WO2019087486A1 - 使用済み吸収性物品からパルプ繊維を回収する方法及びシステム - Google Patents
使用済み吸収性物品からパルプ繊維を回収する方法及びシステム Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2019087486A1 WO2019087486A1 PCT/JP2018/028145 JP2018028145W WO2019087486A1 WO 2019087486 A1 WO2019087486 A1 WO 2019087486A1 JP 2018028145 W JP2018028145 W JP 2018028145W WO 2019087486 A1 WO2019087486 A1 WO 2019087486A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- aqueous solution
- crushing
- collection bag
- absorbent article
- used absorbent
- Prior art date
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Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
- B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
- B02C18/00—Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragments
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B09—DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE; RECLAMATION OF CONTAMINATED SOIL
- B09B—DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B09B5/00—Operations not covered by a single other subclass or by a single other group in this subclass
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
- Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
- Y02W30/62—Plastics recycling; Rubber recycling
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
- Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
- Y02W30/64—Paper recycling
Definitions
- the present invention relates to methods and systems for recovering pulp fibers from used absorbent articles.
- Methods are known for recovering pulp fibers from absorbent articles such as used disposable diapers.
- the collection bag in which a plurality of used absorbent articles are enclosed may be processed as it is.
- By treating the collection bag as it is it is possible to reduce the work of taking out used absorbent articles from the collection bag (improvement of processing efficiency) and make it difficult for workers to come in contact with dirt and fungi attached to the used absorbent articles. It can do (improvement of hygiene management).
- Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a crushing separation and recovery apparatus for used disposable diapers.
- This apparatus comprises a separation tank, a screen, a stirrer, a crushing means, pulps discharging means, and plastics discharging means.
- the separation tank the used disposable diaper placed in the collection body (bag) is charged together with the collection body, and water, a polymer separating agent and a sterilizing agent are supplied.
- the screen divides the separation tank into upper and lower chambers.
- the stirrer is provided in the upper chamber of the separation tank and stirs the treated material (collection bag, used disposable diaper, water, various agents, etc.).
- the crushing means may be provided in the upper chamber of the separation tank to crush the collection body and the used disposable diaper.
- the pulp discharging means is provided in communication with the lower chamber of the separation tank to discharge the pulp having passed through the screen.
- the plastic discharge means is provided in communication with the upper chamber of the separation tank and discharges the plastic which can not pass through the screen under natural flow.
- Non-Patent Document 1 integrates the crusher and the separator into one device, and while stirring the water in the separation tank, breaks and collects the collection bag with the same crusher in the water. Crush the used disposable diaper in the bag. Therefore, the water will be in a mixed state of not only crushed disposable diapers but also used disposable diaper dirt and fungi, and the dirt and fungi will scatter outward from the water surface, and the odor associated with the dirt May be released. In that case, in some cases, it may be considered that the worker of the device directly or indirectly contacts dirt or fungi or is exposed to odor during processing or maintenance. When recovering pulp fibers from used absorbent articles placed in a collection bag, it is desirable to have a technique for hygienically and safely crushing used absorbent articles while reducing costs.
- An object of the present invention is to be able to hygienically and safely crush the used absorbent article while reducing the cost when recovering pulp fibers from the used absorbent article placed in a collection bag A method and system are provided.
- the method for recovering pulp fibers from used absorbent articles containing pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer in the present invention is as follows.
- a method of recovering pulp fibers from a used absorbent article containing pulp fibers and a superabsorbent polymer comprising: receiving a container containing a collection bag in which the used absorbent article is enclosed; and communicating with the container Crushing the used absorbent articles in the collection bag together with the collection bag in the inactivated aqueous solution by the crushing apparatus while transferring the collection bag in the container to the shredding device; And a separation step of separating a pulp fiber, a superabsorbent polymer, and the inactivated aqueous solution from the crushed material obtained in the crushing step and the inactivated aqueous solution by a separation device.
- the collection bag is transferred to a crushing apparatus provided separately from the container, and in the crushing apparatus, the used absorbent in the collection bag is contained in the inactivated aqueous solution. While deactivating the superabsorbent polymer of the article, the used absorbent article is crushed together with the collection bag. That is, when the used absorbent article is crushed, it is crushed in the inactivating aqueous solution in a crushing device separate from the container, and after crushing, the inactivating aqueous solution and the crushed material are transferred to the separation device.
- the inactivated aqueous solution or fragment containing dirt or fungi hardly reaches the container. Therefore, the container can be crushed with little dirt or fungus remaining.
- the odor can be sealed with the inactivating aqueous solution, the generation of the odor can be suppressed to a low level.
- alkaline volatile components derived from excrement such as urine do not volatilize and remain in the inactivated aqueous solution, so that the generation of odor due to alkaline gas such as ammonia can be suppressed. it can.
- the collection bag in the receiving step, is placed in a solution tank as the container storing the inactivated aqueous solution, and a hole is formed in the surface of the collection bag in contact with the inactivated aqueous solution.
- the crushing step includes an opening step, and the inside of the collecting bag is transferred from the solution tank to the crushing apparatus together with the inactivating aqueous solution while the hole is opened and the collecting bag which is sunk below the surface of the inactivating aqueous solution is transferred.
- the method according to (1) above which comprises the step of crushing the used absorbent article of the above in the inactivated aqueous solution together with the collection bag.
- the inactivated aqueous solution is introduced from the hole into the collection bag to inactivate the superabsorbent polymer contained in the used absorbent article with the inactivated water solution.
- the collection bag is substantially sunk below the surface of the inactivated aqueous solution.
- the inactivated aqueous solution hardly mixes with dirt and fungi, and no odor is generated. Then, when the used absorbent article is crushed, the inactivated aqueous solution may be mixed with dirt or fungi, or odor may be generated, but the inactivated aqueous solution mixed with dirt or fungi is destroyed at almost the same time as the disruption. The solution is sent out from the solution tank, so that the solution tank can be washed away with almost no dirt or fungus remaining. In addition, since the odor can be sealed with the inactivating aqueous solution, the generation of the odor can be suppressed to a low level. Thus, when the used absorbent article is crushed, it is possible to suppress the scattering of dirt and fungi and the release of the odor associated with the dirt.
- the method includes the steps of: (3) drilling holes in the collection bag in the drilling step; and breaking the used absorbent article together with the collection bag in the crushing step at different positions. And the method described in (2) above.
- the steps of piercing the collection bag and crushing the used absorbent article together with the collection bag are performed at different (different) locations (positions). Therefore, after the inactivating aqueous solution is introduced into the collecting bag through the hole and the collecting bag is surely submerged under the surface of the inactivating aqueous solution, crushing can be performed at another location.
- the crushing step is a crushing step in which the used absorbent article in the collection bag is crushed in the inactivated aqueous solution supplied together with the collection bag and the collection bag.
- the method according to the above (2) or (3) including the step of drawing out the crushed material obtained in the in-liquid crushing step from the in-liquid crushing step together with the inactivating aqueous solution, .
- the mixture of the crushed material and the inactivating aqueous solution is actively extracted from the in-liquid crushing step to remove the contamination of the equipment involved in the in-liquid crushing step with the inactivating aqueous solution as the mixture moves (flow Can leave. Thereby, the hygienic state in the crushing process can be kept good.
- the method comprises the steps of: (5) forming a hole in the surface of the collection bag in contact with the inactivated aqueous solution in the hole forming step, a projection movable up and down in the solution tank while rotating around a rotation axis
- the method according to any one of the above (2) to (4) may be performed.
- the collection bag is pierced with projections that move up and down in the solution bath while rotating around the rotation axis. Therefore, even if the collection bag is not settled in the inactivating aqueous solution, the collection bag can be reliably punctured by, for example, moving the protrusion to the top of the volume tank and contacting the collection bag.
- the collection bag can be reliably submerged in the acidic solution in a short time, reducing the processing time and increasing the processing efficiency.
- the method comprises the steps of: (6) drilling a hole in the surface of the collection bag in contact with the inactivated aqueous solution in the drilling step, feeding the collection bag into the inactivated aqueous solution from the top of the solution tank;
- the method according to any one of the above (2) to (4), which is disposed at the lower part of the solution tank and is performed by contacting a protrusion rotating around the rotation axis may be used.
- the collection bag is fed into the inactivating aqueous solution, and the protrusion in the lower part of the solution tank is pierced in the collection bag.
- the collection bag Since the collection bag is sedimented in the inactivated aqueous solution and then punctured, it is possible to reliably prevent the spread of dirt and odor from the used absorbent articles in the collection bag to the outside. Thereby, the used absorbent articles can be crushed hygienically and safely.
- the crushing step supplies the collection bag into the inactivated aqueous solution in the crushing apparatus while the used absorbent article in the collection bag is combined with the collection bag.
- the method according to the above (1) may include the step of crushing in an inactivated aqueous solution.
- the inactivating aqueous solution is stored in advance in a crushing apparatus, and in the inert aqueous solution, the used absorbent articles in the collecting bag are crushed in the inactivating aqueous solution together with the collecting bag. Therefore, the used absorbent articles in the collection bag can be surely crushed together with the collection bag in the inactivated aqueous solution.
- the crushing step includes the step of crushing the used absorbent article together with the collection bag so that the average size of the crushed material is 50 mm or more and 100 mm or less.
- the method according to any one of (1) to (8) may be used.
- crushing is performed such that the average value of the sizes of crushed materials is 50 mm or more and 100 mm or less by adjusting the crushing apparatus.
- the size of the crushed material is the length of the long side in the case of a rectangular shape, the diameter in the case of a circle, and the length of a square corresponding to the area in the case of an irregular shape.
- the pulp fiber to be regenerated and other materials mixed in the superabsorbent polymer are increased, and the recovery rate of the pulp fiber and superabsorbent polymer is reduced.
- the average value of the size is larger than 100 mm, it becomes difficult to cut the used absorbent article. As a result, the used absorbent article which can not take out a pulp fiber or a super absorbent polymer will arise, and the recovery of a pulp fiber or a super absorbent polymer will fall.
- the step of crushing the used absorbent article in the inactivating aqueous solution together with the collection bag in the crushing step is performed by a twin-screw crusher. It may be a method according to any one of 9).
- the step of crushing the used absorbent article is performed using a twin-screw crusher (example: twin-screw rotary crusher, twin-screw differential crusher, twin-screw shear crusher) There is. Therefore, the size of the crushed material can be approximately aligned within a predetermined range.
- the crushed material becomes too small, foreign matter is mixed in the pulp fiber, or the crushed material becomes too large, and a used absorbent article from which the pulp fiber can not be taken out is generated, and the recovery rate of the pulp fiber is increased. It is possible to control the situation of falling.
- the inactivated aqueous solution is an acidic aqueous solution.
- the superabsorbent polymer in the used absorbent article can be reliably dewatered and inactivated.
- alkaline volatile components derived from excrement such as urine do not volatilize and remain in the acidic aqueous solution, so that generation of odor due to alkaline gas such as ammonia can be suppressed.
- the used absorbent article does not swell significantly, so crushing can be easily performed, and processing efficiency can be enhanced.
- the system used to recover pulp fibers from used absorbent articles comprising pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymers in the present invention is as follows.
- (13) A system for use in a method of recovering pulp fibers from a used absorbent article comprising pulp fibers and a superabsorbent polymer, comprising: a container for containing a collection bag in which the used absorbent article is enclosed; And a crushing device for crushing the used absorbent article in the collection bag together with the collection bag in the inactivated aqueous solution while the collection bag in the container is transferred.
- a system comprising a pulp fiber, a superabsorbent polymer and a separation device for separating the inactivated aqueous solution from the obtained crushed material and the inactivated aqueous solution.
- the collection bag is transferred to a crushing apparatus provided separately from the container, and in the crushing apparatus, the used absorbent in the collection bag is contained in the inactivated aqueous solution. While deactivating the superabsorbent polymer of the article, the used absorbent article is crushed together with the collection bag. That is, when the used absorbent article is crushed, it is crushed in the inactivating aqueous solution in a crushing device separate from the container, and after crushing, the inactivating aqueous solution and the crushed material are transferred to the separation device.
- the inactivated aqueous solution or fragment containing dirt or fungi hardly reaches the container. Therefore, the container can be crushed with little dirt or fungus remaining.
- the odor can be sealed with the inactivating aqueous solution, the generation of the odor can be suppressed to a low level.
- alkaline volatile components derived from excrement such as urine do not volatilize and remain in the inactivated aqueous solution, so that the generation of odor due to alkaline gas such as ammonia can be suppressed. it can.
- the solution tank as the container for storing the inactivated aqueous solution, and the inactivated solution in the collection bag provided in the solution tank and the collection bag is placed in the solution tank
- the crushing apparatus includes the perforation device for making a hole in the surface in contact with the surface, wherein the crushing apparatus is configured to open the hole and sink the collection bag sunk under the surface of the inactivating aqueous solution, the inactivating aqueous solution.
- the inactivated aqueous solution is introduced from the hole into the collection bag to inactivate the superabsorbent polymer contained in the used absorbent article with the inactivated water solution.
- the collection bag is substantially sunk below the surface of the inactivated aqueous solution.
- the inactivated aqueous solution hardly mixes with dirt and fungi, and no odor is generated. Then, when the used absorbent article is crushed, the inactivated aqueous solution may be mixed with dirt or fungi, or odor may be generated, but the inactivated aqueous solution mixed with dirt or fungi is destroyed at almost the same time as the disruption. The solution is sent out from the solution tank, so that the solution tank can be washed away with almost no dirt or fungus remaining. In addition, since the odor can be sealed with the inactivating aqueous solution, the generation of the odor can be suppressed to a low level.
- the present system may be (15) the system according to (14), wherein the bag opening apparatus and the crushing apparatus are different apparatuses.
- a bag-breaking device for piercing the collection bag and a crushing device for breaking the used absorbent article together with the collection bag are different devices. Therefore, since the opening of the hole and the crushing of the used absorbent article can be surely performed at different places (locations), the inactivating aqueous solution is introduced from the hole into the collection bag, and the collecting bag is made of the inactivating aqueous solution. It can be crushed at another location after it is definitely submerged below the water surface.
- the present system comprises: (16) a crushing unit for crushing the used absorbent articles in the collection bag in the inactivated aqueous solution supplied together with the collection bag and the collection bag;
- the dirt of the crushing part can be removed (flushed away) by the inactivating aqueous solution as the mixture moves. . This makes it possible to maintain good hygiene in the crushing apparatus.
- the holed portion includes a projection that can move up and down in the solution tank while rotating around a rotation axis.
- a hole is formed in the collection bag by a projection moving up and down in the solution tank while rotating around the rotation axis. Therefore, even if the collection bag is not settled in the inactivating aqueous solution, the collection bag can be reliably punctured by, for example, moving the protrusion to the top of the volume tank and contacting the collection bag. By drilling the holes and settling the collection bag in the inactivated aqueous solution, the collection bag can be reliably submerged in the acidic solution in a short time, reducing the processing time and increasing the processing efficiency.
