] According to the embodiments of the present invention, when the reactor rotates, it is possible to prevent waste composite materials from being caught and staying inside the reactor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] The present invention can have various embodiments with various transformations applied, but specific embodiments will be exemplified and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that all transformations, equivalents, or alternatives included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are included.

[0035] The terms used in the present invention are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present invention, terms such as "including" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. At this time, note that in the accompanying drawings, the same components are represented by the same reference numerals as much as possible. Also, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations that may obscure the gist of the present invention are omitted. For the same reason, some components in the accompanying drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a moving module in a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a stirring module in a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a swirler in a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a lateral cross-section of a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pyrolysis reactor 1000 according to the present invention includes a casing 1100, a moving module 1200, and a stirring module 1300.

[0039] The casing 1100 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The waste composite material is pyrolyzed inside the casing 1100. The casing 1100 can rotate in one direction for mixing the waste composite material. Combustion gas is injected and discharged into the casing 1100 to maintain a reducing atmosphere during the pyrolysis of the waste composite material. Gas at 400 to 500 °C can be injected into the casing 1100.

[0040] The inside of the casing 1100 can maintain a reducing atmosphere. For maintaining the reducing atmosphere, the gas exhausted from the casing 1100 can be recycled into the casing 1100. The exhaust gas is composed of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc. One or more oxygen measurement sensors may be arranged inside the casing 1100. Continuously measure the oxygen concentration inside the casing 1100 and control it so that the oxygen concentration inside the casing 1100 is less than 10%.

[0041] The casing 1100 has a length that can ensure the residence time of the waste composite material. The residence time may be at least 2 hours or more.

[0042] The moving module 1200 moves the waste composite material inside the casing 1100 as the casing 1100 rotates. As shown in FIG. 3, the moving module 1200 includes a spiral blade 1210. The spiral blade 1210 is fixed to the inner wall of the casing 1100.

[0043] The width of the spiral blade 1210 can be adjusted according to the design specifications. For example, the width of the spiral blade 1210 may be 10 to 15 cm. The interval between adjacent spiral blades 1210 can be set differently according to the target residence time. For example, the interval between the spiral blades 1210 may be 0.1 to 0.3 m.

[0044] By adjusting the spacing between the helical blades 1210 and the rotational speed of the casing 1100, the residence speed of the waste composite material and the state of the reactants can be adjusted.

[0045] The material of the helical blades 1210 may be a metal with high thermal conductivity. The waste composite material can receive heat by contacting the helical blades 1210.

[0046] The stirring module 1300 mixes the waste composite material with hot air inside the casing 1100. The swirler of the stirring module 1300 can effectively transfer heat to the waste composite material while mixing it.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the stirring module 1300 includes a plurality of swirlers 1310. The plurality of swirlers 1310 may be arranged at equal angular intervals on the inner wall of the casing 1100. Two to four swirlers 1310 may be arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the casing 1100.

[0048] The swirler 1310 has a rectangular plate shape. The swirler 1310 has a long side extending in the longitudinal direction of the casing 1100 and a short side extending in the radial direction of the casing. One end of the swirler 1310 is fixed to the inner wall of the casing 1100, and the other end is expanded toward the inside of the casing 1100.

[0049] The swirler 1310 can be bent at a predetermined angle from one side in the expansion direction (FIG. 5). By bending the other end side of the swirler 1310, the swirler 1310 has a flat plate portion 1311 and an inclined portion 1312. One end of the flat plate portion 1311 is fixed to the inner wall of the casing 1100, and the other end faces the radial direction of the casing 1100. One end of the inclined portion 1312 is connected to the flat plate portion 1311 and is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the flat plate portion 1311. The angle θ between the flat plate portion 1311 and the inclined portion 1312 may be 90 to 170°, or preferably 90 to 120°.

[0050] When the casing 1100 rotates, more heat is transferred to the waste composite material by the swirler 1310. When the casing 1100 rotates, the waste composite material located at the lower part of the casing 1100 has its flow restricted by the swirler 1310. When the swirler 1310 is positioned above a predetermined height due to the rotation of the casing 1100, the waste composite material fractionated by the swirler 1310 drops. At this time, the inclined portion 1312 of the swirler 1310 restricts the drop of the waste composite material in contact with the flat portion 1311, preventing the waste composite material from dropping directly to the lower part of the casing 1100. The waste composite material can efficiently receive heat transfer by contacting the swirler 1310 for a long time due to the inclined portion 1312.

