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WO2025168537A1 - Method for separating the components of a mixture of fibres and granules, the method comprising a step of disentangling the mixture by brushing over a screen - Google Patents

Method for separating the components of a mixture of fibres and granules, the method comprising a step of disentangling the mixture by brushing over a screen

Info

Publication number
WO2025168537A1
WO2025168537A1 PCT/EP2025/052777 EP2025052777W WO2025168537A1 WO 2025168537 A1 WO2025168537 A1 WO 2025168537A1 EP 2025052777 W EP2025052777 W EP 2025052777W WO 2025168537 A1 WO2025168537 A1 WO 2025168537A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sieve
crumbling
mixture
agglomeration
brush
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/EP2025/052777
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Thomas Mosnier
Thomas SIMONELLI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA
Original Assignee
Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA filed Critical Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA
Publication of WO2025168537A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025168537A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03B—SEPARATING SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS
    • B03B9/00—General arrangement of separating plant, e.g. flow sheets
    • B03B9/06—General arrangement of separating plant, e.g. flow sheets specially adapted for refuse
    • B03B9/061—General arrangement of separating plant, e.g. flow sheets specially adapted for refuse the refuse being industrial
    • 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
    • B02C18/06—Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragments with rotating knives
    • B02C18/062—Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragments with rotating knives with rotor elements extending axially in close radial proximity of a concentrically arranged slotted or perforated ring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
    • B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
    • B02C23/00—Auxiliary methods or auxiliary devices or accessories specially adapted for crushing or disintegrating not provided for in preceding groups or not specially adapted to apparatus covered by a single preceding group
    • B02C23/08—Separating or sorting of material, associated with crushing or disintegrating
    • B02C23/16—Separating or sorting of material, associated with crushing or disintegrating with separator defining termination of crushing or disintegrating zone, e.g. screen denying egress of oversize material
    • B02C2023/165—Screen denying egress of oversize material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
    • B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
    • B02C23/00—Auxiliary methods or auxiliary devices or accessories specially adapted for crushing or disintegrating not provided for in preceding groups or not specially adapted to apparatus covered by a single preceding group
    • B02C23/08—Separating or sorting of material, associated with crushing or disintegrating
    • B02C23/10—Separating or sorting of material, associated with crushing or disintegrating with separator arranged in discharge path of crushing or disintegrating zone

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the general field of separation installations and methods intended to separate the different components of a mixture containing fibers and granules, in particular with a view to recycling the materials which respectively constitute these different components.
  • the invention finds more particular application in the treatment of mixtures which are obtained from the grinding of pneumatic tires and which contain textile fibers, in particular polyethylene terephthalate, and granules of rubber-based material.
  • the objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a new separation process which has improved efficiency, and allows for efficient processing of large quantities of fiber and granule mixtures.
  • the objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a separation process making it possible, from a mixture of components comprising a first family of components formed by fibers and a second family of components formed by granules, to separate the fibers from the granules, said process being characterized in that it comprises:
  • a brushing step during which the mixture is subjected to the combined action of a brush and a first sieve, called a “crumbling sieve”, said brush and said crumbling sieve being in relative movement called a “brushing movement” with respect to each other, so that the brush rubs the mixture against the crumbling sieve to disentangle the fibers and dissociate the components of the mixture from each other, and thus generate, through the crumbling sieve, a shower of dissociated fibers and granules,
  • the brushing step makes it possible to diffuse, as it were to spray, the mixture in the form of a fine but fairly dense rain, and over a fairly large surface area, and therefore to effectively and simultaneously treat a large flow rate of mixture.
  • Figure 1A and Figure 1B illustrate, in perspective overall views, respectively whole and in section in a vertical plane, an example of an installation allowing the implementation of the method according to the invention, said installation forming a tower which comprises in the upper part a brushing stage, provided here with a brush with a horizontal axis cooperating with a curved crumbling screen, and under which there follow, vertically perpendicular to each other, a plurality of re-agglomeration stages, each formed by a re-agglomeration tank whose bottom is provided with a re-agglomeration screen.
  • Figure 2A, Figure 2B, and Figure 2C represent, according to exploded perspective views respectively, in front section in a vertical plane, and in side section in a vertical plane, a first possible arrangement of brushing stage, with horizontal axis brush, as used within the installation of Figure 1A and Figure 1B.
  • Figure 3A and Figure 3B illustrate, in perspective overall views, respectively whole and in section in a vertical plane, another example of installation allowing the implementation of the method according to the invention, the brushing stage of which this time comprises a brush with a vertical axis cooperating with a horizontal crumbling sieve.
  • Figure 4A and Figure 4B represent, in exploded perspective and front section views respectively in a vertical plane, a second possible arrangement. brush stage, with vertical axis brush, as used in the installation of Figure 3A and Figure 3B.
  • Figure 6A, Figure 6B and Figure 6C illustrate, in schematic perspective, side and top views respectively, a third possible arrangement of brushing stage, comprising a crumbling screen which forms an inclined plane as well as a brush which comprises, along the slope, several rows of brushes arranged to form V-shaped receptacles, so that the brush can regulate the flow of the mixture along the slope of the inclined plane while performing an alternating brushing movement, transversely to the slope of the inclined plane.
  • the fibers 2 may be made from a natural or synthetic textile material, and more preferably from a polymer or a combination of polymers from (non-exhaustive list): polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and nylon or polyamide (PA).
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PE polyethylene
  • PP polypropylene
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • PS polystyrene
  • PA nylon or polyamide
  • shape factor is meant the ratio between on the one hand the maximum Feret diameter, that is to say the maximum distance, observable for the granule 3 considered, between two straight lines which are parallel to each other and tangent respectively to opposite sides of said granule 3 considered, and on the other hand the minimum Feret diameter, that is to say the minimum distance, observable for the granule 3 considered, between two straight lines which are parallel to each other and tangent respectively to opposite sides of said granule considered.
  • This shape factor makes it possible to give a good indication of the slenderness of the granules 3. For information, it is recalled that a sphere has a form factor equal to 1 corresponds to a sphere, and that a cube has a form factor equal to the square root of 2.
  • the invention will of course also relate to an installation 100 making it possible to implement the method.
  • the brush 4 by pressing and scraping the mixture 1 against the sieve 5, breaks up the mixture 1, and in particular disintegrates the agglomerates of fibers 2 and granules 3 which, within the initial mixture 1, keep granules 3 trapped in masses of tangled fibers 2.
  • the mixture 1 and the brushing action are advantageously distributed over a large surface area of sieve 5, and thus make it possible to generate a high flow rate of rain of fibers 2 and granules 3.
  • This rain is advantageously both dense, that is to say comprising a high number of components 2, 3 per volume of air, and fine, that is to say composed of fibers 2 and granules 3 which are finely dissociated from each other, and more preferably individualized.
  • Said rain preferably falls by simple gravity, after having passed through the crumbling sieve 4.
  • the method then comprises a step (S2) of re-agglomeration of fibers, during which the rain of fibers 2 and granules 3 from the crumbling sieve 4 is collected on a second sieve, called a “re-agglomeration sieve” 6, which is driven by a vibrating movement, so that at least a portion of the fibers 2 is caused to re-agglomerate on the surface of said re-agglomeration sieve 6 in the form of fiber balls 7 which are retained by said re-agglomeration sieve 6 while the granules 3 pass through said re-agglomeration sieve 6, as illustrated in FIG. 5.
  • S2 a step (S2) of re-agglomeration of fibers, during which the rain of fibers 2 and granules 3 from the crumbling sieve 4 is collected on a second sieve, called a “re-agglomeration sieve” 6, which is driven by a vibrating movement, so that at least a portion of the fibers 2 is caused
  • the fiber balls 7 having dimensions, here diameters, greater than the mesh size of the re-agglomeration sieve 6, this makes it possible to retain the fibers 2 on said re-agglomeration sieve 6, while the latter allows the free granules 3 to escape, in particular the granules 3 which have been extracted and dissociated from the initial fiber agglomerates during the brushing step (SI).
  • the inventors have also found that, in order to obtain a satisfactory result during the re-agglomeration step, it is important to have produced, by a brushing operation, a shower of fibers 2 and granules 3 of good quality.
  • the substantially spherical shape of the fiber balls 7 simplifies the recovery of said fibers 2.
  • the large granules recovered at the crumbling sieve 5 can return to a screening and/or grinding type circuit in order to eliminate, for example by crushing, the large granules that are too solid and possibly to be able to reintroduce their components into the mixture 1.
  • the method according to the invention is a dry method, which uses neither liquid nor solvent. Said method is also simple to implement and requires very little energy, in particular electrical energy, and is safe for the equipment and operators located in the vicinity of the installation 100.
  • the crumbling sieve 5 will have asperities on its surface receiving the mixture 1, here its upper surface, so that said crumbling sieve 5 forms a grater against the brush 4 during the brushing movement M4.
  • the roughness may be formed by projecting portions of said mesh, for example projecting bends formed in the wires of the mesh. If the crumbling screen 5 is formed by a sheet, metal or rigid polymer, pierced by cracks, the roughness may correspond to the projecting edges of said cracks.
  • the roughness imparted by the asperities, and the alternation of projections and hollows which results from it on the surface of the crumbling sieve 5, will promote the disintegration of the mixture 1, and in particular of the agglomerates of fibers 2 and granules 3, under the action of the brush 4, the disentanglement of the fibers 2, the separation of the fibers 2 and the granules 3, and the expulsion in rain, through the crumbling sieve 5, of the components 2, 3 thus dissociated.
  • the multiplicity of bristles and therefore the multiplicity of elastic deformation movements in flexion of each of the bristles, makes it possible to multiply the beating and scraping actions of the mixture 1 against the crumbling sieve 5, and in particular against the roughness of its surface, which ensures effective crumbling of the mixture 1 then effective ejection through the crumbling sieve 5 of the mixture 1 thus crumbled.
  • the brush 4 may comprise several rows of bristles, which follow one another in the direction of the brushing movement M4, so as to further accentuate these actions of beating and scraping the mixture 1.
  • the brush 4 extends on the lateral face 10A of a cylindrical rotor 10 with horizontal axis Y10.
  • the bristles of the brush 4 may preferably extend radially, or substantially radially, on the lateral face 10A of the rotor 10, continuously along the length and/or around the circumference of the rotor 10, or else in tufts forming brushes spaced apart from each other, for example arranged in a staggered pattern relative to each other.
  • horizontal we mean that the element considered, here the axis Y10 of the rotor 10, around which said rotor 10 rotates on itself to carry out the brushing movement M4 relative to the fixed crumbling screen 5, forms an angle relative to the horizontal which is, in absolute value, less than 20 degrees, preferably less than 10 degrees, 5 degrees, or even 3 degrees, and more preferably zero.
  • the crumbling sieve 5 then preferably forms a basket 11 which is delimited by a first side wall 12 which extends along the horizontal axis Y10 of the rotor 10, on a first side of the horizontal axis Y10 of the rotor, and by a second side wall 13 which extends along the horizontal axis Y10 of the rotor, on a second side of the axis of the rotor opposite the first side, the first and second side walls 12, 13 being inclined relative to each other so as to converge towards a bottom 14 in an arc of a circle, with which the brush 4 cooperates.
  • the crumbling sieve 5 thus has a curved, hollow shape.
  • the converging section of the basket creates a sort of funnel, and more particularly a hopper, between the brush 4 and a corresponding side wall 12, 13, a funnel which will comprise a movable face, formed by the free surface of the brush 4, and a fixed face, formed by the side wall 12, 13 located opposite the brush 4, and which will therefore tend to pinch, advance, and therefore in other words to “swallow”, in the direction of the rotary brushing movement M4, the mixture 1 poured into the basket 11.
  • the first and second side walls 12, 13 will preferably be flat and parallel to the central axis Y10 of the rotor 10.
  • the bottom 14 will preferably have a shape matching that of the lateral face of the rotor 10, and therefore of the brush 4.
  • the brush 4 will thus be applied in a substantially tangent manner to the bottom 14 of the basket 11.
  • Said base 14, as well as all or part of the side walls 12, 13, will be pierced by the orifices of the crumbling sieve 5.
  • a feed overflow 15 intended to feed the basket 11 with mixture 1 will open into the upper part of the basket 11, preferably vertically above the part of the basket 11 which is located on the side of the axis of rotation Y10 where the direction of rotation of the rotor, and therefore the direction of the brushing movement M4, causes the brush 4 to converge towards the side wall 13.
  • the feed spillway 15 may operate by pouring the mixture 1 into the basket 11 in successive batches, or continuously.
  • the brush 4 extends over a lower front face 20F of a rotor 20 with a vertical axis Z20.
  • the bristles of the brush 4 will preferably extend parallel to the vertical axis Z20, in the axial extension of the rotor 20, and more particularly of the plate or arms 21 forming the front face 20F.
  • the bristles of the brush 4 may be distributed evenly and continuously over the front face 20F, or in tufts spaced apart from each other.
  • the surface of the crumbling sieve 5 may possibly have a bulge to facilitate the evacuation towards the periphery of the crumbling sieve 5 of the large granules 3, too large to pass through the mesh of said crumbling sieve 5.
  • the brushes 22 may possibly have a chosen yaw angle, relative to the radial directions perpendicular to the vertical axis Z20 of the rotor, in order to distribute and/or convey the large granules 3 and/or the mixture 1 to be treated according to a radial movement, which will be centrifugal or centripetal depending on the chosen yaw angle and the direction of rotation of the rotor 20 around the vertical axis Z20.
  • the inclination of the inclined plane may, for example, be between 5 degrees and 45 degrees.
  • the brush 4 preferably comprises one or more brushes 31 which delimit, projecting from the inclined plane, one or more retention reservoirs 32, preferably U-shaped or V-shaped, which are open towards the upstream of the slope of the inclined plane 30, so as to be able to receive the mixture 1 to be brushed, and closed towards the downstream, so as to be able to regulate the flow of the mixture 1 along the slope of the inclined plane 30 during the execution of the alternating brushing movement M4.
  • the bristles of the brush 4, and more particularly of the brooms 31, preferably extend in a direction substantially normal to the inclined plane 30, for example at +/- 20 degrees, +/- 10 degrees, +/- 3 degrees, or even zero degrees relative to the normal to the inclined plane 30.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6C It may be provided, as is visible in FIGS. 6A and 6C, to form at least one row 33 of several holding tanks 32 juxtaposed over a portion, preferably at least 50% or even at least 65%, of the horizontal width W30 of the inclined plane 30.
  • several rows 33 may be provided distributed along the slope of the inclined plane 30.
  • this third arrangement in particular when several rows 33 of holding tanks 32 are used, makes it possible to maximize the useful surface area of the crumbling screen 5, over which the mixture extends and is subjected to the action of the brush 4, relative to the footprint of the crumbling screen, that is to say relative to the extent of the surface area of the crumbling screen considered in vertical projection in a horizontal plane.
  • the method may comprise, before the brushing step (S1), a grinding step (S0) during which the mixture is passed through a grinder 40 which comprises a rotor 41 with a horizontal axis Y41 provided with a first set of knives 42, which thus form movable knives 42, which rotor 41 cooperates with a stator 43 provided with a second set of knives 44, which form fixed knives 44, said stator 43 being provided, following the fixed knives 44, in the direction of rotation, with a grid 45 which allows the mixture 1, once it has been ground sufficiently finely by the knives 42, 44, to leave the grinder 40 through the grid 45, to reach a brushing stage 101 comprising the brush 4 and the crumbling sieve 5.
  • the grinding step (S0) and the brushing step (SI) are carried out within the same apparatus which comprises a rotor 41 with a horizontal axis Y41 which comprises on the one hand at least a first set of knives 42 which are arranged in one or more angular sectors of the rotor 41 extending in azimuth around the axis of the rotor, and which are arranged to cooperate with a second set of knives 44, fixed on the stator 43 of the apparatus, in order to carry out grinding of the mixture, and on the other hand, in one or more angular sectors of the rotor 41 distinct from the angular sectors carrying the first set of knives 42, one or more brushes 46 intended to ensure brushing of the mixture against the grid 45 of the stator which forms
  • the installation 100 will thus be able to become more compact.
  • the method comprises a second step (S2_2) of re-agglomeration of fibers, during which the fibers 2 which have passed through the re-agglomeration sieve 6 during the step (S2) of re-agglomeration of fibers are collected in a third vibrating sieve, forming a second re-agglomeration sieve 6 2, so as to cause, on the surface of said second re-agglomeration sieve 6 2, a re-agglomeration of at least a portion of said fibers 2 in the form of fiber balls which are retained by said second re-agglomeration sieve 6 2 while the granules pass through said second re-agglomeration sieve 6 2.
  • the re-agglomeration sieves will preferably be arranged vertically perpendicular to each other, so as to allow circulation of the mixture by gravity through the different stages.
  • the installation 1 may advantageously take the form of a tower, as can be seen in figures 1 A, 1B, 3 A and 3B, which comprises, from top to bottom, a brushing stage 101, comprising the brush 4 and the crumbling screen 5, possibly preceded by, or associated with, a grinding stage, and under which there will be at least one re-agglomeration stage 102, preferably several successive re-agglomeration stages 102, each comprising a re-agglomeration tank whose bottom is formed by a re-agglomeration sieve 6, 6 2, 6 3, 6 4.
  • the crumbling sieve 5 has a mesh size between 0.25 mm and 10 mm
  • the re-agglomeration sieve 6 has a mesh size greater than or equal to the mesh size of the crumbling sieve 5 to ensure that the granules 3 which pass through the crumbling sieve 5 can pass through the re-agglomeration sieve 6 and not become trapped in the pellets 7.
  • the mesh size of the re-agglomeration sieve 6 may be between 0.25 mm and 10 mm.
  • all the re-agglomeration sieves 6 may have a mesh size greater than or equal to the mesh size of the crumbling sieve 5.
  • at least two re-agglomeration sieves 6, and preferably all, have the same mesh size.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Combined Means For Separation Of Solids (AREA)
  • Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a separation method which, starting from a mixture (1) of components (2, 3) comprising a first family of components (2) formed by fibres (2) and a second family of components (3) formed by granules (3), makes it possible to separate the fibres (2) from the granules (3), the method comprising a brushing step, during which the mixture (1) is subjected to the combined action of a brush (4) and a crumbling screen (5) in order to generate a rain of dissociated fibres (2) and granules (3), followed by a fibre reagglomeration step, during which the rain of fibres (2) and granules (3) is collected on a reagglomeration screen (6) which is vibrated, such that, on the surface of the reagglomeration screen (6), at least some of the fibres (2) are reagglomerated into fibre pellets (7).

