Apparatus and method for recovering carbon and glass fibers from composite materials

The apparatus and method efficiently recover carbon and glass fibers from waste blades by a multi-step pyrolysis and separation process, addressing the recycling challenge of composite materials and minimizing landfill waste.

JP7721855B2Active Publication Date: 2025-08-13DOOSAN ENERBILITY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024017959
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-04-05
Filing Date
2024-02-08
Publication Date
2025-08-13
Estimated Expiration
2044-02-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The disposal of discarded wind turbine blades made from composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastics or glass fiber reinforced plastics poses a significant challenge due to their difficulty in recycling and the increasing amount of waste accumulating in landfills.

Method used

A recovery apparatus and method that includes a pre-treatment unit for crushing and rolling, followed by primary and secondary pyrolysis, and a separation unit to recover carbon and glass fibers from waste blades in a single process, utilizing temperature control and nitrogen purging to maintain a reducing atmosphere and minimize oxygen exposure.

Benefits of technology

Effectively separates and recovers carbon and glass fibers from composite materials, enabling their reuse and reducing landfill waste.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and a method for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a waste blade in a single process.SOLUTION: An apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material includes: a preprocessing unit which has a crushing module that crushes a waste blade and a rolling module that rolls the crushed waste blade; a first reaction unit which performs primary pyrolysis of the preprocessed waste blade; a second reaction unit which performs secondary pyrolysis of the waste blade that has undergone the primary pyrolysis; a separation part which separates a resultant product that has undergone the secondary pyrolysis into a first substance and a second substance; and a separation unit which has a first chamber that stores the first substance and a second chamber that stores the second substance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials. [Background technology]

[0002] Wind power generation is a method of generating electricity by using the kinetic energy of wind to rotate blades, converting it into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy. It is increasingly being used as an alternative to existing power generation methods that mainly use fossil fuels.

[0003] Wind turbines have multiple blades attached to the rotating shaft of the generator. The blades are made long and wide to produce more electrical energy. The larger the blade, the heavier it becomes. However, the blades must be made as light as possible for energy efficiency. Also, since the blades are constantly colliding with the wind, their strength must be improved to ensure durability. To solve these problems, carbon fiber reinforced plastic or glass fiber reinforced plastic is used as the material for the blades. Composite materials containing carbon fiber and glass fiber are lightweight yet strong, and are used in a variety of fields other than blades, such as the automotive, space, aviation, and defense industries.

[0004] However, when wind turbine blades break or reach the end of their lifespan, disposal of the discarded blades becomes a problem. Generally, composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastics or glass fiber reinforced plastics are difficult to recycle and are often disposed of in landfills. However, it is no longer possible to continue to landfill the increasing amount of composite material waste, and the need for disposal methods other than landfilling or recycling methods has been continuously raised.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to develop an apparatus and method that can recover carbon fibers or glass fibers from used waste blades. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-1810284 (Name: Method for separating carbon fiber from waste carbon fiber reinforced plastic) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a recovery device and recovery method capable of separating carbon fibers or glass fibers from a composite material.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an apparatus and method for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials, which can recover carbon fibers and glass fibers from waste composite materials discarded in the fields of scrap blades, aerospace, defense, etc., in a single process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pre-treatment unit, a first reaction unit, a second reaction unit, and a separation unit. The pre-treatment unit may include a crushing module for crushing waste blades and a rolling module for rolling the crushed waste blades. The first reaction unit may perform primary pyrolysis on the pre-treated crushing blades. The second reaction unit may perform secondary pyrolysis on the crushed crushing blades. The separation unit may include a separation section for separating a result of secondary pyrolysis into a first material and a second material, a first chamber for accommodating the first material, and a second chamber for accommodating the second material.

[0010] The apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a cutting unit for cutting the blade to a predetermined length.

[0011] The apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a temperature control unit for controlling the temperature inside the pre-treatment unit, the first reaction unit, and the second reaction unit.

[0012] In the apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials according to one embodiment of the present invention, the crushing module may include a suction unit for sucking in dust inside the crushing module.

[0013] In an apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pre-treatment unit may include a screening module between the crushing module and the rolling module.

[0014] In the apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to one embodiment of the present invention, the input section of the rolling module may include a first input section and a second input section.

[0015] In the apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to an embodiment of the present invention, nitrogen is supplied when the second input port is opened.