[0051] At this time, the larger the angle between the flat portion 1311 and the inclined portion 1312, the faster the waste composite material in contact with the swirler 1310 drops to the lower part of the casing 1100, and the greater the mixing degree of the waste composite material. On the contrary, when the angle between the flat portion 1311 and the inclined portion 1312 becomes smaller, the drop of the waste composite material is restricted, and the waste composite material contacts the swirler 1310 for a long time and receives more heat. The angle between the flat portion 1311 and the inclined portion 1312 can be selected according to the design specifications.

[0052] The long sides of the flat portion 1311 and the inclined portion 1312 extend along the longitudinal direction of the casing 1100 and have the same length. In contrast, the short sides of the flat portion 1311 and the inclined portion 1312 can have different lengths. As shown in FIG. 5, the length of the short side of the flat portion 1311 may be l1, and the length of the short side of the inclined portion 1312 may be l2. The length ratio of l1 to l2 may be 1:1 to 1:0.3, preferably 1:0.5. The longer l1 becomes, the more the waste composite material contacts a wider area when the casing 1100 rotates, and more heat can be transferred to the waste composite material. When the size of the waste composite material 2000 to be thermally decomposed is large or the amount of the waste composite material 2000 is large, l1 can be lengthened so that a larger amount of the waste composite material 2000 contacts the wide area of the flat portion 1311.

[0053] The length ratio of the flat part 1311 to the inclined part 1312 can be selected according to the desired design specifications. The material of the swirler 1310 may be a metal with high thermal conductivity.

[0054] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the inclination direction of the inclined part 1312 can face the rotation direction of the casing 1100. By having the inclined part 1312 face the rotation direction of the casing 1100, it is possible to limit the falling of the fractionated waste composite material below the swirler 1310.

[0055] In the present invention, since the swirler 1310 includes the inclined part 1312, when the casing 1100 rotates, the waste composite material 2000 is prevented from being pinched or fixed to the swirler 1310. Further, not only does the swirler 1310 transfer heat to the waste composite material 2000 better, but also in the process of the waste composite material falling from the swirler 1310 to the bottom surface of the casing 1100, the waste composite material 2000 is better mixed with the hot air. Thereby, the heat transfer efficiency to the waste composite material can be maximized.

[0056] The waste composite material is located at the lower part of the casing 1100, but it is difficult for heat to be uniformly transferred to the inside of the casing 1100. However, the moving module 1200 and the stirring module 1300 make it possible to efficiently transfer heat to the waste composite material while moving and mixing the waste composite material. At least one moving module 1200 and at least one stirring module 1300 may be alternately arranged. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, three moving modules 1200 and two stirring modules 1300 are alternately arranged, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and moving modules 1200 and stirring modules 1300 with various lengths and numbers may be alternately arranged.

[0057] By adjusting the length of the long side of the stirring module 1300, the residence time of the waste composite material can be adjusted. The length of the stirring module 1300 is designed considering the residence time during the pyrolysis reaction at the design stage, and the residence time is determined by the overall length and rotation speed of the casing 1100 and the length of the stirring module 1300. The materials of the moving module 1200 and the stirring module 1300 may be metals with high thermal conductivity.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a moving module and a stirring module in the pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] In other embodiments, the moving module 1200 and the stirring module 1300 may continuously extend along the longitudinal direction of the shaft and be arranged overlapping each other within the casing 1100.

[0060] The moving module 1200 moves the waste composite material within the casing 1100 as the casing 1100 rotates. As shown in FIG. 7, the moving module 1200 includes spiral blades 1210'. The spiral blades 1210' are fixed to the inner wall of the casing 1100 and continuously extend along the longitudinal direction of the casing 1100.

[0061] The width of the spiral blades 1210' can be adjusted according to the design specifications. For example, the width of the spiral blades 1210' may be 10 to 15 cm. The interval between adjacent spiral blades 1210' can be set differently according to the target residence time. For example, the interval between the spiral blades 1210' may be 0.1 to 0.3 m.

[0062] By adjusting the interval between the spiral blades 1210' and the rotation speed of the casing 1100, the residence speed of the waste composite material and the state of the reactants can be adjusted.

