A disintegration apparatus for conveyor belts and method for recovering materials of a conveyor belt

Abstract

A disintegration apparatus (1) for conveyor belts, in particular for conveyor belts comprising at least one metal cable (M) embedded in a polymeric matrix. The disintegration apparatus (1) comprises at least one conveyor (2) configured to convey the conveyor belt (N) at least towards a disintegration station (100) of the disintegration apparatus (1) along a feed direction (X). Furthermore, the disintegration apparatus (1) comprises at least one upper disintegration device (4) and at least one lower disintegration device (5) which can be facing, respectively, an upper surface (S2) and lower surface (S1) of the conveyor belt (N). In particular, each of the disintegration devices (4, 5) is configured to emit at least one jet of a fluid adapted to disintegrate at least one portion of the polymeric matrix of the conveyor belt (N). Furthermore, the disintegration apparatus (1) comprises a recovery station (200) configured to recover at least one metal cable (M) of the conveyor belt (N) and located downstream of said disintegration station (100).

Description

[0001] “A DISINTEGRATION APPARATUS FOR CONVEYOR BELTS AND METHOD FOR RECOVERING MATERIALS OF A CONVEYOR BELT”

[0002] ★★★★★★★

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a disintegration apparatus for conveyor belts, in particular for conveyor belts comprising at least one metal cable, preferably a plurality, embedded in a polymeric matrix, and a method for recovering materials of a conveyor belt.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] On the market today there is a plurality of different apparatuses configured to process conveyor belts at the end of their operating life in order to recover at least part of the materials making them up.

[0007] Such apparatuses are differentiated based on the technology used to separate the materials.

[0008] For example, some apparatuses process the conveyor belt by mechanical shredding. Disadvantageously, such apparatuses are not capable of processing conveyor belts provided with metal portions embedded in the polymeric matrix.

[0009] Moreover, there exist apparatuses that disintegrate conveyor belts by pyrolysis or through chemical treatments. However, such processes are highly costly and require particularly stringent safety standards due to the temperatures and chemical agents involved.

[0010] Therefore, apparatuses that exploit “water-jet” technology have been developed, which are capable of disintegrating the polymeric material making up the conveyor through the emission of a water jet.

[0011] In particular, such apparatuses comprise an emission head configured to emit, through a nozzle, a jet of water which, by impacting on the surface of the conveyor belt, brings about the disintegration of the polymeric material thereof. Disadvantageously, this type of apparatus is very often ineffective in processing conveyor belts of large thicknesses.

[0012] Disadvantageously, moreover, disintegration by means of a water jet entails decidedly longer processing times compared to the other technologies of the prior art.

[0013] Objects of the present invention

[0014] In this context, the technical task at the basis of the present invention is to propose a disintegration apparatus for conveyor belts, in particular for conveyor belts comprising at least one metal cable embedded in a polymeric matrix, and a method for recovering materials of a conveyor belt which overcome the abovementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0015] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a disintegration apparatus for conveyor belts, in particular for conveyor belts comprising at least one metal cable embedded in a polymeric matrix, and a method for recovering materials of a conveyor belt which ensure an increase in the efficiency of the material recovery process.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide a disintegration apparatus for conveyor belts, in particular for conveyor belts comprising at least one metal cable embedded in a polymeric matrix, and a method for recovering materials of a conveyor belt having high operating flexibility.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a disintegration apparatus for conveyor belts, in particular for conveyor belts comprising at least one metal cable embedded in a polymeric matrix, and a method for recovering materials of a conveyor belt which ensure a reduction in the disintegration process times.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide a disintegration apparatus for conveyor belts, in particular for conveyor belts comprising at least one metal cable embedded in a polymeric matrix, and a method for recovering materials of a conveyor belt which enable an effective disintegration of conveyor belts having large thicknesses. The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a disintegration apparatus for conveyor belts, in particular for conveyor belts comprising at least one metal cable embedded in a polymeric matrix, and a method for recovering materials of a conveyor belt comprising the technical features disclosed in one or more of the appended claims.