- the present system comprises: (18) in the bag-breaking apparatus, the perforation part is disposed at a lower part of the solution tank, a feeding part for feeding the collection bag into the inactivated aqueous solution from the upper part of the solution tank,
- the system according to any one of the above (14) to (16), including a projection rotating around an axis to puncture the collection bag.
- the collection bag is pierced into the collection bag with the lower projections of the solution bath, which feed the collection bag into the inactivating aqueous solution. Since the collection bag is sedimented in the inactivated aqueous solution and then punctured, it is possible to reliably prevent the spread of dirt and odor from the used absorbent articles in the collection bag to the outside. Thereby, the used absorbent article can be crushed hygienically and safely.
- the crushing apparatus is configured to supply the used absorbent articles in the collection bag together with the collection bag while the collection bag is supplied into the inactivated aqueous solution in the crushing apparatus.
- the system according to (13) above may be disrupted in an inactivated aqueous solution.
- the inactivating aqueous solution is stored in advance in a crushing apparatus, and the used absorbent articles in the collecting bag are crushed in the inactivating aqueous solution in the inert aqueous solution. Therefore, the used absorbent articles in the collection bag can be surely crushed together with the collection bag in the inactivated aqueous solution.
- the present system (21) the crushing apparatus crushes the used absorbent article together with the collection bag so that the average size of the crushed material is 50 mm or more and 100 mm or less.
- the size of the crushed material is as described above such as the length of the long side when the shape is rectangular. In that case, since the back sheet and / or the top sheet of each used absorbent article can be reliably cut, it is possible to take out pulp fibers substantially without leaving the cut in each used absorbent article.
- the recovery rate of the pulp fiber and the recovery rate of the superabsorbent polymer can be increased.
- the average value of the size is less than 50 mm, materials other than the pulp fiber and the superabsorbent polymer are cut too small, and it becomes difficult to separate the pulp fiber and the superabsorbent polymer.
- the pulp fiber to be regenerated and other materials mixed in the superabsorbent polymer are increased, and the recovery rate of the pulp fiber and superabsorbent polymer is reduced.
- the average value of the size is larger than 100 mm, it becomes difficult to cut the used absorbent article. As a result, the used absorbent article which can not take out a pulp fiber or a super absorbent polymer will arise, and the recovery of a pulp fiber or a super absorbent polymer will fall.
- the crusher includes a twin-screw crusher.
- a twin-screw crusher (example: twin-screw rotary crusher, twin-screw differential crusher, twin-screw shear crusher) is used as a crusher for used absorbent articles. Therefore, the size of the crushed material can be approximately aligned within a predetermined range. As a result, the crushed material becomes too small, foreign matter is mixed in the pulp fiber, or the crushed material becomes too large, and a used absorbent article from which the pulp fiber can not be taken out is generated, and the recovery rate of the pulp fiber is increased. It is possible to control the situation of falling.
- the system may be (23) the system according to any one of (13) to (22), wherein the inactivated aqueous solution is an acidic aqueous solution.
- the inactivating aqueous solution is an acidic aqueous solution
- the superabsorbent polymer in the used absorbent article can be reliably dewatered and inactivated.
- alkaline volatile components derived from excrement such as urine do not volatilize and remain in the acidic aqueous solution, so that generation of odor due to alkaline gas such as ammonia can be suppressed.
- the used absorbent article does not swell significantly, so crushing can be easily performed, and processing efficiency can be enhanced.
- the system may be (24) a system according to (23) above, wherein the acidic aqueous solution comprises citric acid.
- the acidic aqueous solution contains citric acid (example: concentration 0.5 to 2.0% by mass)
- the superabsorbent polymer in the used absorbent article can be dehydrated and inactivated, as well as the acid. There is almost no adverse effect on workers due to and corrosion of equipment of each process by acid can be suppressed.
- the used absorbent article when recovering pulp fibers from a used absorbent article placed in a collection bag, the used absorbent article can be hygienically and safely crushed while suppressing costs. It becomes possible.
- a used absorbent article is an absorbent article used by the user, and includes an absorbent article in a state where it absorbs and holds the user's excrement, and although it is used, it absorbs the excrement. It includes items that are not held and those that are unused but discarded.
- a disposable diaper, a urine absorption pad, a sanitary napkin, a bed sheet, and a pet sheet are mentioned, for example.
- the method for recovering pulp fibers from the used absorbent article according to the present embodiment can be said to be a method for producing recycled pulp fibers from used absorbent articles because recycled pulp fibers are produced. Furthermore, in the method for recovering pulp fibers from the used absorbent article according to the present embodiment, the super absorbent polymer is recovered along with the pulp fibers along the way, and the recycled super absorbent polymer is generated by separation. It can also be said to be a method for recovering superabsorbent polymer from absorbent articles or a method for producing recycled superabsorbent polymer. Here, it demonstrates as a method of collect
- the first embodiment will be described.
- the absorbent article comprises a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorber disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet.
- An example of the size of the absorbent article includes a length of about 15 to 100 cm and a width of 5 to 100 cm.
- the absorbent article may further contain other members, such as a diffusion sheet, a leak-barrier, etc. with which a general absorbent article is provided.
- the nonwoven fabric of liquid permeability, the synthetic resin film which has a liquid permeation hole, the composite sheet of these, etc. are mentioned, for example.
- the liquid impervious nonwoven fabric, the liquid impervious synthetic resin film, and these composite sheets are mentioned, for example.
- a structural member of a diffusion sheet a liquid permeable nonwoven fabric is mentioned, for example.
- the component of the leak-proof wall include a liquid-impervious non-woven fabric, and may include an elastic member such as rubber.
- the material of the non-woven fabric and the synthetic resin film is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as an absorbent article, but, for example, olefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, and polyamides such as 6-nylon and 6,6-nylon And polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).
- olefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene
- polyamides such as 6-nylon and 6,6-nylon
- polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- PBT polybutylene terephthalate
- the components of the absorber include absorber materials, i.e. pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymers.
- the pulp fiber is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as an absorbent article, and examples thereof include cellulosic fibers.
- Examples of cellulose fibers include wood pulp, crosslinked pulp, non-wood pulp, regenerated cellulose, semi-synthetic cellulose and the like.
- As the size of the pulp fiber for example, an average value of the major axis of the fiber may be several tens ⁇ m, preferably 20 to 40 ⁇ m, an average value of the fiber length may be several mm, for example 2 to 5 mm.
- the super absorbent polymer (SuperAbsorbent Polymer: SAP) is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as an absorbent article, but for example, a polyacrylate based, polysulfonate based, and anhydrous maleate based water absorbing polymer It can be mentioned.
- the size (at the time of drying) of the superabsorbent polymer is, for example, several hundred ⁇ m in average particle diameter, preferably 200 to 500 ⁇ m.
- One side and the other side of the absorber are respectively bonded to the top sheet and the back sheet via an adhesive.
- a portion (peripheral portion) of the top sheet extending to the outside of the absorber so as to surround the absorber is a portion on the outside of the absorber so as to surround the absorber of the back sheet. It is joined with the extended part (peripheral part) via an adhesive. Therefore, the absorber is encased within the joined body of the top sheet and the back sheet.
- the adhesive is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as an absorbent article and the bonding strength is reduced by softening or the like with warm water described later, and examples thereof include a hot melt adhesive.
- a hot-melt adhesive for example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive or a heat-sensitive adhesive mainly composed of rubber such as styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene or olefin based such as polyethylene Agents.
- used absorbent articles are recovered and obtained from the outside for reuse (recycling).
- a plurality of used absorbent articles are enclosed in a collection bag (hereinafter also referred to as “collection bag”) so that dirt (excrements etc.), fungi and odor do not leak to the outside.
- the individual used absorbent articles in the collection bag are mainly rolled up inside the surface sheet on which the excrement is excreted so that the excrement is not exposed to the front side and the odor is not diffused to the surroundings. It is recovered etc. in the closed or folded state.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a system 1 according to the present embodiment.
- the system 1 comprises a bag removing device 11 and a shredding device 12.
- the first separating device 13, the first dust removing device 14, the second dust removing device 15, the third dust removing device 16, and the third A second separation device 17, a third separation device 18, an oxidant processing device 19, and a fourth separation device 20 are provided. The details will be described below.
- the bag-breaking device 11 punctures the collection bag containing the used absorbent article in the inactivated aqueous solution.
- the crusher 12 crushes the used absorbent articles in the inactivated aqueous solution, which is sunk below the surface of the inert aqueous solution, together with the collection bag.
- the inactivating aqueous solution is an aqueous solution which inactivates the super absorbent polymer, and the water absorption performance of the super absorbent polymer is lowered by the inactivation. Thereby, the superabsorbent polymer releases water, i.e. dehydrates, to an amount that is acceptable for water absorption if it is absorbing more water than the reduced water absorption capacity.
- an acidic aqueous solution is used as an inactivation aqueous solution is demonstrated to an example.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of the bag removing device 11 and the crushing device 12 of FIG.
- the bag-breaking apparatus 11 stores, for example, the acidic aqueous solution B supplied via a pipe provided with a valve, and punctures the collection bag A placed in the acidic aqueous solution B.
- the bag-breaking apparatus 11 includes a solution tank (container) V and a piercing unit 50.
- the solution tank V holds the acidic aqueous solution B.
- the perforations 50 are provided in the solution tank V, and when the collection bag A is placed in the solution tank V, holes are formed in the surface of the collection bag A in contact with the acidic aqueous solution B.
- the piercing unit 50 includes a feeding unit 30 and a bag opening 40.
- the feed unit 30 feeds (pulls) the collection bag A into the acidic aqueous solution B in the solution tank V (physically forced).
- the feed unit 30 is, for example, a stirrer, and includes a stirring blade 33, a support shaft (rotary shaft) 32 for supporting the stirring blade 33, and a drive device 31 that rotates the support shaft 32 along the axis.
- the stirring blade 33 rotates around the rotation shaft (support shaft 32) by the drive device 31 to generate a swirling flow in the acidic aqueous solution B.
- the feed unit 30 draws the collection bag A toward the bottom of the acidic aqueous solution B (solution tank V) by the swirling flow.
- the tear-off portion 40 is disposed at the lower portion (preferably the bottom) of the solution tank V, and the tear-off blade 41, a support shaft (rotation shaft) 42 for supporting the tear-off blade 41, and the support shaft 42 And a driving device 43 that rotates along with the driving device.
- the tearing blade 41 makes a hole in the collection bag A moved to the lower part of the acidic aqueous solution B (solution tank V) by rotating around the rotating shaft (supporting shaft 42) by the drive device 43.
- the lower part of the solution tank V indicates a portion below the half position in the height direction of the solution tank V.
- the tearing blade 41 of the punching portion 50 of the tearing device 11 may move up and down in the solution tank V while rotating around the rotation shaft (supporting shaft 42). In that case, by moving the tear-off blade 41 upward, even if the collection bag A does not move to the lower part of the acidic aqueous solution B (solution tank V), a hole can be made in the collection bag A.
- the crushing apparatus 12 crushes the used absorbent articles in the collection bag A sunk below the surface of the acidic aqueous solution B together with the collection bag A.
- the crushing apparatus 12 includes a crushing unit 60 and a pump 63.
- the crushing part 60 is connected by the solution tank V and the pipe 61, and by opening the valve (not shown) of the pipe 61, the inside of the collection bag A is sent together with the acidic aqueous solution B from the solution tank V mainly by gravity.
- the used absorbent article (mixed liquid 91) is crushed in the acidic aqueous solution B together with the collection bag A.
- a twin screw crusher (example: twin screw rotary crusher, twin screw differential crusher, twin screw shearing crusher) may be mentioned, and for example, a smear cutter (Sumitomo Heavy Industries Environment Co., Ltd.) Manufactured by The pump 63 is connected by the crushing unit 60 and the pipe 62, and the crushed material obtained in the crushing unit 60 is drawn out from the crushing unit 60 together with the acidic aqueous solution B (mixed liquid 92) and delivered to the next process.
- the crushed material includes pulp fiber and super absorbent polymer, and other materials (material of collection bag A, film, nonwoven fabric, elastic body, etc.). It is preferable that the bag removing device 11 and the shredding device 12 be different devices.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing another configuration example of the bag removing device 11 and the crushing device 12 of FIG.
- the bag-breaking apparatus 11 includes a solution tank Va and a perforation 50a.
- the piercing portion 50a includes a feeding portion 30a and a tear-off portion 40a.
- the feeding unit 30a feeds (pushes) the collection bag A (physically and forcibly) into the acidic aqueous solution B in the solution tank Va.
- the feeding portion 30a is directly connected to the upper portion of the solution tank Va, and has a cylindrical member 38, a shaft member 36 disposed in the cylindrical member 38 so as to overlap with the axis of the cylinder, and a shaft around the shaft member 36. And a plate member 37 that spirals along the direction.
- the punctured portion 40a is disposed to extend from the bottom of the solution tank Va to the inside, and the rotating rotor 41a, a supporting shaft (rotating shaft) 42 for supporting the rotating rotor 41a, and the supporting shaft 42 along the axis. And a driving device 43 that rotates.
- the rotating rotor 41 a has a conical main body 45 and a plurality of protrusions 44 disposed on the side surface of the main body 45.
- the rotating rotor 41a rotates around the rotation shaft (supporting shaft 42) in the acidic aqueous solution B (solution tank Va) to move the plurality of projections to the collection bag A which has been moved into the acidic aqueous solution B (solution tank Va). Make a hole in section 44.
- mixer pulper made by Aikawa Tekko Co., Ltd.
- FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view showing a structural example of the crushing unit 60 of the crushing apparatus 12 of FIG.
- the biaxial crusher of the crusher 60 is provided with a pair of rotation shafts 72, 72 rotatably supported at both ends by the housing 75 and arranged in parallel to each other.
- the rotary shafts 72 are mutually rotated toward the inside of the housing 75 by a drive device 71 (not shown).
- the rotary blades 74 and the spacers 73 are alternately mounted on the rotary shafts 72 in the axial direction.
- the size of the crushed material can be adjusted mainly by the difference a in the radius between the rotary blade 74 and the spacer 73 and the axial thickness b of the rotary blade 74.
- the size can be realized by adjusting so that aab ⁇ 60 mm.
- the size of the crushed material is the length of the long side when the shape of the crushed material in a plan view is substantially rectangular, and in the case of an irregular type, the size of the square when approximated by a square having the same area as the crushed material.
- the length of one side, in the case of a circle, is the diameter.
- the average size of crushed material is the crushed material immediately after crushing, and 10 pieces of crushed material (example: top sheet or back sheet etc.) having an area larger than a ⁇ b before crushing are arbitrarily selected , Calculate the average value.