[0063] The material of the spiral blade 1210' may be a metal with high thermal conductivity. The waste composite material can receive heat by contacting the spiral blade 1210'.

[0064] The stirring module 1300 mixes the waste composite material with hot air inside the casing 1100. The swirler 1310' of the stirring module 1300 can effectively transfer heat to the waste composite material while mixing it.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, the stirring module 1300 includes a plurality of swirlers 1310'. The swirler 1310' is plate-shaped, with one side fixed to the inner wall of the casing 1100 and continuously extending in the longitudinal direction of the casing 1100. The plurality of swirlers 1310' may be arranged at equal angular intervals on the inner wall of the casing 1100. Two to four swirlers 1310' may be arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the casing 1100.

[0066] The swirler 1310' has a rectangular plate shape. The swirler 1310' has a long side extending in the longitudinal direction of the casing 1100 and a short side developed in the radial direction of the casing. One end of the swirler 1310' is fixed to the inner wall of the casing 1100, and the other end is developed toward the inside of the casing 1100.

[0067] The swirler 1310' can be bent at a predetermined angle from one side in the radial direction. When the other end side of the swirler 1310' bends, the swirler 1310' has a flat plate portion and an inclined portion. One end of the flat plate portion is fixed to the inner wall of the casing 1100, and the other end faces the radial direction of the casing 1100. One end of the inclined portion is connected to the flat plate portion and is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the flat plate portion. The angle θ between the flat plate portion and the inclined portion may be 90 to 170°, or preferably 90 to 120°.

[0068] When the casing 1100 rotates, more heat is transferred to the waste composite material by the swirler 1310'. When the casing 1100 rotates, the waste composite material located at the lower part of the casing 1100 has its flow restricted by the swirler 1310'. When the swirler 1310' is positioned above a predetermined height due to the rotation of the casing 1100, the waste composite material fractionated by the swirler 1310' drops. At this time, the inclined part of the swirler 1310' restricts the drop of the waste composite material in contact with the flat part, restricting the waste composite material from dropping directly to the lower part of the casing 1100. The waste composite material can efficiently receive heat transfer by contacting the swirler 1310' for a long time due to the inclined part.

[0069] At this time, the larger the angle between the flat part and the inclined part, the faster the waste composite material in contact with the swirler 1310' drops to the lower part of the casing 1100, and the greater the mixing degree of the waste composite material. On the contrary, when the angle between the flat part and the inclined part becomes smaller, the drop of the waste composite material is restricted, and the waste composite material contacts the swirler 1310' for a long time and receives more heat. The angle between the flat part and the inclined part can be selected according to the design specifications.

[0070] The long sides of the flat part and the inclined part extend along the longitudinal direction of the casing 1100 and have the same length. In contrast, the short sides of the flat part and the inclined part can have different lengths. The length of the short side of the flat part may be l1, and the length of the short side of the inclined part may be l2. The length ratio of l1 to l2 may be 1:1 to 1:0.3, preferably 1:0.5. The longer l1 is, the more the waste composite material contacts a wider area when the casing 1100 rotates, and more heat can be transferred to the waste composite material. When the size of the waste composite material 2000 to be thermally decomposed is large or the amount of the waste composite material 2000 is large, l1 can be lengthened so that a larger amount of the waste composite material 2000 contacts the wide area of the flat part.

[0071] The length ratio of the flat part to the inclined part can be selected according to the desired design specifications. The material of the swirler 1310' may be a metal with high thermal conductivity.

[0072] On the one hand, the inclination direction of the inclined portion can face the rotation direction of the casing 1100. By having the inclined portion face the rotation direction of the casing 1100, it is possible to limit the falling of the fractionated waste composite material below the swirler 1310'.

[0073] In the present invention, since the swirler 1310' is provided with an inclined portion, when the casing 1100 rotates, it is possible to prevent the waste composite material 2000 from being pinched or fixed to the swirler 1310'. In addition, not only does the swirler 1310' transfer heat to the waste composite material 2000 better, but also during the process of the waste composite material falling from the swirler 1310' to the bottom surface of the casing 1100, the waste composite material 2000 is better mixed with the high-temperature air. Thereby, the heat transfer efficiency to the waste composite material can be maximized.

[0074] The materials of the moving module 1200 and the stirring module 1300 may be metals with high thermal conductivity.