[0019] The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

[0020] Brief description of the figures

[0021] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the approximate and thus non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a disintegration apparatus for conveyor belts, in particular for conveyor belts comprising at least one metal cable embedded in a polymeric matrix, and a method for recovering materials of a conveyor belt as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

[0022] - figure 1 shows a side view of a disintegration apparatus for conveyor belts, in particular for conveyor belts comprising at least one metal cable embedded in a polymeric matrix, in accordance with a possible embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] - figures 2-7 show a plurality of partial views according to respective angles of several portions of the disintegration apparatus in figure 1 .

[0024] Description of one or more preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the present invention

[0025] With reference to the appended figures, the reference number 1 denotes in its entirety a disintegration apparatus for conveyor belts, in particular for conveyor belts comprising at least one metal cable embedded in a polymeric matrix, which will be referred to below as the disintegration apparatus 1 .

[0026] The disintegration apparatus 1 comprises at least one conveyor 2 defining a conveyor top “T” adapted to support at least one conveyor belt “N” so that at least one lower surface “S1 ” of the conveyor belt “N” is at least partly in contact with the conveyor 2 and that at least one upper surface “S2” of the conveyor belt is opposite the lower surface “S1 ”. Generally, the conveyor belt “N” extends mainly along a longitudinal direction of extension “A” and a transverse direction of extension “B”. For example, the lower surface “S1 ” and the upper surface “S2” can be substantially parallel to a plane defined by the longitudinal direction of extension “A” and the transverse direction of extension “B”. Furthermore, the conveyor top “T” can be substantially horizontal, but it could also be oriented according to other directions. Purely by way of non-limiting example, the conveyor belt “N” can comprise a polymeric and / or elastomeric matrix in which one or more metal cables may be embedded.

[0027] The conveyor 2 is configured to convey the conveyor belt “N” at least towards a disintegration station 100 of the disintegration apparatus 1 along a feed direction “X”.

[0028] For example, the conveyor 2 can comprise a plurality of rollers 3 active on the lower surface “S1 ” of the conveyor belt “N” in order to move it along the aforesaid feed direction “X”.

[0029] Advantageously, the disintegration apparatus 1 comprises at least one upper disintegration device 4 and at least one lower disintegration device 5 at least partly defining the aforesaid disintegration station 100. The upper disintegration device 4 and lower disintegration device 5 can be facing, respectively, the upper surface “S2” and lower surface “S1 ” of the conveyor belt “N”. In particular, each of the disintegration devices 4, 5 is configured to emit at least one fluid jet adapted to disintegrate at least one portion of the polymeric matrix of the conveyor belt “N”.

[0030] In this manner, the present invention enables conveyor belts having large thicknesses, for example greater than 40 mm, to be efficiently processed thanks to the joint action of the upper disintegration device 4 and lower disintegration device 5.

[0031] Furthermore, the combined effect of at least one upper disintegration device 4 and at least one lower disintegration device 5 enables the disintegration process times to be reduced.

[0032] With particular reference to figure 1 , the at least one upper disintegration device 4 and at least one lower disintegration device 5 can be staggered along the feed direction “X”. In this manner, the fluid jet emitted by the upper disintegration device 4 will not interfere with the fluid jet emitted by the lower disintegration device 5, thus ensuring an effective processing of the conveyor belt “N”. Furthermore, this staggered arrangement favours the collection of the disintegrated portion of polymeric matrix by the of the collection means 6, as will be described in greater depth below.

[0033] Purely by way of non-limiting example, the upper disintegration device 4 and lower disintegration device 5 can be configured to disintegrate the conveyor belt “N” using “water-jet” and / or “abrasive water-jet” technology. The at least one upper disintegration device 4 and / or at least one lower disintegration device 5 can be configured to emit a high-pressure fluid jet, preferably at a pressure greater than 2,000 bar, even more preferably greater than 2,300 bar.