[0016] In an apparatus for recovering carbon and glass fibers from composite materials according to one embodiment of the present invention, gases exhausted from the interior of the rolling module can be recycled into the rolling module.

[0017] In the apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to an embodiment of the present invention, the temperature inside the first reaction unit may be 400 to 500°C.

[0018] In the apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials according to one embodiment of the present invention, the oil vapor generated in the first reaction unit is cooled in the temperature control unit and extracted as oil.

[0019] In an apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second reaction unit may be provided with a sensor for measuring the oxygen concentration in the second reaction unit and an external air tank for supplying external air into the second reaction unit.

[0020] A method for recovering carbon fiber and glass fiber from a composite material according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of crushing longitudinally cut waste blades, continuously feeding the crushed waste blades into a rolling module, rolling the crushed waste blades, a first pyrolysis step of primarily pyrolyzing the rolled crushing blades, a second pyrolysis step of secondary pyrolysis of the primarily pyrolyzed crushing blades, and separating the resultant of the second pyrolysis step. The temperatures in the rolling step, the first pyrolysis step, and the second pyrolysis step are regulated by a temperature regulating unit.

[0021] The method for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of screening the shredded waste blades after the step of shredding the waste blades.

[0022] In a method for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to an embodiment of the present invention, the input section of the rolling module may include a first input section and a second input section, and in the step of continuously inputting the crushed scrap blades into the rolling module, the first input section and the second input section are opened sequentially.

[0023] In the method for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to an embodiment of the present invention, exhaust gas from the rolling module during the rolling step can be recirculated into the rolling module.

[0024] In the method for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature in the first pyrolysis step may be 400 to 500°C. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to embodiments of the present invention, carbon or glass fibers can be effectively separated from composite materials.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, carbon fibers and glass fibers can be recovered from waste blades in a single process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a carbon fiber and glass fiber recovery device from a composite material according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a pre-treatment unit in an apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a separation unit in an apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Although the present invention can be implemented in various forms and in various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated and described in detail in the detailed description. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments, and that the present invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0029] The terms used in the present invention are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be understood that, in the present invention, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination 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.

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings, identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals whenever possible. Detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations that may obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted. For the same reason, some components in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated schematically.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of an apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a pre-treatment unit in an apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a separation unit in an apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the composite material separating apparatus 1000 according to the present invention includes a cutting unit 1100, a pre-treatment unit 1200, a first reaction unit 1300, a second reaction unit 1400, a separation unit 1500, and a temperature adjustment unit 1600.

[0033] The cutting unit 1100 cuts the collected waste blades to a predetermined size. Because the longest waste blades can reach 50 meters, they are difficult to load into a crusher. Therefore, to facilitate loading into the crushing equipment, the waste blades are cut longitudinally. To facilitate smooth loading and unloading, the waste blades are cut to lengths of 10 meters or less using a wire saw or the like. The waste blades may be transported from the collection site and placed in the cutting device, but to facilitate transportation, the cutting process may be performed immediately at the collection site.

[0034] The cut waste blades are crushed and rolled in a pre-processing unit 1200. As shown in FIG. 2, the pre-processing unit 1200 includes a crushing module 1210, a rolling module 1220, and a screening module 1230. The waste blades cut to a predetermined length are fed into the crushing module 1210 and crushed. The waste blades are crushed to a thickness of 20 mm or less.

[0035] A large amount of dust is generated during the process of crushing the waste blades. The input port of the crushing module 1210 is sealed to prevent dust from leaking out of the crushing module 1210. A positive pressure hood is installed at the top of the crushing module 1210. Exhaust gas can flow in through the positive pressure hood. The exhaust gas is supplied from a temperature control unit, which will be described later.

[0036] In addition, the crushing module 1210 may include a dust suction unit to remove dust from within the crushing module 1210. The dust suction unit can suck in dust from within the crushing module 1210 that is generated during the crushing process of the waste blades and collect it in a predetermined space. To collect the dust, air can be continuously circulated within the crushing module 1210.

[0037] The shredded scrap blades are transported to the rolling module 1220 for rolling. Conveyors are used to transport the scrap blades to each unit and module within the recovery process. Multiple conveyors may be provided consecutively or overlapping along the scrap blade travel path.

