U.S. patent application number 16/537753 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-28 for method of separating metal from metallic starting materials using a hydrothermal reactor system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tyton Biosciences, LLC. Invention is credited to Florin G. Barla, Iulian Bobe, Conor Hartman, Jeremy Jones, Todd Showalter, Hsun-Cheng Su.
Application Number | 20190360070 16/537753 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63169638 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190360070 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bobe; Iulian ; et
al. |
November 28, 2019 |
METHOD OF SEPARATING METAL FROM METALLIC STARTING MATERIALS USING A
HYDROTHERMAL REACTOR SYSTEM
Abstract
The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method
of hydrothermally treating metallic packaging, metallic labeling
material, and scrap metal items. Particularly, the disclosed method
initially comprises providing a metallic starting material. The
metallic starting material is introduced to a reactor and processed
at elevated temperature and/or pressure for a desired amount of
time. As a result, the metallic portion of the starting material
separates into a distinct layer that can be removed from the
remainder of the starting material.
Inventors: |
Bobe; Iulian; (Danville,
VA) ; Barla; Florin G.; (Danville, VA) ;
Hartman; Conor; (Durham, NC) ; Su; Hsun-Cheng;
(Chapel Hill, NC) ; Jones; Jeremy; (Danville,
VA) ; Showalter; Todd; (Danville, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tyton Biosciences, LLC |
Danville |
VA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63169638 |
Appl. No.: |
16/537753 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/US18/18496 |
Feb 16, 2018 |
|
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|
16537753 |
|
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62459718 |
Feb 16, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C22B 21/0023 20130101;
C22B 21/0069 20130101; C22B 7/006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C22B 21/00 20060101
C22B021/00; C22B 7/00 20060101 C22B007/00 |
Claims
1. A method of separating metal from a metallic starting material,
the method comprising: loading the metallic starting material and a
solvent into at least one reactor; optionally adding catalyst,
co-solvent, or both to the reactor; applying heat and pressure to
the starting material until the metal is separated from the
metallic starting material, and physically separating the metal
from the starting material.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the metallic starting material
comprises a metal and a substrate.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the substrate comprises paper,
resin, or combinations thereof.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the resin is selected from
polyethylene, polypropylene terephthalate, nylon, polyester, or
combinations thereof.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the starting material has a
thickness of about 5-200 micron.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal is tin foil, aluminum
foil, tin, copper, gold, silver, a laminate of two metals, a
metallized film, or combinations thereof.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal is an insulated
wire.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the insulated wire is selected
from insulated copper wire, electric house wire,
thermoplastic-sheathed cable, aluminum jacketed Bronx cable with
copper interior, and combinations thereof.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the solvent is selected from
water, buffer, or combinations thereof.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the co-solvent is selected from
one or more polar or non-polar organic solvents or oils.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the reactor is a batch,
semi-continuous, or continuous hydrothermal reactor.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the catalyst is added at a
concentration of about 0-1 weight % of the total weight of the
input material.
13. The method of claim 1, performed at a temperature of about
170.degree. C. to about 310.degree. C.
14. The method of claim 1, performed at a pressure of about 150 to
1500 psi.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the ratio of starting material
to water in the reactor is about 1:1 to about 1:200.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the reaction time is about 5
minutes to about 3 hours.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical separation
comprises air density separation.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein about 50-100 wt % of the metal
in the starting material is separated from the starting material,
based upon the total weight of the weight in the starting
material.
19. The metal separated by the method of claim 1.
20. The metal of claim 19, selected from aluminum foil, tin,
copper, gold, silver, or combinations thereof.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of International Patent
Application No. PCT/US18/18496, filed on Feb. 16, 2018, which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/459,718, filed on Feb. 16, 2017, the entire contents of which
are all hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The presently disclosed subject matter generally relates to
methods of separating metal from metallic starting materials, such
as packaging material (e.g., metal foil paper, aluminum bag
packages, and the like) and scrap metal items (e.g., copper wire,
insulated copper cable, power strips, motherboards and the like)
using a hydrothermal reactor system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Metallic materials have many advantageous properties,
including versatility, formability, gas impermeability, relative
chemical inertness, easily printability, and recyclability. These
properties, together with constant innovation and technological
evolution, have enabled metallic materials to extend their
packaging applications to serve the demand of modern society and
the increasing population. For example, aluminum has very
attractive properties when used as a packaging material, including
lightness, gloss, and considerable impermeability to gases, water
vapor, and light. Further, aluminum is a 100% recyclable and
sustainable metal. Aluminum is one of the only materials in the
consumer and industrial waste streams capable of saving money when
recycled. Namely, recycling aluminum saves more than 90% of the
energy required to produce a comparable amount of metal from raw
materials. For these reasons, the use of recycled aluminum is an
increasing trend in the industry. To this end, nearly 40% of the
North American aluminum supply has been created through the
recycling process (i.e., as a secondary production). For example,
aluminum beverage cans can be easily heated in a furnace to
650.degree. C.-850.degree. C. to produce molten aluminum for
further recycling processes.