[0034] In particular, the upper disintegration device 4 and / or lower disintegration device 5 can comprise at least one nozzle 16 adapted to enable the emission of the fluid jet. Preferably, the upper disintegration device 4 and / or lower disintegration device 5 can comprise a plurality of nozzles 16, for example at least four nozzles 16. Purely by way of non-limiting example and as illustrated in figure 6, the upper disintegration device 4 and / or lower disintegration device 5 can comprise twelve or more nozzles 16. According to a further advantageous aspect, the upper disintegration device 4 and / or lower disintegration device 5 can be positioned in a position near the conveyor belt “N” so that the distance between the at least one nozzle 16 and the conveyor top “T” is, for example, comprised between 2 mm and 8 mm so as to ensure an effective action of the fluid jet on the conveyor belt “N”.

[0035] Furthermore, the disintegration apparatus 1 can comprise an adjustment means (not illustrated in the appended figures) configured to adjust the vertical positioning of the upper disintegration device 4 and / or lower disintegration device 5. In other words, the adjustment means can allow the at least one nozzle 16 to be moved closer to and / or farther away from the conveyor top “T”.

[0036] Advantageously, the disintegration apparatus 1 can comprise a movement means 9 configured to move the at least one upper disintegration device 4 and / or at least one lower disintegration device 5 along a disintegration direction “Y” which is transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the feed direction “X”.

[0037] In this manner, the present invention makes it possible to activate the disintegration devices 4, 5 upon adjusting their position along the aforesaid transverse direction of extension “B” of the conveyor belt “N”, thus lending particular effectiveness and operating flexibility to the disintegration process.

[0038] In other words, the movement means 9 can be configured to move the upper disintegration device 4 and / or lower disintegration device 5 along the entire width of the conveyor belt “N”.

[0039] For example, the movement means 9 can comprise a guide 10, 11 , extending parallel to the disintegration direction “Y”, and a carriage 12, 13, slidably associated with the guide 10, 11. In particular, the upper disintegration device 4 and / or lower disintegration device 5 can be mounted on the carriage 12, 13 in order to be reversibly moved along the disintegration direction “Y”.

[0040] In accordance with some possible embodiments and as illustrated in figure 1 , the movement means 9 can comprise an upper guide 10 and a lower guide 11 , extending parallel to the disintegration direction “Y”. Furthermore, the movement means 9 can comprise an upper carriage 12 and a lower carriage 13 slidably associated, respectively, with the upper guide 10 and with the lower guide 11. In particular, the upper disintegration device 4 and lower disintegration device 5 can be mounted, respectively, on the upper carriage 12 and on the lower carriage 13 in order to be reversibly moved along the disintegration direction “Y”. The movement means 9 is motorised with respective motors 90 in order to actively and controllably move the disintegration devices 4, 5 along the disintegration direction “Y”.

[0041] With particular reference to figures 6-7, the at least one upper disintegration device 4 and / or at least one lower disintegration device 5 can comprise a support body 14, connectable to a fluid supply conduit (not illustrated in the appended figures) by means of an inflow opening 30 to allow an inflow of the fluid to the disintegration device 4, 5, and an emission head 15, featuring the at least one nozzle 16.

[0042] Advantageously, the emission head 15 can be rotatable relative to the support body 14 to promote the disintegration of the polymeric matrix of the conveyor belt. For example, the support body 14 can comprise a motor powered through an electrical power supply means 31 and configured to rotate the emission head 15 in accordance with a plurality of operating conditions. Specifically, the rotation of the emission head 15 can impart rotational speed components to the fluid jet which will increase the effectiveness of the disintegration process. In particular, the rotation speed of the emission head 15 may be adjusted in order to vary the particle size of the aforesaid disintegrated portion of polymeric matrix.