- the first separation device 13 is a wash that stirs the liquid mixture 92 containing the crushed material obtained by the crushing device 12 and the acidic aqueous solution to remove dirt (excrement etc.) from the crushed material.
- the pulp fiber, the superabsorbent polymer and the acidic aqueous solution are separated from the mixed solution 92 (mixed solution 93) and sent to the first dust remover 14.
- the first separation device 13 may be, for example, a washing machine equipped with a washing and dewatering tank and a water tub surrounding the same. However, a washing tank and dewatering tank (rotary drum) is used as a washing tank and sieving tank (separation tank).
- the size of the plurality of through holes provided on the circumferential surface of the washing tank is such that pulp fibers and highly water-absorptive polymer in the crushed material can easily pass through and other materials can not easily pass through.
- the washing machine include a horizontal washing machine ECO-22B (manufactured by Inamoto Seisakusho Co., Ltd.).
- the acidic aqueous solution when an acidic aqueous solution is not used as the inactivating aqueous solution between the bag removing device 11 to the first separation device 13, the acidic aqueous solution is added from the first dust removing device 14 and the pulp supplied to the first dust removing device 14
- the inactivated aqueous solution containing the fiber and the superabsorbent polymer may be a substantially acidic aqueous solution. In that case, the specific gravity and size of the superabsorbent polymer can be easily adjusted by pH.
- the first dust remover 14 has a plurality of openings with an acidic aqueous solution (mixed liquid 93) containing pulp fibers and super absorbent polymer delivered from the first separator 13 while maintaining the pH within a predetermined range.
- the screen separates the pulp fiber and the superabsorbent polymer (mixed liquid 94) in the acidic aqueous solution and other materials (foreign matter).
- a liquid example: water
- a liquid with substantially the same pH (example: (Acidic aqueous solution)
- the predetermined range is a range of fluctuation of pH within ⁇ 1.0.
- the first dust remover 14 is, for example, a screen separator (coarse screen separator).
- the openings of the screen are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include slits, round holes, square holes, and meshes.
- round holes are used.
- the size of the opening, that is, the size (diameter) of the round hole is such a size that the pulp fiber and the superabsorbent polymer can pass, and other materials (foreign material) which can not be removed by the first separating device 13 can not pass easily And the size of the opening of the screen of the second dust remover 15.
- the size of the round hole is, for example, 2 to 5 mm in diameter, whereby other materials (foreign matter) of at least about 10 mm square can be removed.
- the size (width) of the slit is, for example, 2 to 5 mm.
- the mixed solution 93 delivered from the first separating device 13 may be supplied to the first dust removing device 14 while being pressurized (example: 0.5 to 1 kgf / cm 2 ). Good.
- the first dust remover 14 include pack pulper (manufactured by Satomi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.).
- the second dust remover 15 has a plurality of openings with an acidic aqueous solution (mixed liquid 94) containing pulp fibers and super absorbent polymer delivered from the first dust remover 14 while maintaining the pH within a predetermined range.
- the screen separates the pulp fiber and the superabsorbent polymer (mixed liquid 95) in the acidic aqueous solution and other materials (foreign matter).
- the second dust remover 15 is, for example, a screen separator.
- the opening of the screen (sieve) is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include slits, round holes, square holes, and meshes. Here, slits are used.
- the size (width) of the slit is a size through which the pulp fiber and the superabsorbent polymer can pass, and the size through which other materials (foreign matter) which can not be removed by the first dust remover 14 can not pass easily.
- the size of the slit is, for example, 0.2 to 0.5 mm in width, whereby other materials (foreign matter) of at least about 3 mm square can be removed.
- the size (diameter) of the round hole is, for example, 0.2 to 0.5 mm in diameter.
- the mixed solution 94 delivered from the first dust removing device 14 may be supplied to the second dust removing device 15 while being pressurized (example: 0.5 to 2 kgf / cm 2 ). Good.
- the pressure is preferably higher than the pressure of the first dust remover 14 from the viewpoint of removing relatively small foreign matter.
- the second dust remover 15 include Lamo Screen (manufactured by Aikawa Tekko Co., Ltd.).
- the third dust remover 16 centrifuges the acidic aqueous solution (mixed liquid 95) containing the pulp fiber and the superabsorbent polymer delivered from the second dust remover 15, while maintaining the pH within a predetermined range, Pulp fibers and super absorbent polymer (mixed liquid 96) in an acidic aqueous solution and other materials (foreign matter) are separated.
- the third dust remover 16 is, for example, a cyclone separator. Pulp fiber and super absorbent polymer at a predetermined flow rate so that pulp fibers and super absorbent polymer in an acidic aqueous solution having a relatively low specific gravity rise and foreign substances (such as metals) having a higher specific gravity lower than those. Is supplied into an inverted conical housing (not shown) of the third dust remover 16.
- the third dust remover 16 is exemplified by an ACT low concentration cleaner (manufactured by Aikawa Tekko Co., Ltd.).
- the second separation device 17 mixes the pulp fiber in the acidic aqueous solution (mixture 96) with the pulp aqueous solution (mixed liquid 96) containing the pulp fiber and the superabsorbent polymer delivered from the third dust collector 16 by the screen having a plurality of openings.
- the solution 97) and the superabsorbent polymer in an acidic aqueous solution are separated. Therefore, it can also be viewed as a dehydrator that removes the acidic aqueous solution from the liquid mixture 96 together with the superabsorbent polymer.
- the second separation device 17 is, for example, a drum screen separator.
- the opening of the drum screen is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a slit, a round hole, a square, or a mesh hole.
- a slit is used.
- the size (width) of the slit is a size through which the superabsorbent polymer can pass and a size through which the pulp fiber can not pass easily.
- the size of the slit is, for example, 0.2 to 0.8 mm wide, which allows at least many superabsorbent polymers to be removed.
- the size of the round hole is, for example, 0.2 to 0.8 mm in diameter.
- Examples of the second separation device 17 include a drum screen dehydrator (manufactured by Toyo Screen Co., Ltd.).
- the third separation device 18 is a pulp fiber and a high water content polymer that has been delivered from the second separation device 17, and the superabsorbent polymer remaining after separation and the acidic aqueous solution (mixture liquid 97) with a screen having a plurality of openings. While separating into a solid (mixture 98) containing a water absorbing polymer and a liquid containing a high water absorbing polymer and an acidic aqueous solution, pressure is applied to the solid to crush the high water absorbing polymer in the solid. Therefore, the third separation device 18 can also be viewed as a pressure dehydration type dehydrator that removes the acidic aqueous solution from the liquid mixture 97 together with the superabsorbent polymer.
- the third separation device 18 is, for example, a screw press dehydrator.
- the opening of the drum screen (sieve) is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a slit, a round hole, a square, or a mesh hole.
- a slit is used.
- the size (width) of the slit is a size through which the superabsorbent polymer can pass and a size through which the pulp fiber can not pass easily.
- the size of the slit is, for example, 0.1 to 0.5 mm in width, and at least the remaining superabsorbent polymer can be removed.
- the third separation device 18 delivers the liquid containing the superabsorbent polymer and the acidic aqueous solution from the slit of the side surface of the drum screen, and the pulp fiber and the superabsorbent polymer from the gap of the lid in which the pressure of the tip of the drum screen is adjusted. The solids contained are delivered while crushing the superabsorbent polymer.
- the pressure applied to the lid may be, for example, 0.01 MPa or more and 1 MPa or less.
- a screw press dehydrator manufactured by Kawaguchi Seiki Co., Ltd.
- the oxidizing agent processing unit 19 processes the pulp fiber (mixture 98) containing the crushed super absorbent polymer in the solid delivered from the third separating unit 18 with an aqueous solution (processing solution) containing an oxidizing agent. Thereby, the superabsorbent polymer is oxidatively decomposed to be removed from the pulp fibers, and the pulp fibers not containing the superabsorbent polymer are delivered together with the treatment liquid (mixed liquid 99).
- an oxidizing agent processing apparatus is equipped with a processing tank and an ozone supply apparatus, for example.
- the treatment tank stores the acidic aqueous solution as a treatment liquid.
- An ozone supply apparatus supplies ozone containing gas which is a gaseous substance to a processing tank.
- the ozone generator of the ozone supply apparatus include an ozone water exposure tester ED-OWX-2 manufactured by Ecodesign Co., Ltd. and an ozone generator OS-25V manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.
- the nozzle of the ozone supply device is disposed at the lower part of the treatment tank and has, for example, a tubular or flat shape. The nozzle supplies the ozone-containing gas Z into the processing liquid as a plurality of fine bubbles.
- an acidic aqueous solution is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing the deactivation of ozone and the inactivation of the super absorbent polymer, and an organic acid is preferable from the viewpoint of reducing the influence of the acid on workers and devices.
- Citric acid is preferred from the viewpoint of removal of
- ozone gas is used as the oxidizing agent, the present embodiment is not limited to this example, and another oxidizing agent may be used, and a liquid oxidizing agent even if it is not a gaseous oxidizing agent Or, a solid oxidizing agent may be melted in a liquid.
- the oxidizing agent include chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid, sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide.
- the fourth separation device 20 recovers pulp fibers by separating the pulp fibers from the treatment liquid (mixed liquid 99) containing the pulp fibers treated by the oxidant treatment device 19 with a screen having a plurality of openings. And recycled pulp fibers are produced.
- the fourth separation device 20 include a screen separator.
- the opening of the screen (sieve) is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include slits, round holes, square holes, and meshes.
- slits are used.
- the size (width) of the slit is such that pulp fibers can not easily pass through.
- the size of the slit is, for example, 0.2 to 0.8 mm in width. In the case of a round hole, the size of the round hole is, for example, 0.2 to 0.8 mm in diameter.
- the system 1 preferably includes an ozone treatment device 22, a pH adjustment device 23, and a water storage tank 24. These devices are devices for regenerating and reusing the acidic aqueous solution used in the system 1. Reuse of the acidic aqueous solution can reduce the cost of the acidic aqueous solution.
- the ozone treatment device 22 sterilizes the superabsorbent polymer separated by the second separator 17 and the acidic aqueous solution 101 after the superabsorbent polymer is further separated from the acidic aqueous solution with an ozone-containing aqueous solution.
- the pH adjusting device 23 adjusts the pH of the acidic aqueous solution 102 sterilized with the ozone-containing aqueous solution to generate a regenerated acidic aqueous solution 103.
- the water storage tank 24 stores the surplus of the regenerated acidic aqueous solution 103.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a method according to the present embodiment.
- This method comprises a drilling step S11 and a crushing step S12, preferably a first separation step S13, a first dust removal step S14, a second dust removal step S15, a third dust removal step S16, and a third dust removal step S16.
- a second separation step S17, a third separation step S18, an oxidant treatment step S19, and a fourth separation step S20 are provided. The details will be described below.
- the punching process S11 is performed by the bag opening apparatus 11.
- the collection bag A in which the used absorbent article is sealed is put into the solution tank V storing the acidic aqueous solution B, and a hole is made in the surface of the collection bag A in contact with the acidic aqueous solution B.
- the acidic aqueous solution B is enclosed and sealed around the collection bag A so that the dirt, fungus and odor of the used absorbent article in the collection bag A are not released to the outside when the collection bag A is punctured. Do.
- the acidic aqueous solution intrudes into the collection bag A from the hole, the gas in the collection bag A escapes to the outside of the collection bag A, and the specific gravity of the collection bag A becomes heavier than the acidic aqueous solution B. Settle down.
- the acidic aqueous solution B inactivates the superabsorbent polymer in the used absorbent article in the collection bag A.
- the superabsorbent polymer in the used absorbent article is inactivated and its ability to absorb water is reduced, so that the superabsorbent polymer is dewatered and the particle size is reduced, making it easy to handle in each subsequent step Process efficiency is improved.
- the reason for using an acidic aqueous solution, ie, an aqueous solution of an inorganic acid and an organic acid, as the inactivating aqueous solution is that ash does not remain in the pulp fiber as compared with an aqueous solution such as lime or calcium chloride. It is because it is easy to adjust the particle size and the size of specific gravity by pH.
- the pH of the acidic aqueous solution is preferably 1.0 or more and 4.0 or less, and more preferably 1.2 or more and 2.5 or less. If the pH is too high, the water absorbing ability of the superabsorbent polymer can not be sufficiently reduced. In addition, the sterilization capacity may be reduced. If the pH is too low, equipment may be corroded, and a large amount of alkali chemicals are required for neutralization treatment during wastewater treatment. In particular, in order to separate the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer from the other materials, it is preferable that the size and specific gravity of the pulp fibers be relatively close to the size and specific gravity of the superabsorbent polymer.
- the superabsorbent polymer can be made smaller by inactivation, whereby the size and specific gravity of pulp fiber and superabsorbent property
- the size and specific gravity of the polymers can be relatively close to one another.
- the organic acid include citric acid, tartaric acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid and the like, with hydroxycarbonate organic acids such as citric acid, tartaric acid and gluconic acid being particularly preferable. .
- the inorganic acid include sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, but sulfuric acid is preferable from the viewpoint of containing no chlorine and cost.
- the pH in the present invention refers to the pH measured at an aqueous solution temperature of 20 ° C.
- the organic acid concentration of the organic acid aqueous solution is not particularly limited, but when the organic acid is citric acid, 0.5 mass% or more and 4 mass% or less is preferable.
- the inorganic acid concentration of the inorganic acid aqueous solution is not particularly limited, but when the inorganic acid is sulfuric acid, 0.1 mass% or more and 0.5 mass% or less is preferable.
- the swirling flow is generated in the acidic aqueous solution B by rotation of the stirring blade 33 around the rotation shaft (support shaft 32), and the collection bag A is physically forced. It is drawn toward the bottom of the aqueous solution B (solution tank V). Then, the collection bag A moved to the bottom portion contacts the tear-off blade 41 by the rotation of the tear-off blade 41 around the rotation axis (supporting shaft 42), and a hole is made. It should be noted that if the tearing blade 41 can move up and down in the solution tank V, the tearing blade 41 does not draw in the direction of the bottom of the acidic aqueous solution B (solution tank V) by the swirling flow.
- the collection bags A are pushed one after another along the spiral of the plate-like member 37 from above the feeding portion 30a to move along the spiral over the plate-like member 37 It is physically and forcibly fed into the solution tank Va filled with the acidic aqueous solution B from the lower side of the feeding unit 30a. Then, the collection bag A that has moved to the solution tank Va contacts the projection 44 and is punctured by the rotation of the rotating rotor 41a around the rotation axis (supporting shaft 42).
- the crushing step S12 is performed by the crushing device 12.
- the whole is crushed in the acidic aqueous solution B.
- the crushing apparatus 12 of FIG. 2 first, use in the collection bag A delivered together with the acidic aqueous solution B from the solution tank V mainly by gravity by opening the valve (not shown) of the piping 61 by the crushing part 60
- the finished absorbent article is crushed together with the collection bag A in the acidic aqueous solution B (in-liquid crushing step).