[0004] However, not all aluminum packaging and/or labels are
suitable for use with standard recycling processes. For example, it
is common practice to apply aluminum foil labels to containers
(e.g., glass bottles) to provide information about the manufacturer
and/or the contents of the container. Standard label materials
typically include an aluminum foil component laminated to other
materials, such as plastics and/or paper. In conventional labeling
processes, labels are cut from a foil paper roll and are applied to
the surface of a container. However, cutting of the labels
generates large amounts of unused scrap metal foil material. The
scrap material is typically not recycled because it includes a
mixture of paper, foil, plastic, glue, and the like, which
decreases the efficiency of aluminum recovery through existing
thermolysis methods. Thin metal typically oxidizes quickly and
"flashes off", transforming into gas. It would therefore be
beneficial to provide a method of separating the metal from the
scrap material for recycling and/or repurposing, so that it can be
baled into blocks before entering the recycling process thereby
enabling the recovery of thin metal waste material.
SUMMARY
[0005] In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter
is directed to a method of separating metal from a metallic
starting material. The method comprises loading the metallic
starting material and a solvent into at least one reactor, and
optionally adding catalyst, co-solvent, or both to the reactor. The
method further comprises applying heat and pressure to the starting
material until the metal is separated from the metallic starting
material, and physically separating the metal from the starting
material.
[0006] In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter
is directed to a method of recycling metal from a metallic starting
material. Particularly, the method comprises loading the metallic
starting material and a solvent into at least one reactor and
optionally adding catalyst, co-solvent, or both to the reactor. The
method further comprises applying heat and pressure to the starting
material until the metal is separated from the metallic starting
material, physically separating the metal from the starting
material, and recycling the separated metal.
[0007] In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter
is directed to a system comprising a feedstock source comprising a
metallic starting material, and a reactor in supply communication
with the feedstock source, wherein the reactor is configured to
apply heat and pressure to the starting material until metal is
separated from the metallic starting material. The system further
comprises a computer that controls the reactor and is in
communication with at least one sensor, wherein the computer is
configured to receive data from the sensor and determine a reaction
time when the metal is separated from the starting material based
on the received data.
[0008] In some embodiments, the metallic starting material is scrap
metallic packaging material. In some embodiments, the starting
material comprises a metal and a substrate (i.e., paper, resin, or
combinations thereof). In some embodiments, the resin is selected
from polyethylene, polypropylene terephthalate, nylon, or
combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the starting material
has a thickness of about 5-200 micron. In some embodiments, the
metal is selected from tin foil, aluminum foil, tin, copper, gold,
silver, a laminate of two or more metals (or at least one metal and
at least one polymeric material, or two or more polymeric
materials), a metallized film, a wire or cord, or combinations
thereof. In some embodiments, the metal can be an insulated wire
selected from insulated copper wire, electric house wire (PVC wire,
coper wire coil), thermoplastic-sheathed cable, aluminum jacketed
BX (Bronx cable) with copper interior, and combinations
thereof.
[0009] In some embodiments, the solvent is selected from water,
buffer, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the
co-solvent is selected from one or more polar or non-polar organic
solvents or oils. In some embodiments, the catalyst is added at a
concentration of about 0-1 weight % of the total weight of the
input material.
[0010] In some embodiments, the reactor is a batch,
semi-continuous, or continuous hydrothermal reactor.
[0011] In some embodiments, the reactor is a hydrothermal reactor.
In some embodiments, the reactor is a batch, or semi-continuous, or
continuous hydrothermal reactor. In some embodiments, the disclosed
method is performed at a temperature of about 170.degree. C. to
about 310.degree. C., at a pressure of about 150 to 1500 psi, or
both. In some embodiments, the ratio of starting material to water
in the reactor is about 1:1 to about 1:200. In some embodiments, a
catalyst including (but not limited to) sodium chloride (NaCl) is
added to the reactor at a concentration of about 0-1 weight % of
the total input material (e.g., starting material and solvent).