[0043] In accordance with a further advantageous aspect, the disintegration apparatus 1 can comprise a tensioning means 17 located upstream and / or downstream of the at least one upper disintegration device 4 and / or at least one lower disintegration device 5. In particular, the tensioning means 17 can be configured to tension at least one portion of the conveyor belt “N” exposed to the emission of the jet (preferably both upper and lower emission).

[0044] Preferably, the upper disintegration device 4 and / or lower disintegration device 5 is interposed between said tensioning means.

[0045] In this manner, the tensioning means 17 will ensure a suitable positioning of the conveyor belt “N”, thereby preventing the occurrence of bending which could reduce the effectiveness of the fluid jet. Furthermore, the tensioning means 17 favours the obtainment of a disintegrated portion of polymeric matrix having a substantially constant size during the disintegration process.

[0046] Preferably, the tensioning means 17 can comprise at least one upper tensioning roller 18 and at least one lower tensioning roller 19, facing each other and counter-rotating. In particular, the upper tensioning roller 18 and lower tensioning roller 19 are activatable on the conveyor belt “N” in order to tension it at least during an emission of the fluid jet.

[0047] In other words, the upper tensioning roller 18 and lower tensioning roller 19 can define a tensioning device active on the conveyor belt “N” in order to increase the efficiency of the disintegration process.

[0048] Preferably, the upper disintegration device 4 and / or lower disintegration device 5 is interposed between two pairs of rollers, each comprising an upper tensioning roller 18 and a lower tensioning roller 19.

[0049] Advantageously, the upper tensioning roller 18 and lower tensioning roller 19 can be reversibly moved closer to and / or farther away from each other at least to adapt the tensioning means 17 to the thickness of the conveyor belt “N”.

[0050] Furthermore, the upper tensioning roller 18 and / or lower tensioning roller 19 can be motorised so as to enable an effective adjustment of the tensioning of the conveyor belt “N”.

[0051] In accordance with some possible embodiments of the present invention and as illustrated in figure 1 , the tensioning means 17 can comprise a first tensioning device 20, located upstream of the lower disintegration device 5, a second tensioning device 21 , interposed between the lower disintegration device 5 and the upper disintegration device 4, and a third tensioning device 22, located downstream of the upper disintegration device 4.

[0052] Advantageously, the disintegration apparatus 1 can further comprise an abutment means 23 opposite the upper disintegration device 4 and / or lower disintegration device 5 relative to the conveyor belt “N” and configured to define an abutment for a portion of the conveyor belt exposed to the emission of the fluid jet so as to promote the obtainment of a disintegrated portion of polymeric matrix having a substantially constant size during the disintegration process.

[0053] Advantageously, the abutment means 23 can be reversibly moved closer to and / or farther away from the conveyor top “T” so as to adjust its interaction with the conveyor belt “N”.

[0054] With particular reference to figure 1 , the disintegration apparatus 1 can further comprise a collection means 6 configured to collect the portion of polymeric matrix disintegrated by the at least one upper disintegration device 4 and / or at least one lower disintegration device 5.

[0055] Preferably, the collection means 6 can be at least partly arranged below the disintegration station 100 in order to collect the disintegrated portion of polymeric matrix. For example, the collection means 6 can comprise a collection hopper 60 facing the disintegration station 100 and configured to receive, for example by gravity, the aforesaid disintegrated portion of polymeric matrix.

[0056] Furthermore, the disintegration apparatus 1 can comprise a recovery station 200 configured to recover at least one metal cable “M” of the conveyor belt “N”. As illustrated in the appended figures, the recovery station can be located downstream of the disintegration station 100 along the aforesaid feed direction “X”.

[0057] In particular, the disintegration apparatus 1 can further comprise a storage means 7 for storing the at least one metal cable “M” and a conveyor means 8 at least partly defining the recovery station 200.

[0058] For example, the conveyor means 8 can be configured to convey the at least one metal cable “M” at least from the disintegration station 100 to the storage means 7. Purely by way of non-limiting example, the conveyor means 8 can comprise a tracked tensioning means 80 active on the metal cable “M” in order to maintain it at a pre-established level of tension during its movement towards the aforesaid storage means 7.