[0075] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 9, the pyrolysis reactor 1000 according to the present invention may further include a heating furnace 1400, a charging section 1500, and a discharging section 1600.

[0077] The heating furnace 1400 supplies heat to the waste composite material. High-temperature gas can flow into the heating furnace 1400. The heating furnace 1400 indirectly heats the waste composite material using the high-temperature gas.

[0078] The high-temperature gas can be generated by a burner (not shown) disposed outside the heating furnace 1400. The burner burns the pyrolysis gas and LNG to generate combustion gas. The generated high-temperature combustion gas can be supplied into the heating furnace 1400. The temperature of the combustion gas may be 400 - 500°C.

[0079] On the other hand, the heating furnace 1400 may further be provided with a plurality of burners 1410. The burners 1410 may be arranged outside the casing 1100 and in the area where the stirring module 1300 is arranged. The stirring module 1300 plays a role of mixing the waste composite material and transferring heat to the waste composite material, but it is possible to further supply heat from outside the casing 1100 to transfer more heat to the waste composite material. The heat sources of the burners 1410 may be pyrolysis gas and LNG.

[0080] The input section 1500 transfers the crushed waste composite material to the casing 1100. The input section 1500 is connected to one end of the casing 1100.

[0081] The input section 1500 includes a hopper 1510, a first valve 1520, a second valve 1530, a gas inlet 1540, and a gas outlet 1550. The upper end of the hopper 1510 is open, and the waste composite material is supplied through the upper end of the hopper 1510. The hopper 1510 can have a frustum shape with a larger diameter at the upper end and a smaller diameter as it goes down so that the waste composite material can be easily supplied. A tubular passage extends below the hopper 1510.

[0082] For the pyrolysis of the waste composite material, it is necessary to keep the composition of the air inside the casing 1100 constant. However, when the input section 1500 is opened to supply the waste composite material, outside air flows in together, causing a change in the composition of the gas inside the casing 1100. To prevent this, the input section 1500 includes a first valve 1520 and a second valve 1530. The first valve 1520 is provided on the upstream side of the passage, and the second valve 1530 is provided on the downstream side of the passage.

[0083] The first valve 1520 and the second valve 1530 are not opened simultaneously, but are controlled to be opened sequentially. The first valve 1520 and the second valve 1530 can be opened in a sliding manner, and the degree of opening can be adjusted according to the amount of waste composite material to be input. In this embodiment, the input section 1500 forms a double structure by the first and second valves 1520 and 1530, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided with three or more valves on the input section side. Each valve can move within a predetermined range. By opening each of the plurality of valves, as much crushed waste composite material as desired can be input into the casing 1100. Also, such a double valve can continuously input the waste composite material into the casing 1100, and the inflow of oxygen can be minimized during input.

[0084] The first valve 1520 can be opened with the second valve 1530 closed. After the first valve 1520 is opened and a predetermined amount of crushed waste composite material is input, when the first valve 1520 is closed and the input section 1500 is sealed, the second valve 1530 is opened. Simultaneously with the opening of the second valve 1530, flue gas can be injected through the gas inlet 1540. While the second valve 1530 is open, flue gas is supplied into the passage of the input section 1500, and when the second valve 1530 is closed again, the flue gas is discharged through the gas outlet 1550. The opening of the second valve 1530 inputs the waste composite material into the casing 1100. In order to easily draw the waste composite material into the casing 1100, the passage of the input section 1500 can have an inclined surface inclined toward the casing 1100. The inflow of oxygen into the casing 1100 can be minimized by the double valve and the supply of flue gas.

[0085] Through the discharge section 1600, pyrolyzed carbon fibers, glass fibers, and char are discharged. The discharge section 1600 is connected to the other end of the casing 1100. On one side of the discharge section 1600, there is an outlet provided so that the pyrolysis reactants transmitted from the inside of the casing 1100 can be discharged. For the discharge of the pyrolysis reactants, an opening or a cut surface may be formed on the end side of the casing 1100.

[0086] One end of the casing 1100 is rotatably connected to the input section 1500, and the other end of the casing 1100 is rotatably connected to the discharge section 1600. For the rotation of the casing 1100, a motor (not shown) may be arranged on the input section 1500 or the discharge section 1600 side, or on both sides of the input section 1500 and the discharge section 1600.