- the rotary blade 74 and the spacer 73 rotate toward the inside of the crushing unit 60 around one rotation shaft 72 and the inside of the crushing unit 60 around the other rotation shaft 72.
- the mixed solution 91 is supplied between the rotary blade 74 and the spacer 73 which rotate toward, and the collection bag A is crushed together with the bag.
- the acidic aqueous solution B mixed liquid 92
- the crusher apparatus 12 of FIG. 2 the acidic aqueous solution B (mixed liquid 92) containing the crushed material obtained in the crushing part 60 (in-liquid crushing step) is drawn out from the crushing part 60 by the pump 63 (extraction step) It is sent to the next process.
- the crushing step S12 has a step of crushing the used absorbent article together with the collection bag A so that the average value of the size of the crushed material is 50 mm or more and 100 mm or less.
- the two-shaft crusher of the crusher 60 mainly uses the difference a in the radius between the rotary blade 74 and the spacer 73 and the rotary blade 74 so that the average value of the size of the crushed material is 50 mm or more and 100 mm or less.
- it is adjusted by the axial thickness b.
- the absorbent article As the absorbent article, a length of about 150 to 1000 mm and a width of 100 mm to 1000 mm are assumed.
- a cut By crushing so that the average value of the magnitude
- the recovery rate of the pulp fibers total amount of pulp fibers regenerated / the pulp fibers of the used absorbent articles supplied Total amount).
- the size of the crushed material is large and bulky, and the amount (processed amount) of the crushed material (disposable diaper) that can be processed by the first separation device 13 in the first separation step S13 decreases, and the processing efficiency is improved. descend. Furthermore, the used absorbent article which can not take out pulp fiber will arise, and the recovery rate of pulp fiber falls. Specific examples will be described later.
- the first separation step S13 is performed by the first separation device 13.
- the mixed liquid 92 containing the crushed material obtained by the crushing device 12 and the acidic aqueous solution is stirred to remove dirt from the crushed material, and the mixed liquid 92 is a pulp fiber, a super absorbent polymer, and an acid. It is separated into aqueous solution and other materials.
- an acidic aqueous solution may be separately added in order to enhance the cleaning effect and / or adjust the pH.
- the pulp fiber, the superabsorbent polymer and the acidic aqueous solution (including a part, other materials, etc.) in the mixed solution 92 are separated through the through holes and sent out from the first separation device 13 (Mixed solution 93).
- the pulp fiber of the liquid mixture 92, the superabsorbent polymer, and other materials except the acidic aqueous solution can not pass through the through holes and remain in the first separation device 13 or are delivered by another route. However, some of the other materials are delivered together with the liquid mixture 93 without being completely separated.
- the size of the through hole of the washing tub functioning as a sieve may be 5 mm to 20 mm in the case of a round hole, and holes of other shapes may be used. In the case, the size of the area substantially the same as that of the round hole may be mentioned.
- the present method includes at least the drilling step S11 and the crushing step S12 in the crushing process (punching step S11, crushing step S12, first separation step S13) for crushing the used absorbent article as described above. Have.
- the pulp aqueous solution is added to the acidic aqueous solution from the first dust removing step S14 and supplied to the first dust removing step S14.
- the inactivating aqueous solution containing a super absorbent polymer substantially into an acidic aqueous solution. In that case, the specific gravity and size of the superabsorbent polymer can be easily adjusted by pH.
- the first dust removing step S14 is executed by the first dust removing device 14.
- the acidic aqueous solution containing the pulp fibers and super absorbent polymer delivered from the first separation device 13, ie, the mixed liquid 93 contains the pulp fibers and super absorbent polymer by the screen while the pH is maintained within the predetermined range. It is separated into acidic aqueous solution and other materials (foreign matter). As a result, the pulp fiber, the superabsorbent polymer, and the acidic aqueous solution (including a part, other materials, etc.) in the mixed liquid 93 are separated through the screen and delivered from the first dust removing device 14 ( Liquid mixture 94).
- the pulp fiber of the liquid mixture 93, the superabsorbent polymer, and other materials except for the acidic aqueous solution can not pass through the screen and remain in the first dust remover 14, or are delivered by another route. However, some of the other materials are delivered together with the mixture 94 without being completely separated.
- the pH of the acidic aqueous solution is adjusted so that the difference between the specific gravity and size of the superabsorbent polymer and the specific gravity and size of the pulp fiber respectively falls within a predetermined range at least by the first dust removal step S14.
- the predetermined range is, for example, 0.2 to 5 times that of the other.
- the differences between the specific gravity and size of the pulp fiber and the superabsorbent polymer, and the specific gravity and size of the superabsorbent polymer, and the specific gravity and size of the pulp fiber are within predetermined ranges. It can be viewed as an inactivation step of inactivating the superabsorbent polymer by mixing it with a pH-adjusted acidic aqueous solution.
- concentration which united the pulp fiber and super absorbent polymer in the acidic solution in 1st dust removal process S14 0.1 mass% or more and 10 mass% or less are mentioned, for example, 0.1 mass% or more 5 mass% or less is preferable.
- the ratio of pulp fiber to super absorbent polymer in the acidic solution is, for example, 50 to 90% by mass: 50 to 10% by mass.
- the second dust removing step S15 is executed by the second dust removing device 15, and the acidic aqueous solution containing the pulp fiber and the superabsorbent polymer delivered from the first dust removing device 14, that is, the mixed solution 94 has a pH within a predetermined range. While being maintained, the screen separates the acidic aqueous solution containing pulp fibers and super absorbent polymer into other materials (foreign matter). As a result, the pulp fiber, the superabsorbent polymer and the acidic aqueous solution (including a part, other materials, etc.) of the mixed solution 94 pass through the screen and are separated, and are delivered from the second dust remover 15 (mixture Liquid 95).
- the pulp fiber of the liquid mixture 94, the superabsorbent polymer, and other materials except the acidic aqueous solution can not pass through the screen and remain in the second dust remover 15, or are delivered by another route. However, some of the other materials are delivered together with the mixture 95 without separation.
- the pH of the acidic aqueous solution is adjusted such that the difference between the specific gravity and the size of the superabsorbent polymer and the specific gravity and the size of the pulp fiber is within a predetermined range.
- the third dust removing step S16 is executed by the third dust removing device 16, and the acidic aqueous solution containing the pulp fiber and the superabsorbent polymer delivered from the second dust removing device 15, that is, the mixed solution 95 has a pH within a predetermined range. While maintained, it is centrifuged in an inverted conical housing to separate into pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer in acidic aqueous solution and other materials (foreign matter). As a result, the pulp fiber, the superabsorbent polymer and the acidic aqueous solution in the mixed solution 95 are delivered from the upper part of the third dust remover 16 (cyclone separator) (mixed solution 96).
- the present method is a dust removing process (first dust removing step S14 (first dust removing device 14) to third dust removing step S16 (third dust removing device 16) for removing foreign substances (other materials) as described above. At least a second dust removing step S15 (second dust removing device 15) and a third dust removing step S16 (third dust removing device 16)).
- pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymers are easily separated in size from mainly resin materials among other materials of used absorbent articles other than pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymers (second dust removing step) S15 (second dust remover 15)) can be easily separated from the other material having a large specific gravity, such as a metal material, by specific gravity (third dust remover step S16 (third dust remover 16)).
- second and third separation steps S17 and S18 second and third separation devices 17 and 18
- pulp fibers and used absorbent articles are used. It is possible to recover the super absorbent polymer, which can reduce the number of processes for separating the pulp fiber and super absorbent polymer from the other materials, that is, to increase the efficiency of the process for separating the super absorbent polymer and the pulp fiber.
- the second separation step S17 is performed by the second separation device 17.
- the acidic aqueous solution containing the pulp fibers and super absorbent polymer delivered from the third dust collector 16, ie, the mixed liquid 96 is separated by the drum screen into pulp fibers in the acidic aqueous solution and super absorbent polymer in the acidic aqueous solution Be done.
- the acidic aqueous solution containing the superabsorbent polymer is separated from the mixed solution 96 through the drum screen and delivered from the second separation device 17.
- the acidic aqueous solution containing pulp fibers in the mixed solution 96 can not pass through the drum screen, and is sent out from the second separation device 17 through another route (mixed solution 97).
- the superabsorbent polymer can be separated from the separated superabsorbent polymer and the acidic aqueous solution by a screen separator or the like. Therefore, the above steps can be said to be the steps of separating and recovering the superabsorbent polymer, and thus the steps of producing a recycled superabsorbent polymer.
- the third separation step S18 is performed by the third separation device 18.
- Pulp fibers, a non-separable remaining super absorbent polymer and an acidic aqueous solution, ie, mixed liquid 97, delivered from the second separation device 17 are mixed with a solid containing pulp fibers and super absorbent polymer by a drum screen, And the liquid containing the acidic aqueous solution. And with the separation, the superabsorbent polymer in the solid is pressurized and crushed. Crushing is exemplified by crushing the gel superabsorbent polymer at a pressure higher than the gel strength. As a result, the acidic aqueous solution containing the superabsorbent polymer is separated from the mixed solution 97 through the drum screen and delivered from the third separation device 18.
- the pulp fiber in which the highly water-absorptive polymer of the mixed liquid 97 is crushed can not be added to the drum screen, and is delivered to the outside of the third separation device 18 from the gap of the lid of the drum screen 98).
- the pressure applied to the lid is preferably, for example, 0.02 MPa or more and 0.5 MPa or less. If the pressure is less than 0.02 MPa, it becomes difficult to crush the superabsorbent polymer and the time for oxidizing agent treatment can not be shortened so much, and if the pressure is larger than 0.5 MPa, the superabsorbent polymer can be crushed sufficiently. It may damage pulp fibers.
- the oxidizing agent processing step S19 is performed by the oxidizing agent processing device 19.
- the pulp fibers in solid and the crushed superabsorbent polymer delivered from the third separation device 18 are treated with an aqueous solution containing an oxidizing agent.
- the superabsorbent polymer is oxidatively decomposed and removed from the pulp fiber.
- the superabsorbent polymer adhering to the pulp fibers of mixture 98 (example: remaining on the surface of pulp fibers) is oxidized and decomposed by an aqueous solution (treatment liquid) containing an oxidizing agent (example: ozone) to obtain an aqueous solution It is removed from the pulp fibers by converting it to soluble low molecular weight organics.
- the state in which the superabsorbent polymer is oxidatively decomposed to change to a low molecular weight organic substance soluble in an aqueous solution means that the superabsorbent polymer passes through a 2 mm screen.
- impurities such as superabsorbent polymers contained in the pulp fibers can be removed, and pulp fibers with high purity can be generated, and sterilization, bleaching and deodorization of pulp fibers can be performed by oxidizing agent treatment.
- the mixture 98 is introduced from the upper portion of the processing tank and settles from the upper portion to the lower portion of the processing solution, that is, the aqueous solution containing the oxidizing agent.
- the ozone-containing gas is continuously released from the nozzles in the treatment tank into the treatment liquid in the form of fine bubbles (eg, micro bubbles or nano bubbles). That is, the ozone-containing gas rises from the bottom to the top of the treatment liquid.
- the settling pulp fibers and the rising ozone-containing gas collide with each other while advancing in the opposite direction. Then, the ozone-containing gas adheres to the surface of the pulp fiber so as to wrap the pulp fiber.
- ozone in the ozone-containing gas reacts with the superabsorbent polymer in the pulp fiber to oxidatively decompose the superabsorbent polymer and dissolve it in the treatment liquid. Thereby, the superabsorbent polymer contained in the pulp fibers of the mixture 98 is oxidatively decomposed to be removed from the pulp fibers.
- the fourth separation step S20 is executed by the fourth separation device 20, and the treatment liquid containing pulp fibers processed by the oxidant treatment device 19, that is, the mixed liquid 99 passes through the screen having a plurality of slits, Pulp fibers and the treatment liquid are separated from the liquid mixture 99.
- the treatment liquid 104 is separated from the liquid mixture 99 through the screen and delivered from the fourth separation device 20.
- the separated processing liquid 104 ie, the oxidizing agent processing liquid, may be returned to the oxidizing agent processing device 19 for reuse.
- the cost of the oxidant treatment solution can be reduced.
- pulp fibers in the mixed solution 99 can not pass through the screen and remain in the fourth separation device 20 or are delivered by another route.
- the above process can be said to be a process of separating and recovering pulp fibers, and thus a process of producing recycled pulp fibers.
- This method includes at least the fourth separation process (the second separation step S17 (second separation device 17) to the fourth separation step S20 (fourth separation device 20)) for collecting pulp fibers and the like as described above.
- a third separation step S18 (third separation device 18) and an oxidant treatment step S19 (oxidant treatment device 19) are provided. Therefore, the surface area of the superabsorbent polymer can be greatly expanded by crushing the substantially spherical or massive superabsorbent polymer, and the exposed part can be increased by, for example, exposing the inner part of the superabsorbent polymer to the front side. it can.
- the oxidizing agent treatment step S19 (oxidizing agent treatment device 19)
- the inner portion of the superabsorbent polymer which was difficult to contact with the oxidant is contacted with the oxidant.
- the contact area with the oxidizing agent in the superabsorbent polymer can be increased.
- the oxidative decomposition of the superabsorbent polymer can be advanced more efficiently, and the time of oxidant treatment can be shortened.
- the efficiency of the process of removing the superabsorbent polymer from the pulp fibers can be increased.
- the crushing process is preferably performed in a batch process.
- the collection bag A and the acidic aqueous solution B for one batch in the volume tank V (Va) are both drawn out from the solution tank V (Va) via the crushing unit 60 by the pump 63.
- the used absorbent article is crushed along with the collection bag A in the crushing section 60 along the way.
- the in-liquid crushing step and the withdrawal step are performed simultaneously and simultaneously in a single burst.
- this method preferably includes an ozone treatment step S22 and a pH adjustment step S23. These steps are steps for regenerating and reusing the acidic aqueous solution used in this method. Reuse of the acidic aqueous solution can reduce the cost of the acidic aqueous solution.
- the ozone treatment step S22 the superabsorbent polymer separated in the second separation step S17 and the acidic aqueous solution 101 after the superabsorbent polymer are further separated from the acidic aqueous solution are sterilized with an ozone-containing aqueous solution.
- the pH of the acidic aqueous solution 102 sterilized with the ozone-containing aqueous solution is adjusted to generate a regenerated acidic aqueous solution 103.
- the acidic aqueous solution 103 may be, for example, supplied to the crushing apparatus 11 and may be supplied to another process (apparatus) that requires the acidic aqueous solution as needed.
- the surplus of the acidic aqueous solution 103 is stored in the water storage tank 24.
- a crushing process of crushing the used absorbent article (piercing step S11 (bag opening apparatus 11) to 1
- the separation step S13 first separation device 13
- the hole making step S11 (bag opening device 11) and the crushing step S12 (crushing device 12) are provided.