[0059] Furthermore, the storage means 7 can comprise a cutting means 70 activatable on the at least one metal cable to enable the subsequent storage thereof and / or a winder configured to wind the at least one metal cable.

[0060] In accordance with a further advantageous aspect, the disintegration apparatus 1 can comprise a control unit configured to control at least the conveyor 2 and / or upper disintegration device 4 and / or lower disintegration device 5 in such a way as to manage and / or synchronise the movement of the conveyor belt “N” and of the disintegration means 4, 5.

[0061] Purely by way of non-limiting example, the control unit can be configured to adjust the speed of movement of the conveyor belt “N” along the feed direction “X” and / or to adjust the speed of movement of the disintegration devices 4, 5 along the disintegration direction "Y" in such a way as to enable multiple passes of the disintegration devices 4, 5 along the transverse direction of extension “B” of the conveyor belt “N”, thereby ensuring an effective disintegration of the conveyor belt “N”.

[0062] In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for recovering materials of a conveyor belt. The method comprises a step of arranging a conveyor belt “N” so that at least a lower surface “S1 ” of the conveyor belt is at least partly facing downwards and that at least an upper surface “S2” of the conveyor belt is opposite the lower surface and substantially facing upwards.

[0063] It is noted that, in the present description, the words “lower” and “upper” refer to a substantially vertical direction.

[0064] Furthermore, the method comprises a step of feeding the conveyor belt “N” along a feed direction “X”.

[0065] Preferably, the feed direction “X” is substantially horizontal.

[0066] Advantageously, the method comprises the step of focusing an upper fluid jet and a lower fluid jet respectively on an upper surface and on a lower surface of the conveyor belt in order to disintegrate at least one portion of the polymeric matrix of the conveyor belt “N”.

[0067] In this manner, the method enables conveyor belts having large thicknesses, for example greater than 40 mm, to be efficiently processed thanks to the joint action of the upper fluid jet and lower fluid jet. Furthermore, the combined effect of an upper fluid jet and lower fluid jet enables the disintegration process times to be reduced.

[0068] Preferably, the method comprises the step of moving the upper fluid jet and / or lower fluid jet along a disintegration direction “Y” which is transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the feed direction “X”.

[0069] Furthermore, the method can comprise a step of collecting the disintegrated portion of the polymeric matrix and / or a step of storing at least one metal cable “M” of the conveyor belt “N”.

[0070] Preferably, the method can be implemented with a disintegration apparatus 1 in accordance with what was previously described.

[0071] Advantageously, the step of focusing and / or the step of moving of the upper fluid jet and / or lower fluid jet can be carried out at least partly during a movement of the conveyor belt, thus ensuring a significant reduction in the disintegration process times.

[0072] Advantageously, the method comprises arranging a tensioning means 17 upstream and / or downstream of said upper fluid jet (4) and / or said lower fluid jet. The tensioning means 17 is configured to tension the conveyor belt N at least along a portion of said conveyor belt N exposed to the emission of said jet.

[0073] Advantageously, the step of arranging said tensioning means 17 envisages that the latter comprise at least one upper tensioning roller 18 and one lower tensioning roller 19, facing each other and counter-rotating. Said at least one upper tensioning roller 18 and one lower tensioning roller 19 are activatable on the conveyor belt N in order to tension it at least during an emission of said jet.

