Hydrocarbon Solvent Separation of Plastic Silicone Composites
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for separating plastic and silicone in composite materials, such as polycarbonate and liquid silicone rubber, result in the use of solvents that cannot be recycled, leading to waste liquid treatment issues.
Innovation Solution
A separation apparatus and method utilizing a hydrocarbon solvent, which is stored in a tank and circulated to immerse the composite material, allowing for the separation of insoluble plastic and silicone without the need for solvent recycling, incorporating additional tanks for heating, cooling, and screening to facilitate efficient separation and solvent reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a solvent is used to dissolve silicone in the composite material, then the plastic and silicone can be separated, but the solvent cannot be recycled and leads to waste liquid treatment problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the solvent from conventional organic solvents to hydrocarbon solvents with specific molecular weight ranges (C15-C30 for liquid phase, C1-C10 for gas phase). This parameter change enables the solvent to be recyclable while maintaining effective separation of plastic and silicone components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a solvent recovery system where the hydrocarbon solvent is separated from the separated plastic and silicone, purified, and reused in the separation process. This recovering step eliminates the need for continuous solvent disposal and addresses the waste liquid treatment problem.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional solvents are used for separation, then the separation process is simple, but waste liquid treatment becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of solvent waste into a benefit by selecting hydrocarbon solvents that can be easily separated from the separated materials through density differences. The solvent forms a distinct phase that can be readily removed and reused, transforming what would be waste into a recyclable resource.
3Loss of substance
If hydrocarbon solvent is used for separation, then the solvent can be recycled and reused, but the process requires additional tanks for heating, cooling, and screening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the separation apparatus where the same hydrocarbon solvent serves multiple functions: it acts as the separation medium, the heating medium, and the cooling medium. The solvent is heated to facilitate separation, then cooled and screened, and reused in the same process, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
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
Enables effective separation of plastic and silicone without generating waste liquid, as the hydrocarbon solvent can be recycled and reused, and the process allows for safe operation by confining reactive gases, with the separated materials being easily distinguishable and recyclable.
Implementation Method 1
The plastic and the silicone in the composite material are insoluble in the hydrocarbon solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A separation apparatus suitable for separating plastic and silicone in a composite material includes a storage tank configured to store a hydrocarbon solvent, and a reaction tank fluidly connected to the storage tank and having a reaction space for placement of the composite material therein and for receiving the hydrocarbon solvent from the storage tank such that the composite material is immersed in the hydrocarbon solvent for separating the plastic and the silicone in the composite material. The plastic and the silicone in the composite material are insoluble in the hydrocarbon solvent.