[0038] Meanwhile, the waste blades crushed in the crushing module 1210 are screened in the screening module 1230 before being fed into the rolling module 1220. The crushed waste blades vary in particle size. When waste blades of different particle sizes are pyrolyzed in the first reaction unit, small-sized waste blade fragments may be carbonized quickly and contaminate the primary pyrolysis product. Therefore, the crushed waste blades are filtered on a screen, and crushed particles of a predetermined size or smaller can be separated below the screen. The screen may be vibrated to facilitate the separation of small particles. The mesh size of the screen may be 5 mm. After screening, waste blade particles of 5 mm or larger are transported to the rolling module 1220.

[0039] The dust and screened particles collected by suction in the shredding module 1210 can be transferred to a separate combustion line for pyrolysis.

[0040] The crushed blades, from which small particles have been removed while passing through the screen, are moved to the rolling module 1220. The crushed waste blades are continuously fed into the rolling module 1220 in predetermined amounts.

[0041] The crushed waste blades have a non-uniform particle size, making it difficult to feed them in a fixed amount. The present invention employs a semi-batch feeder to feed the crushed waste blades in a fixed amount. To feed a fixed amount of waste blades into the rolling module 1220, the feeding section of the rolling module 1220 may have a double-lid structure. The feeding section of the rolling module 1220 may include a first feeding section and a second feeding section. The first and second feeding sections may be controlled to open sequentially rather than simultaneously. The first and second feeding sections may be opened in a sliding manner, and the degree of opening may be adjusted depending on the amount to be fed. In this embodiment, the feeding section has a double structure, but is not limited to this. Three or more gates may be provided on the feeding port side. Each gate can be moved within a predetermined range by a gate valve. By opening the multiple gates, a desired amount of crushed waste blades can be fed into the rolling module 1220. Furthermore, such a semi-batch method allows waste blades to be continuously fed into the rolling module 1220, and waste blades rolled in the first reaction unit 1300 can be continuously supplied.

[0042] In addition, the dual structure of the input port of the rolling module 1220 minimizes the inflow of oxygen when crushed scrap blades are input into the rolling module 1220. The first input port of the rolling module 1220 is opened while the second input port is closed. After the first input port is opened and a predetermined amount of scrap blades is input, the first input port is closed, the rolling module 1220 is sealed, and the second input port is opened. Nitrogen purging is performed simultaneously with the opening of the second input port. Nitrogen is supplied into the rolling module while the second input port is open, and the supply of nitrogen is stopped when the second input port is reclosed. The waste blades are input into the rolling chamber of the rolling module 1220 by opening the second input port. The dual-sealed structure and nitrogen supply minimize the inflow of oxygen into the rolling module 1220.

[0043] A reducing atmosphere can be maintained inside the chamber of the rolling module 1220. To maintain the reducing atmosphere, gas exhausted from the chamber of the rolling module 1220 can be recirculated back into the rolling module. The exhaust gas can be composed of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc. One or more oxygen measurement sensors are disposed inside the rolling module 1220. The oxygen concentration inside the rolling module 1220 is continuously measured and controlled to be less than 10%. A high oxygen concentration can cause a fire.

[0044] The crushed waste blades fed into the rolling module 1220 are rolled by multiple rollers. To facilitate the pyrolysis reaction, the fragments of the waste blades must be smaller than a certain size. The crushed waste blades are rolled to a smaller particle size. The rolled crushed waste blades are continuously supplied to the first reaction unit 1300.

[0045] A predetermined temperature is maintained inside the rolling module 1220. The temperature inside the rolling module 1220 is maintained at room temperature, which allows moisture inside the rolling module 1220 to be removed.

[0046] The rolled crushed waste blades are transported by a conveyor to the first reaction unit 1300. The rolled crushed waste blades undergo primary pyrolysis in the first reaction unit 1300. To continuously pyrolyze the waste blades, the first reaction unit 1300 receives continuously rolled waste blades from the rolling module 1220. The waste blades are indirectly heated by hot air, and the heat source for the burner that generates the hot air may be pyrolysis gas or natural gas. High-temperature hot air is supplied to the inside of the first reaction unit 1300 by the temperature control unit 1600. The temperature inside the first reaction unit may be 400 to 500°C.

