HDPE Separator Scrap Degreasing by Screw Compression and Vacuum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recycling secondary battery separators, particularly those made from high-density polyethylene, are inefficient due to the need for extraction solvents and lengthy impregnation processes, which can lead to recycling failures and residual impurities, complicating the separation of oil from waste separators.
Innovation Solution
A waste separator scrap oil extraction device employing a pressurization method using a screw with a gradually increasing diameter and a warm-oil jacket for initial oil separation, followed by a vacuum extraction method to further extract oil vapor, eliminating the need for solvents and impregnation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If extraction solvent and impregnation process are used to extract oil from waste separator, then oil extraction is achieved, but processing time increases and residual impurities remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts oil from waste separator using a centrifuge that applies centrifugal force to separate oil from the separator material. The centrifuge system takes out the oil extraction function from the traditional solvent-based process, achieving rapid separation without requiring impregnation time or leaving residual solvent impurities. The centrifugal extraction directly removes oil through rotational force, resolving the contradiction between extraction efficiency and processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical extraction system (solvents and impregnation processes) with a mechanical extraction system (centrifuge). The centrifuge uses mechanical centrifugal force to separate oil from the waste separator, eliminating the need for chemical solvents and lengthy impregnation steps. This mechanical substitution achieves rapid oil removal without the time consumption and residual impurity issues associated with solvent-based methods.
2Loss of substance
If extraction solvent is used for oil separation, then oil can be extracted, but residual impurities complicate the separation process
Solution Approach 1:
The centrifuge extracts oil from the waste separator through centrifugal force, taking out the oil separation function from the solvent-based process. This direct mechanical extraction eliminates residual solvent impurities that would otherwise contaminate the separated materials, achieving high-purity separation without the need for additional filtration or purification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes chemical extraction with mechanical centrifugal separation. The centrifuge uses rotational mechanical force to separate oil from the separator based on density differences, replacing the chemical solvent system. This mechanical approach achieves cleaner separation without leaving residual solvent impurities, thereby improving separation purity and simplifying the overall process.
3Productivity
If centrifuge rotation speed is increased for faster separation, then processing speed improves, but separation precision may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The centrifuge operates at optimized rotation speeds that balance separation speed and precision. The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters to achieve effective oil separation while maintaining adequate separation accuracy. The centrifugal force generated at these optimized speeds is sufficient to separate oil from the waste separator efficiently without compromising separation quality, resolving the contradiction between productivity and precision.
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 enables faster and more efficient recycling of high-density polyethylene scrap by effectively extracting oil through multi-extraction without solvents, reducing processing time and impurity issues, and producing higher-purity recyclates.
Implementation Method 1
a first extraction means into which pulverized scrap is input, and configured to primarily separate oil from scrap while extruding the input scrap by a pressurization method with a screw
Implementation Method 2
a warm-oil jacket provided in first screw housing and configured to contain a high-temperature fluid therein to apply heat to an inside of the first screw housing
Implementation Method 3
a secondary extraction means into which the scrap from which the oil is separated by the first extraction means is input, and configured to generate oil vapor by applying heat to the scrap when the scrap is transferred by a screw and secondarily separate remaining oil by vacuum suction of the generated oil vapor
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a waste separator scrap oil extraction device for producing a recyclate from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) scrap, the HDPE being used as a material for a separator of a lithium ion secondary battery, and to a method of producing a recyclate using the same. The waste separator scrap oil extraction device includes: a first extraction means into which pulverized scrap is input, and configured to primarily separate oil from scrap while extruding the input scrap by a pressurization method with a screw; and a secondary extraction means into which the scrap from which the oil is separated by the first extraction means is input, and configured to generate oil vapor by applying heat to the scrap when the scrap is transferred by a screw and secondarily separate remaining oil by vacuum suction of the generated oil vapor.