[0012] In some embodiments, a co-solvent is added in a
concentration of about 50-100 wt % of the total input material. The
co-solvent can include common organic solvents, such as polar or
non-polar organic solvents including (but not limited to) methanol
and/or DMSO or oils (e.g., vegetable cooking oil and/or waste
cooking oils). In some embodiments, the disclosed method is
performed for a reaction time of about 5 minutes to about 3
hours.
[0013] In some embodiments, the physical separation comprises the
use of an air density separation. In some embodiments, about 50-100
weight % of the metal in the starting material is extracted (e.g.,
separated from the starting material), based on the total weight of
the starting material.
[0014] In some embodiments, the metallic starting material
comprises a metal and a substrate.
[0015] In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter
includes the metal separated by the disclosed method (e.g.,
aluminum foil, tin, copper, gold, silver, or combinations
thereof).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The previous summary and the following detailed description
are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrates
particular exemplary embodiments and features as briefly described
below. The summary and detailed descriptions, however, are not
limited to only those embodiments and features explicitly
illustrated.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating one method of performing
the disclosed method in accordance with some embodiments of the
presently disclosed subject matter.
[0018] FIG. 2a is a photograph of scrap aluminum foil paper
material that can be treated according to some embodiments of the
presently disclosed subject matter.
[0019] FIG. 2b is a photograph of recovered aluminum after
treatment according to some embodiments of the presently disclosed
subject matter.
[0020] FIGS. 3a and 3b are photographs of recovered aluminum when
co-solvent conditions were used.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein
have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
[0022] Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms
"a," "an," and "the" refer to one or more when used in this
application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to
"a metal" includes a plurality of metals, unless the context
clearly is to the contrary.
[0023] For the purposes of this specification and appended claims,
the term "about" when used in connection with one or more numbers
or numerical ranges, should be understood to refer to all such
numbers, including all numbers in a range and modifies that range
by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values
set forth. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes
all numbers, e.g., whole integers, including fractions thereof,
subsumed within that range (for example, the recitation of 1 to 5
includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as fractions thereof, e.g.,
1.5, 2.25, 3.75, 4.1, and the like) and any range within that
range. In some embodiments, the term "about" includes variations of
up to +/-20%, +/-15%, +/-10%, +/-5%, +/-1%, or +/-0.1% of a recited
value.
[0024] Throughout this specification and the claims, the terms
"comprise," "comprises," and "comprising" are used in a
non-exclusive sense, except where the context requires otherwise.
Likewise, the term "include" and its grammatical variants are
intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a
list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be
substituted or added to the listed items.
[0025] The descriptions herein are presented with sufficient
details to provide an understanding of one or more particular
embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These
descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of
those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject
matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features.
Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise
to additional and similar embodiments and features without
departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters. Although
the term "step" may be expressly used or implied relating to
features of processes or methods, no implication is made of any
particular order or sequence among such expressed or implied steps
unless an order or sequence is explicitly stated.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating one embodiment of a
method for hydrothermally treating a metallic starting material
(such as metal foil paper). Particularly, the disclosed method
initially comprises providing a metallic starting material. The
term "metallic starting material" includes any material that
includes one or more metals and at least one substrate. For
example, in some embodiments, the starting material comprises a
scrap metallic material, such as (but not limited to) a metal foil,
copper wire, insulated copper cable with rubber jacket, silver
products, and e-waste (e.g., computer motherboards and the like).
The term "metal" or "metallic" as used herein refers to alkali
metals, alkali earth metals, transition metals, or mixtures
thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the term "metal" can
include aluminum, tin, copper, gold, silver, and the like.
[0027] In some embodiments, the metallic starting material can
include a metal foil. The term "metal foil" as used herein refers
to a thin, flexible sheet of any suitable metal. In some
embodiments, the metal material can comprise a packaging foil, such
as tin foil, aluminum foil, laminate, and/or metallized film. In
some embodiments, aluminum foil is preferred. Suitable input waste
recycling materials can include (but are not limited to) aluminum
food packages, blister packaging, cap seal liners, tetra packages
(polyethylene-polyethylene-aluminum-polyethylene-paper-polyethylene),
aluminum containers, aluminum beverage packages, wine caps
(polylaminate capsules), aluminum pump sprays (for lotion, perfume,
essential oils), aluminum haute couture, aluminum cosmetic
packages, and the like.