[0047] A rotary kiln furnace is used in the first reaction unit 1300 to ensure uniform heat application to the rolled waste blades. A rotary kiln is generally a tilted cylindrical rotary furnace in which reactants are continuously fed into an inlet at one end and the reaction product is discharged through an outlet at the other end. Hot air is circulated through the rotary kiln to pyrolyze the crushed waste blades contained therein. The waste blades are drawn in from one side of the first reaction unit 1300, and the primary pyrolysis reaction product is continuously discharged from the other side. The crushed waste blades are rotated and moved toward the outlet, where heat is applied uniformly. While a rotary kiln was used in this embodiment, various furnace types, such as a screw type, can also be used.

[0048] The oxygen concentration in the first reaction unit 1300 must be maintained at 10% or less. A sensor can be placed inside the first reaction unit 1300 to continuously measure the oxygen concentration. In another embodiment, a sensor can be placed in the exhaust line to measure the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas.

[0049] The residence time of the crushed waste blades in the first reaction unit 1300 may be 9 hours or less. If the residence time is 9 hours or more, the reaction product will be excessively carbonized, resulting in a decrease in economic efficiency.

[0050] In the first reaction unit 1300, resins such as epoxy and wood contained in the waste blades are gasified, leaving behind clumps of carbon fiber and glass fiber. 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.

[0051] As a result of the first pyrolysis process, oil vapor is produced in addition to gas and char. The oil vapor is cooled as it passes through the cooler of the temperature control unit 1600, and some of it is extracted as gas and some as oil. The oil vapor is cooled by water. The gas produced from the oil vapor has a calorific value and can be used as a heat source for indirect heating by flowing into the gas tank of the temperature control unit 1600.

[0052] In addition, a portion of the exhaust gas discharged from the first reaction unit 1300 is supplied to the rolling module 1220. This makes it possible to reduce the oxygen concentration in the rolling module 1220 and increase the temperature in the rolling module 1220.

[0053] Some of the char remaining on the surface of the carbon and glass fibers can be removed by screening. The product discharged from the first reaction unit 1300 is screened before being transported to the second reaction unit. The screen separates the carbon and glass fibers from the char. A screen with a mesh diameter of 50 mm or less can be used to separate the char.

[0054] The mass of carbon and glass fibers from which some of the char has been removed is moved to the second reaction unit 1400. In this step, the carbon and glass fibers may have char attached between the fibers. In the second reaction unit 1400, this char is removed so that only the carbon and glass fibers remain.

[0055] The char-containing carbon fiber and glass fiber agglomerates undergo secondary pyrolysis in the second reaction unit 1400. For the secondary pyrolysis, high-temperature gas and superheated steam are supplied to the second reaction unit 1400. The heat source for the burner that generates the hot air may be pyrolysis gas or natural gas. The temperature inside the second reaction unit 1400 may be 400 to 500°C. The resin and char remaining in the carbon fiber and glass fiber agglomerates are decomposed by the secondary pyrolysis.

[0056] The residence time of the carbon fiber and glass fiber agglomerates in the second reaction unit 1400 may be 3 hours or less. At this time, if the oxygen concentration in the second reaction unit 1400 is high, oxidation of the heated object may occur, so the oxygen concentration is maintained at 10% or less.

[0057] The oxygen concentration in the second reaction unit 1400 can be adjusted using an external air tank and a chimney, which will be described later. The second reaction unit 1400 may further include an external air tank, which supplies external air to the second reaction unit 1400. The chimney supplies combustion gas to the second reaction unit 1400. The external air tank and the chimney mix 70-80% combustion gas and 20-30% external air to control the oxygen concentration to 10% or less. To this end, multiple sensors are installed in the second reaction unit 1400 to continuously monitor the oxygen concentration. If the oxygen concentration exceeds 15%, the mixing ratio of combustion gas is increased, and if the oxygen concentration is less than 7%, the mixing ratio of external air is increased to adjust the oxygen concentration. In this embodiment, sensors are installed in the second reaction unit 1400. However, in other embodiments, sensors may be installed in the exhaust line to measure the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas.

[0058] The secondary pyrolysis results in pure carbon and glass fibers remaining.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first reaction unit 1300 and the second reaction unit 1400 have separate chambers, but the first pyrolysis process and the second pyrolysis process are performed in one chamber. In this case, the control logic is set so that after the first pyrolysis is completely completed, the resultant is screened, and the screened resultant is subjected to the second pyrolysis.