[0087] The pyrolysis reactants discharged from the discharge section 1600 can move to a reactant collection section (not shown). The reactant collection section accommodates the pyrolyzed reactants. The reactant collection section is connected to the discharge section 1600. The reactant collection section may have an inclination formed on the side surface adjacent to the discharge section 1600 so that the pyrolysis products discharged from the discharge section 1600 do not collide abruptly with the bottom surface of the reactant collection section.

[0088] The reactant collection section can have a flue gas atmosphere of 100°C or higher to prevent damage to the recycled fibers due to a rapid temperature drop. Carbon fibers, glass fibers, and char are collected in the reactant collection section.

[0089] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing that two pyrolysis reactors according to an embodiment of the present invention are stacked, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing that two pyrolysis reactors according to an embodiment of the present invention are stacked.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 10, the recovery device 3000 for carbon fibers and glass fibers includes a waste composite material supply unit 3100, a reaction unit 3200, a heat supply unit 3300, a reforming unit 3400, and a separation unit 3500.

[0091] The waste composite material supply unit 3100 supplies the waste composite material to the reaction unit 3200. The waste composite material supply unit 3100 can pretreat the waste composite material into a state suitable for pyrolysis and supply it to the reaction unit 3200.

[0092] The waste composite material supply unit 3100 includes a crushing module, a conveying module, a storage module, and a feeding module. The crushing module crushes the collected waste composite material into a predetermined size and moves it to the storage module via the conveying module. The crushing module can crush the waste composite material cut to a predetermined length to a thickness of 20 mm or less. On the other hand, the crushing module can adjust the crushing size of the cut waste composite material. The crushing size of the waste composite material can be adjusted according to the target state of the waste composite material and the final product. When long fiber recovery is possible, the crushing size of the waste blade can be larger.

[0093] Conveyors may be used to convey the waste composite material to each unit and each module during the recovery process. A plurality of conveyors may be provided continuously or in parallel along the movement path of the waste composite material. The waste composite material may be screened during conveyance.

[0094] In order to reduce the generation of water vapor during the pyrolysis process of the waste composite material, hot air can be supplied to the storage module to dry the stored waste composite material.

[0095] The feeding module feeds the waste composite material into the pyrolysis reactor 1000 of the reaction unit 3200. A single-screw feeder can be used to feed the crushed waste composite material. The feeding module can feed the waste composite material into the feeding section 1300 of the pyrolysis reactor 1000 either sporadically or continuously.

[0096] On the other hand, it is necessary to lower the temperature of the waste composite material placed in the feeding module. Cooling jackets can be arranged on the bottom and side surfaces of the feeding module to cool the waste composite material. The pyrolysis reactor connected to the lower part of the feeding section is in a high-temperature state due to the high-temperature gas flowing inside. By arranging cooling jackets on the bottom and side surfaces of the feeding module, it is possible to prevent a fire from occurring in the waste blades located in the feeding module before the heat released from the pyrolysis reactor is transmitted to the feeding module and then fed into the pyrolysis reactor. The cooling jacket can receive cold water from the cooling tower of the reforming unit to lower the temperature of the waste composite material to be fed.

[0097] The reaction unit 3200 receives the waste composite material from the waste composite material supply unit 3100 and pyrolyzes it. The reaction unit 3200 includes at least one pyrolysis reactor 1000. The pyrolysis reactor 1000 can include a casing 1100, a moving module 1200, a stirring module 1300, a heating furnace 1400, a feeding section 1500, and a discharging section 1600.

[0098] Since the pyrolysis reactor 1000 has been described above, the description is omitted.

[0099] The waste composite material fed into the pyrolysis reactor 1000 is pyrolyzed inside the pyrolysis reactor 1000. The pyrolysis step can go through a primary pyrolysis step and a secondary pyrolysis step. By primary pyrolysis, resins such as epoxy and wood contained in the waste composite material are gasified. By secondary pyrolysis, the resins and char remaining in the carbon fiber and glass fiber lumps are decomposed. The internal temperature of the pyrolysis reactor 1000 during primary and secondary pyrolysis may be 400 - 600 °C.

