Waste disposal methods

Abstract

Make effective use of waste. [Solution] The waste treatment method comprises the steps of crushing or pulverizing waste containing natural fibers or recycled fibers, separating unwanted materials from the waste, and dewatering and / or drying the waste from which the unwanted materials have been separated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a waste treatment method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, methods for treating waste such as textile products are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for purifying discarded cotton-based textile products into reusable cellulose materials.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for treating waste, but does not disclose a method for effectively utilizing waste.

[0005] An example of the problem to be solved by the present invention is to effectively utilize waste.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 is a step of crushing or pulverizing waste containing natural fibers or regenerated fibers, a step of separating unnecessary substances from the waste, a step of dehydrating and / or drying the waste from which the unnecessary substances have been separated, and is a waste treatment method having the above steps.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, waste can be effectively utilized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for extracting materials from waste. [Figure 2] This is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a frame fabrication system. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal structure of a 3D printer. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of an information processing device. [Figure 6] The first figure shows an example of a resin frame. [Figure 7] The second figure shows an example of a resin frame. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0010] In this embodiment, a method for extracting materials from waste such as clothing will be described.

[0011] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for extracting materials from waste. The waste may be, for example, clothing, or it may be clothing from which accessories such as metal fittings and plastics have been removed. Clothing is defined as "something worn by humans to cover the body partially or completely." The waste may also be everyday items such as bedding, towels, dishcloths, and curtains. The waste may contain natural fibers or recycled fibers. Natural fibers may be plant fibers or animal fibers. Examples of plant fibers include linen and cotton. Examples of animal fibers include wool, silk, cashmere, feathers, and animal hair fibers. Examples of recycled fibers include rayon, cupro, and lyocell.

[0012] Step S110 is a step of determining whether the waste can be decolorized. In the determination of whether waste such as clothes can be decolorized, for example, an optical analysis of the waste may be performed to capture a waveform peak characteristic of the dye for determination. Also, a part of the waste may be sampled for various analyses. Information about the dye may be obtained from the product manufacturer of the waste (for example, a clothing manufacturer).

[0013] Step S120 is a step of dry-crushing the waste when it is determined that the waste can be decolorized (step S110: YES). The step of dry-crushing may be crushing or pulverizing, or may be a step of further pulverizing after crushing. Any of these steps may be, for example, a method using a shredder type, superheated steam type, ultrasonic type, vacuum type, mill type (ball mill, blade mill, hammer mill, roll mill, colloid mill, air jet mill, rotary mill, freeze mill, jet mill, etc.), mortar type, chipper type, explosive, press, etc.

[0014] Step S130 is a step of determining whether the crushed or pulverized waste is in a lump form. The step of determining whether it is in a lump form may be a step of mechanically reading and determining an image of the waste, or may be a step of visually determining.

[0015] Step S140 is a step of performing a catalyst treatment on the waste when it is determined that the waste is in a lump form (step S110: YES). The catalyst may be, for example, an enzyme such as cellulase or protease.

[0016] Step S150 is a step of wet-pulverizing the waste. Step S160 is a step of decolorizing the waste. In the step of decolorizing the waste, the waste may be oxidized and bleached, or a reducing bleaching agent may be used. Also, AOT (Advanced oxidation technology) treatment and a reducing bleaching agent may be used in combination.

[0017] Step S170 is a process of separating unwanted materials from the waste. The unwanted materials may be synthetic fibers or metals including petroleum materials such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, polypropylene, polyurethane, etc. For example, the method of separating polyester-based unwanted materials such as PET may be separation by dissolution using a solvent. That is, by treating with a solvent (e.g., HFIP-chloroform) that can selectively dissolve the polyester-based material, the cellulose-based material can be recovered. Note that the process of this step S170 may be performed before the decolorization of step S160.

[0018] Step S180 is a process of dehydrating and / or drying the waste.

[0019] When it is determined that the waste is not decolorizable (step S110: NO), step S220 is a process of dry-crushing the waste. The processes from step S220 to step S280 are the same as the processes from step S120 to step S180, except that they do not include the process of decolorizing the waste corresponding to step S160.

[0020] Powder can be extracted from the waste by the process shown in FIG. 1. For example, when the waste has a material containing proteins such as silk, wool, cashmere, feathers, and animal hair fibers, protein powder is extracted. Also, when the waste has a material containing cellulose such as cotton, hemp, rayon, cupra, and lyocell, cellulose powder is extracted. Further, when the waste has a decolorizable material by the process shown in FIG. 1, colorless powder is extracted by the decolorization process.

