Thermal decomposition reactor and recovery system of carbon fiber and glass fiber including the same

Abstract

To provide a thermal decomposition reactor and a recovery system of carbon fiber and glass fiber capable of recovering recycle fiber in a short time by maximizing heat transfer efficiency.SOLUTION: The present inventions are a thermal decomposition reactor and a recovery system of carbon fiber and glass fiber including the same. The thermal decomposition reactor includes an inner casing, a shaft, at least one moving module, and at least one mixing module. The moving module moves waste composite material in the inner casing, and the mixing module mixes the waste composite material with hot wind in the inner casing. The present invention effectively transmits heat to the waste composite material with the mixing module so as to shorten the time necessary in a thermal decomposition process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pyrolysis reactor and a recovery apparatus for carbon fiber and glass fiber 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 fiber and glass fiber 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 expires, 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 continuously emerged.

[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.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an inner casing, a shaft, at least one moving module, and at least one stirring module. The inner casing is formed in a cylindrical shape. The shaft is disposed at the radial center of the inner casing and can extend in the longitudinal direction of the inner casing. The moving module can be fixed on the shaft. The stirring module is fixed on the shaft and may be alternately arranged with the moving module.

[0009] The pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a burner and further include a heating furnace in which the inner casing is accommodated.

[0010] In a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the moving module can include a plurality of horizontal support bases with one end extending horizontally from the shaft, a plurality of vertical support bases with one end extending vertically from the shaft, and a spiral blade connected to the other ends of the horizontal support bases and the other ends of the vertical support bases and having a predetermined width.

[0011] In a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the stirring module can include a plurality of stirring plates arranged at equal angular intervals around the shaft. The stirring plate can have an "n" shape and include a horizontal plate with one end fixed to the shaft and extending horizontally, and a rectangular vertical plate extending vertically on the horizontal plate.

[0012] A pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention can further include a charging section disposed on one side of the heating furnace and connected to one end of the inner casing.

[0013] A pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention can further include a discharge section disposed on the other side of the heating furnace and connected to the other end of the inner casing.

[0014] In a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, combustion gas at 400 to 500 °C can be supplied into the inner casing.

[0015] In a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the separation distance between the inner wall of the inner casing and the spiral blade may be 4 to 10 mm.

[0016] In a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the interval between adjacent spirals of the spiral blade may be 0.3 to 0.5 m.

[0017] In a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the shaft may be 0.1 to 0.3 m.

[0018] The pyrolysis reactor according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an inner casing, a shaft, a moving module, and a stirring module. The inner casing is formed in a cylindrical shape. The shaft is disposed at the radial center of the inner casing and can extend in the longitudinal direction of the inner casing. The stirring module can include a plurality of stirring plates fixed on the shaft and extending in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. The moving module may be fixed on the stirring plate and deployed in the longitudinal direction of the shaft.

[0019] In the pyrolysis reactor according to another embodiment of the present invention, the stirring plate can have an "n" shape and include a horizontal plate with one end fixed to the shaft and extending horizontally, and a rectangular vertical plate extending vertically on the horizontal plate.

[0020] 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 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 separation unit for separating the result of the reaction unit into a first substance and a second substance, a first chamber for accommodating the first substance, and a separation unit including a second chamber for accommodating the second substance. The reaction unit can include at least one pyrolysis reactor. The pyrolysis reactor includes an inner casing, a shaft, at least one moving module, and at least one stirring module. The inner casing is formed in a cylindrical shape. The shaft is disposed at the radial center of the inner casing and can extend in the longitudinal direction of the inner casing. The moving module can be fixed on the shaft. The stirring module can be fixed on the shaft and arranged alternately with the moving module.

[0021] In the carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pyrolysis reactor can include a burner and further include a heating furnace in which the inner casing is accommodated inside.

[0022] In the carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the moving module can include a plurality of horizontal support bases with one end extending horizontally from the shaft, a plurality of vertical support bases with one end extending vertically from the shaft, and a spiral blade connected to the other ends of the horizontal support bases and the other ends of the vertical support bases and having a predetermined width.

[0023] In the carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the stirring module can include a plurality of stirring plates arranged at equal angular intervals on the shaft. The stirring plate can have an "n" shape and include a horizontal plate with one end fixed to the shaft and extending horizontally, and a rectangular vertical plate extending vertically on the horizontal plate.

[0024] 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 inner casing.