Description

PROCÉDÉ DE SÉPARATION DES COMPOSANTS D’UN MÉLANGE DE FIBRES ET DE GRANULES COMPRENANT UNE ÉTAPE DE DÉSENCHEVÊTREMENT DU MÉLANGE PAR BROSSAGE SUR UN TAMIS METHOD FOR SEPARATING THE COMPONENTS OF A MIXTURE OF FIBERS AND GRANULES COMPRISING A STEP OF DISENTANGLING THE MIXTURE BY BRUSHING ON A SIEVE

[0001] La présente invention concerne le domaine général des installations et des procédés de séparation destinés à séparer les différents composants d’un mélange contenant des fibres et des granules, notamment en vue du recyclage des matériaux qui sont respectivement constitutifs de ces différents composants. [0001] The present invention relates to the general field of separation installations and methods intended to separate the different components of a mixture containing fibers and granules, in particular with a view to recycling the materials which respectively constitute these different components.

[0002] L’invention trouve plus particulièrement application dans le traitement de mélanges qui sont issus du broyage de bandages pneumatiques et qui contiennent des fibres textiles, notamment en polyéthylène téréphtalate, et des granules en matériau à base de caoutchouc. [0002] The invention finds more particular application in the treatment of mixtures which are obtained from the grinding of pneumatic tires and which contain textile fibers, in particular polyethylene terephthalate, and granules of rubber-based material.

[0003] La présente invention est notamment applicable au traitement de mélanges dont les composants sont de taille millimétrique et sous-millimétrique, c’est-à-dire en particulier au traitement des mélanges qui contiennent des fibres dont le diamètre est compris entre 10 pm et 1 mm pour une longueur comprise entre 1 mm et 10 mm, et des granules dont le diamètre équivalent est compris entre 125 pm et 5 mm. [0003] The present invention is particularly applicable to the treatment of mixtures whose components are of millimetric and sub-millimetric size, that is to say in particular to the treatment of mixtures which contain fibers whose diameter is between 10 μm and 1 mm for a length of between 1 mm and 10 mm, and granules whose equivalent diameter is between 125 μm and 5 mm.

[0004] Différents procédés de séparation sont connus, notamment des procédés de séparation électrostatiques selon lesquels on confère aux composants du mélange, par exemple par tribochargement, des charges électrostatiques dont la polarité est différente selon qu’il s’agit d’une fibre ou d’un granule, puis l’on sépare les fibres des granules en faisant passer le mélange ainsi chargé dans un champ électrique formé entre deux électrodes, qui attirent chacune sélectivement un type de composant en fonction de la polarité de la charge dudit composant. [0004] Various separation methods are known, in particular electrostatic separation methods according to which the components of the mixture are given, for example by tribocharging, electrostatic charges whose polarity is different depending on whether it is a fibre or a granule, then the fibres are separated from the granules by passing the mixture thus charged through an electric field formed between two electrodes, each of which selectively attracts a type of component depending on the polarity of the charge of said component.

[0005] Toutefois, l’efficacité des procédés connus reste perfectible, notamment en ce qui concerne leur rendement en termes de quantité de mélange traité par unité de temps, et donc de quantité de matériau récolté avec un degré de pureté jugé satisfaisant par unité de temps. [0005] However, the efficiency of the known processes remains perfectible, in particular with regard to their yield in terms of quantity of mixture treated per unit of time, and therefore of quantity of material harvested with a degree of purity deemed satisfactory per unit of time.

[0006] Les objets assignés à l’invention visent par conséquent à remédier aux inconvénients susmentionnés et à proposer un nouveau procédé de séparation qui présente un rendement amélioré, et permette de traiter efficacement d’importantes quantités de mélange de fibres et de granules. [0006] The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a new separation process which has improved efficiency, and allows for efficient processing of large quantities of fiber and granule mixtures.