[0021] Next, as an example of the method of using the material extracted by the method shown in FIG. 1, a system for shaping a framework used in a building will be described.

[0022] (Outline of the framework shaping system) Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a frame fabrication system. The frame fabrication system 100 comprises a 3D (Three Dimensions) scanner 1, an information processing device 2, and a 3D printer 3. The frame fabrication system 100 is a system used to fabricate frames used in buildings. The 3D scanner 1, the information processing device 2, and the 3D printer 3 are connected to each other via a communication network 101 so that they can communicate with one another.

[0023] 3D scanner 1 is a device that measures the shape of an object in three dimensions and generates the measurement results as data representing the three-dimensional shape, such as in point cloud format or 3D model format. For example, 3D scanner 1 measures the shape of the interior of a building and generates data representing the shape of the interior of the building (hereinafter referred to as interior shape data). Here, the building includes structures such as houses, office buildings, schools, shrines, bridges, etc.

[0024] Information processing device 2 is a device for processing various types of information, such as those generated by a computer. Information processing device 2 acquires internal shape data generated by 3D scanner 1 and generates design data for a structural frame used in a building. Here, information processing device 2 generates design data assuming a structural frame made of resin. An example of the hardware configuration and operation of information processing device 2 will be described later.

[0025] 3D printer 3 is a device for creating three-dimensional objects based on three-dimensional design data. 3D printer 3 acquires the design data generated by the information processing device 2 and creates the structural framework used in buildings. The internal structure of 3D printer 3 will be described later.

[0026] (Example hardware configuration) Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. The information processing device 2 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0027] Bus 1010 is a data transmission path for the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060 to send and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the other components to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0028] The 1020 processor is a processor implemented in components such as the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0029] Memory 1030 is a main memory device implemented using RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0030] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device implemented as a removable media such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or memory card, or as ROM (Read Only Memory), and has a recording medium. The recording medium of the storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the information processing device 2. The processor 1020 reads these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module. The storage device 1040 may also function as a storage unit 4.

[0031] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 2 with various input / output devices.

[0032] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 2 to a network. This network may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method by which the network interface 1060 connects to the network may be wireless or wired. The information processing device 2 may communicate with the 3D scanner 1 and the 3D printer 3 via the network interface 1060.

[0033] (Schematic diagram of the internal structure of 3D printer 3) Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal structure of a 3D printer. The 3D printer 3 comprises a motor 310, a drill 320, a material feeding section 330, a heater 340, a nozzle 350, and a build table 360.

[0034] The motor 310 rotates the drill 320. The drill 320 agitates and homogenizes the material 8, such as plant-based resin, supplied to the inside of the build head.

[0035] The material input section 330 is a part that includes an opening for supplying the material 8 into the inside of the build head.

[0036] The heater 340 is, for example, a cylindrical container that heats and melts a solid resin filled inside.

[0037] The nozzle 350 is an injection port for injecting resin. The nozzle 350, through a mechanism (not shown), moves as a single unit with the entire build head, injecting the molten resin toward the build table 360. The injected liquid resin is cooled and solidifies. As a result, the frame 9 based on the design data is formed on the build table 360.

[0038] The internal structure of these 3D printers 3 is just an example and may be different. The manufacturing method may be, for example, material extrusion, material jetting, powder bed fusion, stereolithography, or other methods.

[0039] (Example of operation of the frame fabrication system) Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of an information processing device.

[0040] In step S10, the information processing device 2 acquires building information from the 3D scanner 1. The building information is predetermined information relating to the building, such as the aforementioned internal shape data.

[0041] In step S20, the information processing device 2 determines the framework to be used in the building based on the building information. For example, the framework to be used in the building may be the framework of all structures fixed to the building, such as walls, floors, doors, and kitchens. However, the framework to be used in the building is not limited to the framework of structures fixed to the building. The information processing device 2 may determine the framework based on a specification from the user operating the information processing device 2, or by using a trained model obtained by machine learning. For example, the determined framework may be the framework of structures presented as interior elements of the building.

[0042] In step S30, the information processing device 2 generates the determined frame design data. The generated design data is in a format that can be read by the 3D printer 3.

[0043] In step S40, the information processing device 2 transmits the generated design data to the 3D printer 3.

[0044] (Other design methods) In each of the steps described above, the information processing device 2 may generate design data by other design methods.

[0045] For example, in step S10, the information processing device 2 may acquire photographic data of the interior space of the building taken with a 360-degree camera or the like, or it may acquire video data as building information.