[0025] In the carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the separation distance between the inner wall of the inner casing and the spiral blade may be 4 to 10 mm.

[0026] In the carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the distance between adjacent spirals of the spiral blade may be 0.3 to 0.5 m.

[0027] In the carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the shaft may be 0.1 to 0.3 m.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer efficiency can be maximized to recover recycled fibers within a short time.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

[0030] The present invention can have various embodiments with various conversions added, but specific embodiments will be illustrated 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 conversions, equivalents, or alternatives included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are included.

[0031] The terms used in the present invention are merely used for explaining 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 it should be understood that the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not precluded in advance.

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. At this time, in the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the same components are represented by the same reference numerals as much as possible. In addition, 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.

[0033] 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, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a transverse cross-section of a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pyrolysis reactor 1000 according to the present invention includes an inner casing 1100, a shaft 1200, a moving module 1300, a stirring module 1400, a heating furnace 1500, an input section 1600, and a discharge section 1700.

[0035] The inner casing 1100 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Waste composite materials are pyrolyzed inside the inner casing 1100. Combustion gas is injected and discharged into the inner casing 1100 to maintain a reducing atmosphere during the pyrolysis of the waste composite materials. Combustion gas at 400 to 500 ° C. can be injected into the inner casing 1100.

[0036] The interior of the inner casing 1100 can maintain a reducing atmosphere. To maintain the reducing atmosphere, the gas exhausted from the inner casing 1100 can be recycled into the inner casing. The exhaust gas is composed of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc. One or more oxygen measurement sensors may be arranged inside the inner casing 1100. Continuously measure the oxygen concentration inside the inner casing 1100 and control it so that the oxygen concentration inside the inner casing 1100 is less than 10%.

[0037] The inner 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. Also, inject air with an oxygen concentration of 10% or less into the inner casing 1100 to prevent the waste composite material from staying and make it possible to mix the waste composite material well with the air.

[0038] The shaft 1200 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the inner casing 1100 at the center of the inner casing 1100. The shaft 1200 extends outside the inner casing 1100 and can be rotated by a driving part (not shown). By flowing high-temperature gas through the inner casing 1200 along with the rotation of the shaft 1200, the stagnation of the waste composite material can be prevented. The high-temperature gas may be exhaust gas, and the oxygen ratio may be 10% or less.

[0039] The diameter of the shaft 1200 may be 0.1 - 0.3 m. The diameter of the shaft 1200 can be set larger as the diameter of the inner casing 1200 increases. As the diameter of the shaft 1200 increases, the area receiving heat transfer inside the inner casing 1100 becomes smaller, and the heat transfer efficiency to the waste composite material is improved. Thereby, the present invention can improve the heat transfer efficiency while maintaining a large diameter of the inner casing 1200.

[0040] On the other hand, the shaft 1200 is in a pipe shape, and high-temperature gas can flow through the internal space of the shaft 1200. The shaft 1200 may be made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity. More heat can be transferred to the waste composite material by the shaft 1200.

[0041] The moving module 1300 moves the waste composite material inside the internal casing 1100. As shown in FIG. 2, in the moving module 1300, the spiral blades are fixed to the shaft 1200 by a support base.

[0042] The stirring module 1400 mixes the waste composite material with hot air inside the internal casing 1100. The stirring plate of the stirring module 1400 effectively transfers heat to the waste composite material.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the waste composite material is located at the lower part of the internal casing 1100, but heat is not easily transferred uniformly to the inside of the internal casing 1100. However, the moving module 1300 and the stirring module 1400 can efficiently transfer heat to the waste composite material while moving and mixing the waste composite material. At least one moving module 1300 and at least one stirring module 1400 may be alternately arranged. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, three moving modules 1300 and two stirring modules 1400 are alternately arranged, but it is not limited thereto, and moving modules 1300 and stirring modules 1400 with various lengths and numbers may be alternately arranged.

[0044] The residence time of the waste composite material can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the stirring module 1400. The length of the stirring module 1400 is designed considering the residence time during the pyrolysis reaction at the design time, and the residence time is determined by the overall length of the internal casing 1100, the length of the stirring module 1400, and the rotation speed of the shaft 1200. The materials of the shaft 1200, the moving module 1300, and the stirring module 1400 may be metals with high thermal conductivity. The larger the radius of the shaft 1200, the smaller the radial width of the stirring plate in the stirring module 1400. Thereby, the area of the stirring plate to which heat is transferred becomes smaller, and the stirring plate receives more heat per unit area, so that high-temperature heat can be effectively transferred to the waste composite material. The moving module 1300 and the stirring module 1400 will be described in detail later.