[0007] Les objets assignés à l’invention sont atteints au moyen d’un procédé de séparation permettant, à partir d’un mélange de composants comprenant une première famille de composants formés par des fibres et une seconde famille de composants formés par des granules, de séparer les fibres des granules, ledit procédé étant caractérisé en ce qu’il comporte : [0007] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a separation process making it possible, from a mixture of components comprising a first family of components formed by fibers and a second family of components formed by granules, to separate the fibers from the granules, said process being characterized in that it comprises:

- une étape de brossage, au cours de laquelle on soumet le mélange à l’action combinée d’une brosse et d’un premier tamis, dit « tamis d’émiettement », ladite brosse et ledit tamis d’émiettement étant en mouvement relatif dit « mouvement de brossage » l’un par rapport à l’autre, de sorte que la brosse frotte le mélange à l’encontre du tamis d’émiettement pour désenchevêtrer les fibres et dissocier les uns des autres les composants du mélange, et générer ainsi, à travers le tamis d’émiettement, une pluie de fibres et de granules dissociés,- a brushing step, during which the mixture is subjected to the combined action of a brush and a first sieve, called a “crumbling sieve”, said brush and said crumbling sieve being in relative movement called a “brushing movement” with respect to each other, so that the brush rubs the mixture against the crumbling sieve to disentangle the fibers and dissociate the components of the mixture from each other, and thus generate, through the crumbling sieve, a shower of dissociated fibers and granules,

- puis une étape de ré-agglomération de fibres, au cours de laquelle on recueille la pluie de fibres et de granules issue du tamis d’émiettement sur un second tamis, dit « tamis de réagglomération », qui est animé d’un mouvement vibrant, de sorte que l’on provoque, à la surface dudit tamis de ré-agglomération, une ré-agglomération d’au moins une partie des fibres sous forme de boulettes de fibres qui sont retenues par ledit tamis de ré-agglomération tandis que les granules passent à travers ledit tamis de ré-agglomération. - then a fiber re-agglomeration step, during which the rain of fibers and granules from the crumbling sieve is collected on a second sieve, called a "re-agglomeration sieve", which is driven by a vibrating movement, so that at least a portion of the fibers are re-agglomerated on the surface of said re-agglomeration sieve in the form of fiber balls which are retained by said re-agglomeration sieve while the granules pass through said re-agglomeration sieve.

[0008] Avantageusement, l’étape de brossage permet de diffuser, en quelque sorte de pulvériser, le mélange sous forme d’une pluie fine mais assez dense, et sur une surface assez large, et donc de traiter efficacement et simultanément un important débit de mélange. [0008] Advantageously, the brushing step makes it possible to diffuse, as it were to spray, the mixture in the form of a fine but fairly dense rain, and over a fairly large surface area, and therefore to effectively and simultaneously treat a large flow rate of mixture.

[0009] Le tri mécanique opéré par les tamis, et notamment selon le principe de réagglomération des fibres en boulettes sur un tamis vibrant, après séparation des composants du mélange en pluie, permet avantageusement de collecter de façon simple, rapide et efficace des boulettes de fibres relativement pures, quasiment voire entièrement dépourvues de granules résiduels, tout en évitant d’obstruer le tamis de ré-agglomération. [0009] The mechanical sorting carried out by the sieves, and in particular according to the principle of reagglomeration of the fibers into pellets on a vibrating sieve, after separation of the components of the mixture in rain, advantageously makes it possible to collect in a simple, rapid and efficient manner relatively pure fiber pellets, almost or even entirely free of residual granules, while avoiding clogging the reagglomeration sieve.

[0010] Les boulettes de fibres peuvent de surcroît être facilement évacuées, par exemple en prévoyant une légère pente sur le tamis de ré-agglomération qui permet aux boulettes de rouler, sous les vibrations du tamis vers un collecteur. [0011] On peut ainsi traiter un flux important et continu de mélange, avec un rendement de tri élevé. [0010] The fiber balls can also be easily evacuated, for example by providing a slight slope on the re-agglomeration screen which allows the balls to roll, under the vibrations of the screen towards a collector. [0011] It is thus possible to process a large and continuous flow of mixture, with a high sorting efficiency.

[0012] D’autres objets, caractéristiques et avantages de l’invention apparaîtront plus en détail à la lecture de la description qui suit, ainsi qu’à l’aide des dessins annexés, fournis à titre purement illustratif et non limitatif, parmi lesquels : [0012] Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the description which follows, as well as with the aid of the appended drawings, provided for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, among which:

[0013] La figure IA et la figure IB illustrent, selon des vues d’ensemble en perspective, respectivement entière et en coupe dans un plan vertical, un exemple d’installation permettant la mise en œuvre du procédé selon l’invention, ladite installation formant une tour qui comprend en partie haute un étage de brossage, pourvu ici d’une brosse à axe horizontal coopérant avec un tamis d’émiettement incurvé, et sous lequel se succèdent, à l’aplomb vertical les uns des autres, une pluralité d’étages de ré-agglomération, formés chacun par un bac de ré-agglomération dont le fond est pourvu d’un tamis de réagglomération. Lorsque le mélange, émietté par l’étage de brossage, tombe en pluie, par gravité, à travers la tour, il traverse les étages de ré-agglomération qui permettent de collecter les fibres, et de raffiner et trier progressivement le mélange afin d’obtenir d’une part un premier produit enrichi en fibres, c’est-à-dire présentant une teneur en fibres supérieure à celle du mélange initial, ledit premier produit correspondant aux boulettes de fibres générées par les tamis de ré-agglomération et collectées à chaque étage de ré-agglomération, et d’autre part, en bas de la tour, un second produit enrichi en granules, c’est-à-dire présentant une teneur en granules plus élevée que celle du mélange initial. [0013] Figure 1A and Figure 1B illustrate, in perspective overall views, respectively whole and in section in a vertical plane, an example of an installation allowing the implementation of the method according to the invention, said installation forming a tower which comprises in the upper part a brushing stage, provided here with a brush with a horizontal axis cooperating with a curved crumbling screen, and under which there follow, vertically perpendicular to each other, a plurality of re-agglomeration stages, each formed by a re-agglomeration tank whose bottom is provided with a re-agglomeration screen. When the mixture, crumbled by the brushing stage, falls like rain, by gravity, through the tower, it passes through the re-agglomeration stages which allow the fibres to be collected, and the mixture to be progressively refined and sorted in order to obtain on the one hand a first product enriched in fibres, that is to say having a fibre content higher than that of the initial mixture, said first product corresponding to the fibre balls generated by the re-agglomeration sieves and collected at each re-agglomeration stage, and on the other hand, at the bottom of the tower, a second product enriched in granules, that is to say having a granule content higher than that of the initial mixture.

[0014] La figure 2A, la figure 2B, et la figure 2C représentent, selon des vues respectivement en perspective éclatée, en coupe de face dans un plan vertical, et en coupe de côté dans un plan vertical, un premier agencement possible d’étage de brossage, à brosse à axe horizontal, tel qu’utilisé au sein de l’installation de la figure 1 A et de la figure IB. [0014] Figure 2A, Figure 2B, and Figure 2C represent, according to exploded perspective views respectively, in front section in a vertical plane, and in side section in a vertical plane, a first possible arrangement of brushing stage, with horizontal axis brush, as used within the installation of Figure 1A and Figure 1B.

[0015] La figure 3 A et la figure 3B illustrent, selon des vues d’ensemble en perspective, respectivement entière et en coupe dans un plan vertical, un autre exemple d’installation permettant la mise en œuvre du procédé selon l’invention, dont l’étage de brossage comporte cette fois une brosse à axe vertical coopérant avec un tamis d’émiettement horizontal. [0015] Figure 3A and Figure 3B illustrate, in perspective overall views, respectively whole and in section in a vertical plane, another example of installation allowing the implementation of the method according to the invention, the brushing stage of which this time comprises a brush with a vertical axis cooperating with a horizontal crumbling sieve.

[0016] La figure 4A et la figure 4B représentent, selon des vues respectivement en perspective éclatée et en coupe de face dans un plan vertical, un second agencement possible d’étage de brossage, à brosse à axe vertical, tel qu’utilisé au sein de l’installation de la figure 3A et de la figure 3B. [0016] Figure 4A and Figure 4B represent, in exploded perspective and front section views respectively in a vertical plane, a second possible arrangement. brush stage, with vertical axis brush, as used in the installation of Figure 3A and Figure 3B.

[0017] La figure 5 illustre, selon une vue schématique en coupe de face, le fonctionnement de l’étage de brossage et du premier étage de ré-agglomération de l’installation de la figure 3A et de la figure 3B, conformément au procédé selon l’invention. [0017] Figure 5 illustrates, in a schematic sectional front view, the operation of the brushing stage and the first re-agglomeration stage of the installation of Figure 3A and Figure 3B, in accordance with the method according to the invention.

[0018] La figure 6A, la figure 6B et la figure 6C illustrent, selon des vues schématiques respectivement en perspective, de côté, et de dessus, un troisième agencement possible d’étage de brossage, comprenant un tamis d’émiettement qui forme un plan incliné ainsi qu’une brosse qui comprend, le long de la pente, plusieurs rangées de balais agencés pour former des réceptacles en V, de sorte que la brosse peut réguler l’écoulement du mélange le long de la pente du plan incliné tout en exécutant un mouvement de brossage alterné, transversalement à la pente du plan incliné. [0018] Figure 6A, Figure 6B and Figure 6C illustrate, in schematic perspective, side and top views respectively, a third possible arrangement of brushing stage, comprising a crumbling screen which forms an inclined plane as well as a brush which comprises, along the slope, several rows of brushes arranged to form V-shaped receptacles, so that the brush can regulate the flow of the mixture along the slope of the inclined plane while performing an alternating brushing movement, transversely to the slope of the inclined plane.

[0019] La figure 7 illustre, selon une vue en coupe dans un plan vertical, un broyeur rotatif assurant un broyage du mélange préalablement à l’étape de brossage. [0019] Figure 7 illustrates, in a sectional view in a vertical plane, a rotary grinder ensuring grinding of the mixture prior to the brushing step.

[0020] La présente invention concerne un procédé de séparation permettant, à partir d’un mélange 1 de composants 2, 3 comprenant une première famille de composants 2 formés par des fibres 2 et une seconde famille de composants 3 formés par des granules 3, de séparer les fibres 2 des granules 3. [0020] The present invention relates to a separation method making it possible, from a mixture 1 of components 2, 3 comprising a first family of components 2 formed by fibers 2 and a second family of components 3 formed by granules 3, to separate the fibers 2 from the granules 3.

[0021] Les fibres 2 présenteront une forme mince et allongée, de préférence sensiblement cylindrique. [0021] The fibers 2 will have a thin and elongated shape, preferably substantially cylindrical.

[0022] Au moins une partie, de préférence la majorité desdites fibres 2 présentes dans le mélange 1 (c’est-à-dire plus de 50% du nombre total des fibres présentes), et plus préférentiellement la totalité (100% du nombre total des fibres présentes) desdites fibres 2 qui sont présentes dans le mélange 1 posséderont une longueur comprise entre 1 mm et 10 mm, tandis que la plus grande de leurs dimensions transverses, c’est-à-dire la plus grande des dimensions considérées perpendiculairement à leur longueur, c’est-à-dire typiquement le diamètre dans le cas d’une fibre de forme cylindrique, sera comprise entre 10 pm et 1 mm. [0023] Le procédé selon l’invention, et l’installation 100 correspondante, seront de préférence conçus pour pouvoir séparer et récupérer (au moins) des fibres de telles dimensions. [0022] At least a portion, preferably the majority of said fibers 2 present in the mixture 1 (i.e. more than 50% of the total number of fibers present), and more preferably all (100% of the total number of fibers present) of said fibers 2 which are present in the mixture 1 will have a length of between 1 mm and 10 mm, while the largest of their transverse dimensions, i.e. the largest of the dimensions considered perpendicular to their length, i.e. typically the diameter in the case of a cylindrical fiber, will be between 10 μm and 1 mm. [0023] The method according to the invention, and the corresponding installation 100, will preferably be designed to be able to separate and recover (at least) fibers of such dimensions.

