Auger Depolymerization Plant With Feedback Control Under Anoxic Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disposal of worn-out tires through burning or abandonment contributes to atmospheric and environmental pollution, and existing thermo-mechanical depolymerization plants are inefficient in managing process parameters for sustainable polymer decomposition.
Innovation Solution
A thermo-mechanical depolymerization plant with controlled anoxic conditions, using an auger system and heating means to apply thermo-mechanical stresses on a polymeric mixture, combined with detection and management systems to optimize product output, ensuring efficient decomposition of tires and other plastics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If worn-out tyres are disposed of by burning or abandonment, then the disposal process is simple, but atmospheric and environmental pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of tyre disposal from open burning or abandonment to controlled thermo-mechanical depolymerization. By controlling temperature, pressure, and oxygen levels in a reactor system, the process transforms harmful combustion into controlled chemical decomposition that produces useful products while eliminating pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs anoxic (inert) atmospheric conditions within the reactor during depolymerization. By excluding oxygen, the process prevents harmful combustion and oxidation reactions, instead promoting controlled breakdown of polymer chains into valuable hydrocarbon products without generating toxic emissions.
2Productivity
If existing thermo-mechanical depolymerization plants are used, then polymer decomposition is achieved, but process parameter management is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a control system with sensors that continuously monitor critical process parameters including temperature, pressure, and oxygen levels. This feedback mechanism allows real-time adjustment of operational conditions to optimize depolymerization efficiency and maintain stable anoxic conditions throughout the reaction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor system is designed to handle multiple types of polymeric materials including tyres, automotive shredder residues, and other plastic materials. The universal design allows the same equipment to process different feedstocks by adjusting operational parameters, reducing the need for multiple specialized plants.
3Use of energy by moving object
If tyres are burned in incinerators or used as solid recovered fuels, then energy recovery is achieved, but sustainability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful waste problem of tyre disposal into a beneficial resource recovery process. By depolymerizing tyre rubber into hydrocarbon products, the system transforms waste material into valuable chemical feedstocks and energy carriers, simultaneously solving pollution issues and creating economic value.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of simply discarding worn-out tyres through burning or landfill, the invention recovers valuable components through depolymerization. The process breaks down rubber polymers into reusable hydrocarbon products that can be fed back into manufacturing cycles, establishing a circular economy model for tyre waste management.
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 plant achieves efficient polymer decomposition with controlled anoxic conditions, producing valuable depolymerization products while minimizing environmental impact and optimizing process parameters for improved safety and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The polymeric mixture is displaced in the annular gap toward the discharge opening by rotating the auger with respect to the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The polymeric mixture is subjected to thermo-mechanical stresses in the absence of oxygen to obtain depolymerization products
Implementation Method 3
The polymeric mixture is subjected to thermo-mechanical stresses in the absence of oxygen to obtain depolymerization products
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Plant (1) comprising an auger (6), rotatably received in a compartment (4) of a cylinder (2), drive means (8) for driving the auger (6) with angular speed, cylinder (2) and auger (6) delimiting a gap (12) for the anoxic thermo-mechanical depolymerization of a polymeric mixture to obtain depolymerization products. The plant (1) comprises a discharge (14) for said products, interception means (16) comprising a movable shutter for adjusting a product-passage section, movement means (18) of the movable shutter, detection means (22) of the amounts of products, and management and control means (20) connected to the drive means (8), to the movement means (18) and to the detection means (22) to send signals to the drive means (8) and/or to the movement means (18) to adjust said angular speed and/or product passage section according to the detection signals received based on the actual solid, liquid and/or gaseous products.