[0045] The heating furnace 1500 supplies heat to the waste composite material. High-temperature gas flows into the heating furnace 1500. The heating furnace 1500 indirectly heats the waste composite material using the high-temperature gas.

[0046] The high-temperature gas can be generated by a burner (not shown) disposed outside the heating furnace 1500. The burner burns the pyrolysis gas and LNG to generate combustion gas. The generated high-temperature combustion gas is supplied into the outer casing 1100. The temperature of the combustion gas may be 400 - 500 °C.

[0047] The input section 1600 transfers the waste composite material crushed product to the inner casing 1100. The input section 1600 is disposed on one side of the heating furnace 1500. The input section 1600 is connected to one end of the inner casing 1100.

[0048] The input section 1600 includes a hopper 1610, a first valve 1620, a second valve 1630, a gas inlet 1640, and a gas outlet 1650. The upper end of the hopper 1610 is open, and the waste composite material is supplied through the upper end of the hopper 1610. The hopper 1600 can have a frustum shape with a larger diameter at the upper end and a smaller diameter towards the bottom so that the waste composite material can be easily supplied. A tubular passage extends below the hopper 1600.

[0049] For the pyrolysis of the waste composite material, it is necessary to keep the composition of the air in the inner casing 1100 constant. However, when the input section 1600 is opened to supply the waste composite material, outside air flows in together, causing a change in the gas composition in the inner casing 1100. To prevent this, the input section 1600 includes a first valve 1620 and a second valve 1630. The first valve 1620 is provided on the upstream side of the passage, and the second valve 1630 is provided on the downstream side of the passage.

[0050] The first valve 1620 and the second valve 1630 are not opened simultaneously, but are controlled to be opened sequentially. The first valve 1620 and the second valve 1630 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 1600 forms a double structure by the first and second valves 1620 and 1630, but is not limited thereto, and the input section side may be provided with three or more valves. Each valve can move within a predetermined range. By opening the plurality of valves respectively, as much crushed waste composite material as desired can be input into the interior of the inner casing 1100. Also, the waste composite material can be continuously input into the inner casing 1100 by such a double valve, and the inflow of oxygen can be minimized during input.

[0051] The first valve 1620 can be opened with the second valve 1630 closed. After the first valve 1620 is opened and a predetermined amount of crushed waste composite material is input, when the first valve 1620 is closed and the input section 1600 is sealed, the second valve 1630 is opened. Simultaneously with the opening of the second valve 1630, flue gas can be injected through the gas inlet 1640. While the second valve 1630 is open, supply flue gas into the passage of the input section 1600, and when the second valve 1630 is closed again, discharge the flue gas through the gas outlet 1650. The opening of the second valve 1630 inputs the waste composite material into the inner casing 1100. In order to easily draw the waste composite material into the inner casing 1100, the passage of the input section 1600 can have an inclined surface inclined toward the inner casing 1100. The inflow of oxygen into the inner casing 1100 can be minimized by the double valve and the supply of flue gas.

[0052] Through the discharge section 1700, the pyrolyzed carbon fiber, glass fiber, and char are discharged. The discharge section 1700 is disposed on the other side of the heating furnace 1500. The discharge section 1700 is connected to the downstream end of the inner casing 1100.

[0053] The pyrolysis reactants discharged from the discharge unit 1700 can move to a reactant collection unit (not shown). The reactant collection unit accommodates the pyrolyzed reactants. The reactant collection unit is connected to the discharge unit 1700. The reactant collection unit may have an inclined surface formed on the side adjacent to the discharge unit 1700 so that the pyrolysis products discharged from the discharge unit 1700 do not collide abruptly with the bottom surface of the reactant collection unit.

[0054] The reactant collection unit 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 unit.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a moving module in a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a stirring plate in a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a stirring module in a pyrolysis reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] The moving module 1300 and the stirring module 1400 will be described in more detail.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the moving module 1300 includes a spiral blade 1310, a horizontal support base 1320, and a vertical support base 1330. The spiral blade 1310 is arranged at a distance from the shaft 1200. The spiral blade 1310 is supported by a plurality of horizontal support bases 1320 and vertical support bases 1330.