- the inactivation aqueous solution (example: acidic aqueous solution) is introduced from the hole into the collection bag by making a hole in the collection bag, and used absorbent articles are used.
- the collection bag While inactivating the contained super absorbent polymer with the inactivating aqueous solution, the collection bag is substantially sunk below the surface of the inactivating aqueous solution.
- the crushing step S12 shredding device 12
- the used absorbent articles are collected together with the inactivated aqueous solution in the inactivated aqueous solution while discharging from the solution tank together with the inactivated aqueous solution. Crush. Therefore, since the used absorbent articles in the collection bag are crushed together with the collection bag in the inactivated water solution, the inactivated water solution mixes with dirt and fungi, and an odor is generated, at least until crushing is started. There is almost nothing.
- the inactivated aqueous solution may be mixed with dirt or fungi, or odor may be generated, but the inactivated aqueous solution mixed with dirt or fungi is destroyed at almost the same time as the disruption.
- the solution is sent out from the solution tank, so that the solution tank can be washed away with almost no dirt or fungus remaining.
- the odor can be sealed with the inactivating aqueous solution, the generation of the odor can be suppressed to a low level.
- the used absorbent article is crushed, it is possible to suppress the scattering of dirt and fungi and the release of the odor associated with the dirt. That is, the used absorbent article can be crushed hygienically and safely, and the cost of hygienic management in operation and maintenance can be suppressed.
- the step of drilling holes in the collection bag in the step of drilling S11 and the step of crushing the used absorbent article together with the collection bag in the crushing step S12 may be performed at different positions.
- the steps of piercing the collection bag (bag-breaking device 11) and crushing the used absorbent article together with the collection bag (fragmenting device 12) are performed at different places or positions (devices) different from each other. . Therefore, after the inactivating aqueous solution is introduced into the collecting bag through the hole and the collecting bag is surely submerged under the surface of the inactivating aqueous solution, crushing can be performed at another place or position.
- the crushing step S12 includes a submerged crushing step (crushing portion 60) of crushing the used absorbent article in the collection bag together with the collection bag in the inactivated aqueous solution; And the drawing process (pump 63) which pulls out the crushing thing obtained at the in-liquid crushing process (crushing part 60) from the in-liquid crushing process (crushing part 60) with the inactivating aqueous solution.
- the mixed solution 92 of the crushed material and the inactivating aqueous solution is actively pulled out from the in-liquid crushing step (crushing unit 60), whereby the in-liquid crushing step (crushing unit 60) is performed.
- Contamination of the equipment involved in the above can be removed (washed away) by the inactivating aqueous solution.
- the hygienic state in the crushing process (crushing device 12) can be maintained well.
- the crushing portion in the vertical direction, it is preferable that the crushing portion be present below as compared with the solution tank.
- the mixed solution 92 can be positively withdrawn from the in-liquid crushing step (crushing portion 60) also using gravity. Thereby, along with the movement of the mixed liquid 92, it is possible to remove (flush off) dirt of equipment involved in the in-liquid crushing step (crushing portion 60) by the inactivating aqueous solution.
- the crushing step S12 crushes the used absorbent article together with the collection bag so that the average value of the size of the crushed material is 50 mm or more and 100 mm or less. May be included.
- the crushing device 12 is adjusted so that the average value of the sizes of crushed materials is 50 mm or more and 100 mm or less. In that case, since the back sheet and / or the top sheet of each used absorbent article can be reliably cut, it is possible to take out pulp fibers substantially without leaving the cut in each used absorbent article. Thereby, the recovery rate of pulp fiber and super absorbent polymer can be increased.
- the step of crushing the used absorbent article in the inactivating aqueous solution together with the collection bag in the crushing step S12 may be performed by a biaxial crusher (crushing (crushing) Section 60 may include a twin screw crusher).
- the step of crushing the used absorbent article is performed using a twin-screw crusher (crushing unit 60 includes a twin-screw crusher).
- the twin screw crusher is exemplified as a twin screw rotary crusher, a twin screw differential crusher, and a twin screw shear crusher. Therefore, the size of the crushed material can be approximately aligned within a predetermined range.
- the crushed material becomes too small, foreign matter is mixed in the pulp fiber, or the crushed material becomes too large, and a used absorbent article from which the pulp fiber can not be taken out is generated, and the recovery rate of the pulp fiber is increased. It is possible to control the situation of falling.
- the step of forming a hole on the surface of the collection bag in contact with the inactivating aqueous solution in the forming step S11 is a solution tank while rotating around the rotation axis. It may be implemented by a projection (the tearing blade 41 of the tearing portion 40) which can move up and down in V. In this method, a hole is made in the collection bag with a projection (the tearing blade 41) moving up and down in the solution tank while rotating around the rotation axis.
- the collection bag can be reliably punctured by, for example, moving the projection upward of the solution tank and contacting the collection bag.
- the collection bag can be reliably submerged in the acidic solution in a short time, reducing the processing time and increasing the processing efficiency.
- a step of forming a hole in the surface of the collection bag in contact with the inactivating aqueous solution in the hole forming step S11 (the bag opening apparatus 11) (the hole forming portion 50 or the hole forming portion 50a )
- the collection bag is sent from the upper part of the solution tank Va into the inactivating aqueous solution, disposed at the lower part of the solution tank Va, and the projections rotating around the rotation axis (the tearing blade 41 of the tearing portion 40, the bag) It may be carried out by bringing the protrusion 44) of the rotating rotor 41a of the portion 40a into contact.
- the collection bag is fed into the inactivating aqueous solution, and the lower part of the solution tank Va (the bag-breaking blade 41 of the tear-off portion 40 and the protrusion 44 of the rotating rotor 41a of the tear-off portion 40a) make a hole in Since the collection bag is sedimented in the inactivated aqueous solution and then punctured, it is possible to reliably prevent the spread of dirt and odor from the used absorbent articles in the collection bag to the outside. Thereby, used absorbent articles can be crushed more hygienically and safely.
- the inactivated aqueous solution is an acidic aqueous solution.
- the inactivating aqueous solution is an acidic aqueous solution
- the superabsorbent polymer in the used absorbent article can be reliably dewatered and inactivated.
- alkaline volatile components derived from excrement such as urine do not volatilize and remain in the acidic aqueous solution, so that generation of odor due to alkaline gas such as ammonia can be suppressed.
- the crushing step S12 crushing device 12
- the used absorbent article does not swell significantly, so crushing can be easily performed, and processing efficiency can be enhanced.
- the acidic aqueous solution comprises citric acid.
- the acidic aqueous solution contains citric acid (example: concentration 0.5 to 2.0% by mass)
- the superabsorbent polymer in the used absorbent article can be dehydrated and inactivated as well as the acid. There is almost no adverse effect on workers due to and corrosion of equipment of each process by acid can be suppressed.
- Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. However, also in the present embodiment, the case of using an acidic aqueous solution as the inactivating aqueous solution will be described as an example.
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a system 1 according to the present embodiment.
- the system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a container (not shown), a crushing apparatus 12, and a first separation apparatus 13.
- a first dust removal apparatus 14 and a second dust removal apparatus 15 are provided.
- a third dust remover 16, a second separating device 17, a third separating device 18, an oxidizing agent processing device 19, and a fourth separating device 20 are provided. The details will be described below.
- the crush and separation apparatus 10 is configured by integrating a container (not shown), the crushing apparatus 12 and the first separation apparatus 13. That is, the system 1 is provided with a crushing and separating apparatus 10.
- the container is a container for containing the collection bag A in which the used absorbent article is sealed.
- the crushing apparatus 12 is in communication with the container, and the used absorbent articles in the collection bag A are crushed together with the collection bag A in the acidic aqueous solution B while the collection bag A in the container is transferred.
- the first separation device 13 separates the pulp fiber, the superabsorbent polymer and the inactivated aqueous solution from the crushed material and the acidic aqueous solution B obtained by the crushing device 12.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of the crushing and separating apparatus 10 (container + crushing apparatus 12 + first separating apparatus 13) of FIG.
- the container 65 is attached to the upper part of the crusher 12 and is released at the top, or has an open / close lid, and the collection bag A can be introduced into the inside from the top.
- the container 65 has a pipe 66 provided with a valve (not shown) joined to the side, and the acid aqueous solution B (or regenerated acidic aqueous solution 103 may be supplied) may be supplied from the pipe 66.
- the lower part of the container 65 is in communication with the upper part of the crushing apparatus 12, and the acidic aqueous solution B supplied through the pipe 66 is transmitted to the inner wall surface to be supplied to the crushing apparatus 12 A may be supplied to the shredding device 12.
- the container 65 can also be viewed as an aspect in which the acidic aqueous solution B is not always stored in the solution tank V of the first embodiment.
- An acidic aqueous solution B is stored in the crushing apparatus 12 so as to fill the inside of the crushing part 60 (see FIG. 4), for example, so as to cover the rotary shaft 72, the spacer 73 and the rotary blade 74 of the crushing part 60.
- the liquid level is at least the position of the upper end of the rotary blade 74, and the position of the boundary between the container 65 and the crushing apparatus 12 is preferable.
- the height of the liquid level is measured, for example, by a liquid level gauge.
- the crusher 12 crushes the used absorbent articles in the collection bag A together with the collection bag A in the acidic aqueous solution B.
- the crushing apparatus 12 is connected by a pipe 62 to a first separating apparatus 13 disposed immediately below (the crushing part 60 of) the crushing apparatus 12.
- the crushing apparatus 12 sends out the crushed material obtained in the crushing part 60 together with the acidic aqueous solution B (mixed liquid 92), and supplies it to the first separation apparatus 13 through the pipe 62.
- the acidic aqueous solution B which runs short by delivery of the liquid mixture 92 may be replenished from the container 65, may be replenished from piping (not shown) directly connected to the crushing apparatus 12, or the first separation It may be supplied from the device 13.
- the first separation device 13 is filled with the acidic aqueous solution B, and the mixture liquid 92 containing the crushed material obtained by the crushing device 12 and the acidic aqueous solution B is stirred, and the mixture liquid 92 to pulp fiber, high water absorption
- the polymer and the acidic aqueous solution are separated (mixed liquid 93) and sent to the first dust collector.
- the first separation device 13 includes a container 80, an impeller 81, a screen plate 82, a side chamber 83, and a lower surface valve 84.
- the container 80 stores the mixed solution 92.
- the impeller 81 stirs the mixed solution 92 and guides it to the screen plate 82.
- the screen plate 82 is a screen having a plurality of openings.
- the size of the plurality of openings is such that the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer in the crushed material in the mixed solution 92 can easily pass and the other materials can not easily pass.
- an acidic aqueous solution (mixed liquid 93) containing pulp fibers and super absorbent polymer which has passed through the screen plate 82 is delivered.
- the lower surface valve 84 is opened when taking out other materials (foreign matter) which can not pass through the screen plate 82 accumulated in the container 80.
- Examples of the first separation device 13 include pack pulper (manufactured by Satomi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.).
- FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the method according to the present embodiment.
- This method comprises a crushing step S12 and a first separation step S13, preferably, a first dust removal step S14, a second dust removal step S15, a third dust removal step S16, and a second separation step S17.
- a third separation step S18, an oxidizing agent treatment step S19, and a fourth separation step S20 are provided. The details will be described below.
- the method according to the present embodiment can be regarded as the method according to the first embodiment excluding the hole making step S11.
- the crushing step S12 is executed by the container 65 of the crushing and separating apparatus 10 and the crushing apparatus 12.
- the acidic aqueous solution B is supplied to the container 65 through the pipe 66 as necessary so as to set the height of the liquid surface of the acidic aqueous solution B of the crushing apparatus 12 to a predetermined height, and it travels along the inner wall surface. , While removing dirt on the inner wall surface.
- the collection bag A is placed in the container 65, reaches the bottom of the container 65, and at least a portion of the collection bag A is supplied into the acidic aqueous solution B in the crushing apparatus 12.
- the collection bag A is drawn into the acidic aqueous solution B in the crushing unit 60 by the rotation of the rotary blade 74 and the spacer 73 of the pair of rotary shafts 72 and 72 of the crushing unit 60.
- the used absorbent articles in the collection bag A are crushed together with the collection bag A in the acidic aqueous solution B by the crushing unit 60.
- the average value of the size of the crushed material be 50 mm or more and 100 mm or less.
- the mixed liquid 92 containing the crushed material and acidic aqueous solution B delivered from the fracturing unit 60 is delivered to the first separation device 13 disposed immediately below (the fracturing unit 60 of) the fracturing device 12 through the pipe 62. .
- the first separation step S13 is performed by the first separation device 13 of the crushing and separation device 10.
- the container 80 of the first separation device 13 is filled with the acidic aqueous solution B by the supply of the acidic aqueous solution B (including the mixed solution 92) from the crushing device 12.
- the mixed liquid 92 containing the crushed material and the acidic aqueous solution B is stirred by the impeller 81 in the container 80, and is guided toward the screen plate 82 while cleaning is performed to remove dirt from the crushed material.
- the mixed liquid 92 is separated by the screen plate 82 into pulp fibers, super absorbent polymer, acidic aqueous solution and other materials.
- the pulp fiber and the superabsorbent polymer pass through the screen plate 82, reach the side chamber 83 and are separated, and other materials do not pass through the screen plate 82 so that the container 80 Remain inside.
- the pulp fiber, the superabsorbent polymer and the acidic aqueous solution B (mixed liquid 93) reaching the side chamber 83 are delivered to the first dust remover 14 through a pipe.
- some of the other materials are delivered together with the liquid mixture 93 without being completely separated.
- the size of the opening of the screen of the first separation device 13 may be 5 mm to 20 mm in the case of a circular opening, and the size of the circularly identical area may be mentioned in the case of an opening of any other shape. .
- the collection bag A is transferred to the crushing apparatus 12 provided separately from the container 65, and the acidic aqueous solution B (inactivation in the crushing apparatus 12)
- the acidic aqueous solution B activation in the crushing apparatus 12
- the used absorbent article is crushed together with the collection bag A. That is, when the used absorbent article is crushed, it is crushed in the acidic aqueous solution B in the crushing apparatus 12 separate from the container 65, and after the crushing, the acidic aqueous solution B and the crushed material are sent to the first separation device 13. Be transported.
- the acidic aqueous solution B mixed with dirt or a fungus or a crushed material hardly reaches the container 65. Therefore, the container can be crushed with little dirt or fungus remaining.
- the odor can be sealed with the acidic aqueous solution B, the generation of the odor can also be suppressed to a low level.
- alkaline volatile components derived from excrement such as urine do not volatilize and stay in the acidic aqueous solution B, so that the generation of odor due to the alkaline gas such as ammonia can be suppressed.