[0100] The primary pyrolysis and secondary pyrolysis may be carried out by the pyrolysis reactor 1000. Considering the residence time of the waste composite material in the reactor, the size of the waste composite material to be input, etc., two or more pyrolysis reactors may be connected and used. For example, the reaction unit 3200 may include one primary pyrolysis reactor 1000 and one secondary pyrolysis reactor 1000'. Alternatively, in order to ensure the residence time during primary pyrolysis, the reaction unit 3200 may also include two primary pyrolysis reactors 1000 and one secondary pyrolysis reactor 1000'.

[0101] The primary pyrolysis reactor 1000 for primary pyrolysis and the secondary pyrolysis reactor 1000' for secondary pyrolysis may be connected horizontally or vertically. As shown in FIG. 11, when a plurality of pyrolysis reactors are connected vertically, there are advantages that the size of the entire plant can be reduced and the degree of freedom in design can be increased.

[0102] When two pyrolysis reactors 1000 and 1000' are arranged vertically, the rotation directions of the casings 1100 and 1100' in the two pyrolysis reactors 1000 and 1000' may be opposite to each other. As shown in FIG. 12, the primary pyrolysis reactor 1000 can rotate clockwise, and the secondary pyrolysis reactor 1000' can rotate counterclockwise. In this case, the unfolding directions of the inclined portions 1312 of the swirl 1310 may be opposite to each other.

[0103] During primary pyrolysis, the oxygen concentration in the primary pyrolysis reactor 1000 must be maintained at 10% or less. A sensor can be arranged inside the primary pyrolysis reactor 1000 to continuously measure the oxygen concentration. In other embodiments, a sensor may be arranged in the exhaust line to measure the oxygen concentration in the exhausted gas.

[0104] During the first pyrolysis, the residence time of the crushed waste composite material in the primary pyrolysis reactor 1000 may be 9 hours or less. If the residence time exceeds 9 hours, the reactants may be excessively carbonized. The temperature inside the primary pyrolysis reactor 1000 may be 400 - 500 °C.

[0105] As a result of the first pyrolysis, resins such as epoxy and wood contained in the waste composite material are gasified in the pyrolysis reactor 1000, and carbon fiber and glass fiber lumps remain as the end products. At this time, the resin that has not yet been gasified is carbonized (char) and remains on the surface of the carbon fiber and glass fiber.

[0106] As a result of the first pyrolysis process, in addition to gas and char, oil vapor is generated. The oil vapor is cooled while passing through the reforming unit 3400, and part of it can be extracted as gas and part as oil. The oil vapor can be cooled by water. The gas generated from the oil vapor has a calorific value and flows into the gas tank of the heat supply unit 3300, where it can be used as an indirect heat source for the secondary pyrolysis.

[0107] The secondary pyrolysis may be carried out in the secondary pyrolysis reactor 1000'. The secondary pyrolysis is a combustion reaction. The carbon fiber and glass fiber lumps with some char removed move to the secondary pyrolysis reactor 1000'. In this step, there may be char attached between the carbon fiber and glass fiber. During the secondary pyrolysis process, the combustion gas containing about 10% oxygen burns the residual epoxy and char. Through the secondary pyrolysis process, that is, the combustion process, the residual epoxy and char are removed, leaving only carbon fiber and glass fiber.

[0108] The heat source for the secondary pyrolysis may be combustion gas. The temperature of the combustion gas injected into the secondary pyrolysis reactor 1000' may be 500 - 600 °C, preferably 500 °C. The oxygen concentration in the combustion gas may be about 10%. Due to the combustion reaction in the secondary pyrolysis reactor 1000', the resin and char remaining in the carbon fiber and glass fiber lumps are decomposed.

[0109] The residence time of the secondary pyrolysis reactor 1000' for carbon fiber and glass fiber mass may be 3 hours or less. At this time, if the oxygen concentration in the secondary pyrolysis reactor 1000' is high, oxidation of the object to be heated may occur, so the oxygen concentration is maintained at 10% or less.

[0110] As a result of the secondary pyrolysis, high-purity carbon fiber and glass fiber remain.

[0111] The heat supply unit 3300 can include a burner, a heat exchanger, a blower, a scrubber, and a chimney. The heat energy required for the pyrolysis reaction can be supplied by the burner. The burner can supply combustion gas to the external casing in an indirect heating form. The burner may use pyrolysis gas or LNG as fuel. The blower injects external air into the heat exchanger so that the external air is heat-exchanged. The external air is heated by the heat exchanger and supplied to the storage module.