[0028] The starting material further comprises a substrate, such as
paper, plastic, and/or resin. The term "substrate" as used herein
refers to any suitable material that can be used to support the
metallic component of the starting material. For example, suitable
substrates can include paper made from wood pulp, cotton, or
synthetic wood-free fibers and board. The paper can be coated,
uncoated, calendared, or machine glazed. In some embodiments, the
resin can be polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene
terephthalate, nylon, or combinations thereof.
[0029] The metallic component and the substrate component of the
starting material can be adhered together using any method known or
used in the art. For example, in some embodiments, pressure
sensitive adhesives can be used. The starting material can further
include a variety of other materials, including (but not limited
to) inks, dyes, binders, polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like
to be used as adhesives.
[0030] One example of a suitable starting material is aluminum foil
paper rolls produced by Avery Dennison Corporation (Glendale,
Calif., United States of America). Thus, in some embodiments, the
starting material can be a metallic foil-paper laminate or a
metallized paper product, such as the type used to produce bottle
labels.
[0031] The starting material can have any desired thickness. For
example, in some embodiments, the starting material can have a
thickness of about 5-200 microns, such as about 10-20, 10-30,
10-40, 10-50, 10-75, 10-100, 10-150 or 10-200 microns. The starting
material can be in any of a wide variety of forms, such as rolls,
stacks of sheets, and the like.
[0032] In some embodiments, the starting material is scrap, used
for label making. The labels or other items are cut from the
starting material and the remainder (scrap) material is processed
using the disclosed method. In some embodiments, the starting
material can comprise labels that have been removed from bottles
after use. In some embodiments, the starting material can comprise
discarded packaging for various consumer products.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, at least one reactor is provided in the
disclosed system and method. The term "reactor" as used herein
refers to a device that can be used for any number of chemical
processes involving a starting material. In some embodiments, the
reactor comprises a hydrothermal reactor. The term "hydrothermal"
as used herein refers to an aqueous system under pressure and
increased temperature, typically near or above the critical point
of water (374.degree. C., 22.1 MPa). Thus, the reactor can provide
hydrothermal conditions, such as (but not limited to) a batch
reactor, semi-continuous, or continuous reactor. In some
embodiments, a batch reactor is preferred.
[0034] The disclosed method comprises transferring the starting
material and one or more solvents to the reactor and processing for
a desired amount of time. In some embodiments, the solvent can be
water, buffer, and the like. Suitable buffers can include any
buffer known or used in the art, including (but not limited to)
TBS, PBS, BIS-TRIS, HEPES, HEPES sodium salt, MES, MES sodium salt,
MOPS, MOPS sodium salt, sodium chloride, ammonium acetate, ammonium
formate, ammonium phosphate monobasic, ammonium tartrate dibasic,
bicarbonate, citrate, formic acid, imidazole, magnesium acetate,
magnesium formate, potassium acetate, potassium acetate, potassium
acetate, potassium citrate tribasic, potassium formate, potassium
phosphate, potassium sodium tartrate, propionic acid, STE, STET,
sodium acetate, sodium formate, sodium phosphate, sodium tartrate,
TNT, TRIS glycine, TRIS acetate-EDTA, triethylammonium phosphate,
trimethylammonium acetate, trimethylammonium phosphate, and/or
TRIS-EDTA.
[0035] In some embodiments, a catalyst can be added to the starting
material. The term "catalyst" as used herein refers to any
substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without
itself being consumed in the reaction. Suitable catalysts can
include (but are not limited) sodium chloride (NaCl). The catalyst
can be added at a concentration of about 0-1 weight % of the total
input material (starting material, catalyst, solvent, and
optionally co-solvent).
[0036] In some embodiments, a co-solvent can be added to the
starting material. Suitable co-solvents can include organic
solvents, such as polar or non-polar organic solvents, including
(but not limited to) methanol and/or DMSO, oils. Suitable organic
solvents can include (but are not limited to) alcohols, alkanes,
glycol ethers, ketones, hydrocarbons, amines, organic acids, and
the like.
[0037] In some embodiments, a co-solvent is added in a
concentration of about 50-100 wt %, based on the total weight of
the input materials (starting material, solvent, co-solvent, and
optionally catalyst).
[0038] Thus, in some embodiments, the reactor input materials can
comprise the starting materials, solvent, co-solvent, and/or
catalyst.
[0039] In some embodiments, the starting material can be treated in
the reactor at a temperature of about 170.degree. C. to 310.degree.