[0024] Plus préférentiellement, les fibres 2 présenteront une dimension, dite longueur, qui est nettement supérieure aux deux autres dimensions, dites dimensions transverses, et plus particulièrement présenteront une longueur au moins 5 fois, de préférence au moins 10 fois, au moins 20 fois, voire au moins 50 fois ou même 100 fois supérieure à la plus grande de ces deux dimensions transverses, c’est-à-dire, typiquement, dans le cas d’une fibre 2 de forme cylindrique, une longueur au moins 5 fois, de préférence au moins 10 fois, au moins 20 fois, voire au moins 50 fois ou même 100 fois supérieure au diamètre de la fibre 2 concernée. [0024] More preferably, the fibers 2 will have a dimension, called length, which is clearly greater than the other two dimensions, called transverse dimensions, and more particularly will have a length at least 5 times, preferably at least 10 times, at least 20 times, or even at least 50 times or even 100 times greater than the largest of these two transverse dimensions, that is to say, typically, in the case of a fiber 2 of cylindrical shape, a length at least 5 times, preferably at least 10 times, at least 20 times, or even at least 50 times or even 100 times greater than the diameter of the fiber 2 concerned.

[0025] Les fibres 2 pourront être réalisées dans un matériau textile naturel ou synthétique, et plus préférentiellement dans un polymère ou une combinaison de polymères parmi (liste non exhaustive) : le polyéthylène téréphtalate (PET), le polyéthylène (PE), le polypropylène (PP), le polychlorure de vinyle (PVC), le polystyrène (PS), et le nylon ou polyamide (PA). [0025] The fibers 2 may be made from a natural or synthetic textile material, and more preferably from a polymer or a combination of polymers from (non-exhaustive list): polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and nylon or polyamide (PA).

[0026] Par ailleurs, au moins une partie des granules 3 présents dans le mélange 1, de préférence la majorité des granules 3 présents dans le mélange 1 (plus de 50% du nombre total des granules présents), et plus préférentiellement la totalité (100% du nombre total des granules présents) desdits granules 3 présents dans le mélange 1 présenteront de préférence un diamètre équivalent compris entre 125 pm et 5 mm, et un facteur de forme compris entre 1 et 2. [0026] Furthermore, at least a portion of the granules 3 present in the mixture 1, preferably the majority of the granules 3 present in the mixture 1 (more than 50% of the total number of granules present), and more preferably all (100% of the total number of granules present) of said granules 3 present in the mixture 1 will preferably have an equivalent diameter of between 125 μm and 5 mm, and a form factor of between 1 and 2.

[0027] Par « diamètre équivalent », on désigne le diamètre que posséderait une sphère fictive qui occuperait le même volume que le volume occupé par le granule 3 considéré. [0027] By “equivalent diameter” we mean the diameter that a fictitious sphere would have which would occupy the same volume as the volume occupied by the granule 3 considered.

[0028] Par « facteur de forme », on désigne le rapport entre d’une part le diamètre de Féret maximum, c’est-à-dire la distance maximale, observable pour le granule 3 considéré, entre deux droites qui sont parallèles entre elles et tangentes respectivement à des côtés opposés dudit granule 3 considéré, et d’autre part le diamètre de Féret minimum, c’est-à-dire la distance minimale, observable pour le granule 3 considéré, entre deux droites qui sont parallèles entre elles et tangentes respectivement à des côtés opposés dudit granule considéré. Ce facteur de forme permet de donner une bonne indication de l’élancement des granules 3. A titre indicatif, il est rappelé qu’une sphère possède un facteur de forme égal à 1 correspond à une sphère, et qu’un cube possède un facteur de forme égal à la racine carrée de 2. [0028] By "shape factor" is meant the ratio between on the one hand the maximum Feret diameter, that is to say the maximum distance, observable for the granule 3 considered, between two straight lines which are parallel to each other and tangent respectively to opposite sides of said granule 3 considered, and on the other hand the minimum Feret diameter, that is to say the minimum distance, observable for the granule 3 considered, between two straight lines which are parallel to each other and tangent respectively to opposite sides of said granule considered. This shape factor makes it possible to give a good indication of the slenderness of the granules 3. For information, it is recalled that a sphere has a form factor equal to 1 corresponds to a sphere, and that a cube has a form factor equal to the square root of 2.

[0029] L’invention portera bien entendu également sur une installation 100 permettant de mette en œuvre le procédé. [0029] The invention will of course also relate to an installation 100 making it possible to implement the method.

[0030] Selon l’invention, le procédé comporte une étape (SI) de brossage, au cours de laquelle on soumet le mélange 1 à l’action combinée d’une brosse 4 et d’un premier tamis 5, dit « tamis d’émiettement » 5, ladite brosse 4 et ledit tamis d’émiettement 5 étant en mouvement relatif dit « mouvement de brossage » M4 l’un par rapport à l’autre, de sorte que la brosse 4 frotte le mélange 1 à l’encontre du tamis d’émiettement 5 pour désenchevêtrer les fibres 2 et dissocier les uns des autres les composants 2, 3 du mélange, et générer ainsi, à travers le tamis d’émiettement 5, tel que cela est visible sur la figure 5, une pluie de fibres 2 et de granules 3 dissociés. [0030] According to the invention, the method comprises a brushing step (SI), during which the mixture 1 is subjected to the combined action of a brush 4 and a first sieve 5, called a “crumbling sieve” 5, said brush 4 and said crumbling sieve 5 being in relative movement called a “brushing movement” M4 with respect to each other, so that the brush 4 rubs the mixture 1 against the crumbling sieve 5 to disentangle the fibers 2 and dissociate the components 2, 3 of the mixture from each other, and thus generate, through the crumbling sieve 5, as can be seen in FIG. 5, a shower of dissociated fibers 2 and granules 3.

[0031] Avantageusement, la brosse 4, en pressant et en raclant le mélange 1 contre le tamis 5, fractionne le mélange 1, et en particulier désagrège les agglomérats de fibres 2 et de granules 3 qui, au sein du mélange 1 initial, maintiennent des granules 3 prisonniers de masses de fibres 2 enchevêtrées. [0031] Advantageously, the brush 4, by pressing and scraping the mixture 1 against the sieve 5, breaks up the mixture 1, and in particular disintegrates the agglomerates of fibers 2 and granules 3 which, within the initial mixture 1, keep granules 3 trapped in masses of tangled fibers 2.

[0032] L’action mécanique de brossage permet ainsi de dissocier tout ou parties des fibres 2 les unes des autres, et de dissocier tout ou partie des granules 3 des fibres 2 environnantes, et ainsi, en émiettant le mélange 1, de générer une pluie qui contient des fibres 2 qui sont dissociées les unes des autres, et des granules 3 qui sont dissociés les uns des autres et dissociés des fibres 2. [0032] The mechanical brushing action thus makes it possible to dissociate all or part of the fibers 2 from each other, and to dissociate all or part of the granules 3 from the surrounding fibers 2, and thus, by crumbling the mixture 1, to generate a shower which contains fibers 2 which are dissociated from each other, and granules 3 which are dissociated from each other and dissociated from the fibers 2.

[0033] Le mélange 1 et l’action de brossage sont avantageusement répartis sur une superficie importante de tamis 5, et permettent ainsi de générer un débit élevé de pluie de fibres 2 et de granule 3. [0033] The mixture 1 and the brushing action are advantageously distributed over a large surface area of sieve 5, and thus make it possible to generate a high flow rate of rain of fibers 2 and granules 3.

[0034] Cette pluie est avantageusement à la fois dense, c’est-à-dire comportant un nombre élevé de composants 2, 3 par volume d’air, et fine, c’est-à-dire composée de fibres 2 et de granules 3 qui sont finement dissociés les uns des autres, et plus préférentiellement individualisés. [0035] Ladite pluie tombe de préférence par simple gravité, après avoir franchi le tamis d’émiettement 4. [0034] This rain is advantageously both dense, that is to say comprising a high number of components 2, 3 per volume of air, and fine, that is to say composed of fibers 2 and granules 3 which are finely dissociated from each other, and more preferably individualized. [0035] Said rain preferably falls by simple gravity, after having passed through the crumbling sieve 4.

[0036] Le procédé comporte ensuite une étape (S2) de ré-agglomération de fibres, au cours de laquelle on recueille la pluie de fibres 2 et de granules 3 issue du tamis d’émiettement 4 sur un second tamis, dit « tamis de ré-agglomération » 6, qui est animé d’un mouvement vibrant, de sorte que l’on provoque, à la surface dudit tamis de ré-agglomération 6, une réagglomération d’au moins une partie des fibres 2 sous forme de boulettes de fibres 7 qui sont retenues par ledit tamis de ré-agglomération 6 tandis que les granules 3 passent à travers ledit tamis de ré-agglomération 6, tel que cela est illustré sur la figure 5. [0036] The method then comprises a step (S2) of re-agglomeration of fibers, during which the rain of fibers 2 and granules 3 from the crumbling sieve 4 is collected on a second sieve, called a “re-agglomeration sieve” 6, which is driven by a vibrating movement, so that at least a portion of the fibers 2 is caused to re-agglomerate on the surface of said re-agglomeration sieve 6 in the form of fiber balls 7 which are retained by said re-agglomeration sieve 6 while the granules 3 pass through said re-agglomeration sieve 6, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0037] Les inventeurs ont en effet découvert qu’en soumettant aux vibrations d’un tamis 6 les fibres 2 préalablement dissociées finement par l’opération de brossage, lesdites fibres, libres de granules 3, se réagrégeaient spontanément pour former des pelotes de fibres 2 enchevêtrées, de forme sensiblement sphérique, dites « boulettes » 7. [0037] The inventors have in fact discovered that by subjecting the fibers 2 previously finely dissociated by the brushing operation to the vibrations of a sieve 6, said fibers, free of granules 3, spontaneously reaggregate to form balls of tangled fibers 2, of substantially spherical shape, called “balls” 7.

[0038] Les boulettes de fibres 7 présentant des dimensions, ici des diamètres, supérieures à la taille de maille du tamis de ré-agglomération 6, ceci permet de retenir les fibres 2 sur ledit tamis de ré-agglomération 6, tandis que celui-ci laisse échapper les granules 3 libres, en particulier les granules 3 qui ont été extraits et dissociés des agglomérats initiaux de fibres lors de l’étape (SI) de brossage. [0038] The fiber balls 7 having dimensions, here diameters, greater than the mesh size of the re-agglomeration sieve 6, this makes it possible to retain the fibers 2 on said re-agglomeration sieve 6, while the latter allows the free granules 3 to escape, in particular the granules 3 which have been extracted and dissociated from the initial fiber agglomerates during the brushing step (SI).

[0039] Les inventeurs ont également constaté que, pour obtenir un résultat satisfaisant lors de l’étape de ré-agglomération, il est important d’avoir produit, par une opération de brossage, une pluie de fibres 2 et de granule 3 de bonne qualité. [0039] The inventors have also found that, in order to obtain a satisfactory result during the re-agglomeration step, it is important to have produced, by a brushing operation, a shower of fibers 2 and granules 3 of good quality.