[0074] It may be observed, therefore, that the present invention achieves the proposed objects by providing a disintegration apparatus for conveyor belts, in particular for conveyor belts comprising at least one metal cable embedded in a polymeric matrix, which is capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art thanks to the presence of at least one upper disintegration device and at least one lower disintegration device which are operatively associated in order to bring about the disintegration of the conveyor belt.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A disintegration apparatus (1 ) for conveyor belts, in particular for conveyor belts comprising at least one metal cable (M) embedded in a polymeric matrix, said disintegration apparatus comprising:- at least one conveyor (2) defining a conveyor top (T) adapted to support at least one conveyor belt (N) so that at least one lower surface (S1) of the conveyor belt (N) is at least partly in contact with said conveyor and that at least one upper surface (S2) of the conveyor belt (N) is opposite the lower surface (S1), said at least one conveyor (2) being configured to convey the conveyor belt (N) at least towards a disintegration station (100) of said disintegration apparatus (1 ) along a feed direction (X);- at least one upper disintegration device (4) and at least one lower disintegration device (5) which can be facing, respectively, said upper surface (S2) and lower surface (S1) of the conveyor belt (N), each of said disintegration devices being configured to emit at least one jet of a fluid adapted to disintegrate at least one portion of the polymeric matrix of the conveyor belt (N); said at least one upper disintegration device (4) and at least one lower disintegration device (5) at least partly defining said disintegration station (100) of said disintegration apparatus (1 );- a recovery station (200) configured to recover at least one metal cable (M) of the conveyor belt (N), said recovery station (200) being located downstream of said disintegration station (100); characterised in that said at least one upper disintegration device (4) and said at least one lower disintegration device (5) are staggered along said feed direction (X); said disintegration apparatus further comprising an abutment means (23) opposite said at least one upper disintegration device (4) and / or said at least one lower disintegration device (5) relative to the conveyor belt (N) and configured to define an abutment for a portion of the conveyor belt (N) exposed to the emission of said jet.

2. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1 , comprising a movement means (9) configured to move said at least one upper disintegration device (4) and / or said at least one lower disintegration device (5) along a disintegration direction (Y) which is transverse, preferably perpendicular, to said feed direction (X) so as to move said upper disintegration device (4) and / or said lower disintegration device (5) along a transverse direction of extension (B) of the conveyor belt (N).

3. The apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein said movement means (9) comprises a guide (10, 11 ), extending parallel to said disintegration direction (Y), and a carriage (12, 13), slidably associated with said guide (10, 11 ); and wherein said upper disintegration device (4) and / or said lower disintegration device (5) is mounted on said carriage (12, 13) in order to be reversibly moved along said disintegration direction (Y).

4. The apparatus in accordance with claim 2 or 3, wherein said movement means (9) comprises an upper guide (10) and a lower guide (11 ), extending parallel to said disintegration direction (Y); wherein said movement means (9) comprises an upper carriage (12) and a lower carriage (13), slidably associated, respectively, with said upper guide (10) and with said lower guide (11 ); and wherein said upper disintegration device (4) and said lower disintegration device (5) are mounted, respectively, on said upper carriage (12) and on said lower carriage (13) in order to be reversibly moved along said disintegration direction (Y).

5. The apparatus in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said upper disintegration device (4) and / or said lower disintegration device (5) comprises at least one nozzle (16) adapted to enable the emission of said fluid jet, preferably at least 4 nozzles, even more preferably 12 nozzles.

6. The apparatus in accordance with claim 5, wherein said upper disintegration device (4) and / or said lower disintegration device (5) are positioned in such a way that the distance between said at least one nozzle (16) and said conveyor top is comprised between 2 mm and 8 mm.

7. The apparatus in accordance with claim 5 or 6, wherein each disintegration device (4, 5) comprises a support body (14), connectable to a fluid supply conduit to enable an inflow of the fluid to said disintegration device (4, 5), and an emission head (15), having said at least one nozzle (16); and wherein said emission head (15) is rotatable relative to said support body (14) in order to promote the disintegration of the polymeric matrix of the conveyor belt (N).

8. The apparatus in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a tensioning means (17) located upstream and / or downstream of said at least one upper disintegration device (4) and / or said at least one lower disintegration device (5), said tensioning means (17) being configured to tension the conveyor belt (N) at least along a portion of said conveyor belt (N) exposed to the emission of said jet.