[0058] One end of each of the plurality of horizontal support bases 1320 is fixed to the shaft 1200 and extends in the horizontal direction. The other end of each of the plurality of horizontal support bases 1320 is fixed to the spiral blade 1310 to support the spiral blade 1310 in the horizontal direction. One end of each of the plurality of vertical support bases 1330 is fixed to the shaft 1200 and extends in the vertical direction. The other end of each of the plurality of vertical support bases 1330 is fixed to the spiral blade 1310 to support the spiral blade 1310 in the vertical direction.

[0059] The width of the spiral blade 1310 can be adjusted according to the design specifications. For example, the width of the spiral blade 1310 may be 10 to 15 cm. The interval between adjacent spiral blades 1310 can be set differently according to the target residence time. For example, the interval between the spiral blades may be 0.3 to 0.5 m. The material of the spiral blade 1310 may be a metal with high thermal conductivity.

[0060] By adjusting the interval between the spiral blades 1310 and the rotation speed of the shaft 1200, the residence speed of the waste composite material and the state of the reactants can be adjusted.

[0061] The spiral blade 1310 and the inner wall surface of the inner casing 1100 can be separated by 4 to 10 mm. By separating the spiral blade 1310 from the inner wall surface of the inner casing 1100, while ensuring the durability of the spiral blade 1310, it is possible to effectively move the waste composite material 2000 located on the bottom surface of the inner casing 1100.

[0062] The moving module 1300 moves the waste composite material while the spiral blade 1310 rotates by the rotation of the shaft 1200. By adjusting the rotation speed of the shaft 1200, the residence time of the waste composite material 2000 in the inner casing can be adjusted. Since the spiral blade 1310 is supported by the horizontal support base 1320 and the vertical support base 1330, it is possible to prevent the waste composite material 2000 from being pinched or fixed in the space between the spiral blade 1310 and the shaft 1200. Thereby, the durability of the moving module 1300 can be improved.

[0063] The stirring module 1400 includes a plurality of stirring plates 1410. The plurality of stirring plates 1410 are arranged at equal angular intervals on the shaft 1200. The number of stirring plates 1410 arranged on the shaft 1200 may be 2 to 4.

[0064] The stirring plate 1410 includes a horizontal plate 1411 and a vertical plate 1412.

[0065] The horizontal plate 1411 has an "n" shape. The horizontal plate 1411 can perform heat transfer by bringing the waste composite material into contact with the plate surface. The base portion 1411a of the horizontal plate 1411 may be fixed to the shaft and expanded in the horizontal direction. The other end of the base portion 1411a is connected to the flat portion 1411b. The flat portion 1411b has a long side extending in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 1200 and a short side extending in the radial direction of the inner casing 1200. The length of the short side, that is, the width S of the flat portion 1411b, can be determined according to the specifications of the pyrolysis reactor.

[0066] The degree of heat transfer applied to the waste composite material 2000 changes according to the width S of the flat portion 1411b. If the width S of the flat portion 1411b is large, more waste composite material will come into contact with the stirring plate 1410 when the stirring plate 1410 rotates. When the size of the waste composite material 2000 to be pyrolyzed is large or the amount of the waste composite material 2000 is large, the width S of the flat portion 1411b can be increased so that a large area of the waste composite material 2000 comes into contact with the stirring plate 1410, or more crushed materials of the waste composite material 2000 can come into contact with the stirring plate 1410.

[0067] It is possible to prevent the waste composite material 2000 from being sandwiched or fixed to the stirring plate 1410 while the waste composite material 2000 falls into the space between the base portion 1411a and the flat portion 1411b. Also, not only can heat be better transferred to the waste composite material 2000, but the waste composite material 2000 can be better mixed with the high-temperature air while falling from the stirring plate 1410 to the bottom surface of the inner casing 1100. As a result, the heat transfer efficiency to the waste composite material can be maximized. In order to firmly fix the horizontal plate 1411 to the shaft 1200, a connecting portion may be further provided between the flat portion 1411b and the shaft 1200.

[0068] The vertical plate 1412 is arranged vertically with respect to the horizontal plate 1411 on the horizontal plate 1411. The vertical plate 1412 has a rectangular shape and has a long side extending in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 1200 and a short side extending in the radial direction of the inner casing. The vertical plate 1412 can perform heat transfer by bringing the waste composite material into contact with the plate surface. In addition, the waste composite material 2000 lifted by the horizontal plate 1411 does not immediately fall, and can be brought into contact with the horizontal plate 1411 and the vertical plate 1412 for a longer time to further improve the heat transfer efficiency. The material of the stirring plate 1410 may be a metal with high thermal conductivity.