[0112] The scrubber treats the waste gas. As the scrubber, a dust collector using an aqueous NaOH solution can be used. In this embodiment, a washing and dust collecting device using an aqueous NaOH solution is used, but it is not limited thereto, and scrubbers such as a filtration method and an electrostatic method may be used. The chimney finally discharges the waste gas and by-products.

[0113] The reforming unit 3400 can include a catalyst tower, a heat exchanger, a separation tank, a washing tank, and a pressure control tank. The reforming unit 3400 converts the pyrolysis gas into oil. About 30% of the total pyrolysis gas can be converted into pyrolysis oil. Thereby, the fuel amount for pyrolysis can be saved.

[0114] As the catalyst tower, a zeolite-based commercial catalyst such as ZSM-5 can be used, but it is not limited thereto. The pyrolysis gas flows into the lower part of the catalyst tower and is reformed while flowing to the upper part. The heat exchanger cools the pyrolysis gas that has passed through the catalyst tower and turns the oil vapor into oil.

[0115] The separation tank separates the condensed pyrolysis gas into gas and oil. The cooled pyrolysis gas moves to the separation tank. The pyrolysis gas in gaseous state is discharged from the upper part of the separation tank, and the oil condenses and is discharged from the lower part of the separation tank. The condensed oil can be stored in the pyrolysis oil storage tank.

[0116] The pyrolysis gas discharged from the upper part of the separation tank flows into the washing tank, and foreign substances in the gaseous pyrolysis gas are removed. The washing tank neutralizes the pyrolysis gas to reduce the amount of hydrogen chloride (HCl) in the pyrolysis gas, and the neutralized pyrolysis gas flows into the pressure control tank. The pressure control tank is arranged to prevent the backflow of the pyrolysis gas before the pyrolysis gas is supplied to the burner. The pyrolysis gas discharged from the pressure control tank can be supplied to the burner.

[0117] The reformed pyrolysis gas is used again as fuel for heating the primary and secondary pyrolysis reactors 1000, 1000'. By using the pyrolysis gas as fuel again, the overall fuel consumption can be reduced, and the emission of pollutants can be reduced.

[0118] The separation unit 3500 can include a washing section, a separation section, a first chamber, a second chamber, a carding module, and a pelletizing module. The washing section is where the secondary pyrolysis product is transmitted and washed so that only lumps of carbon fiber and glass fiber remain. The separation section separates the secondary pyrolysis product into r-CF (recycled carbon fiber) and r-GF (recycled glass fiber). r-CF and r-GF can be separated using the density difference. The methods using the density difference include a dry method and a wet method. The dry method utilizes the flow of air. Air flow is caused on the product of the second pyrolysis moving on the conveyor to move the light carbon fiber.

[0119] The wet method is a method of separating carbon fiber and glass fiber using a liquid having an intermediate density between the densities of carbon fiber and glass fiber.

[0120] The carbon fibers and glass fibers separated by the separation unit can move to the first chamber and the second chamber respectively. The separation operation of the carbon fibers and glass fibers may be performed on a conveyor.

[0121] The carbon fibers and glass fibers stored in the first chamber and the second chamber respectively can be post-processed for shipment.

[0122] The carding module brushes r-CF and r-GF having a predetermined length. The lengths of the r-CF and r-GF from which the resin has been removed are 50 mm or less. Since the lengths of r-CF and r-GF are short, they are brushed for post-processing. The brushed r-CF and r-GF are pressed to be processed into non-woven fabrics. When the lengths of r-CF and r-GF are 5 mm or less, brushing is not easy, so they are not fed into the carding module. Before the recovered r-CF and r-GF are fed into the carding module, r-CF and r-GF with lengths of 5 mm or less can be separated using a mesh or the like.

[0123] The pelletizing module melts and mixes the recovered r-CF, r-GF and resin to make pellets. The pelletizing module cuts the non-woven fabric produced by the carding module into a predetermined size and mixes it with the melted resin. The r-CF and r-GF non-woven fabrics whose structure has been hardened by pressing are cured together with the resin and shipped out.

[0124] The r-CF and r-GF with lengths of 5 mm or less immediately flow into the pelletizing module respectively. The r-CF and r-GF with lengths of 5 mm or less are immediately mixed with the resin and pelletized.