[0040] Avantageusement, la forme sensiblement sphérique des boulettes de fibres 7 simplifie la récupération desdites fibres 2. [0040] Advantageously, the substantially spherical shape of the fiber balls 7 simplifies the recovery of said fibers 2.

[0041] Par exemple, on pourra prévoir d’incliner légèrement de tamis de ré-agglomération 6 par rapport à l’horizontale, pour que les boulettes de fibres 7 roulent spontanément, sous l’effet des vibrations, vers un collecteur périphérique. [0041] For example, it may be possible to slightly tilt the re-agglomeration sieve 6 relative to the horizontal, so that the fiber balls 7 roll spontaneously, under the effect of vibrations, towards a peripheral collector.

[0042] On notera également que, si le mélange contient des granules de grande dimension, de diamètre supérieur à la maille du tamis d’émiettement 5, ces granules pourront, après avoir été dissociés des fibres 2 par l’action de brossage, être récupérés au niveau dudit tamis d’émiettement 5. Cette récupération des granules de grande dimension peut se faire ponctuellement sur le tamis d’émiettement, ou de façon continue. De préférence, une évacuation des granules de grande dimension du tamis d’émiettement 5 est prévue, par exemple par une inclinaison du tamis d’émiettement 5 ou tout autre disposition permettant de déplacer les granules. Les granules de grande dimension récupérées au niveau du tamis d’émiettement 5 peuvent repartir dans un circuit de type tamisage et/ou broyage afin d’éliminer, par exemple par concassement, les gros granules trop solides et éventuellement de pouvoir en réintroduire les composants dans le mélange 1. [0042] It will also be noted that, if the mixture contains large granules, with a diameter greater than the mesh of the crumbling sieve 5, these granules may, after having been dissociated from the fibers 2 by the brushing action, be recovered at the level of said sieve. of crumbling 5. This recovery of large granules can be done punctually on the crumbling sieve, or continuously. Preferably, an evacuation of the large granules from the crumbling sieve 5 is provided, for example by an inclination of the crumbling sieve 5 or any other arrangement allowing the granules to be moved. The large granules recovered at the crumbling sieve 5 can return to a screening and/or grinding type circuit in order to eliminate, for example by crushing, the large granules that are too solid and possibly to be able to reintroduce their components into the mixture 1.

[0043] Avantageusement, le procédé selon l’invention est un procédé par voie sèche, qui n’utilise ni liquide, ni solvant. Ledit procédé est en outre simple à mettre en œuvre et très peu gourmand en énergie, notamment en énergie électrique, et sans danger pour les équipements et opérateurs se trouvant au voisinage de l’installation 100. [0043] Advantageously, the method according to the invention is a dry method, which uses neither liquid nor solvent. Said method is also simple to implement and requires very little energy, in particular electrical energy, and is safe for the equipment and operators located in the vicinity of the installation 100.

[0044] De façon préférentielle, le tamis d’émiettement 5 présentera des aspérités sur sa surface recevant le mélange 1, ici sa surface supérieure, de sorte que ledit tamis d’émiettement 5 forme une râpe à l’encontre de la brosse 4 lors du mouvement de brossage M4. [0044] Preferably, the crumbling sieve 5 will have asperities on its surface receiving the mixture 1, here its upper surface, so that said crumbling sieve 5 forms a grater against the brush 4 during the brushing movement M4.

[0045] A titre d’exemple, si le tamis d’émiettement 5 est formé par un treillis de fils, de préférence un treillis de fils métallique, les aspérités pourront être formées par des portions saillantes dudit treillis, par exemple des coudes saillants formés dans les fils du treillis. Si le tamis d’émiettement 5 est formé par une feuille, métallique ou en polymère rigide, percée par des crevures, les aspérités pourront correspondre aux arêtes saillantes desdites crevures. [0045] For example, if the crumbling screen 5 is formed by a wire mesh, preferably a metal wire mesh, the roughness may be formed by projecting portions of said mesh, for example projecting bends formed in the wires of the mesh. If the crumbling screen 5 is formed by a sheet, metal or rigid polymer, pierced by cracks, the roughness may correspond to the projecting edges of said cracks.

[0046] Avantageusement, la rugosité conférée par les aspérités, et l’alternance de saillies et de creux qui en résulte à la surface du tamis d’émiettement 5, favoriseront le désagrègement du mélange 1, et en particulier des agglomérats de fibres 2 et de granules 3, sous l’action de la brosse 4, le désenchevêtrement des fibres 2, la séparation des fibres 2 et des granules 3, et l’expulsion en pluie, à travers le tamis d’émiettement 5, des composants 2, 3 ainsi dissociés. [0046] Advantageously, the roughness imparted by the asperities, and the alternation of projections and hollows which results from it on the surface of the crumbling sieve 5, will promote the disintegration of the mixture 1, and in particular of the agglomerates of fibers 2 and granules 3, under the action of the brush 4, the disentanglement of the fibers 2, the separation of the fibers 2 and the granules 3, and the expulsion in rain, through the crumbling sieve 5, of the components 2, 3 thus dissociated.

[0047] Il n’est pas exclu que la brosse puisse comporter, notamment en surplus d’éléments brasseurs tels que des poils, des éléments racleurs, tels que des lames de caoutchouc, ou des lames métalliques. [0048] De préférence, la brosse 4 présente des poils flexibles, de préférence en matériau polymère, dont les extrémités libres sont pressées contre la surface du tamis d’émiettement 5 afin de provoquer, lors du mouvement de brossage M4, une alternance saccadée de flexions et de redressements desdits poils, qui occasionne un battage du mélange 1 présent à la surface du tamis d’émiettement 5. [0047] It is not excluded that the brush may include, in particular in addition to stirring elements such as bristles, scraping elements, such as rubber blades, or metal blades. [0048] Preferably, the brush 4 has flexible bristles, preferably made of polymer material, the free ends of which are pressed against the surface of the crumbling sieve 5 in order to cause, during the brushing movement M4, a jerky alternation of bending and straightening of said bristles, which causes a beating of the mixture 1 present on the surface of the crumbling sieve 5.

[0049] Les inventeurs ont en effet constaté que la multiplicité des poils, et donc la multiplicité des mouvements de déformation élastique en flexion de chacun des poils, permet de multiplier les actions de battage et de raclage du mélange 1 contre le tamis d’émiettement 5, et en particulier contre les aspérités de sa surface, ce qui assure un émiettement efficace du mélange 1 puis une éjection efficace à travers le tamis d’émiettement 5 du mélange 1 ainsi émietté. [0049] The inventors have in fact noted that the multiplicity of bristles, and therefore the multiplicity of elastic deformation movements in flexion of each of the bristles, makes it possible to multiply the beating and scraping actions of the mixture 1 against the crumbling sieve 5, and in particular against the roughness of its surface, which ensures effective crumbling of the mixture 1 then effective ejection through the crumbling sieve 5 of the mixture 1 thus crumbled.

[0050] Bien entendu, la brosse 4 pourra comprendre plusieurs rangées de poils, qui se succèdent dans le sens du mouvement M4 de brossage, de sorte à accentuer encore ces actions de battage et de raclage du mélange 1. [0050] Of course, the brush 4 may comprise several rows of bristles, which follow one another in the direction of the brushing movement M4, so as to further accentuate these actions of beating and scraping the mixture 1.

[0051] Selon un possible premier agencement, illustré sur les figures IA, IB, 2A, 2B et 2C, la brosse 4 s’étend sur la face latérale 10A d’un rotor 10 cylindrique à axe Y10 horizontal. [0051] According to a possible first arrangement, illustrated in figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 2C, the brush 4 extends on the lateral face 10A of a cylindrical rotor 10 with horizontal axis Y10.

[0052] A ce titre, les poils de la brosse 4 pourront s’étendre de préférence radial ement, ou sensiblement radial ement, sur la face latérale 10A du rotor 10, en continu sur la longueur et/ou sur la circonférence du rotor 10, ou bien par touffes formant des balais espacés les uns des autres, par exemple disposés en quinconce les uns par rapport aux autres. [0052] In this respect, the bristles of the brush 4 may preferably extend radially, or substantially radially, on the lateral face 10A of the rotor 10, continuously along the length and/or around the circumference of the rotor 10, or else in tufts forming brushes spaced apart from each other, for example arranged in a staggered pattern relative to each other.

[0053] Par « horizontal », on indique que l’élément considéré, ici l’axe Y10 du rotor 10, autour duquel ledit rotor 10 tourne sur lui -même pour effectuer le mouvement de brossage M4 par rapport au tamis d’émiettement 5, fixe, forme un angle par rapport à l’horizontale qui est, en valeur absolue, inférieur à 20 degrés, de préférence inférieur à 10 degrés, à 5 degrés, voire à 3 degrés, et plus préférentiellement nul. [0053] By “horizontal”, we mean that the element considered, here the axis Y10 of the rotor 10, around which said rotor 10 rotates on itself to carry out the brushing movement M4 relative to the fixed crumbling screen 5, forms an angle relative to the horizontal which is, in absolute value, less than 20 degrees, preferably less than 10 degrees, 5 degrees, or even 3 degrees, and more preferably zero.

[0054] Le tamis d’émiettement 5 forme alors de préférence un panier 11 qui est délimité par une première paroi latérale 12 qui s’étend le long de l’axe Y10 horizontal du rotor 10, d’un premier côté de l’axe horizontal Y10 du rotor, et par une seconde paroi latérale 13 qui s’étend le long de l’axe horizontal Y10 du rotor, d’un second côté de l’axe du rotor opposé au premier côté, les première et seconde parois latérales 12, 13 étant inclinées l’une par rapport à l’autre de sorte à converger vers un fond 14 en arc de cercle, avec lequel vient coopérer la brosse 4. [0054] The crumbling sieve 5 then preferably forms a basket 11 which is delimited by a first side wall 12 which extends along the horizontal axis Y10 of the rotor 10, on a first side of the horizontal axis Y10 of the rotor, and by a second side wall 13 which extends along the horizontal axis Y10 of the rotor, on a second side of the axis of the rotor opposite the first side, the first and second side walls 12, 13 being inclined relative to each other so as to converge towards a bottom 14 in an arc of a circle, with which the brush 4 cooperates.

[0055] Le tamis d’émiettement 5 présente ainsi une forme incurvée en creux. [0055] The crumbling sieve 5 thus has a curved, hollow shape.

[0056] Avantageusement, la section convergente du panier, ici par exemple en V ou en U, crée une sorte d’entonnoir, et plus particulièrement une trémie, entre la brosse 4 et une paroi latérale 12, 13 correspondante, entonnoir qui comprendra une face mobile, formée par la surface libre de la brosse 4, et une face fixe, formée par la paroi latérale 12, 13 située en vis- à-vis de la brosse 4, et qui tendra donc à pincer, faire progresser, et donc en d’autres termes à « avaler », dans le sens du mouvement de brossage M4 rotatif, le mélange 1 déversé dans le panier 11. [0056] Advantageously, the converging section of the basket, here for example V-shaped or U-shaped, creates a sort of funnel, and more particularly a hopper, between the brush 4 and a corresponding side wall 12, 13, a funnel which will comprise a movable face, formed by the free surface of the brush 4, and a fixed face, formed by the side wall 12, 13 located opposite the brush 4, and which will therefore tend to pinch, advance, and therefore in other words to “swallow”, in the direction of the rotary brushing movement M4, the mixture 1 poured into the basket 11.