[0069] At least one moving module 1300 and at least one stirring module 1400 may be arranged alternately.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In other embodiments, the moving module 1300 and the stirring module 1400 may continuously extend along the longitudinal direction of the shaft and be arranged to overlap each other within the inner casing 1100.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the stirring module 1400 can be fixed on the shaft and extend in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. The stirring module 1400 includes a plurality of stirring plates 1410'. The plurality of stirring plates 1410' are arranged at equal angular intervals on the shaft 1200. Two to four stirring plates 1410' may be arranged on the shaft 1200. The plurality of stirring plates 1410' extend along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 1200.

[0073] The stirring plate 1410' includes a horizontal plate 1411 and a vertical plate 1412.

[0074] The horizontal plate 1411 has an "n" shape. The horizontal plate 1411 can perform heat transfer by bringing the waste composite material into contact with the plate surface. The width S of the horizontal plate 1411 can be determined according to the specifications of the pyrolysis reactor.

[0075] The degree of heat transfer applied to the waste composite material 2000 varies according to the width S of the horizontal plate 1411. If the width S of the horizontal plate 1411 is large, more waste composite material will come into contact with the stirring plate 1410' during the rotation of the stirring plate 1410'. When the size of the waste composite material 2000 to be pyrolyzed is large or the amount of the waste composite material 2000 is large, the width S of the horizontal plate 1411 can be increased so that a large area of the waste composite material 2000 comes into contact with the stirring plate 1410', or more crushed materials of the waste composite material 2000 come into contact with the stirring plate 1410.

[0076] To firmly fix the horizontal plate 1411 to the shaft 1200, a plurality of connecting parts can be further provided. It is possible to prevent the waste composite material 2000 from being sandwiched or fixed to the stirring plate 1410' while the waste composite material 2000 falls into the space between the horizontal plate 1411 and the shaft 1200. In addition to better transferring heat to the waste composite material 2000, the waste composite material 2000 is better mixed with the high-temperature air while falling from the stirring plate 1410' to the bottom surface of the inner casing 1100. Thereby, the heat transfer efficiency to the waste composite material can be maximized.

[0077] The vertical plate 1412 is arranged vertically with respect to the horizontal plate 1411 on the horizontal plate 1411. The vertical plate 1412 is rectangular in shape and has a long side extending in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 1200 and a short side extending in the radial direction of the inner casing. The vertical plate 1412 can perform heat transfer by bringing the waste composite material into contact with the plate surface. Further, the horizontal plate 1411 restricts the fall of the waste composite material 2000 that has risen, so that the waste composite material does not fall immediately, and the waste composite material is brought into contact with the horizontal plate 1411 and the vertical plate 1412 for a longer time, thereby further improving the heat transfer efficiency. The material of the stirring plate 1410' may be a metal with high thermal conductivity.

[0078] The moving module 1300 is fixed to one side of the stirring plate 1410' and extends in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 1200. The moving module 1300 includes a spiral blade 1310'. The spiral blade 1310' is arranged at a distance from the shaft 1200. The spiral blade 1310' is supported by being sandwiched between the horizontal plates 1411 of the plurality of stirring plates 1410'. For stronger support of the spiral blade 1310', the moving module 1300 may further include a plurality of support bases. One end of the plurality of support bases is fixed to the shaft 1200 and extends in the radial direction to fix the spiral blade 1310'.

[0079] The width of the spiral blade 1310' can be adjusted according to the design specifications. For example, the width of the spiral blade 1310' may be 10 to 15 cm. The interval between adjacent spiral blades 1310 can be set differently according to the target residence time. For example, the interval between the spiral blades may be 0.3 to 0.5 m. The material of the spiral blade 1310' may be a metal with high thermal conductivity.

[0080] By adjusting the interval between the spiral blades 1310' and the rotational speed of the shaft 1200, the residence speed of the waste composite material and the state of the reactants can be adjusted.

[0081] The spiral blade 1310' and the inner wall surface of the inner casing 1100 can be separated by 4 to 10 mm. By separating the spiral blade 1310' from the inner wall surface of the inner casing 1100, while ensuring the durability of the spiral blade 1310', it is possible to effectively move even the waste composite material 2000 located on the bottom surface of the inner casing 1100.