[0060] The heat sources for the primary and secondary pyrolysis may be pyrolysis gas and natural gas.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3, the separation unit 1500 may include a separation section 1510, a first chamber 1520, and a second chamber 1530. The separation section 1510 separates the product of the second reaction unit 1400 into r-CF (recycled carbon fiber) and r-GF (recycled glass fiber). r-CF and r-GF can be separated by utilizing the difference in density. Methods that utilize the difference in density include a dry method and a wet method. The dry method uses air flow, and generates air flow in the product of the second pyrolysis moving on a conveyor to move the lighter carbon fiber.

[0062] The wet method is a method of separating carbon fibers and glass fibers using a liquid having a density intermediate between the densities of carbon fibers and glass fibers.

[0063] The carbon fibers and glass fibers separated by the separating unit 1510 can be moved to a first chamber 1520 and a second chamber 1530, respectively. The separation of the carbon fibers and glass fibers is carried out on a conveyor.

[0064] The temperature adjustment unit 1600 adjusts the temperature and oxygen concentration inside the pretreatment unit 1200, the first reaction unit 1300, and the second reaction unit 1400. The temperature adjustment unit 1600 may include a chimney, a gas tank, and a cooler.

[0065] The gas tank supplies pyrolysis gas and natural gas as a heat source for heating the first reaction unit 1300 and the second reaction unit 1400. The chimney discharges the combustion gas discharged from the first reaction unit 1300 and the second reaction unit 1400 to the outside of the device. The chimney also supplies the combustion gas discharged from the first reaction unit 1300 to the second reaction unit 1400, transfers the heat of the first reaction unit 1300 to the second reaction unit 1400, and adjusts the oxygen concentration inside the second reaction unit 1400.

[0066] Oil vapor is generated during the pyrolysis process in the first reaction unit 1300. The oil vapor flows into the cooler of the temperature control unit 1600 and is cooled. Once the oil vapor is cooled, oil is extracted, and the remaining pyrolysis gas is supplied to the first reaction unit 1300 and the second reaction unit 1400 through a gas tank.

[0067] In the present invention, the waste blades are crushed, pyrolyzed, and separated into carbon fibers and glass fibers in one process, and are transported to each unit by a conveyor. One or more conveyors can be connected to adjust the residence time at each unit.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] To separate composite materials according to the present invention, first, the waste blades are cut longitudinally (S1100), as shown in FIG. 4. The collected waste blades are cut into lengths of 10 m or less. The waste blades are cut using a wire saw or the like. The cut waste blades can be easily transported and fed into a crusher.

[0070] Next, the waste blades cut in the longitudinal direction are crushed (S1200). The waste blades are fed into the crushing module 1210 and crushed. The waste blades are crushed to a thickness of 20 mm or less. A large amount of dust is generated during the crushing process of the waste blades, and the input port of the crushing module 1210 is sealed to prevent the dust from leaking out of the crushing module 1210. In addition, the dust suction port can suck in dust generated during the crushing process of the waste blades and collect it in a predetermined space. To collect the dust, air can be continuously circulated within the crushing module 1210.

[0071] After the waste blades are crushed, they can be screened to remove particles smaller than a predetermined particle size. The crushed waste blades vary in particle size. When waste blades of different particle sizes are pyrolyzed in the first reaction unit, small blade fragments may be carbonized and contaminate the primary pyrolysis product. Therefore, the crushed waste blades can be moved on a screen, and crushed particles smaller than a predetermined size can be separated below the screen. The screen may be vibrated to facilitate the separation of small particles.

[0072] Crushed waste blades are continuously fed into the rolling module (S1300). Crushed waste blades have non-uniform particle sizes, making it difficult to feed them in a fixed amount. A semi-batch feeder is used to feed the crushed waste blades in a fixed amount. To feed a fixed amount of waste blades into the rolling module, the feeding section of the rolling module may have a double-lid structure. The feeding section of the rolling module may include a first feeding section and a second feeding section. The first feeding section and the second feeding section may be controlled to open sequentially rather than simultaneously. The first feeding section and the second feeding section may be opened in a sliding manner, and the degree of opening may be adjusted depending on the amount to be fed. In addition, nitrogen purging is performed simultaneously with the opening of the second feeding section. Nitrogen is supplied into the rolling module while the second feeding section is open, and the supply of nitrogen is stopped when the second feeding section is reclosed. This minimizes the inflow of oxygen into the rolling module.

[0073] The crushed waste blades are rolled (S1400). The crushed waste blades fed into the rolling module are rolled by multiple rollers. To facilitate the pyrolysis reaction, the fragments of the waste blades must be smaller than a predetermined size. The crushed waste blades are rolled to have smaller particle sizes.