[0125] The control unit can determine whether the carbon fiber and glass fiber stored in the first chamber and the second chamber respectively move to the pelletizing module via the carding module or immediately move to the pelletizing module, after receiving the size of the waste composite material particles input from the waste composite material supply module 3100 into the pyrolysis reactor. According to the needs of the user, the crushing size of the waste composite material may be adjusted in the crushing step.

[0126] In the present invention, the waste composite material may be crushed, pyrolyzed, and separated into carbon fiber and glass fiber in one step, or may be moved to each unit by a conveyor. One or more conveyors may be coordinated to adjust the residence time in each unit.

[0127] As described above, an embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field can make various modifications and changes to the present invention by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components without departing from the idea of the present invention described in the claims, and this is also included within the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0128] 1000: Pyrolysis Reactor, 1100: Casing 1200: Moving Module, 1210: Screw Blade 1300: Stirring Module, 1310: Swirler 1311: Flat Part, 1312: Inclined Part 1400: Heating Furnace 1410: Burner, 1500: Feeding Part 1510: Hopper, 1520: First Valve 1530: Second Valve, 1540: Gas Inlet 1550: Gas Outlet, 1600: Discharge Part

Claims

1. A cylindrical casing, At least one moving module mounted on the inner wall of the casing and provided with spiral blades deployed in the longitudinal direction of the casing, At least one stirring module mounted at a right angle to the inner wall of the casing, provided with a plurality of plate-shaped swirls extending in the longitudinal direction of the casing, and arranged alternately with the moving module, a pyrolysis reactor.

2. The pyrolysis reactor according to claim 1, wherein the swirl comprises a flat plate portion having a short side in the radial direction of the casing and an inclined portion inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the flat plate portion.

3. The pyrolysis reactor according to claim 2, wherein the angle between the flat plate portion and the inclined portion is 90 to 170°.

4. The pyrolysis reactor according to claim 2, wherein the end of the inclined portion faces the rotation direction of the casing.

5. The pyrolysis reactor according to claim 2, wherein the length ratio of the cross section of the flat plate portion to the inclined portion is 1:1 to 1:0.

3.

6. The pyrolysis reactor according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a heating furnace provided with a burner and housing the casing therein.

7. Further comprising a charging section disposed on one side of the heating furnace and connected to one end of the casing, The charging section, A first valve located on the upstream side, A second valve located on the downstream side, The pyrolysis reactor according to claim 6, comprising a gas inlet located between the first valve and the second valve.

8. The pyrolysis reactor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance between adjacent spirals in the spiral blades is 0.1 to 0.3 m.

9. A waste composite material supply unit, A reaction unit for heating the waste composite material supplied from the waste composite material supply unit, A heat supply unit for providing heat to the reaction unit, A reforming unit for separating the pyrolysis gas discharged from the reaction unit into gas and oil, A separation unit including a separation section for separating the product of the reaction unit into a first substance and a second substance, a first chamber for housing the first substance, and a second chamber for housing the second substance, The reaction unit includes at least one pyrolysis reactor, The pyrolysis reactor, A cylindrical casing, At least one moving module mounted on the inner wall of the casing and provided with spiral blades deployed in the longitudinal direction of the casing, A recovery device for carbon fiber and glass fiber, comprising a plurality of plate-shaped swirlers mounted perpendicularly to the inner wall of the casing and extending in the longitudinal direction of the casing, and at least one stirring module arranged alternately with the moving module.

10. The carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to claim 9, wherein the swirler includes a flat plate portion having a short side in the radial direction of the casing, and an inclined portion inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the flat plate portion.

11. The carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to claim 10, wherein the angle between the flat plate portion and the inclined portion is 90 to 170°.

12. The carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to claim 10, wherein the end of the inclined portion faces the rotation direction of the casing.

13. The carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to claim 10, wherein the length ratio of the cross section of the flat plate portion to the inclined portion is 1:1 to 1:0.

3.

14. The pyrolysis reactor The carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a heating furnace equipped with a burner and housing the casing therein.

15. The pyrolysis reactor The carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to claim 14, further comprising a charging portion disposed on one side of the heating furnace and connected to one side end of the casing, The charging portion A first valve located on the upstream side, A second valve located on the downstream side, The carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to claim 14, further comprising a gas inlet located between the first valve and the second valve.

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