[0046] Specifically, building information may be obtained by performing a spatial scan using the following method: 1. How to scan using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) (point cloud data) 2. Capture video (images) and apply NeRF (Neural Radiance Field; AI-based data augmentation) or 3D Gaussian splatting (adding a Gaussian distribution to the point cloud obtained from the image, and optimizing by comparing the image and the Gaussian distribution). These include:

[0047] The following software is known to achieve these goals: 1. Scanviser: Can generate high-quality 3D models using only images. Also supports 3D Gaussian splatting. 2. Scanat: Uses a LiDAR sensor to determine actual distances and create 3D models. A smartphone / tablet with a LiDAR sensor is required. These include:

[0048] Furthermore, in step S10, the information processing device 2 may acquire information as building information, including design drawings of all structures fixed to the building, such as walls, floors, doors, and kitchens, which are assembled by the frame being fabricated (hereinafter referred to as structural design information). The information processing device 2 may generate the structural design information through user operation or receive it from another device.

[0049] Structural design information may consist of, for example, two-dimensional design drawings. Alternatively, it may consist of, for example, two-dimensional plan views, elevations, and cross-sectional views. Furthermore, structural design information may consist of 3DCAD (Three Dimensions Computer Aided Design) design drawings. In addition, structural design information may be a 3D model in a format specifically tailored to the design of the structural frame.

[0050] The information processing device 2 receives the thickness and height of the structural frame portion of the structure from the user. The user may be the owner of the building, the user of the information processing device 2, or someone else. Based on the specified thickness, height, curvature, etc., the information processing device 2 sets the length, the position of openings, etc. on the design drawing. The information processing device 2 may modify the set positions through user operation.

[0051] The information processing device 2 extracts the range of the frame from the designed structure based on the set length and the positions of openings, etc. Then, the information processing device 2 generates design data in a format that the 3D printer 3 can read, based on the extracted range of the frame. The generated design data may include information indicating the printable area and the shape of the frame.

[0052] (Examples of structural frameworks) Figure 6 is the first diagram showing an example of a resin frame. The frame 91 fabricated by the 3D printer 3 includes a shaft portion 911 and a joint portion 912. The shaft portion 911 is a rod-shaped part composed of a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, which are joined together by the joint portion 912. Note that "frame" may be replaced with "framework," "structure," or "base material."

[0053] Figure 7 is a second diagram showing an example of a resin frame. The frame 92 fabricated by the 3D printer 3 includes a shaft portion 921, a joint portion 922, and a reinforcing portion 923. The shaft portion 911 is a rod-shaped part composed of a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, joined by the joint portion 912. The reinforcing portion 923 is a part joined diagonally to reinforce the joint portion 912.

[0054] The information processing device 2 may be designed without requiring user input or other specifications for the diagonally joined portion. The strength of the frame is improved by having the diagonally joined portion. Therefore, the thickness of the frame can be made thinner compared to conventional designs, thus saving resin material.

[0055] Furthermore, the information processing device 2 may be designed with, for example, a rectangular frame. Compared to conventional frames that are constructed by combining rod-shaped, L-shaped, and other members based on wood, designing a rectangular frame can increase strength, and it is possible to make the members thinner or to freely shape them.

[0056] Figures 6 and 7 show examples of the resulting frame, but other shapes are also possible. Frames made of wood, metal, etc., often have predetermined sizes, which imposes significant design constraints. In contrast, resin-based frames can be freely designed in terms of shape, size, etc. Therefore, the shape of the frame is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 6 and 7; for example, it may be a triangle, a square, etc., or it may include curved surfaces.

[0057] (modified version) Instead of using the aforementioned 3D printer 3 to fabricate the frame, a person may fabricate it using a mold. In this case, the information processing device 2 may display the generated design data on a screen such as a display (not shown) so that a person can refer to it, or it may print it on a medium such as paper via a printing device.

[0058] (Examples of resins used in structural frames) The resin used for the frame may be petroleum-derived resin, plant-derived resin, or a hybrid resin which is a mixture of these.

[0059] The resin is a plant-derived resin and may be a mixture of one or more of the following: cellulose resin, starch resin, lignin resin, polylactic acid (PLA), chitosan resin, polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate / terephthalate (PBAT), fructose-derived polyester, bio-based epoxy resin, bio-based polyurethane, bio-based polyamide, polyhydroxybutyrate / hydroxyvalerate (PHBH), polypentadecanonic acid succinate (PPC), polyisosulfic acid (PIS), polyethylene frucolorate (PEF), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), and hemicellulose. Furthermore, the material may contain at least one biodegradable plant-derived resin such as starch resin, polylactic acid (PLA), chitosan resin, polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate / terephthalate (PBAT), fructose-derived polyester, polyhydroxybutyrate / hydroxyvalerate (PHBH), polypentadecanonic acid succinate (PPC), or polyisosulfic acid (PIS).

