Excavated Material Classification and Fine-Fraction Incineration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing excavated materials, such as construction rubble and soil, are inefficient in reducing non-reusable residues, leading to high landfill disposal and limited recycling due to contamination with pollutants.
Innovation Solution
A method involving separation, washing, and crushing of excavated materials to create distinct grain size fractions, followed by incineration of the fine fraction containing non-reusable waste, allowing the coarse fraction to be reused and the fine fraction to be recycled or landfilled safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If excavated material is processed using conventional methods (sorting, screening, washing, crushing), then recyclable materials can be separated, but non-reusable contaminated fractions still require landfill disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The excavated material is divided into multiple grain size fractions through classification. The fine fraction containing non-reusable contaminants is separated from the coarse recyclable fraction, allowing targeted processing. This segmentation enables the recyclable portion to be recovered while concentrating contaminants in a smaller volume for efficient incineration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and composition of the fine fraction by incineration, transforming contaminants into ash and flue gas. This parameter change (from solid waste to combustion products) eliminates the non-reusable portion completely, converting a disposal problem into an energy recovery opportunity.
2Reliability
If all excavated material is incinerated to remove contaminants, then complete purification is achieved, but energy consumption and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of incinerating the entire excavated material, only the fine fraction containing contaminants is incinerated. This partial action approach achieves the necessary purification for the contaminated portion while avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure on already recyclable coarse materials. The classification step enables this selective processing.
3Productivity
If incineration facilities are located centrally to achieve economical operation, then operational efficiency improves, but transport distance and time for excavated material increase
Solution Approach 1:
The excavated material undergoes preliminary classification at or near the construction site, separating the fine contaminated fraction from the coarse recyclable fraction before incineration. This preliminary action reduces the volume and mass of material requiring long-distance transport to centralized incineration facilities, thereby minimizing transport time and costs while maintaining operational efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If fine fraction with maximum grain diameter of 1.00 mm is separated through washing and screening, then contaminants are concentrated, but the fine fraction cannot be reused and must be landfilled
Solution Approach 1:
The fine fraction, which was previously considered waste destined for landfill, is converted into a suitable fuel material for incineration. The contaminants concentrated in this fraction become the target of thermal processing, transforming a disposal burden into an energy source. The incineration process converts these non-reusable materials into ash and flue gas, achieving complete elimination rather than mere relocation to landfill.
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 approach significantly reduces non-reusable waste disposal, enables efficient recycling of the coarse fraction, and allows the fine fraction to be incinerated at a smaller scale near the construction site, minimizing transport and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
burning the at least one non-reusable waste material of the at least one fine fraction at a temperature selected for burning the at least one non-reusable waste material contained in the at least one fine fraction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for processing an excavated material (A) comprising construction rubble material with excavated soil material and/or mixed construction waste material and at least one non-reusable waste material. At least one processing treatment (S) of the excavated material (A) from a group comprising separation (S1), washing (S2), and crushing (S3) is carried out, obtaining a treated excavated material (A') in which the non-reusable waste material is contained in at least one fine fraction (F).This is followed by classifying (K) the treated excavated material (A') in a classifying device (40) at least into the fine fraction (F) containing the non-reusable waste material and at least one coarse fraction (G) which is poor in or free of the non-reusable waste material, such that the coarse fraction (G) is discharged for reuse (V). This is followed by transferring the fine fraction (F) to an incineration device (50) and incinerating (B) the non-reusable waste material of the fine fraction (F) at a temperature selected for incinerating the non-reusable waste material, wherein a processed fine fraction which is poor in or free of the at least one non-reusable waste material is obtained from a combustion residue. Furthermore, a processing device (10) designed, in particular a mobile, for carrying out the method and a work train (100) are disclosed.