Ink Removal from Metallic Cans Using Alkaline Spray and Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High production volumes of metallic cans with printed labels result in significant waste due to inappropriate printings, leading to environmental concerns and increased costs from recycling, as traditional ink removal methods are either harmful or impractical for high-speed processes.
Innovation Solution
A process using a non-abrasive, alkaline aqueous solution applied as a spray, combined with friction from a soft cushion, to remove ink before curing, allowing for efficient ink removal without damaging the surface, and enabling the reuse of cans in production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional organic solvents are used to remove ink, then ink removal effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm increases and operational restrictions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the removal medium by using aqueous solutions with controlled pH levels (acidic or alkaline) instead of traditional organic solvents. This parameter change maintains ink removal effectiveness while eliminating environmental harm associated with organic solvents, as the aqueous-based composition can be easily neutralized and disposed of without ecological damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable-like approach with the removable printing composition that is applied, performs its function, and is then easily discarded or neutralized. The aqueous-based composition does not require complex recovery systems like organic solvents, allowing for simple disposal after use, which reduces environmental impact while maintaining effective ink removal.
2Loss of substance
If abrasive techniques are used to remove ink, then ink removal effectiveness is improved, but surface damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical abrasion with a chemical solution-based system. Instead of using abrasive materials that physically scrape the ink off the can surface, the method uses acidic or alkaline aqueous solutions that chemically dissolve or loosen the ink, allowing it to be removed without mechanical contact that could damage the metal surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary substance (the acidic or alkaline aqueous composition) that mediates between the ink and the metal surface. This intermediary chemically interacts with the ink to facilitate removal while being designed to not interact harmfully with the metal substrate, thus protecting the surface while enabling effective ink removal.
3Productivity
If high production volumes are maintained, then productivity is improved, but waste volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by removing the printing composition from cans before they are sent for recycling. This preliminary removal step ensures that when cans are recycled at high volumes, the ink waste is already separated, allowing the metal to be recycled more efficiently and reducing the total waste processing burden. The system enables continuous high-speed operation while managing waste separately.
4Loss of substance
If recycling by melting is performed, then material recovery is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary removal of the printing composition before the recycling process. By removing the ink and coating materials in advance using the aqueous acidic or alkaline solution, the subsequent recycling process does not require high-temperature melting to separate contaminants from the metal. This preliminary cleaning action significantly reduces the energy required in the recycling stage while maintaining complete material recovery.
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 reduces waste, preserves the surface finish of the cans, minimizes environmental impact, and saves energy by avoiding the need for melting, thus enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
A process using a non-abrasive, alkaline aqueous solution applied as a spray, combined with friction from a soft cushion, to remove ink before curing
Implementation Method 2
the remover liquid consists of an oil-in-water dispersion
Implementation Method 3
combined with friction from a soft cushion, to remove ink before curing
Data Source
AI summary
Process and system for removing printing in metallic packages used in drinks, food and other applications in general, comprising the removal of ink before the cure thereof, by means of spray with ink remover liquid and non abrasive friction. Preferably, said liquid is an alkaline aqueous solution, which is sprayed onto the package surface simultaneously with the friction thereof with a soft and non abrasive element. In a preferred embodiment, said friction results in the rotation of the package around the longitudinal axis thereof, which is mounted on a rotative support, and the soft non abrasive element in contact with the surface thereof keeps motionless.