[0057] Les première et seconde paroi latérale 12, 13 seront de préférence planes et parallèles à l’axe central Y10 du rotor 10. [0057] The first and second side walls 12, 13 will preferably be flat and parallel to the central axis Y10 of the rotor 10.

[0058] Le fond 14 présentera de préférence une forme conjuguée à celle de la face latérale du rotor 10, et donc de la brosse 4. [0058] The bottom 14 will preferably have a shape matching that of the lateral face of the rotor 10, and therefore of the brush 4.

[0059] De préférence, la brosse 4 viendra ainsi s’appliquer de façon sensiblement tangente au fond 14 du panier 11. [0059] Preferably, the brush 4 will thus be applied in a substantially tangent manner to the bottom 14 of the basket 11.

[0060] Ledit fond 14, ainsi que tout ou partie des parois latérales 12, 13, seront percés par les orifices du tamis d’émiettement 5. [0060] Said base 14, as well as all or part of the side walls 12, 13, will be pierced by the orifices of the crumbling sieve 5.

[0061] Un déversoir d’alimentation 15 destiné à alimenter le panier 11 en mélange 1 débouchera en partie haute du panier 11, de préférence à l’aplomb vertical de la partie du panier 11 qui est située du côté de l’axe de rotation Y10 où le sens de rotation du rotor, et donc le sens du mouvement de brossage M4, fait converger la brosse 4 vers la paroi latérale 13. [0061] A feed overflow 15 intended to feed the basket 11 with mixture 1 will open into the upper part of the basket 11, preferably vertically above the part of the basket 11 which is located on the side of the axis of rotation Y10 where the direction of rotation of the rotor, and therefore the direction of the brushing movement M4, causes the brush 4 to converge towards the side wall 13.

[0062] Le déversoir d’alimentation 15 pourra fonctionner en déversant le mélange 1 dans le panier 11 par lots successifs, ou bien en continu. [0063] Selon un possible second agencement, illustré sur les figures 3 A, 3B, 4A et 4B, la brosse 4 s’étend sur une face frontale 20F inférieure d’un rotor 20 à axe vertical Z20. [0062] The feed spillway 15 may operate by pouring the mixture 1 into the basket 11 in successive batches, or continuously. [0063] According to a possible second arrangement, illustrated in FIGS. 3 A, 3B, 4A and 4B, the brush 4 extends over a lower front face 20F of a rotor 20 with a vertical axis Z20.

[0064] La face frontale 20F peut se présenter par exemple sous forme d’un disque, normal à l’axe vertical Z20 du rotor 20, ou bien d’un ensemble de bras 21, par exemple quatre bras 21, sécants à l’axe vertical Z20, de préférence perpendiculaires à l’axe vertical Z20, et qui s’étendent en étoile autour dudit axe vertical Z20, comme illustré sur la figure 3B. [0064] The front face 20F may be in the form, for example, of a disc, normal to the vertical axis Z20 of the rotor 20, or of a set of arms 21, for example four arms 21, intersecting the vertical axis Z20, preferably perpendicular to the vertical axis Z20, and which extend in a star shape around said vertical axis Z20, as illustrated in FIG. 3B.

[0065] Les poils de la brosse 4 s’étendront de préférence parallèlement à l’axe vertical Z20, dans le prolongement axial du rotor 20, et plus particulièrement du plateau ou des bras 21 formant la face frontale 20F. [0065] The bristles of the brush 4 will preferably extend parallel to the vertical axis Z20, in the axial extension of the rotor 20, and more particularly of the plate or arms 21 forming the front face 20F.

[0066] Les poils de la brosse 4 pourront se répartir de façon homogène et continue sur la face frontale 20F, ou bien par touffes espacées les unes des autres. [0066] The bristles of the brush 4 may be distributed evenly and continuously over the front face 20F, or in tufts spaced apart from each other.

[0067] Selon une possibilité préférée, les poils formeront des balais 22, de préférence disposés en étoile, sensiblement voire exactement radialement à l’axe vertical Z20, par exemple à raison d’un balai 22 fixé à chaque bras 21, et plus particulièrement de quatre balais fixés chacun à l’un de quatre bras radiaux équirépartis en azimut autour de l’axe vertical Z20, tel que cela est partiellement visible sur la figure 3B. [0067] According to a preferred possibility, the bristles will form brushes 22, preferably arranged in a star shape, substantially or even exactly radially to the vertical axis Z20, for example at the rate of one brush 22 fixed to each arm 21, and more particularly four brushes each fixed to one of four radial arms equally distributed in azimuth around the vertical axis Z20, as is partially visible in FIG. 3B.

[0068] Par « vertical », on indique que l’élément considéré, ici l’axe Z20 du rotor 20, autour duquel ledit rotor 20 tourne sur lui-même pour effectuer le mouvement de brossage M4 par rapport au tamis d’émiettement 5, fixe, forme un angle par rapport à la verticale qui est, en valeur absolue, inférieur à 20 degrés, de préférence inférieur à 10 degrés, à 5 degrés, voir à 3 degrés, et plus préférentiellement nul. [0068] By “vertical”, we indicate that the element considered, here the axis Z20 of the rotor 20, around which said rotor 20 turns on itself to carry out the brushing movement M4 relative to the crumbling sieve 5, fixed, forms an angle relative to the vertical which is, in absolute value, less than 20 degrees, preferably less than 10 degrees, 5 degrees, or even 3 degrees, and more preferably zero.

[0069] Dans ce second agencement, la surface du tamis d’émiettement 5 avec laquelle coopère la brosse 4 s’étend de préférence sensiblement dans un plan horizontal, normal à l’axe Z20 vertical du rotor 20. [0069] In this second arrangement, the surface of the crumbling screen 5 with which the brush 4 cooperates preferably extends substantially in a horizontal plane, normal to the vertical axis Z20 of the rotor 20.

[0070] On notera à ce titre que la surface du tamis d’émiettement 5 pourra éventuellement présenter un bombé pour favoriser l’évacuation vers la périphérie du tamis d’émiettement 5 des gros granules 3, trop larges pour traverser la maille dudit tamis d’émiettement 5. [0070] It will be noted in this respect that the surface of the crumbling sieve 5 may possibly have a bulge to facilitate the evacuation towards the periphery of the crumbling sieve 5 of the large granules 3, too large to pass through the mesh of said crumbling sieve 5.

[0071] De même, les balais 22 pourront éventuellement présenter un angle de lacet choisi, par rapport aux directions radiales perpendiculaires à l’axe vertical Z20 du rotor, afin de répartir et/ou convoyer les gros granules 3 et/ou le mélange 1 à traiter selon un mouvement radial, qui sera centrifuge ou centripète en fonction de l’angle de lacet choisi et du sens de rotation du rotor 20 autour de l’axe vertical Z20. [0071] Similarly, the brushes 22 may possibly have a chosen yaw angle, relative to the radial directions perpendicular to the vertical axis Z20 of the rotor, in order to distribute and/or convey the large granules 3 and/or the mixture 1 to be treated according to a radial movement, which will be centrifugal or centripetal depending on the chosen yaw angle and the direction of rotation of the rotor 20 around the vertical axis Z20.

[0072] On notera que la brosse 4 pourra être animée d’un mouvement de brossage M4 formant une rotation simple, la position de l’axe vertical Z20 étant fixe par rapport au tamis d’émiettement 5, ou bien orbitale, l’axe vertical Z20 étant porté par un système d’excentrique de sorte à se déplacer lui-même en rotation autour d’un autre axe vertical secondaire, tandis que le rotor 20 tourne en rotation autour dudit axe vertical Z20. [0072] It will be noted that the brush 4 may be driven by a brushing movement M4 forming a simple rotation, the position of the vertical axis Z20 being fixed relative to the crumbling sieve 5, or else orbital, the vertical axis Z20 being carried by an eccentric system so as to move itself in rotation around another secondary vertical axis, while the rotor 20 rotates in rotation around said vertical axis Z20.

[0073] Selon un possible troisième agencement, illustré sur les figures 6A, 6B et 6C, le tamis d’émiettement 5 forme un plan incliné 30 par rapport à l’horizontale, sur lequel la brosse 4 se déplace selon un mouvement de brossage M4 qui comprend au moins une composante de déplacement alterné transverse à la direction de la pente du plan incliné 30. [0073] According to a possible third arrangement, illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, the crumbling screen 5 forms an inclined plane 30 relative to the horizontal, on which the brush 4 moves according to a brushing movement M4 which comprises at least one component of alternating movement transverse to the direction of the slope of the inclined plane 30.

[0074] L’inclinaison du plan incliné pourra par exemple être comprise entre 5 degrés et 45 degrés. [0074] The inclination of the inclined plane may, for example, be between 5 degrees and 45 degrees.

[0075] Selon ce troisième agencement, la brosse 4 comporte de préférence un ou des balais 31 qui délimitent, en saillie sur le plan incliné, un ou des réservoirs de retenue 32, de préférence en forme U ou de V, qui sont ouverts vers l’amont de la pente du plan incliné 30, de sorte à pouvoir recevoir le mélange 1 à brosser, et fermés vers l’aval, de sorte à pouvoir réguler l’écoulement du mélange 1 le long de la pente du plan incliné 30 pendant l’exécution du mouvement de brossage M4 alterné. [0075] According to this third arrangement, the brush 4 preferably comprises one or more brushes 31 which delimit, projecting from the inclined plane, one or more retention reservoirs 32, preferably U-shaped or V-shaped, which are open towards the upstream of the slope of the inclined plane 30, so as to be able to receive the mixture 1 to be brushed, and closed towards the downstream, so as to be able to regulate the flow of the mixture 1 along the slope of the inclined plane 30 during the execution of the alternating brushing movement M4.

[0076] Les poils de la brosse 4, et plus particulièrement des balais 31, s’étendent de préférence selon une direction sensiblement normale au plan incliné 30, par exemple à +/- 20 degrés, +/- 10 degrés, +/- 3 degrés, voire zéro degré par rapport à la normale au plan incliné 30. [0076] The bristles of the brush 4, and more particularly of the brooms 31, preferably extend in a direction substantially normal to the inclined plane 30, for example at +/- 20 degrees, +/- 10 degrees, +/- 3 degrees, or even zero degrees relative to the normal to the inclined plane 30.

[0077] On pourra prévoir, tel que cela est visible sur les figures 6A et 6C, de former au moins une rangée 33 de plusieurs réservoirs de retenue 32 juxtaposés sur une portion, de préférence au moins 50% voire au moins 65%, de la largeur W30 horizontale du plan incliné 30. [0078] De préférence, on pourra prévoir plusieurs rangées 33 réparties le long de la pente du plan incliné 30. [0077] It may be provided, as is visible in FIGS. 6A and 6C, to form at least one row 33 of several holding tanks 32 juxtaposed over a portion, preferably at least 50% or even at least 65%, of the horizontal width W30 of the inclined plane 30. [0078] Preferably, several rows 33 may be provided distributed along the slope of the inclined plane 30.

[0079] Avantageusement, ce troisième agencement, en particulier lorsque l’on met en œuvre plusieurs rangées 33 de réservoirs de retenue 32, permet de maximiser la surface utile du tamis d’émiettement 5, sur laquelle le mélange s’étend et est soumis à l’action de la brosse 4, par rapport à l’emprise au sol du tamis d’émiettement, c’est-à-dire par rapport à l’étendue de la surface du tamis d’émiettement considérée en projection verticale dans un plan horizontal. [0079] Advantageously, this third arrangement, in particular when several rows 33 of holding tanks 32 are used, makes it possible to maximize the useful surface area of the crumbling screen 5, over which the mixture extends and is subjected to the action of the brush 4, relative to the footprint of the crumbling screen, that is to say relative to the extent of the surface area of the crumbling screen considered in vertical projection in a horizontal plane.