- the drilling process S11, the crushing process S12, and the first separation process S13 of the method according to the first embodiment are performed on the absorbent article, and the crushing method and other materials ( The relationship with the amount of foreign substances) was investigated.
- a disposable diaper for adults (unused) was used as the absorbent article.
- the crushing step S12 disposable diapers in which the crushing apparatus 12 was adjusted so that the average values of the sizes of the crushed materials were 25 mm, 50 mm, and 100 mm, respectively, were taken as Examples 1 to 3.
- the disposable diaper which does not perform crushing process S12 was made into the comparative example.
- FIG. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the size of the crushed material and the amount of treatment and the amount of foreign matter in the crushing step.
- the bar graph (the vertical axis is the left axis) indicates the throughput (kg) per batch, and indicates the amount of disposable diapers that can be processed by the first separation device 13 in the first separation step S13.
- the broken line graph (the vertical axis is the axis on the right) represents foreign matter other than the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer contained in the mixed solution 93 (the aqueous solution containing the pulp fiber and the absorbent polymer after separation) after the first separation step S13. Indicates the percentage of (other materials).
- the disposable diaper When it is not crushed (comparative example), the disposable diaper is processed as it is in the first separation step S13. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the disposable diaper is large and bulky, and the front sheet and the back sheet are difficult to be separated, etc., so that it can be treated by the first separation device 13, that is, pulp fibers and super absorbent polymer can be taken out.
- the amount (throughput) of disposable diapers was small. However, since the material was not crushed, the size of each material was large, and the amount of foreign matter contained in the liquid mixture 93 after the first separation step S13 was small. On the other hand, when crushed (Example), the disposable diaper becomes bulky, so the amount (processed amount) of disposable diapers that can be processed by the first separation device 13 increases.
- the above embodiment describes the case where the component of the back sheet is a film and the component of the top sheet is a non-woven fabric.
- the constituent member of the back sheet is a non-woven fabric and the constituent member of the top sheet is a film, or when the constituent members of both the back sheet and the top sheet are films, the embodiments described above. Can be realized by the same method as the above, and the same function and effect can be exhibited.
- the absorbent article of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and does not deviate from the purpose and the spirit of the present invention, as long as technical contradiction does not occur. It is possible to appropriately combine or change the techniques of
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Abstract
Description
本方法では、少なくとも、容器で収集袋を受け入れた後、容器とは別に設けられた破砕装置に収集袋を移しつつ、その破砕装置において、不活化水溶液内で、収集袋内の使用済み吸収性物品の高吸収性ポリマーを不活化しつつ、その使用済み吸収性物品を収集袋ごと破砕する。すなわち、使用済み吸収性物品が破砕されるときには、容器とは別の破砕装置内で不活化水溶液の中で破砕され、かつ破砕後には不活化水溶液及び破砕物が分離装置へ移送される。そのため、不活化水溶液に汚れや菌類が混ざったり、臭気が生じたりするとしても、汚れや菌類の混入した不活化水溶液や破砕物は容器にはほとんど達しない。それゆえ、容器に汚れや菌類をほとんど残さずに、破砕をすることができる。加えて、臭気を不活化水溶液で封止できるので、臭気の発生も低く抑えることができる。特に、不活化水溶液中で破砕を行うと、尿等の***物に由来するアルカリ性揮発成分が揮発せずに不活化水溶液内に留まるため、アンモニア等のアルカリ性ガスによる臭気の発生を抑制することができる。それにより、使用済み吸収性物品の破砕のときに、汚れや菌類が飛散したり、その汚れに伴う臭気が放出されたりすることを抑制できる。すなわち、使用済みの吸収性物品を衛生的かつ安全に破砕できると共に、作業やメンテナンスにおける衛生管理のコストを抑制できる。
本方法では、少なくとも、収集袋に穴を開けることにより、不活化水溶液を穴から収集袋内に導入して、使用済みの吸収性物品に含まれる高吸水性ポリマーを不活化水溶液で不活化すると共に、収集袋を実質的に不活化水溶液の水面下に沈める。それにより、不活化水溶液の水面下に沈んだ収集袋を、不活化水溶液と共に溶液槽から移しつつ、使用済み吸収性物品を収集袋ごと不活化水溶液中で破砕することができる。したがって、破砕を開始するまでは不活化水溶液に汚れや菌類が混ざったり、臭気が生じたりすることはほとんどない。そして、使用済み吸収性物品が破砕されるときに、不活化水溶液に汚れや菌類が混ざったり、臭気が生じたりするとしても、破砕とほぼ同時に、汚れや菌類の混入した不活化水溶液が破砕物と共に溶液槽から送出されるので、溶液槽に汚れや菌類をほとんど残さずに、流し去ることができる。加えて、臭気を不活化水溶液で封止できるので、臭気の発生も低く抑えることができる。それにより、使用済み吸収性物品の破砕のときに、汚れや菌類が飛散したり、その汚れに伴う臭気が放出されたりすることを抑制できる。
本方法では、収集袋に穴を開ける工程と使用済み吸収性物品を収集袋ごと破砕する工程とが互いに異なる(別の)箇所(位置)で行われる。それゆえ、不活化水溶液を穴から収集袋内に導入し、収集袋を不活化水溶液の水面下に確実に沈めてから、別の箇所で破砕を行うことができる。そのため、破砕のときに、収集袋の一部が不活化水溶液の水面上に露出し、穴の開口(裂け目)が不活化水溶液の水面上に曝されてしまい、使用済み紙おむつの汚れや菌類が飛散したり、その汚れに伴う臭気が放出されたりする、という事態を抑制できる。
本方法では、破砕物と不活化水溶液との混合物を液中破砕工程から積極的に引き抜くことにより、混合物の移動に伴って、液中破砕工程に関わる機器の汚れを不活化水溶液により取り除く(流し去る)ことができる。それにより、破砕工程における衛生状態を良好に保つことができる。
本方法では、回転軸の周りを回転しながら溶液槽中を上下する突起物で、収集袋に穴を開ける。それゆえ、収集袋を不活化水溶液中に沈降させなくても、例えば突起物を容積槽の上部へ移動させ、収集袋に接触させることで、収集袋に確実に穴を開けることができる。穴を開けてから収集袋を不活化水溶液中に沈降させるので、収集袋を、短時間に確実に酸性溶液中に沈めることができ、処理時間を低減して、処理効率を高めることができる。
本方法では、収集袋を不活化水溶液中に送り込み、溶液槽の下部の突起物で、収集袋に穴を開ける。収集袋を不活化水溶液中に沈降させてから穴を開けるので、収集袋内の使用済み吸収性物品から汚れや臭気が外部に拡散することを確実に防止することができる。それにより使用済みの吸収性物品を衛生的かつ安全に破砕することができる。
本方法では、破砕装置内に予め不活化水溶液を貯留し、その不活性水溶液の中で収集袋内の使用済み吸収性物品を、収集袋ごと不活化水溶液中で破砕する。そのため、確実に不活化水溶液内で、収集袋内の使用済み吸収性物品を収集袋ごと破砕することができる。
本方法では、破砕装置の直下に分離装置が配置されているので、粉砕装置で破砕された破砕物及び不活化水溶液を、素早く確実に分離装置に移送することができる。それにより、不活化水溶液に汚れや菌類が混ざったり、臭気が生じたりするとしても、それらの影響をより低く抑えることができる。
本方法では、破砕工程において、破砕装置の調整により、破砕物の大きさの平均値が50mm以上、100mm以下となるように破砕する。ただし、破砕物の大きさとは、形状が矩形の場合には長辺の長さ、円の場合には直径、不定型の場合にはその面積に対応する正方形の辺の長さとする。その場合、各使用済み吸収性物品の裏面シート及び/又は表面シートに確実に切れ目を入れることができるので、各使用済み吸収性物品において切れ目から概ね残らずパルプ繊維を取り出すことができる。それにより、パルプ繊維の回収率(再生されるパルプ繊維の総量/供給される使用済み吸収性物品のパルプ繊維の総量)や高吸水性ポリマーの回収率を高めることができる。ただし、大きさの平均値を50mm未満にすると、パルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマー以外の他の資材(例示:フィルム(裏面シートなど)、不織布(表面シートなど)、弾性体(防漏壁用ゴムなど))が小さく切断され過ぎて、パルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマーと分離し難くなる。その結果、再生されるパルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマーに混入する他の資材が増加し、パルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマーの回収率が低下する。一方、大きさの平均値を100mmより大きくすると、使用済みの吸収性物品に切り目を入れ難くなる。その結果、パルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマーを取り出せない使用済み吸収性物品が生じてしまい、パルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマーの回収率が低下する。
本方法では、使用済み吸収性物品を破砕する工程を、二軸破砕機(例示:二軸回転式破砕機、二軸差動式破砕機、二軸せん断式破砕機)を用いて実行している。そのため、破砕物の大きさを概ね所定の範囲に揃えることができる。それにより、破砕物が小さくなり過ぎて、パルプ繊維に異物が混入したり、破砕物が大きくなり過ぎて、パルプ繊維を取り出せない使用済み吸収性物品が生じたりして、パルプ繊維の回収率が低下する、という事態を抑制できる。
本方法では、不活化水溶液が酸性水溶液であるため、使用済み吸収性物品中の高吸水性ポリマーを確実に脱水し、かつ、不活化することができる。特に、酸性水溶液中で破砕を行うと、尿等の***物に由来するアルカリ性揮発成分が揮発せずに酸性水溶液内に留まるため、アンモニア等のアルカリ性ガスによる臭気の発生を抑制することができる。それにより、破砕工程において、使用済み吸収性物品が大きく膨らむことがなく、破砕を容易に行うことができ、処理効率を高めることができる。
本方法では、酸性水溶液はクエン酸を含んでいるので(例示:濃度0.5~2.0質量%)、使用済み吸収性物品中の高吸水性ポリマーを脱水し、不活化できると共に、酸による作業者への悪影響がほとんどなく、酸による各工程の機器の腐食も抑制できる。
本システムでは、少なくとも、容器で収集袋を受け入れた後、容器とは別に設けられた破砕装置に収集袋を移しつつ、その破砕装置において、不活化水溶液内で、収集袋内の使用済み吸収性物品の高吸収性ポリマーを不活化しつつ、その使用済み吸収性物品を収集袋ごと破砕する。すなわち、使用済み吸収性物品が破砕されるときには、容器とは別の破砕装置内で不活化水溶液の中で破砕され、かつ破砕後には不活化水溶液及び破砕物が分離装置へ移送される。そのため、不活化水溶液に汚れや菌類が混ざったり、臭気が生じたりするとしても、汚れや菌類の混入した不活化水溶液や破砕物は容器にはほとんど達しない。それゆえ、容器に汚れや菌類をほとんど残さずに、破砕をすることができる。加えて、臭気を不活化水溶液で封止できるので、臭気の発生も低く抑えることができる。特に、不活化水溶液中で破砕を行うと、尿等の***物に由来するアルカリ性揮発成分が揮発せずに不活化水溶液内に留まるため、アンモニア等のアルカリ性ガスによる臭気の発生を抑制することができる。それにより、使用済み吸収性物品の破砕のときに、汚れや菌類が飛散したり、その汚れに伴う臭気が放出されたりすることを抑制できる。すなわち、使用済みの吸収性物品を衛生的かつ安全に破砕できると共に、作業やメンテナンスにおける衛生管理のコストを抑制できる。
