Underwater Spark Gap Recyclate Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for decomposing recyclates into reusable materials are not suitable for a wide range of materials and are either too complex or not cost-effective, particularly due to limitations in pulse energy and frequency, which restricts their applicability to specific types of materials like fuel cell stacks.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a pulse discharge with an average field strength of less than or equal to 5 kV/mm and a pulse energy of greater than 10 J, generated in an underwater spark gap, where the recyclate is positioned to allow for the formation of discharge channels in the liquid, enabling targeted electrical flashovers and subsequent shockwave generation for selective decomposition, using a Marx generator to achieve high voltage and controlled pulse rise times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If low pulse energy (maximum 10 J) and high operating frequency (approximately 100 Hz) are used for decomposition, then the method is suitable for specific materials like fuel cell stacks, but the applicability to other recyclates is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from low pulse energy (10 J) to high pulse energy (300-1200 J), and from high frequency (100 Hz) to low frequency (1-10 Hz). This parameter transformation enables the decomposition method to handle diverse recyclate materials including metals, plastics, ceramics, and composite materials, significantly improving adaptability while maintaining effective decomposition through energy-intensive electrical flashovers
2Reliability
If electrical flashovers are generated in the solid material to be decomposed, then decomposition effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of high-voltage insulation requirements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces liquid (water or other liquids) as an intermediary medium between the electrode system and the recyclate material. Electrical flashovers are generated in the liquid rather than directly in the solid material, creating discharge channels that subsequently impact the recyclate. This intermediary approach maintains decomposition effectiveness while dramatically reducing high-voltage insulation complexity, as liquid insulation requirements are far more manageable than solid material insulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical discharge in solid material with a two-stage process: first generating electrical flashovers in liquid to create shockwaves and discharge channels, then using these physical mechanisms to decompose the recyclate. This substitution of direct electrical-mechanical discharge with liquid-mediated shockwave generation simplifies the overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
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 allows for the reliable, cost-effective, and selective decomposition of various recyclates into reusable components by exploiting differences in dielectric strength between liquids and solids, achieving high breakage selectivity and reducing complexity and high-voltage insulation requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse discharge with an average field strength of less than or equal to 5 kV/mm and a pulse or discharge energy of greater than 10 J, preferably between 300 J and 1200 J, is generated at least substantially in the liquid by means of a pulse current source within an underwater spark gap
Implementation Method 2
the recyclate is positioned in the container in such a way that it rests on the container-base side and at least partially fills the underwater spark gap
Implementation Method 3
achieving high breakage selectivity and reducing complexity and high-voltage insulation requirements
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for disintegrating a recyclable item in a material-selective manner and using the electrohydraulic effect, an electric discharge being generated, in a container filled with a liquid, using a pulsed current source and within an underwater spark gab between a container base-side electrode and at least one container cover-side electrode that points towards the first electrode, with electric discharge having an average field strength of less than or equal to 5 kV/mm and a pulse or discharge energy of greater than 10 J, and being generated at least substantially in the liquid. In the container, the recyclable item lies partially in the underwater spark gab on the container base-side.