[0080] En outre, un tel agencement permet de répartir le mélange 1 initialement reçu et contenu dans les réservoirs de retenue 32 d’une première rangée 33, sous l’action combinée de la gravité et des balais 31 de ladite première rangée 33, dans une seconde rangée située sous la première rangée, une partie du mélange 1 étant ainsi récupérée dans les réservoirs de retenue 32 de la seconde rangée 33 et est donc de nouveau exposé à une action de brossage, par les balais 31 de ladite seconde rangée 33. [0080] Furthermore, such an arrangement makes it possible to distribute the mixture 1 initially received and contained in the retention tanks 32 of a first row 33, under the combined action of gravity and the brushes 31 of said first row 33, in a second row located under the first row, a part of the mixture 1 thus being recovered in the retention tanks 32 of the second row 33 and is therefore again exposed to a brushing action, by the brushes 31 of said second row 33.

[0081] Ici encore, on maximise la surface utile de brossage, tout en conservant une installation 100 relativement compacte. [0081] Here again, the useful brushing surface is maximized, while maintaining a relatively compact installation 100.

[0082] Par ailleurs, en référence à la figure 7, le procédé pourra comprendre, avant l’étape (SI) de brossage, une étape (S0) de broyage au cours de laquelle on fait passer le mélange dans un broyeur 40 à qui comprend un rotor 41 à axe horizontal Y41 pourvu d’un premier jeu de couteaux 42, qui forment ainsi des couteaux mobiles 42, lequel rotor 41 coopère avec un stator 43 pourvu d’un second jeu de couteaux 44, qui forment des couteaux fixes 44, ledit stator 43 étant pourvu, à la suite des couteaux fixes 44, dans le sens de rotation, d’une grille 45 qui permet au mélange 1, une fois celui-ci broyé suffisamment fin par les couteaux 42, 44, de quitter le broyeur 40 à travers la grille 45, pour gagner un étage de brossage 101 comprenant la brosse 4 et le tamis d’émiettement 5. [0082] Furthermore, with reference to Figure 7, the method may comprise, before the brushing step (S1), a grinding step (S0) during which the mixture is passed through a grinder 40 which comprises a rotor 41 with a horizontal axis Y41 provided with a first set of knives 42, which thus form movable knives 42, which rotor 41 cooperates with a stator 43 provided with a second set of knives 44, which form fixed knives 44, said stator 43 being provided, following the fixed knives 44, in the direction of rotation, with a grid 45 which allows the mixture 1, once it has been ground sufficiently finely by the knives 42, 44, to leave the grinder 40 through the grid 45, to reach a brushing stage 101 comprising the brush 4 and the crumbling sieve 5.

[0083] Le broyage permettra avantageusement de disposer de façon certaine d’un mélange 1 dont le calibre des fibres 2 et des granules 3 est adapté aux mailles des tamis d’émiettement 5 et de ré-agglomération 6. [0084] Selon une possibilité de mise en œuvre, l’étape (S0) de broyage et l’étape (SI) de brossage sont réalisées au sein d’un même appareil qui comporte un rotor 41 à axe horizontal Y41 qui comprend d’une part au moins un premier) eu de couteaux 42 qui sont disposés dans un ou plusieurs secteurs angulaires du rotor 41 s’étendant en azimut autour de l’axe du rotor, et qui sont agencés pour coopérer avec un second jeu de couteaux 44, fixés sur le stator 43 de l’appareil, afin de réaliser un broyage du mélange, et d’autre part, dans un ou plusieurs secteurs angulaires du rotor 41 distincts des secteurs angulaires portant le premier jeu de couteaux 42, un ou plusieurs balais 46 destinés à assurer un brossage du mélange contre la grille 45 du stator qui forme le premier tamis. Il est possible de mettre en œuvre un mécanisme permettant aux balais 46 de se rétracter lors du passage vis-à-à-vis d’un couteau 44, par exemple par un système à came ou équivalent. [0083] The grinding will advantageously make it possible to have a mixture 1 with a certainty of size of fibers 2 and granules 3 adapted to the meshes of the crumbling 5 and re-agglomeration 6 sieves. [0084] According to one possible implementation, the grinding step (S0) and the brushing step (SI) are carried out within the same apparatus which comprises a rotor 41 with a horizontal axis Y41 which comprises on the one hand at least a first set of knives 42 which are arranged in one or more angular sectors of the rotor 41 extending in azimuth around the axis of the rotor, and which are arranged to cooperate with a second set of knives 44, fixed on the stator 43 of the apparatus, in order to carry out grinding of the mixture, and on the other hand, in one or more angular sectors of the rotor 41 distinct from the angular sectors carrying the first set of knives 42, one or more brushes 46 intended to ensure brushing of the mixture against the grid 45 of the stator which forms the first sieve. It is possible to implement a mechanism allowing the brushes 46 to retract when passing in front of a knife 44, for example by a cam system or equivalent.

[0085] L’installation 100 pourra ainsi gagner en compacité. [0085] The installation 100 will thus be able to become more compact.

[0086] Selon une possibilité de mise en œuvre préférentielle, le procédé comprend une seconde étape (S2_2) de ré-agglomération de fibres, au cours de laquelle on recueille dans un troisième tamis, vibrant, formant un second tamis de ré-agglomération 6 2, les fibres 2 qui sont passées à travers le tamis de ré-agglomération 6 lors de l’étape (S2) de réagglomération de fibres, de sorte à provoquer, à la surface dudit second tamis de réagglomération 6 2, une ré-agglomération d’au moins une partie desdites fibres 2 sous forme de boulettes de fibres qui sont retenues par ledit second tamis de ré-agglomération 6 2 tandis que les granules passent à travers ledit second tamis de ré-agglomération 6 2. [0086] According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises a second step (S2_2) of re-agglomeration of fibers, during which the fibers 2 which have passed through the re-agglomeration sieve 6 during the step (S2) of re-agglomeration of fibers are collected in a third vibrating sieve, forming a second re-agglomeration sieve 6 2, so as to cause, on the surface of said second re-agglomeration sieve 6 2, a re-agglomeration of at least a portion of said fibers 2 in the form of fiber balls which are retained by said second re-agglomeration sieve 6 2 while the granules pass through said second re-agglomeration sieve 6 2.

[0087] On pourra ainsi prévoir, afin de parfaire le raffinage du flux de granules 3, une troisième voire une quatrième étape de ré-agglomération de fibres 2, sur un troisième, respectivement un quatrième tamis de ré-agglomération 6 3, 6 4. [0087] It will thus be possible to provide, in order to perfect the refining of the flow of granules 3, a third or even a fourth stage of re-agglomeration of fibers 2, on a third, respectively a fourth re-agglomeration sieve 6 3, 6 4.

[0088] Les tamis de ré-agglomération seront de préférence disposés à l’aplomb vertical les uns des autres, de sorte à permettre une circulation du mélange par gravité à travers les différents étages. [0088] The re-agglomeration sieves will preferably be arranged vertically perpendicular to each other, so as to allow circulation of the mixture by gravity through the different stages.

[0089] Plus globalement, l’installation 1 pourra avantageusement prendre la forme d’une tour, tel que cela est visibles sur les figures 1 A, IB, 3 A et 3B, qui comporte, de haut en bas, un étage de brossage 101, comprenant la brosse 4 et le tamis d’émiettement 5, éventuellement précédé de, ou associé à, un étage de broyage, et sous lequel se trouveront au moins un étage de ré-agglomération 102, de préférence plusieurs étages de réagglomération 102 successifs, comportant chacun un bac de ré-agglomération dont le fond est formé par un tamis de ré-agglomération 6, 6 2, 6 3, 6 4. [0089] More generally, the installation 1 may advantageously take the form of a tower, as can be seen in figures 1 A, 1B, 3 A and 3B, which comprises, from top to bottom, a brushing stage 101, comprising the brush 4 and the crumbling screen 5, possibly preceded by, or associated with, a grinding stage, and under which there will be at least one re-agglomeration stage 102, preferably several successive re-agglomeration stages 102, each comprising a re-agglomeration tank whose bottom is formed by a re-agglomeration sieve 6, 6 2, 6 3, 6 4.

[0090] De préférence, le tamis d’émiettement 5 présente une maille comprise entre 0.25 mm et 10 mm, et le tamis de ré-agglomération 6 présente une maille supérieure ou égale à la maille du tamis d’émiettement 5 pour garantir que les granules 3 qui passent au travers du tamis d’émiettement 5 puissent traverser le tamis de ré-agglomération 6 et ne pas se retrouver emprisonnés dans les boulettes 7. Par exemple, la maille du tamis de ré-agglomération 6 peut être comprise entre 0.25 mm et 10 mm. De même, tous les tamis de ré-agglomération 6 peuvent avoir une maille supérieure ou égale à la maille du tamis d’émiettement 5. De préférence, au moins deux tamis de ré-agglomération 6, et de préférence tous, ont la même taille de maille. [0090] Preferably, the crumbling sieve 5 has a mesh size between 0.25 mm and 10 mm, and the re-agglomeration sieve 6 has a mesh size greater than or equal to the mesh size of the crumbling sieve 5 to ensure that the granules 3 which pass through the crumbling sieve 5 can pass through the re-agglomeration sieve 6 and not become trapped in the pellets 7. For example, the mesh size of the re-agglomeration sieve 6 may be between 0.25 mm and 10 mm. Similarly, all the re-agglomeration sieves 6 may have a mesh size greater than or equal to the mesh size of the crumbling sieve 5. Preferably, at least two re-agglomeration sieves 6, and preferably all, have the same mesh size.