本システムでは、少なくとも、収集袋に穴を開けることにより、不活化水溶液を穴から収集袋内に導入して、使用済みの吸収性物品に含まれる高吸水性ポリマーを不活化水溶液で不活化すると共に、収集袋を実質的に不活化水溶液の水面下に沈める。それにより、不活化水溶液の水面下に沈んだ収集袋を、不活化水溶液と共に溶液槽から移しつつ、使用済み吸収性物品を収集袋ごと不活化水溶液中で破砕することができる。したがって、破砕を開始するまでは不活化水溶液に汚れや菌類が混ざったり、臭気が生じたりすることはほとんどない。そして、使用済み吸収性物品が破砕されるときに、不活化水溶液に汚れや菌類が混ざったり、臭気が生じたりするとしても、破砕とほぼ同時に、汚れや菌類の混入した不活化水溶液が破砕物と共に溶液槽から送出されるので、溶液槽に汚れや菌類をほとんど残さずに、流し去ることができる。加えて、臭気を不活化水溶液で封止できるので、臭気の発生も低く抑えることができる。
本システムでは、収集袋に穴を開ける破袋装置と使用済み吸収性物品を収集袋ごと破砕する破砕装置とが互いに異なる装置である。そのため、穴の開口と使用済み吸収性物品の破砕とを確実に別の箇所(位置)で行うようにできるので、不活化水溶液を穴から収集袋内に導入し、収集袋を不活化水溶液の水面下に確実に沈めてから、別の箇所で破砕を行うことができる。それゆえ、破砕のときに、収集袋の一部が不活化水溶液の水面上に露出し、穴の開口(裂け目)が不活化水溶液の水面上に曝されてしまい、使用済み紙おむつの汚れや菌類が飛散したり、その汚れに伴う臭気が放出されたりする、という事態を防止できる。
本システムでは、破砕物と不活化水溶液との混合物を破砕部からポンプで積極的に引き抜くことにより、混合物の移動に伴って、破砕部の汚れを不活化水溶液により取り除く(流し去る)ことができる。それにより破砕装置における衛生状態を良好に保つことができる。
本システムでは、回転軸の周りを回転しながら溶液槽中を上下移動する突起物で、収集袋に穴を開ける。それゆえ、収集袋を不活化水溶液中に沈降させなくても、例えば突起物を容積槽の上部へ移動させ、収集袋に接触させることで、収集袋に確実に穴を開けることができる。穴を開けてから収集袋を不活化水溶液中に沈降させるので、収集袋を、短時間に確実に酸性溶液中に沈めることができ、処理時間を低減して、処理効率を高めることができる。
本システムでは、収集袋を不活化水溶液中に送り込む、溶液槽の下部の突起物で、収集袋に穴を開ける。収集袋を不活化水溶液中に沈降させてから穴を開けるので、収集袋内の使用済み吸収性物品から汚れや臭気が外部に拡散することを確実に防止することができる。それにより、使用済みの吸収性物品を衛生的かつ安全に破砕できる。
本システムでは、破砕装置内に予め不活化水溶液を貯留し、その不活性水溶液の中で収集袋内の使用済み吸収性物品を、収集袋ごと不活化水溶液中で破砕する。そのため、確実に不活化水溶液内で、収集袋内の使用済み吸収性物品を収集袋ごと破砕できる。
本システムでは、破砕装置の直下に分離装置が配置されているので、粉砕装置で破砕された破砕物及び不活化水溶液を、素早く確実に分離装置に移送することができる。それにより、不活化水溶液に汚れや菌類が混ざったり、臭気が生じたりするとしても、それらの影響をより低く抑えることができる。
本システムでは、破砕装置の調整により、破砕物の大きさの平均値が50mm以上、100mm以下となるように破砕する。ただし、破砕物の大きさとは、形状が矩形の場合には長辺の長さ、など上述のとおりとする。その場合、各使用済み吸収性物品の裏面シート及び/又は表面シートに確実に切れ目を入れることができるので、各使用済み吸収性物品において切れ目から概ね残らずパルプ繊維を取り出すことができる。それにより、パルプ繊維の回収率や高吸水性ポリマーの回収率を高めることができる。ただし、大きさの平均値を50mm未満にすると、パルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマー以外の他の資材が小さく切断され過ぎて、パルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマーと分離し難くなる。その結果、再生されるパルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマーに混入する他の資材が増加し、パルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマーの回収率が低下する。一方、大きさの平均値を100mmより大きくすると、使用済みの吸収性物品に切り目を入れ難くなる。その結果、パルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマーを取り出せない使用済み吸収性物品が生じてしまい、パルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマーの回収率が低下する。
本システムでは、使用済み吸収性物品の破砕装置として、二軸破砕機(例示:二軸回転式破砕機、二軸差動式破砕機、二軸せん断式破砕機)を用いている。そのため、破砕物の大きさを概ね所定の範囲に揃えることができる。それにより、破砕物が小さくなり過ぎて、パルプ繊維に異物が混入したり、破砕物が大きくなり過ぎて、パルプ繊維を取り出せない使用済み吸収性物品が生じたりして、パルプ繊維の回収率が低下する、という事態を抑制できる。
本システムでは、不活化水溶液が酸性水溶液であるため、使用済み吸収性物品中の高吸水性ポリマーを確実に脱水し、かつ、不活化することができる。特に、酸性水溶液中で破砕を行うと、尿等の***物に由来するアルカリ性揮発成分が揮発せずに酸性水溶液内に留まるため、アンモニア等のアルカリ性ガスによる臭気の発生を抑制することができる。それにより、破砕工程において、使用済み吸収性物品が大きく膨らむことがなく、破砕を容易に行うことができ、処理効率を高めることができる。
本システムでは、酸性水溶液はクエン酸を含んでいるので(例示:濃度0.5~2.0質量%)、使用済み吸収性物品中の高吸水性ポリマーを脱水し、不活化できると共に、酸による作業者への悪影響がほとんどなく、酸による各工程の機器の腐食も抑制できる。
第1の実施の形態について説明する。
まず、吸収性物品の構成例について説明する。吸収性物品は、表面シートと、裏面シートと、表面シートと裏面シートとの間に配置された吸収体とを備える。吸収性物品の大きさの一例としては長さ約15~100cm、幅5~100cmが挙げられる。なお、吸収性物品は、一般的な吸収性物品が備える更に他の部材、例えば拡散シートや防漏壁などを含んでいてもよい。
破袋装置11は、例えばバルブを備える配管を介して供給された酸性水溶液Bを溜めていて、その酸性水溶液B中に入れられた収集袋Aに穴を開ける。破袋装置11は、溶液槽(容器)Vと、穴開け部50と、を含む。溶液槽Vは、酸性水溶液Bを溜める。穴開け部50は、溶液槽V内に設けられており、収集袋Aが溶液槽Vに入れられたときに、収集袋Aにおける酸性水溶液Bに接する表面に穴を開ける。
穴開け部50は、送り込み部30と、破袋部40と、を含む。送り込み部30は、収集袋Aを(物理的に強制的に)溶液槽V内の酸性水溶液B中に送り込む(引き込む)。送り込み部30は、例えば攪拌機が挙げられ、撹拌羽根33と、撹拌羽根33を支持する支持軸(回転軸)32と、支持軸32を軸に沿って回転する駆動装置31とを備える。撹拌羽根33が、駆動装置31により回転軸(支持軸32)の周りを回転することで、酸性水溶液Bに旋回流を起こす。送り込み部30は、旋回流により、収集袋Aを酸性水溶液B(溶液槽V)の底部方向へ引き込む。
破袋部40は、溶液槽Vの下部(好ましくは底部)に配置されており、破袋刃41と、破袋刃41を支持する支持軸(回転軸)42と、支持軸42を軸に沿って回転する駆動装置43と、を備える。破袋刃41は、駆動装置43により回転軸(支持軸42)の周りを回転することで、酸性水溶液B(溶液槽V)の下部に移動した収集袋Aに穴を開ける。ただし、溶液槽Vの下部とは、溶液槽Vの高さ方向の半分の位置より下側の部分を示す。
なお、破袋装置11の穴開け部50の破袋刃41は、回転軸(支持軸42)の周りを回転しながら溶液槽V中を上下方向に移動可能であってもよい。その場合、破袋刃41が上方へ移動することで、収集袋Aが酸性水溶液B(溶液槽V)の下部に移動しなくても、収集袋Aに穴を開けることができる。
破袋部40aは、溶液槽Vaの底部から内部へ延びるように配置されており、回転ローター41aと、回転ローター41aを支持する支持軸(回転軸)42と、支持軸42を軸に沿って回転する駆動装置43と、を備える。回転ローター41aは、円錐状の本体部45と、本体部45の側面に配置された複数の突起部44と、を有する。回転ローター41aが、酸性水溶液B(溶液槽Va)中で回転軸(支持軸42)の周りを回転することで、酸性水溶液B(溶液槽Va)内に移動してきた収集袋Aに複数の突起部44で穴を開ける。破袋部40aと溶液槽Vaとを一体化したものとしては、例えばミキサーパルパー(相川鉄工株式会社製)が挙げられる。
第1分離装置13としては、例えば洗濯槽兼脱水槽及びそれを囲む水槽を備える洗濯機が挙げられる。ただし、洗濯槽兼脱水槽(回転ドラム)が洗浄槽兼ふるい槽(分離槽)として用いられる。洗濯槽の周面に設けられた複数の貫通孔の大きさは、破砕物のうちのパルプ繊維及び高吸水性ポリマーが通過し易く、他の資材が通過し難い大きさとする。洗濯機としては、例えば横型洗濯機ECO-22B(株式会社稲本製作所製)が挙げられる。
第1除塵装置14は、例えばスクリーン分離機が挙げられる(粗スクリーン分離機)。ただし、スクリーン(ふるい)の開口には特に制限はなく、例えばスリット、丸孔、四角孔、メッシュが挙げられるが、ここでは丸孔を用いる。開口の大きさ、すなわち丸孔の大きさ(直径)は、パルプ繊維及び高吸水性ポリマーが通過可能な大きさで、第1分離装置13で除去できなかった他の資材(異物)が通過困難な大きさで、かつ第2除塵装置15のスクリーンの開口の大きさより大きい大きさとする。丸孔の大きさは、例えば、直径2~5mmφであり、それにより少なくとも10mm角程度以上の他の資材(異物)を除去できる。スリットの場合、スリットの大きさ(幅)は例えば2~5mmである。
なお、異物除去の効率向上の観点から、第1分離装置13から送出された混合液93を加圧しつつ(例示:0.5~1kgf/cm2)、第1除塵装置14に供給してもよい。第1除塵装置14は、例えばパックパルパー(株式会社サトミ製作所製)が挙げられる。
第2除塵装置15は、例えばスクリーン分離機が挙げられる。ただし、スクリーン(ふるい)の開口には特に制限はなく、例えばスリット、丸孔、四角孔、メッシュが挙げられるが、ここではスリットを用いる。スリットの大きさ(幅)は、パルプ繊維及び高吸水性ポリマーが通過可能な大きさで、かつ第1除塵装置14で除去できなかった他の資材(異物)が通過困難な大きさとする。スリットの大きさは、例えば、幅0.2~0.5mmであり、それにより少なくとも3mm角程度以上の他の資材(異物)を除去できる。丸孔の場合、丸孔の大きさ(直径)は例えば直径0.2~0.5mmφである。
なお、異物除去の効率向上の観点から、第1除塵装置14から送出された混合液94を加圧しつつ(例示:0.5~2kgf/cm2)、第2除塵装置15に供給してもよい。その圧力は、相対的に小さい異物を除去する観点から、第1除塵装置14の圧力よりも高いことが好ましい。第2除塵装置15としては例えばラモスクリーン(相川鉄工株式会社製)が挙げられる。
第3除塵装置16は、例えばサイクロン分離機が挙げられる。相対的に比重の軽い酸性水溶液中のパルプ繊維及び高吸水性ポリマーが上昇し、それらよりも比重の重い異物(金属など)が下降するように、所定の流速で、パルプ繊維及び高吸水性ポリマーを含む酸性水溶液(混合液95)を、第3除塵装置16の逆さ向きの円錐筐体(図示されず)内に供給する。第3除塵装置16としては、ACT低濃度クリーナー(相川鉄工株式会社製)に例示される。
第2分離装置17は、例えばドラムスクリーン分離機が挙げられる。ただし、ドラムスクリーン(ふるい)の開口には特に制限はなく、例えばスリット、丸孔、四角、メッシュ孔が挙げられるが、ここではスリットを用いる。スリットの大きさ(幅)は、高吸水性ポリマーが通過可能な大きさで、かつパルプ繊維を通過困難な大きさとする。スリットの場合、スリットの大きさは、例えば幅0.2~0.8mmであり、それにより少なくとも多くの高吸水性ポリマーを除去できる。丸孔の場合、丸孔の大きさは、例えば直径0.2~0.8mmφである。第2分離装置17としては、ドラムスクリーン脱水機(東洋スクリーン株式会社製)が挙げられる。
第3分離装置18は、例えばスクリュープレス脱水機が挙げられる。円筒状のドラムスクリーンと、ドラムスクリーンの円筒の軸に沿って延びるスクリュー軸と、スクリュー軸の外側に設けられドラムスクリーンの内周面に沿って回転するスクリュー羽根と、を備える。ただし、ドラムスクリーン(ふるい)の開口には特に制限はなく、例えばスリット、丸孔、四角、メッシュ孔が挙げられるが、ここではスリットを用いる。スリットの大きさ(幅)は、高吸水性ポリマーが通過可能な大きさで、かつパルプ繊維を通過困難な大きさとする。スリットの場合、スリットの大きさは、例えば幅0.1~0.5mmであり、少なくとも残りの高吸水性ポリマーを除去できる。第3分離装置18は、ドラムスクリーン側面のスリットから高吸水性ポリマーと酸性水溶液を含む液体を送出しつつ、ドラムスクリーン先端の押圧が調整された蓋体の隙間からパルプ繊維と高吸水性ポリマーを含む固体を、高吸水性ポリマーを押し潰しつつ送出する。蓋体に印加される押圧の圧力は、例えば、0.01MPa以上、1MPa以下が挙げられる。第3分離装置18としてはスクリュープレス脱水機(川口精機株式会社製)が挙げられる。
酸化剤処理装置は、酸化剤としてオゾンを用いる場合、例えば、処理槽と、オゾン供給装置と、を備える。処理槽は、酸性水溶液を処理液として貯蔵する。オゾン供給装置は、処理槽にガス状物質であるオゾン含有ガスを供給する。オゾン供給装置のオゾン発生装置としては、例えばエコデザイン株式会社製オゾン水曝露試験機ED-OWX-2、三菱電機株式会社製オゾン発生装置OS-25Vが挙げられる。オゾン供給装置のノズルは、処理槽の下部に配置され、例えば管状又は平板状の形状を有する。ノズルは、オゾン含有ガスZを複数の細かい気泡として処理液中に供給する。処理液としては、オゾンの失活の抑制や、高吸水性ポリマーの不活化の観点から、酸性水溶液が好ましく、酸による作業者や装置への影響の低減の観点から有機酸が好ましく、中でも金属の除去の観点からクエン酸が好ましい。
なお、酸化剤としてオゾンガスを用いているが、本実施の形態はこの例に限定されるものではなく、他の酸化剤を用いてもよく、ガス状の酸化剤でなくても液体の酸化剤や固体の酸化剤を液中に溶融させたものであってもよい。酸化剤としては、例えば二酸化塩素、過酢酸、次亜塩素酸ナトリウム、過酸化水素が挙げられる。
第4分離装置20としては、例えばスクリーン分離機が挙げられる。ただし、スクリーン(ふるい)の開口には特に制限はなく、例えばスリット、丸孔、四角孔、メッシュが挙げられるが、ここではスリットを用いる。スリットの大きさ(幅)は、パルプ繊維が通過困難な大きさである。スリットの大きさは、例えば、幅0.2~0.8mmである。丸孔の場合、丸孔の大きさは、例えば直径0.2~0.8mmφである。
また、例えば図3の破袋装置11では、まず、送り込み部30aの上方から、板状部材37の螺旋に沿って収集袋Aが次々に押し込まれ、板状部材37上を螺旋に沿って移動させられて、送り込み部30aの下方から酸性水溶液Bが満たされた溶液槽Va内に物理的に強制的に送り込まれる。そして、溶液槽Vaに移動してきた収集袋Aが、回転ローター41aの回転軸(支持軸42)の周りの回転により、突起部44に接触して穴を開けられる。
