Tribo-mechanical Separation of Composite Slags via Rotor Impacts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in efficiently separating composite materials and mixtures, particularly solid mixtures and slags, due to their complex composition, which hinders recycling and leads to thermal disposal, resulting in raw material loss and environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a separating device with a rotor and stator unit that applies mechanical impulses to excite the composite materials, utilizing tribo-mechanical effects to separate components based on their distinct physical properties, allowing for energy-efficient decomposition along boundary layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal or wet chemical processes are used to separate composite materials, then separation can be achieved, but energy consumption increases and environmental pollution worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal and chemical separation processes with a mechanical impact system. A rotor with impact elements mechanically strikes composite material particles, utilizing force and motion to separate components based on their physical properties, thereby eliminating the need for energy-intensive thermal or chemical treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the separation parameter from thermal/chemical to mechanical impact parameters. By controlling impact force, velocity, and frequency of the rotor elements, the system achieves separation through mechanical means, fundamentally altering the process parameters to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
2Reliability
If thermal processes are used for separation, then composite materials can be broken down, but CO2 emissions and environmental pollution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes thermal breakdown processes with mechanical impact. The rotor elements physically strike and fragment composite materials through controlled mechanical force, achieving material decomposition without combustion or chemical reactions, thereby eliminating CO2 emissions and harmful thermal byproducts.
3Strength
If complex mixing of recyclable materials occurs in composite products, then improved material properties are achieved, but separation into components becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by breaking down composite material particles into smaller fragments through mechanical impact. The rotor elements strike the composites, causing them to fragment into constituent components that can then be separated based on their different physical properties, thus enabling separation of previously bonded materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and size parameters of the composite materials through mechanical impact. By controlling the impact parameters, the system transforms intact composite particles into fragmented components with different size distributions, enabling subsequent separation processes to effectively divide the mixed materials.
4Productivity
If mechanical plants process recyclable waste, then some separation is achieved, but the quantity and quality of recyclates are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes separation parameters by controlling the mechanical impact characteristics. By adjusting rotor speed, impact force, and material feed rate, the system achieves optimal fragmentation and separation, producing recyclates with improved quality and quantity compared to conventional mechanical processing.
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
This method enables selective separation of materials by their physical properties, facilitating recycling and reducing environmental impact by conserving resources and minimizing CO2 emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The composite material or mixture is excited by mechanical impulses as it passes through the separation device and is thereby separated. The separation, or rather the breakdown, does not occur through pulverization, comminution, acceleration caused by turbulence, or the like, but rather through tribomechanical action at the boundary layer surfaces.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for separating composite materials and mixtures, in particular solid mixtures and slags, comprising transporting the composite material or the mixture through a separation device (31, 41; 32, 42), wherein the composite material or the mixture to be separated is excited by mechanical impulses during passage through the separation device and is thereby separated.