C. Thus, the temperature can range from about 170-310.degree. C.,
180-300.degree. C., 190-290.degree. C., 200-280.degree. C.,
210-270.degree. C., 220-260.degree. C. or 230-250.degree. C. The
temperature can therefore be at least about (or no more than about)
170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290,
300 or 310.degree. C.
[0040] In some embodiments, the starting material can be treated in
the reactor at a pressure of about 150 to 1500 psi, such as about
200-1400, 300-1300, 400-1200, 500-1100, 600-1000, or 700-900 psi.
Thus, the pressure can be at least about (or no more than about)
150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750,
800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1050, 1100, 1150, 1200, 1250, 1300, 1350,
or 1400 psi.
[0041] In some embodiments, the ratio of input materials to solvent
(e.g., water) is about 1:1 to 1:200, such as about 1:5 to 1:175,
1:10 to 1:150, 1:25 to 1:100, or 1:50 to 1:100. Thus, the ratio of
input materials to solvent can be at least about (or no more than
about) 1:1, 1:5, 1:10, 1:20, 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 1:60, 1:70, 1:80,
1:90, 1:100, 1:110, 1:120, 1:130, 1:140, 1:150, 1:160, 1:170,
1:180, 1:190, or 1:200.
[0042] In some embodiments, the reactor reaction time is about 5
minutes to about 3 hours, such as about 10 minutes to 2.5 hours, 15
minutes to 2 hours, 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, or 35 minutes to 1
hour. Thus, the reaction time can be at least about (or no more
than about) 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60
minutes. In some embodiments, the reaction time can be at least
about (or no more than about) 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5,
2.75, or 3 hours.
[0043] In the reactor, the metallic portion of the starting
material is separated from the remainder of the starting material
as a result of the temperature and/or pressure received from the
reactor. For example, in some embodiments, the metallic packaging
materials form a liquid/solid mixture after hydrothermal treatment
that can be easily separated from the remainder of the starting
material using standard separation methods, including (but not
limited to) air density separation processes (as indicated in the
FIG. 1). The term "air density separation" refers to the separation
of dense materials from less-dense materials. In some embodiments,
the air density separator includes an air stream that carries
material through a separator, where heavier materials fall into a
trap under the weight of gravity.
[0044] As a result, each solid constituent is separated and
metallic material (e.g., aluminum flakes) can be recovered from the
remaining materials (e.g., polymer resin (such as polyester), paper
pulp). In some embodiments, the pure metal can be baled into block
for further recovery processing, as would be known to those of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0045] After removal of the solid constituent portions (metal,
polyester, paper pulp, etc), the remainder of the starting material
(paper, adhesive, dye, plastic, etc.) can in some embodiments be
flushed with water down a standard drain for disposal.
[0046] In some embodiments, the starting material can be
pre-processed prior to treating in the reactor to reduce particle
size. Particularly, the starting material can be reduced to uniform
particle size by shredding, cutting, or any other method known or
used in the art. In these embodiments, the mixture of glue,
plastic, and/or fiber can function to protect the metal material
during hydrothermal processing. As a result, the metal component
will not react as quickly and become lost in the liquid phase.
[0047] Thus, the presently disclosed subject matter advantageously
provides a method of extracting metal from a metallic substrate
starting material. In some embodiments, about 40-100 wt % of the
metal in the starting material can be extracted, based on the total
weight of the starting material. For example, at least about (or no
more than about) 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95,
99, or 100 weight percent of the metal can be extracted, based on
the total weight of the metal in the starting material.
EXAMPLES
[0048] The following Examples have been included to provide
guidance to one of ordinary skill in the art for practicing
representative embodiments of the presently disclosed subject
matter. In light of the present disclosure and the general level of
skill in the art, those of skill can appreciate that the following
Examples are intended to be exemplary only and that numerous
changes, modifications, and alterations can be employed without
departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject
matter.
Example 1
Separation of Aluminum from Aluminum Paper Rolls
[0049] A sample of leftover metallic aluminum foil paper roll
(after labels had been removed) was obtained. The aluminum foil
paper starting material is shown in FIG. 2a and was produced by
Avery Dennison Corporation (Glendale, Calif., United States of
America).