[0082] The moving module 1300 moves the waste composite material while the spiral blade 1310' rotates due to the rotation of the shaft 1200. By adjusting the rotation speed of the shaft 1200, the residence time of the waste composite material 2000 in the inner casing 1100 can be adjusted. The spiral blade 1310' is supported by the horizontal plate 1411 of the stirring plate 1410' at a distance from the shaft 1200, so that the waste composite material 2000 can be prevented from being sandwiched or fixed in the space between the spiral blade 1310' and the stirring plate 1410' and the shaft 1200. Thereby, the durability of the moving module 1300 can be improved.

[0083] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing that two pyrolysis reactors according to an embodiment of the present invention are stacked.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 9, the carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device 3000 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.

[0085] 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 pre-treat the waste composite material to an appropriate state for pyrolysis and supply it to the reaction unit 3200.

[0086] 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 increased.

[0087] In order to convey the waste composite material to each unit and each module within the recovery process, conveyors may be used. 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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 1600 of the pyrolysis reactor 1000 either singly or continuously.

[0090] On the one hand, it is necessary to lower the temperature of the waste composite material placed in the input module. Cooling jackets can be arranged on the bottom and side surfaces of the input module to cool the waste composite material. The pyrolysis reactor connected to the lower part of the input 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 input module, it is possible to prevent a fire from occurring in the waste blades located in the input module before the heat released from the pyrolysis reactor is transmitted to the input module and input 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 input waste composite material.

[0091] 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 an internal casing 1100, a shaft 1200, a moving module 1300, a stirring module 1400, a heating furnace 1500, an input section 1600, and a discharge section 1700.

[0092] Since the pyrolysis reactor 1000 has been described above, the description is omitted.

[0093] The waste composite material input 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.

[0094] 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'.

[0095] 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. 10, 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] During primary pyrolysis, the residence time of the crushed waste composite material in the primary pyrolysis reactor 1000 may be 9 hours or less. When 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.

[0098] As a result of primary 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 resultant 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.

[0099] 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 and can be used as an indirect heat source for the secondary pyrolysis.

[0100] 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 mass with some char removed moves to the secondary pyrolysis reactor 1000'. In this step, there may be char attached between the fibers in the carbon fiber and glass fiber. In the secondary pyrolysis process, the combustion gas containing about 10% oxygen burns the residual epoxy and char. The residual epoxy and char are removed by the secondary pyrolysis process, that is, the combustion process, and only the carbon fiber and glass fiber remain.

[0101] 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 mass are decomposed.

[0102] The residence time of the carbon fiber and glass fiber mass in the secondary pyrolysis reactor 1000' 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.

[0103] As a result of the secondary pyrolysis, high-purity carbon fiber and glass fiber remain.

[0104] The heat supply unit 3300 can include a burner, a heat exchanger, a blower, a scrubber, and a chimney. The thermal 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.

[0105] The scrubber treats 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 also be used. The chimney finally discharges the waste gas and by-products.

[0106] 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 pyrolysis gas into oil. Approximately 30% of the total pyrolysis gas can be converted into pyrolysis oil. Thereby, the fuel amount for pyrolysis can be saved.

[0107] 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 upward. The heat exchanger cools the pyrolysis gas that has passed through the catalyst tower and converts the oil vapor into oil.

[0108] The separation tank separates the condensed pyrolysis gas into gas and oil. The cooled pyrolysis gas moves to the separation tank. The gaseous pyrolysis gas 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] The separation unit 3500 can include a washing unit, a separation unit, a first chamber, a second chamber, a carding module, and a pelletizing module. The washing unit is transmitted with the results of the secondary pyrolysis and washes so that only lumps of carbon fiber and glass fiber remain. The separation unit separates the results of the secondary pyrolysis 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 and causes the flow of air to the results of the second pyrolysis moving on the conveyor to move the light carbon fiber.

[0112] 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.

[0113] The carbon fiber and glass fiber separated by the separation unit can move into the first chamber and the second chamber respectively. The separation operation of the carbon fiber and the glass fiber may be performed on the conveyor.

[0114] The carbon fibers and glass fibers stored in the first chamber and the second chamber respectively can be post-processed for shipment.

[0115] 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 the r-CF and r-GF are short, they are brushed for post-processing. The brushed r-CF and r-GF are crimped and processed into a non-woven fabric. When the lengths of the 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, the r-CF and r-GF with lengths of 5 mm or less can be separated using a mesh or the like.