9. The apparatus in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a tensioning means (17) located upstream and downstream of said at least one upper disintegration device (4) and of said at least one lower disintegration device (5), said tensioning means (17) being configured to tension the conveyor belt (N) at least along a portion of said conveyor belt (N) exposed to the emission of said jet.

10. The apparatus in accordance with claim 8 or 9, wherein said tensioning means (17) comprises at least one upper tensioning roller (18) and one lower tensioning roller (19), facing each other and counterrotating, said at least one upper tensioning roller (18) and one lowertensioning roller (19) being activatable on the conveyor belt (N) in order to tension it at least during an emission of said jet.

11. The apparatus in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one upper disintegration device (4) and / or said at least one lower disintegration device (5) is configured to emit a high-pressure fluid jet, preferably at a pressure greater than 2,000 bar, even more preferably greater than 2,300 bar.

12. The apparatus in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a collection means (6) configured to collect the portion of polymeric matrix disintegrated by said at least one upper disintegration device (4) and / or by said at least one lower disintegration device (5); said collection means (6) preferably being arranged below said disintegration station (100) in order to collect the disintegrated portion of polymeric matrix.

13. The apparatus in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a storage means (7) for storing at least one metal cable (M) and a conveyor means (8) configured to convey the at least one metal cable (M) at least from said disintegration station (100) to said storage means (7), said storage means (7) and conveyor means (8) at least partly defining said recovery station (200).

14. A method for recovering materials of a conveyor belt (N), comprising the steps of:- arranging a conveyor belt (N) so that at least a lower surface (S1) of the conveyor belt (N) is at least partly facing downwards and that at least an upper surface (S2) of the conveyor belt (N) is opposite the lower surface (S1) and substantially facing upwards;- feeding the conveyor belt (N) along a feed direction (X);- focusing an upper fluid jet and a lower fluid jet respectively on an upper surface (S2) and on a lower surface (S1) of the conveyor belt (N) in order to disintegrate at least one portion of the polymeric matrix of the conveyor belt (N);- moving said upper fluid jet and / or said lower fluid jet along a disintegration direction (Y) which is transverse, preferably perpendicular, to said feed direction (X) so as to move said upper fluid jet and / or said lower fluid jet along a transverse direction of extension (B) of the conveyor belt (N);- collecting the disintegrated portion of the polymeric matrix;- storing at least one metal cable (M) of the conveyor belt (N); characterised in that it comprises a step of staggering the position of said upper fluid jet and said lower fluid jet along said feed direction (X); said method further envisages positioning an abutment means (23) opposite at least said upper fluid jet and / or said lower fluid jet relative to the conveyor belt (N), the abutment means (23) being configured to define an abutment for a portion of the conveyor belt (N) exposed to the emission of said jet.

15. The method in accordance with claim 14, wherein said step of focusing and / or said step of moving said upper fluid jet and / or said lower fluid jet are carried out at least partly during a movement of the conveyor belt (N).

16. The method in accordance with one or more of claims 14 to 15, characterised in that a tensioning means (17) is arranged upstream and / or downstream of said upper fluid jet (4) and / or said lower fluid jet, said tensioning means (17) being configured to tension the conveyor belt (N) at least along a portion of said conveyor belt (N) exposed to the emission of said jet.

17. The method in accordance with one or more of claims 14 to 15,characterised in that a tensioning means (17) is arranged upstream and downstream of said upper fluid jet (4) and of said lower fluid jet, said tensioning means (17) being configured to tension the conveyor belt (N) at least along a portion of said conveyor belt (N) exposed to the emission of said jet.

18. The method in accordance with claim 16 or 17, wherein the step of arranging said tensioning means (17) envisages that the latter comprises at least one upper tensioning roller (18) and one lower tensioning roller (19), facing each other and counter-rotating, said at least one upper tensioning roller (18) and one lower tensioning roller (19) being activatable on the conveyor belt (N) in order to tension it at least during an emission of said jet.

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