例えば、図2の破砕装置12では、まず、破砕部60により、配管61のバルブ(図示されず)の開により主に重力で溶液槽Vから酸性水溶液Bと共に送出された収集袋A内の使用済み吸収性物品が、収集袋Aごと酸性水溶液B中で破砕される(液中破砕工程)。このとき、図4の破砕部60では、一方の回転軸72の周りを破砕部60の内側に向かって回転する回転刃74及びスペーサ73と、他方の回転軸72の周りを破砕部60の内側に向かって回転する回転刃74及びスペーサ73との間に、混合液91が供給され、収集袋Aが袋ごと破砕される。そして図2の破砕装置12において、ポンプ63により、破砕部60(液中破砕工程)で得られた破砕物を含む酸性水溶液B(混合液92)が破砕部60から引き出され(引出工程)、次工程へ送出される。
例えば酸化剤処理装置19では、混合物98が処理槽の上部から投入され、処理液、すなわち酸化剤を含む水溶液の上部から下部へ向かって沈降してゆく。一方、オゾン含有ガスが、処理槽内のノズルから処理液内に細かい気泡の状態(例示:マイクロバブル又はナノバブル)で連続的に放出される。すなわちオゾン含有ガスは、処理液の下部から上部へ向かって上昇してゆく。処理液内で、沈降するパルプ繊維と、上昇するオゾン含有ガスとが、対向して進みつつ衝突し合う。そして、オゾン含有ガスは、パルプ繊維の表面に、パルプ繊維を包み込むように付着する。そのとき、オゾン含有ガス中のオゾンが、パルプ繊維中の高吸水性ポリマーと反応して、高吸水性ポリマーを酸化分解して、処理液に溶解させる。それにより、混合物98のパルプ繊維に含まれる高吸水性ポリマーを酸化分解してパルプ繊維から除去する。
本方法では、収集袋に穴を開ける工程(破袋装置11)と使用済み吸収性物品を収集袋ごと破砕する工程(破砕装置12)とが互いに異なる別の箇所又は位置(装置)で行われる。それゆえ、不活化水溶液を穴から収集袋内に導入し、収集袋を不活化水溶液の水面下に確実に沈めてから、別の箇所又は位置で破砕を行うことができる。そのため、破砕のときに、収集袋の一部が不活化水溶液の水面上に露出し、穴の開口(裂け目)が不活化水溶液の水面上に曝されてしまい、使用済み紙おむつの汚れや菌類が飛散したり、その汚れに伴う臭気が放出されたりする、という事態を抑制できる。
本方法では、破砕物と不活化水溶液との混合液92を液中破砕工程(破砕部60)から積極的に引き抜くことにより、混合液92の移動に伴って、液中破砕工程(破砕部60)に関わる機器の汚れを不活化水溶液により取り除く(流し去る)ことができる。それにより、破砕工程(破砕装置12)における衛生状態を良好に保つことができる。
ここで、鉛直方向において、溶液槽と比較して破砕部は下方に存在することが好ましい。それにより、重力をも利用して、混合液92を液中破砕工程(破砕部60)から積極的に引き抜くことができる。それにより、より確実に混合液92の移動に伴って、液中破砕工程(破砕部60)に関わる機器の汚れを不活化水溶液により取り除く(流し去る)ことができる。
本方法では、破砕工程S12(破砕装置12)において、破砕装置12の調整により、破砕物の大きさの平均値が50mm以上、100mm以下となるように破砕する。その場合、各使用済み吸収性物品の裏面シート及び/又は表面シートに確実に切れ目を入れることができるので、各使用済み吸収性物品において切れ目から概ね残らずパルプ繊維を取り出すことができる。それにより、パルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマーの回収率を高めることができる。ただし、大きさの平均値を50mm未満にすると、パルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマー以外の他の資材(例示:フィルム、不織布、弾性体など)が小さく切断され過ぎて、パルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマーと分離し難くなる。その結果、再生されるパルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマーに混入する他の資材が増加し、パルプ繊維の回収率が低下する。一方、大きさの平均値を100mmより大きくすると、使用済みの吸収性物品に切り目を入れ難くなる。その結果、パルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマーを取り出せない使用済み吸収性物品が生じてしまい、パルプ繊維や高吸水性ポリマーの回収率が低下する。
本方法では、使用済み吸収性物品を破砕する工程が二軸破砕機を用いて実行される(破砕部60は二軸破砕機を含む)。二軸破砕機は、二軸回転式破砕機、二軸差動式破砕機、二軸せん断式破砕機に例示される。そのため、破砕物の大きさを概ね所定の範囲に揃えることができる。それにより、破砕物が小さくなり過ぎて、パルプ繊維に異物が混入したり、破砕物が大きくなり過ぎて、パルプ繊維を取り出せない使用済み吸収性物品が生じたりして、パルプ繊維の回収率が低下する、という事態を抑制できる。
本方法では、回転軸の周りを回転しながら溶液槽中を上下する突起物(破袋刃41)で、収集袋に穴を開ける。それゆえ、収集袋を不活化水溶液中に沈降させなくても、例えば突起物を溶液槽の上方へ移動させ、収集袋に接触させることで、収集袋に確実に穴を開けることができる。穴を開けてから収集袋を不活化水溶液中に沈降させるので、収集袋を、短時間に確実に酸性溶液中に沈めることができ、処理時間を低減して、処理効率を高めることができる。
本方法では、収集袋を不活化水溶液中に送り込み、溶液槽Vaの下部の突起物(破袋部40の破袋刃41、破袋部40aの回転ローター41aの突起部44)で、収集袋に穴を開ける。収集袋を不活化水溶液中に沈降させてから穴を開けるので、収集袋内の使用済み吸収性物品から汚れや臭気が外部に拡散することを確実に防止することができる。それにより、使用済みの吸収性物品をより衛生的かつ安全に破砕することができる。
本方法では、不活化水溶液が酸性水溶液であるため、使用済み吸収性物品中の高吸水性ポリマーを確実に脱水し、かつ、不活化することができる。特に、酸性水溶液中で破砕を行うと、尿等の***物に由来するアルカリ性揮発成分が揮発せずに酸性水溶液内に留まるため、アンモニア等のアルカリ性ガスによる臭気の発生を抑制することができる。それにより、破砕工程S12(破砕装置12)において、使用済み吸収性物品が大きく膨らむことがなく、破砕を容易に行うことができ、処理効率を高めることができる。
本方法では、酸性水溶液はクエン酸を含んでいるので(例示:濃度0.5~2.0質量%)、使用済み吸収性物品中の高吸水性ポリマーを脱水し、不活化できると共に、酸による作業者への悪影響がほとんどなく、酸による各工程の機器の腐食も抑制できる。
第2の実施の形態について説明する。以下では、第1の実施の形態との相違点について主に説明する。ただし、本実施の形態においても、不活化水溶液として酸性水溶液を用いる場合を例に説明する。
容器65に収集袋Aが入れられ、容器65の底部に達して、破砕装置12内の酸性水溶液Bの中に収集袋Aの少なくとも一部が供給される。そして、破砕部60の一対の回転軸72、72の各々の回転刃74及びスペーサ73の回転により、収集袋Aは破砕部60内の酸性水溶液Bに引き込まれる。その結果、破砕部60により、収集袋A内の使用済み吸収性物品は、収集袋Aごと酸性水溶液B中で破砕される。なお、本実施の形態においても、破砕物の大きさの平均値が50mm以上、100mm以下となることが好ましい。
破砕部60から送出される破砕物と酸性水溶液Bとを含む混合液92は、配管62を介して破砕装置12(の破砕部60)の直下に配置された第1分離装置13へ送出される。
破砕物と酸性水溶液Bとを含む混合液92は、容器80内でインペラ81により撹拌され、破砕物から汚れが除去される洗浄が行われつつ、スクリーンプレート82の方向へ導かれる。そして、混合液92は、スクリーンプレート82により、パルプ繊維、高吸水性ポリマー及び酸性水溶液と他の資材とに分離される。すなわち、混合液92中の破砕物のうち、パルプ繊維及び高吸水性ポリマーがスクリーンプレート82を通過して側方室83に達して分離され、他の資材がスクリーンプレート82を通過しないで容器80内に残存する。側方室83に達したパルプ繊維、高吸水性ポリマー及び酸性水溶液B(混合液93)は、配管を介して第1除塵装置14へ送出される。ただし、他の資材の一部は分離しきれずに混合液93と共に送出される。第1分離装置13のスクリーンの開口の大きさとしては、円形の開口の場合には5mm~20mmφが挙げられ、それ以外の形状の開口の場合には円形と略同一面積の大きさが挙げられる。
未破砕の場合(比較例)、使い捨ておむつがそのまま第1分離工程S13で処理される。そのため、図示されるように、使い捨ておむつが大きくてかさばることや、表面シートと裏面シートとの結合が取れ難いこと等から第1分離装置13で処理できる、すなわちパルプ繊維と高吸水性ポリマーを取り出せる使い捨ておむつの量(処理量)が少なかった。ただし、破砕されないので、個々の資材の大きさが大きく、第1分離工程S13後の混合液93中に含まれる異物量が少なかった。
一方、破砕した場合(実施例)、使い捨ておむつががかさばらなくなるので、第1分離装置13で処理できる使い捨ておむつの量(処理量)が多くなった。ただし、破砕により、個々の資材が小さくなって、第1分離工程S13後の混合液93中に含まれる異物量が多くなった。
したがって、処理量の観点から未破砕よりも破砕した方が良いことが分った。更に、異物量の観点も考慮する場合には、破砕物の大きさの平均値を50mm以上、100mm以下とすることが好ましいことが分った。
V 溶液槽
S11 穴開け工程
S12 破砕工程
S13 第1分離工程
Claims (24)
- パルプ繊維及び高吸水性ポリマーを含む使用済み吸収性物品からパルプ繊維を回収する方法であって、
使用済み吸収性物品を封入した収集袋を容器に入れる受入工程と、
前記容器に連通された破砕装置に、前記容器内の前記収集袋を移しつつ、前記破砕装置により、前記収集袋内の前記使用済み吸収性物品を、前記収集袋ごと不活化水溶液中で破砕する破砕工程と、
前記破砕工程で得られた破砕物及び前記不活化水溶液から、パルプ繊維、高吸水性ポリマー及び前記不活化水溶液を分離装置により分離する分離工程と、
を備える方法。 - 前記受入工程は、前記収集袋を、前記不活化水溶液を溜めた前記容器としての溶液槽に入れて、前記収集袋における前記不活化水溶液に接する表面に穴を開ける穴開け工程を含み、
前記破砕工程は、前記穴が開いて前記不活化水溶液の水面下に沈んだ前記収集袋を、前記不活化水溶液と共に前記溶液槽から前記破砕装置に移しつつ、前記収集袋内の前記使用済み吸収性物品を、前記収集袋ごと前記不活化水溶液中で破砕する工程を含む、
請求項1に記載の方法。 - 前記穴開け工程における前記収集袋に穴を開ける工程と、前記破砕工程における前記使用済み吸収性物品を前記収集袋ごと破砕する工程とは、互いに異なる位置で実行される、
請求項2に記載の方法。 - 前記破砕工程は、
前記収集袋内の前記使用済み吸収性物品を、前記収集袋ごと、前記収集袋と共に供給された前記不活化水溶液中で破砕する液中破砕工程と、
前記液中破砕工程で得られる前記破砕物を前記不活化水溶液と共に前記液中破砕工程から引き出す引出工程と、
を含む、
請求項2又は3に記載の方法。 - 前記穴開け工程における、前記収集袋における前記不活化水溶液に接する表面に穴を開ける工程は、回転軸の周りを回転しながら前記溶液槽中を上下移動可能な突起物で実行される、
請求項2乃至4のいずれか一項に記載の方法。 - 前記穴開け工程における、前記収集袋における前記不活化水溶液に接する表面に穴を開ける工程は、前記収集袋を前記不活化水溶液中に前記溶液槽の上部から送り込み、前記溶液槽の下部に配置され、回転軸の周りを回転する突起物に接触させることで実行される、
請求項2乃至4のいずれか一項に記載の方法。 - 前記破砕工程は、前記破砕装置内の前記不活化水溶液の中に前記収集袋を供給しつつ、前記収集袋内の前記使用済み吸収性物品を、前記収集袋ごと前記不活化水溶液中で破砕する工程を含む、
請求項1に記載の方法。 - 前記分離工程は、前記破砕物及び前記不活化水溶液を、前記破砕装置の直下に配置された前記分離装置で直接受領する工程を含む、
請求項1又は7に記載の方法。 - 前記破砕工程は、前記破砕物の大きさの平均値が50mm以上、100mm以下となるように、前記使用済み吸収性物品を前記収集袋ごと破砕する工程を含む、
請求項1乃至8のいずれか一項に記載の方法。 - 前記破砕工程における、前記使用済み吸収性物品を、前記収集袋ごと前記不活化水溶液中で破砕する工程は、二軸破砕機で実行される、
請求項1乃至9のいずれか一項に記載の方法。 - 前記不活化水溶液は、酸性水溶液である、
請求項1乃至10のいずれか一項に記載の方法。 - 前記酸性水溶液は、クエン酸を含む、
請求項11に記載の方法。 - パルプ繊維及び高吸水性ポリマーを含む使用済み吸収性物品からパルプ繊維を回収する方法に使用されるシステムであって、
使用済み吸収性物品を封入した収集袋を入れる容器と、
前記容器に連通されており、前記容器内の前記収集袋が移されつつ、前記収集袋内の前記使用済み吸収性物品を、前記収集袋ごと不活化水溶液中で破砕する破砕装置と、
前記破砕装置で得られた破砕物及び前記不活化水溶液から、パルプ繊維、高吸水性ポリマー及び前記不活化水溶液を分離する分離装置と、
を備えるシステム。 - 前記不活化水溶液を溜める前記容器としての溶液槽と、前記溶液槽内に設けられ、前記収集袋が前記溶液槽に入れられたときに、前記収集袋における前記不活化水溶液に接する表面に穴を開ける穴開け部と、を備える破袋装置を更に備え、
前記破砕装置は、前記穴が開いて前記不活化水溶液の水面下に沈んだ前記収集袋を、前記不活化水溶液と共に前記溶液槽から前記破砕装置に移しつつ、前記収集袋内の前記使用済み吸収性物品を、前記収集袋ごと前記不活化水溶液中で破砕する、
請求項13に記載のシステム。 - 前記破袋装置と、前記破砕装置とは、互いに異なる装置である、
請求項14に記載のシステム。 - 前記破砕装置は、
前記収集袋内の前記使用済み吸収性物品を、前記収集袋ごと、前記収集袋と共に供給された前記不活化水溶液中で破砕する破砕部と、
前記破砕部で得られる前記破砕物を前記不活化水溶液と共に前記破砕部から引き出すポンプと、
を含む、
請求項14又は15に記載のシステム。 - 前記破袋装置における、前記穴開け部は、回転軸の周りを回転しながら前記溶液槽中を上下移動可能な突起物を含む、
請求項14乃至16のいずれか一項に記載のシステム。 - 前記破袋装置における、前記穴開け部は、
前記収集袋を前記不活化水溶液中に前記溶液槽の上部から送り込む送り込み部と、
前記溶液槽の下部に配置され、回転軸の周りを回転して前記収集袋に穴を開ける突起物と、
を含む、
請求項14乃至16のいずれか一項に記載のシステム。 - 前記破砕装置は、前記破砕装置内の前記不活化水溶液の中に前記収集袋が供給されつつ、前記収集袋内の前記使用済み吸収性物品を、前記収集袋ごと前記不活化水溶液中で破砕する、
請求項13に記載のシステム。 - 前記分離装置は、前記破砕装置の直下に配置されており、前記破砕装置から前記破砕物及び前記不活化水溶液を直接受領する、
請求項13又は19に記載のシステム。 - 前記破砕装置は、前記破砕物の大きさの平均値が50mm以上、100mm以下となるように、前記使用済み吸収性物品を前記収集袋ごと破砕する、
請求項13乃至20のいずれか一項に記載のシステム。 - 前記破砕装置は、二軸破砕機を含む、
請求項13乃至21のいずれか一項に記載のシステム。 - 前記不活化水溶液は、酸性水溶液である、
請求項13乃至22のいずれか一項に記載のシステム。 - 前記酸性水溶液は、クエン酸を含む、
請求項23に記載のシステム。
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN115722520A (zh) | 2023-03-03 |
AU2023201206B1 (en) | 2023-04-06 |
JP2023010724A (ja) | 2023-01-20 |
RU2020117696A3 (ja) | 2021-12-10 |
JP7446384B2 (ja) | 2024-03-08 |
RU2020117696A (ru) | 2021-12-01 |
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