[0074] A reducing atmosphere can be maintained inside the chamber of the rolling module. To maintain the reducing atmosphere, gas exhausted from the inside of the rolling module can be recirculated inside the rolling module. The oxygen concentration inside the rolling module is continuously measured and controlled to be less than 10%.

[0075] The rolled crushing blade is subjected to primary pyrolysis (S1500). The temperature control unit can supply heated gas to the inside of the first reaction unit. The heat source of the burner that generates the heated gas, i.e., hot air, may be pyrolysis gas or natural gas. The temperature inside the first reaction unit may be 400 to 500°C. The temperature in the first pyrolysis step is controlled by the temperature control unit.

[0076] A rotary kiln calciner is used in the first reaction unit to ensure uniform heat application to the rolled waste blades. During primary pyrolysis, the oxygen concentration in the first reaction unit can be maintained at 10% or less. The residence time of the crushed waste blades in the first reaction unit can be 9 hours or less.

[0077] In the first reaction unit, resins such as epoxy and wood contained in the waste blades are gasified, leaving behind clumps of carbon fiber and glass fiber. At this time, any resin that has not yet been gasified is carbonized (char) and remains on the surface of the carbon fiber and glass fiber. The results of the first pyrolysis process include gas, char, and oil vapor. The oil vapor is cooled and some is extracted as gas and some as oil. The oil vapor is cooled with water. The pyrolysis gas extracted from the oil vapor has a calorific value and can be flowed to the temperature control unit and used as an indirect heat source. The results of the first pyrolysis process are screened before undergoing secondary pyrolysis.

[0078] The crushing blades subjected to the primary pyrolysis are subjected to secondary pyrolysis (S1600). The char-containing carbon fiber and glass fiber agglomerates are subjected to secondary pyrolysis in the second reaction unit. For the secondary pyrolysis, high-temperature gas and superheated steam are supplied to the second reaction unit 1400. The heat source of the burner that generates the hot air may be pyrolysis gas or natural gas. The temperature inside the second reaction unit 1400 may be 400 to 500°C. The temperature in the secondary pyrolysis step is regulated by a temperature regulation unit. The resin and char remaining in the carbon fiber and glass fiber agglomerates are decomposed by the secondary pyrolysis.

[0079] The residence time of the carbon fiber and glass fiber agglomerates in the second reaction unit may be 3 hours or less. At this time, if the oxygen concentration in the second reaction unit is high, oxidation of the heated object may occur, so the oxygen concentration is maintained at 10% or less.

[0080] During secondary pyrolysis, the oxygen concentration in the second reaction unit can be adjusted using an external air tank and chimney. The external air tank supplies external air to the second reaction unit, and the chimney supplies combustion gas. The external air tank and chimney mix 70-80% combustion gas and 20-30% external air to control the oxygen concentration to 10% or less. To this end, multiple sensors are installed in the second reaction unit to continuously monitor the oxygen concentration. If the oxygen concentration exceeds 15%, the mixing ratio of combustion gas is increased, and if the oxygen concentration is below 7%, the mixing ratio of external air is increased to adjust the oxygen concentration.

[0081] The second pyrolysis results in pure carbon and glass fibers remaining.

[0082] The result of the second pyrolysis step is separated (S1700). The result of the second pyrolysis step can be separated into r-CF (recycled carbon fiber) and r-GF (recycled glass fiber). r-CF and r-GF can be separated by utilizing the difference in density.

[0083] The separated carbon fibers and glass fibers can be moved to the first and second chambers, respectively. The separation of carbon fibers and glass fibers is carried out on a conveyor.

[0084] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, a person having ordinary knowledge in the art may modify and change the present invention in various ways by adding, changing, deleting or adding components within the scope of the concept of the present invention as set forth in the claims, and this also falls within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1000: Carbon and glass fiber recovery equipment from composite materials 1100: Cutting unit 1200: Pre-processing unit 1210: Crushing module 1220: Rolling module 1230: Screening module 1300: First reaction unit 1400: Second reaction unit 1500: Separation unit 1510: Separation unit 1520: First chamber 1530: Second chamber 1600: Temperature control unit

Claims

1. a pre-processing unit including a crushing module for crushing waste blades and a rolling module for rolling the crushed waste blades; a first reaction unit for primary pyrolysis of the pretreated waste blades; a second reaction unit for secondarily pyrolyzing the waste blades that have been subjected to the first pyrolysis; a separation unit including a separation part for separating the secondary pyrolysis resultant into a first material and a second material, a first chamber for accommodating the first material, and a second chamber for accommodating the second material, The feeding section of the rolling module includes a first feeding section and a second feeding section, and the apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material.

