Asphalt Shingle Recycling via Chemical Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asphalt shingles are difficult to recycle due to their slow decomposition and previous recycling methods resulting in unstable emulsions that are not suitable for commercial processes, leading to unrecyclable road surfaces prone to breakage.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical process using a combination of mechanical machinery and chemical solutions to separate asphalt shingles into reusable fiberglass, sand, and recyclable oil, employing a screened tubular rotating equipment and chemical solutions that liquefy asphalt without heating, allowing for the separation and cleaning of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If asphalt shingles are placed in a landfill, then they are disposed of, but they take about 300 years to decompose and occupy valuable land space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies chemical parameter changes by introducing a aqueous ammonia solution to alter the chemical state of the asphalt shingles. The basic solution breaks down the asphalt binder, transforming the composite material into separable components (fiberglass, aggregate, and liquid asphalt), thereby enabling rapid decomposition and recycling instead of centuries-long landfill decomposition.
2Ease of manufacture
If shingles are ground into small pieces and mixed with rock and asphalt to make road surfaces, then they can be reused, but the resulting road surfaces are prone to break-up under heavy loads and wide temperature variances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by completely separating the shingle components into distinct fractions: clean fiberglass mats, washed aggregate particles, and liquid asphalt. This allows each component to be processed independently and reused in its optimal form, rather than mechanically grinding them into a mixed aggregate that compromises road surface integrity under stress and temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers valuable materials by separating and purifying each component. The liquid asphalt is collected and can be reused as binder, the fiberglass mats are cleaned and can be reused as reinforcement, and the aggregate is washed and can be reused as filler, thereby recovering full material value instead of downcycling into inferior road mix.
3Reliability
If chemical solutions are used to form emulsions for recycling, then separation of components is achieved, but the emulsions are unstable and only work under very specific conditions or for limited periods of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aqueous ammonia solution as an intermediary chemical that facilitates separation without forming unstable emulsions. The basic solution acts as a mediator that breaks down the asphalt binder and allows component separation through settling and filtration, providing a stable and flexible process that works under varied conditions without requiring precise emulsion formulation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process effectively recycles asphalt shingles into reusable fiberglass, oil, and sand, producing a higher oil yield and creating stable, marketable liquid oil that can be repurposed, while maintaining the cleanliness of fiberglass and sand, thus addressing the challenges of previous recycling methods.
Implementation Method 1
adding an asphalt shingle (1) to a chemical solution (2). The asphalt shingle (1) reacts with the chemical solution and separates the asphalt shingle into a separated fiberglass (3), separated asphalt shingle granules (4) and separated asphalt shingle oil (5)
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical process may employ a novel and unique combination of mechanical machinery and chemical solutions
Implementation Method 3
separating said asphalt shingle into a separated fiberglass, separated asphalt shingle granules, and separated asphalt shingle oil
Implementation Method 4
removing said separated asphalt shingle granules from said chemical solution; removing said separated fiberglass from said chemical solution; removing said separated asphalt shingle oil from said chemical solution
Implementation Method 5
providing oil free recyclable fiberglass, oil free recyclable sand from said asphalt shingle granules, and recyclable oil
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention may provide methods and systems for recycling asphalt shingles (1) perhaps in a chemical solution (2) to provide oil free recyclable fiberglass (6), oil free recyclable sand (7), and even recyclable oil (8). The present invention may provide a screened tubular rotating equipment (16) may be at least partially immersed (18) in a tank (17) of a chemical solution (2) to treat the asphalt shingles (1).