[0060] When mixing multiple resins, the 3D printer 3 may extrude the resin while heating and applying pressure to create the frame. Alternatively, the 3D printer 3 may have a pelletizer (a machine that creates pellets), and may extrude the resin into pellets while heating and applying pressure. In either case, the frame is created by using motor power to extrude the resin with a screw-type drill. By mixing different resins, the melting point and the required amount of heat can be adjusted.

[0061] The plant-derived resin may be at a temperature of 160°C to 200°C in its molten state. Alternatively, the plant-derived resin may be at a temperature of 170°C to 200°C in its molten state, or 170°C to 195°C.

[0062] The melting point of cellulose resin is not clearly defined, and decomposition begins upon heating. Starch resin begins thermal decomposition at approximately 180°C, so there is no clear melting point. While no clear melting point has been reported for lignin resin, it exhibits the property of hardening or thermal decomposition upon heating. The melting point of polylactic acid (PLA) is... The melting point is approximately 150°C to 160°C. Chitosan resin does not have a clear melting point, and its properties change with heat treatment. The melting point of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) varies depending on the type, ranging from approximately 160°C to 180°C. The melting point of polybutylene succinate (PBS) is approximately 115°C. The melting point of polybutylene adipate / terephthalate (PBAT) is approximately 110°C to 120°C. The melting point of fructose-derived polyesters is not clearly defined. For bio-based epoxy resins, the curing temperature is important rather than the melting point, as they are usually cured products. There are many different types of bio-based polyurethanes, and the melting point depends on the type of polyol used. The melting point of bio-based polyamides varies depending on the type, generally ranging from 190°C to 220°C. The melting point of polyhydroxybutyrate / hydroxyvalerate (PHBH) is approximately 90°C to 100°C. The melting point of polypentadecanonic succinic acid (PPC) is approximately 100°C. The melting point of polyisosulfic acid (PIS) is not clearly defined. The melting point of polyethylene flucara (PEF) is approximately 220°C to 230°C. The melting point of polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) is approximately 220°C to 230°C. Hemicellulose, being a high-molecular-weight compound, does not have a precise melting point and undergoes decomposition or thermal decomposition when heated. Note that the melting point information above is for reference only and not a definitive value.

[0063] (Effects and Benefits) According to the waste treatment method of this embodiment, materials contained in waste such as clothing can be effectively utilized.

[0064] The embodiments described above with reference to the drawings are examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can be adopted. The frame structures according to these embodiments can be manufactured on Earth or in space. Furthermore, the structures may include spacecraft, space vehicles, space bases (planetary bases), and other space structures.

[0065] Furthermore, the flowchart (Figure 1) showing the process flow according to this embodiment is merely one embodiment. Without changing the spirit of the present invention, there may be steps other than those described in Figure 1, some of the steps described in Figure 1 may be omitted, or the order of the steps may be changed.

[0066] It should be noted that the flowchart (Figure 5) showing the processing flow according to this embodiment is merely one embodiment. Without changing the spirit of the present invention, there may be processes other than those described in Figure 5, some of the processes described in Figure 5 may be omitted, or the order of the processes may be changed.

[0067] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this invention is indicated not by the above description but by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1 3D Scanner 2. Information Processing Device 3 3D printers 4. Grinding device 8 materials 9 axis set 91, 92 axis set 100-frame fabrication system 101 Communication Network 310 Motor 320 Drill 330 Material input section 340 Heater 350 nozzles 360° Build Table 911, 912 shaft section 912, 913 joint 923 Reinforcement section 1010 Bus 1020 processor 1030 memory 1040 Storage Devices 1050 Input / Output Interface 1060 Network Interfaces

Claims

1. A process of crushing or pulverizing waste containing natural or recycled fibers, A step of separating unwanted materials from the aforementioned waste, A step of dewatering and / or drying the waste from which the aforementioned unwanted materials have been separated, A waste disposal method having the following characteristics.

2. The process further comprises a step of applying a catalyst to the waste after the crushing or grinding step, The waste disposal method according to claim 1.

3. The process further comprises a step of wet grinding the waste after the catalytic treatment step, The waste disposal method according to claim 2.

4. The process further includes determining whether the waste can be decolorized, and if it is determined that it can be decolorized, decolorizing the waste. The waste disposal method according to claim 1.

5. The waste material contains cellulose, and the dehydration and / or drying process results in powdered cellulose. The waste disposal method according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned waste contains protein, and the dehydration and / or drying process results in powdered protein. The waste disposal method according to claim 1.

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