[0050] The metallic paper was introduced to a hydrothermal reactor
(Parr, 4553M, 2 Gal) and exposed to the following conditions:
270.degree. C., 1488 psi, reaction time of 2.5 hours, with about
100 grams aluminum foil and 6 L water. The paper and glue portion
of the sample was degraded during the reaction, the plastic portion
of the sample melted and floated at the surface of the water, and
the aluminum portion of the sample settled at the bottom. The
recovered aluminum is shown in FIG. 2b. The results from the
recovered aluminum quality test are shown in Table 1. Testing was
performed in accordance with ASTM E1479, incorporated by reference
herein. The aluminum content was calculated by difference. The
results indicate that the sample comprises pure aluminum, and the
recycled aluminum can be classified as the UNS grade designations
A91050, A91110, and A91145.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Recycled Aluminum Sample Chemical Testing
Results Silicon .08% Iron .34 Copper .034 Manganese .003 Magnesium
.003 Zinc .004 Nickel .007 Chromium .003 Lead <.003 Tin <.003
Titanium .015 Vanadium .010 Boron .003 Others Each <.03 Aluminum
99.50**
Example 2
Wastewater Results of Separation of Aluminum from Aluminum Paper
Rolls
[0051] After the aluminum was removed, the remainder of the
reaction products were analyzed to determine whether they could be
discarded by flushing with water down a standard drain (i.e., a
sink). Analytical results were provided by a 3.sup.rd party
analytical service, and the results are given below in Table 2.
Certification IDs: Florida/NELAP Certification No. E87648;
Massachusetts Certification No. M-NC030; North Carolina Drinking
Water Certification No. 37712; North Carolina Wastewater
Certification No. 40; South Carolina Certification No. 99030001;
Virginia/VELAP Certification No. 460222.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Wastewater Testing Analytical Preparation
Report Regulation Parameter Method Method Results Limit Limit.sup.1
6010 MET Arsenic EPA EPA 3010A ND.sup.2 10.0 .mu.g/L 100 .mu.g/L
ICP 6010 Cadmium EPA EPA 3010A 3.9 .mu.g/L 1.0 .mu.g/L 50 .mu.g/L
6010 Lead EPA EPA 3010A 6.1 .mu.g/L 5.0 .mu.g/L 350 .mu.g/L 6010
7470 Mercury Mercury EPA EPA 7470 ND.sup.2 0.20 .mu.g/L 40 .mu.g/L
7470 351.2 Total Nitrogen, EPA -- 13.3 .mu.g/L 0.50 .mu.g/L --
Kjeldahl Kjeldahl, 351.2 Nitrogen total 365.1 Phosphorous EPA --
ND.sup.2 0.050 mg/L -- Phosphorous, total 365.1 total.sup.3 5220D
COD Chemical SM -- 4200 mg/L 125 mg/L -- Oxygen 5220D Demand (COD)
.sup.1Regulation Limit based on local regulation recommendation
(Wastewater Division of Danville Utilities, City of Danville,
Virginia, United States). .sup.2ND = Not detected at or above
adjusted reporting limit. .sup.3Total phosphorous: No established
limit, prefer <5 mg/L; COD: There is no limit for this
parameter.
[0052] According to the wastewater chemical analysis results (Table
2), no harmful metal toxic materials were released in the
post-treatment wastewater. The post-treatment wastewater was also
within the local wastewater regulation limit. The above table
indicate that the disclosed method is an environmentally-friendly
process that could efficiently recover aluminum without producing
harmful by-products.
Example 3
Separation of Aluminum from Tetra Pak package in Batch Reactor
Using Co-Solvent
[0053] Samples of waste Tetra Pak (Pully, Switzerland) packages
were obtained. The collected packages were introduced to a
hydrothermal reactor (Parr, 4553M, 2 Gal) and a co-solvent (mixture
of methanol and ddH.sub.2O; mixture of vegetable cooking oil and
ddH.sub.2O) was added. The packages were exposed to the reaction
conditions set forth in Table 3. Specifically, the operation
temperature ranged from 170.degree. C. to 180.degree. C., pressure
ranged from 115 psi to 1100 psi, residence time ranged from 30 mins
to 50 mins, with about 30 grams Tetra Pak package and 6 L
water.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Co-solvent reaction conditions of Tetra Pak
package in batch reactor Temperature (.degree. C.) Pressure (psi)
MeOH:ddH.sub.2O Oil:ddH2O 170 1100 50:50 -- 175 220 50:50 -- 180
325 48:52 -- 180 320 .sup. 33:67 *.sup.1 -- 170 115 -- 90:10
*.sup.1 *.sup.1 Include 0.05% (w/v) sodium chloride (NaCl) in the
reaction solvent
[0054] It was observed that when co-solvent conditions had been
incorporated, the final recovered aluminum (as shown in FIG. 3a,
3b) was less contaminated with the other materials, such as
polyester and paper.
* * * * *