[0116] 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 fabric whose structure has been hardened by crimping is cured together with the resin and shipped out.

[0117] 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.

[0118] The control unit receives the size of the waste composite material particles input from the waste composite material supply unit 3100 into the pyrolysis reactor, and can determine whether the carbon fibers and glass fibers 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. The crushing size of the waste composite material may be adjusted in the crushing step according to the needs of the user.

[0119] In the present invention, the waste composite material may be subjected to crushing, pyrolysis, and separation of carbon fibers and glass fibers in one step, or may be moved to each unit by a conveyor. One or more conveyors can be coordinated to adjust the residence time in each unit.

[0120] As described above, an embodiment of the present invention has been explained. However, those with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field can make various modifications and changes to the present invention by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components, etc., 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

[0121] 1000: Pyrolysis reactor, 1100: Inner casing 1200: Shaft, 1300: Moving module 1310: Screw blade, 1320: Horizontal support base 1330: Vertical support base, 1400: Stirring module 1410: Stirring plate, 1411: Horizontal plate 1412: Vertical plate, 1500: Heating furnace 1600: Feeding section, 1610: Hopper 1620: First valve, 1630: Second valve 1640: Gas inlet, 1650: Gas outlet 1700: Discharge section, 2000: Waste composite material

Claims

1. A cylindrical inner casing, A shaft disposed at the radial center of the inner casing and extending in the longitudinal direction of the inner casing, At least one moving module fixed on the shaft, A pyrolysis reactor comprising at least one stirring module fixed on the shaft and arranged alternately with the moving module.

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

3. The moving module includes A plurality of horizontal support platforms with one end extending horizontally from the shaft, A plurality of vertical support platforms with one end extending vertically from the shaft, The pyrolysis reactor according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a helical blade connected to the other ends of the plurality of horizontal support platforms and the other ends of the plurality of vertical support platforms and having a predetermined width.

4. The stirring module comprises a plurality of stirring plates arranged at equal angular intervals on the shaft, The plurality of stirring plates are in an "n" shape and include a horizontal plate with one end fixed to the shaft and extending horizontally, The pyrolysis reactor according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a rectangular vertical plate extending vertically on the horizontal plate.

5. The pyrolysis reactor according to claim 2, further comprising a charging section disposed on one side of the heating furnace and connected to one side end of the inner casing.

6. The pyrolysis reactor according to claim 2, further comprising a discharging section disposed on the other side of the heating furnace and connected to the other side end of the inner casing.

7. The pyrolysis reactor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein combustion gas at 400 - 500 °C is supplied into the inner casing.

8. The pyrolysis reactor according to claim 3, wherein the separation distance between the inner wall of the inner casing and the helical blade is 4 - 10 mm.

9. The pyrolysis reactor according to claim 3, wherein the distance between adjacent helices of the helical blade is 0.3 - 0.5 m.

10. 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 inner casing, a shaft disposed at the radial center of the inner casing and extending in the longitudinal direction of the inner casing, at least one moving module fixed on the shaft, a recovery device for carbon fiber and glass fiber comprising at least one stirring module fixed on the shaft and arranged alternately with the moving module.

11. The pyrolysis reactor is provided with a burner and further includes a heating furnace in which the inner casing is accommodated. The recovery device for carbon fiber and glass fiber according to claim 10.

12. The moving module includes a plurality of horizontal support platforms with one end extending horizontally from the shaft, a plurality of vertical support platforms with one end extending vertically from the shaft, and a spiral blade connected to the other ends of the plurality of horizontal support platforms and the other ends of the plurality of vertical support platforms and having a predetermined width. The recovery device for carbon fiber and glass fiber according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The stirring module includes a plurality of stirring plates arranged at equal angular intervals on the shaft, the plurality of stirring plates are in an "n" shape, and include a horizontal plate with one end fixed to the shaft and extending horizontally, and a rectangular vertical plate extending vertically on the horizontal plate. The recovery device for carbon fiber and glass fiber according to claim 10 or 11.

14. The combustion gas at 400 to 500 °C is supplied into the inner casing. The recovery device for carbon fiber and glass fiber according to claim 10 or 11.

15. The separation distance between the inner wall of the inner casing and the spiral blade is 4 to 10 mm. The recovery device for carbon fiber and glass fiber according to claim 12.

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