2. 10. The apparatus for recovering carbon and glass fibers from composite materials according to claim 1, further comprising a cutting unit for cutting the blade to a predetermined length.

3. 2. The apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature control unit for controlling the temperatures inside the pre-treatment unit, the first reaction unit, and the second reaction unit.

4. The apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials according to claim 1 , wherein the pre-treatment unit comprises a screening module between a crushing module and a rolling module.

5. 2. The apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to claim 1, wherein nitrogen is supplied when the second input section is opened.

6. 2. The apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials according to claim 1, wherein gas exhausted from the interior of said rolling module is recycled into said rolling module.

7. 2. The apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials according to claim 1, wherein the temperature inside the first reaction unit is 400 to 500°C.

8. 4. The apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials according to claim 3, wherein the oil vapor generated in the first reaction unit is cooled in the temperature control unit and extracted as oil.

9. 2. The apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials according to claim 1, wherein the second reaction unit is provided with a sensor for measuring an oxygen concentration in the second reaction unit and an external air tank for supplying external air into the second reaction unit.

10. A pre-processing unit including a crushing module for crushing waste blades and a rolling module for rolling the crushed waste blades; a first reaction unit for primary pyrolysis of the pretreated waste blades; a second reaction unit for secondarily pyrolyzing the waste blades that have been subjected to the first pyrolysis; a separation unit including a separation part for separating the secondary pyrolysis resultant into a first material and a second material, a first chamber for accommodating the first material, and a second chamber for accommodating the second material, The gas exhausted from the inside of the rolling module is recycled into the rolling module.

11. A pre-processing unit including a crushing module for crushing waste blades and a rolling module for rolling the crushed waste blades; a first reaction unit for primary pyrolysis of the pretreated waste blades; a second reaction unit for secondarily pyrolyzing the waste blades that have been subjected to the first pyrolysis; a separation unit including a separation part for separating the secondary pyrolysis resultant into a first material and a second material, a first chamber for accommodating the first material, and a second chamber for accommodating the second material, The apparatus for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials, wherein the second reaction unit is equipped with a sensor for measuring the oxygen concentration in the second reaction unit and an external air tank for supplying external air into the second reaction unit.

12. a crushing step of crushing the waste blades cut in the longitudinal direction; a feeding step of continuously feeding the crushed waste blades into a rolling module; a rolling step of rolling the crushed waste blades; a first pyrolysis step of performing primary pyrolysis on the rolled waste blade; a second pyrolysis step of secondarily pyrolyzing the waste blades that have been subjected to the primary pyrolysis; a separation step of separating the resultant of the second pyrolysis step, the temperatures in the rolling step, the first pyrolysis step, and the second pyrolysis step are controlled by a temperature control unit; The method for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material, wherein the input section of the rolling module comprises a first input section and a second input section.

13. After the step of crushing the waste blades, The method for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials according to claim 12, further comprising the step of screening the shredded waste blades.

14. A method for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from composite materials as described in claim 12, wherein in the step of continuously feeding the crushed waste blades into the rolling module, the first feeding section and the second feeding section are opened sequentially.

15. The method for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to claim 12, wherein in the rolling step, exhaust gas inside the rolling module is recirculated into the rolling module.

16. 13. The method for recovering carbon fibers and glass fibers from a composite material according to claim 12, wherein the temperature in the first pyrolysis step is 400 to 500°C.

17. A crushing step of crushing the waste blades cut in the longitudinal direction; a feeding step of continuously feeding the crushed waste blades into a rolling module; a rolling step of rolling the crushed waste blades; a first pyrolysis step of performing primary pyrolysis on the rolled waste blade; a second pyrolysis step of secondarily pyrolyzing the waste blades that have been subjected to the primary pyrolysis; a separation step of separating the resultant of the second pyrolysis step, the temperatures in the rolling step, the first pyrolysis step, and the second pyrolysis step are controlled by a temperature control unit; In the rolling step, exhaust gas from the rolling module is recirculated into the rolling module.

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