[0091] Bien entendu, l’invention n’est nullement limitée aux seuls exemples de réalisation décrits dans ce qui précède, l’homme du métier étant notamment à même d’isoler ou de combiner librement entre elles l’une ou l’autre des caractéristiques susmentionnées, ou de leur substituer des équivalents. [0091] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, the person skilled in the art being able to isolate or freely combine one or other of the aforementioned characteristics, or to substitute equivalents for them.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS 1. Procédé de séparation permettant, à partir d’un mélange (1) de composants (2, 3) comprenant une première famille de composants (2) formés par des fibres (2) et une seconde famille de composants (3) formés par des granules (3), de séparer les fibres (2) des granules (3), ledit procédé étant caractérisé en ce qu’il comporte : 1. Separation method allowing, from a mixture (1) of components (2, 3) comprising a first family of components (2) formed by fibers (2) and a second family of components (3) formed by granules (3), to separate the fibers (2) from the granules (3), said method being characterized in that it comprises: - une étape de brossage, au cours de laquelle on soumet le mélange (1) à l’action combinée d’une brosse (4) et d’un premier tamis (5), dit « tamis d’émiettement » (5), ladite brosse (4) et ledit tamis d’émiettement (5) étant en mouvement relatif dit « mouvement de brossage » l’un par rapport à l’autre, de sorte que la brosse frotte le mélange à l’encontre du tamis d’émiettement pour désenchevêtrer les fibres et dissocier les uns des autres les composants (2, 3) du mélange, et générer ainsi, à travers le tamis d’émiettement, une pluie de fibres (2) et de granules (3) dissociés, - a brushing step, during which the mixture (1) is subjected to the combined action of a brush (4) and a first sieve (5), called a “crumbling sieve” (5), said brush (4) and said crumbling sieve (5) being in relative movement called a “brushing movement” with respect to each other, so that the brush rubs the mixture against the crumbling sieve to disentangle the fibers and dissociate the components (2, 3) of the mixture from each other, and thus generate, through the crumbling sieve, a shower of dissociated fibers (2) and granules (3), - puis une étape de ré-agglomération de fibres, au cours de laquelle on recueille la pluie de fibres (2) et de granules (3) issue du tamis d’émiettement (5) sur un second tamis (6), dit « tamis de ré-agglomération » (6), qui est animé d’un mouvement vibrant, de sorte que l’on provoque, à la surface dudit tamis de ré-agglomération (6), une ré-agglomération d’au moins une partie des fibres (2) sous forme de boulettes de fibres (7) qui sont retenues par ledit tamis de ré-agglomération (6) tandis que les granules (3) passent à travers ledit tamis de réagglomération (6). - then a fiber re-agglomeration step, during which the rain of fibers (2) and granules (3) from the crumbling sieve (5) is collected on a second sieve (6), called the “re-agglomeration sieve” (6), which is driven by a vibrating movement, so that at least a portion of the fibers (2) is caused to re-agglomerate on the surface of said re-agglomeration sieve (6) in the form of fiber balls (7) which are retained by said re-agglomeration sieve (6) while the granules (3) pass through said re-agglomeration sieve (6). 2. Procédé selon la revendication 1 caractérisé en ce que le tamis d’émiettement (5) présente des aspérités sur sa surface recevant le mélange (1), de sorte que ledit tamis d’émiettement (5) forme une râpe à l’encontre de la brosse (4) lors du mouvement de brossage (M4). 2. Method according to claim 1 characterized in that the crumbling sieve (5) has asperities on its surface receiving the mixture (1), so that said crumbling sieve (5) forms a grater against the brush (4) during the brushing movement (M4). 3. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 2 caractérisé en ce que la brosse (4) présente des poils flexibles, de préférence en matériau polymère, dont les extrémités libres sont pressées contre la surface du tamis d’émiettement (5) afin de provoquer, lors du mouvement de brossage (4), une alternance saccadée de flexions et de redressements desdits poils, qui occasionne un battage du mélange (1) présent à la surface du tamis d’émiettement (5). 3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the brush (4) has flexible bristles, preferably made of polymer material, the free ends of which are pressed against the surface of the crumbling sieve (5) in order to cause, during the brushing movement (4), a jerky alternation of bending and straightening of said bristles, which causes a beating of the mixture (1) present on the surface of the crumbling sieve (5). 4. Procédé selon l’une des revendications précédentes caractérisé en ce que la brosse (4) s’étend sur la face latérale (10A) d’un rotor (10) cylindrique à axe horizontal (Y10), et en ce que le tamis d’émiettement (5) forme un panier (11) qui est délimité par une première paroi latérale (12) qui s’étend le long de l’axe horizontal (Y10) du rotor, d’un premier côté de l’axe horizontal (Y10) du rotor, et par une seconde paroi latérale (13) qui s’étend le long de l’axe du rotor, d’un second côté de l’axe du rotor (Y10) opposé au premier côté, les première et seconde parois latérales (12, 13) étant inclinées l’une par rapport à l’autre de sorte à converger vers un fond (14) en arc de cercle, avec lequel vient coopérer la brosse (4). 4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brush (4) extends on the lateral face (10A) of a cylindrical rotor (10) with a horizontal axis (Y10), and in that the crumbling sieve (5) forms a basket (11) which is delimited by a first lateral wall (12) which extends along the horizontal axis (Y10) of the rotor, on a first side of the horizontal axis (Y10) of the rotor, and by a second lateral wall (13) which extends along the axis of the rotor, on a second side of the axis of the rotor (Y10) opposite the first side, the first and second lateral walls (12, 13) being inclined relative to each other so as to converge towards a base (14) in an arc of a circle, with which the brush (4) cooperates. 5. Procédé selon l’une des revendications 1 à 3 caractérisé en ce que la brosse (4) s’étend sur une face frontale (20F) inférieure d’un rotor (20) à axe vertical (Z20), et en ce que la surface du tamis d’émiettement (5) avec laquelle coopère la brosse (4) s’étend sensiblement à l’horizontale. 5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the brush (4) extends over a lower front face (20F) of a rotor (20) with a vertical axis (Z20), and in that the surface of the crumbling sieve (5) with which the brush (4) cooperates extends substantially horizontally. 6. Procédé selon l’une des revendications 1 à 3 caractérisé en ce que le tamis d’émiettement (5) forme un plan incliné (30) par rapport à l’horizontale, sur lequel la brosse (4) se déplace selon un mouvement de brossage (M4) qui comprend au moins une composante de déplacement alterné transverse à la direction de la pente du plan incliné (30), et en ce que la brosse (4) comporte un ou des balais (31) qui délimitent, en saillie sur le plan incliné (30), un ou des réservoirs de retenue (32), de préférence en forme U ou de V, qui sont ouverts vers l’amont de la pente du plan incliné (30), de sorte à pouvoir recevoir le mélange (1) à brosser, et fermés vers l’aval, de sorte à pouvoir réguler l’écoulement du mélange (1) le long de la pente du plan incliné (30) pendant l’exécution du mouvement de brossage alterné. 6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the crumbling sieve (5) forms an inclined plane (30) relative to the horizontal, on which the brush (4) moves according to a brushing movement (M4) which comprises at least one component of alternating movement transverse to the direction of the slope of the inclined plane (30), and in that the brush (4) comprises one or more brushes (31) which delimit, projecting from the inclined plane (30), one or more retention tanks (32), preferably U-shaped or V-shaped, which are open towards the upstream of the slope of the inclined plane (30), so as to be able to receive the mixture (1) to be brushed, and closed towards the downstream, so as to be able to regulate the flow of the mixture (1) along the slope of the inclined plane (30) during the execution of the alternating brushing movement. 7. Procédé selon l’une des revendications précédentes caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend, avant l’étape de brossage, une étape de broyage au cours de laquelle on fait passer le mélange (1) dans un broyeur (40) à couteaux qui comprend un rotor (41) à axe horizontal (Y41) pourvu d’un premier jeu de couteaux (42), qui forment ainsi des couteaux mobiles, lequel rotor coopère avec un stator (43) pourvu d’un second jeu de couteaux (44), formant des couteaux fixes, ledit stator (43) étant pourvu, à la suite des couteaux fixes (44), dans le sens de rotation, d’une grille (45) qui permet au mélange (1), une fois celui-ci broyé suffisamment fin par les couteaux (42, 44), de quitter le broyeur (40) à travers la grille (45), pour gagner un étage de brossage (101) comprenant la brosse (4) et le tamis d’émiettement (5). 7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, before the brushing step, a grinding step during which the mixture (1) is passed through a knife mill (40) which comprises a rotor (41) with a horizontal axis (Y41) provided with a first set of knives (42), which thus form movable knives, which rotor cooperates with a stator (43) provided with a second set of knives (44), forming fixed knives, said stator (43) being provided, following the fixed knives (44), in the direction of rotation, of a grid (45) which allows the mixture (1), once it has been ground sufficiently finely by the knives (42, 44), to leave the grinder (40) through the grid (45), to reach a brushing stage (101) comprising the brush (4) and the crumbling sieve (5). 8. Procédé selon les revendications 4 et 7 caractérisé en ce que l’étape de broyage et l’étape de brossage sont réalisées au sein d’un même appareil qui comporte un rotor (41) à axe horizontal (Y41) qui comprend d’une part au moins un premier jeu de couteaux (42) qui sont disposés dans un ou plusieurs secteurs angulaires du rotor s’étendant en azimut autour de l’axe du rotor, et qui sont agencés pour coopérer avec un second jeu de couteaux (44), fixés sur le stator (43) de l’appareil, afin de réaliser un broyage du mélange (1), et d’autre part, dans un ou plusieurs secteurs angulaires du rotor (41) distincts des secteurs angulaires portant le premier jeu de couteaux (42), un ou plusieurs balais destinés à assurer un brossage du mélange contre la grille (45) du stator qui forme le tamis d’émiettement (5). 8. Method according to claims 4 and 7 characterized in that the grinding step and the brushing step are carried out within the same apparatus which comprises a rotor (41) with a horizontal axis (Y41) which comprises on the one hand at least a first set of knives (42) which are arranged in one or more angular sectors of the rotor extending in azimuth around the axis of the rotor, and which are arranged to cooperate with a second set of knives (44), fixed on the stator (43) of the apparatus, in order to carry out grinding of the mixture (1), and on the other hand, in one or more angular sectors of the rotor (41) distinct from the angular sectors carrying the first set of knives (42), one or more brushes intended to ensure brushing of the mixture against the grid (45) of the stator which forms the crumbling sieve (5). 9. Procédé selon l’une des revendications précédentes caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend une seconde étape de ré-agglomération de fibres, au cours de laquelle on recueille dans un troisième tamis, vibrant, formant un second tamis de ré-agglomération (6 2), les fibres (2) passées à travers le tamis d’émiettement (6) lors de l’étape de ré-agglomération de fibres, de sorte à provoquer, à la surface dudit second tamis de ré-agglomération (6 2), une réagglomération d’au moins une partie desdites fibres (2) sous forme de boulettes de fibres qui sont retenues par ledit second tamis de ré-agglomération (6 2) tandis que les granules (3) passent à travers ledit second tamis de ré-agglomération (6 2). 9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second step of re-agglomeration of fibers, during which the fibers (2) passed through the crumbling sieve (6) during the step of re-agglomeration of fibers are collected in a third vibrating sieve, forming a second re-agglomeration sieve (6 2), so as to cause, on the surface of said second re-agglomeration sieve (6 2), a re-agglomeration of at least a portion of said fibers (2) in the form of fiber balls which are retained by said second re-agglomeration sieve (6 2) while the granules (3) pass through said second re-agglomeration sieve (6 2). 10. Procédé selon l’une des revendications précédentes caractérisé en ce que le tamis d’émiettement (5) présente une maille comprise entre 0,25 mm et 10 mm, et le tamis de réagglomération (6) présente une maille supérieure ou égale à la maille du tamis d’émiettement (5). 10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the crumbling sieve (5) has a mesh size of between 0.25 mm and 10 mm, and the reagglomeration sieve (6) has a mesh size greater than or equal to the mesh size of the crumbling sieve (5).
PCT/EP2025/052777 2024-02-06 2025-02-04 Method for separating the components of a mixture of fibres and granules, the method comprising a step of disentangling the mixture by brushing over a screen Pending WO2025168537A1 (en)

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FRFR2401143 2024-02-06
FR2401143A FR3158896A1 (en) 2024-02-06 2024-02-06 METHOD FOR SEPARATING THE COMPONENTS OF A MIXTURE OF FIBERS AND GRANULES COMPRISING A STEP OF DISENTANGLING THE MIXTURE BY BRUSHING ON A SIEVE

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1249778A (en) * 1960-03-03 1960-12-30 Rotary separator with pneumatic suction, especially for the milling or chemical industries
US5299744A (en) * 1992-08-21 1994-04-05 Garmater Robert A Granulating, separating and classifying rubber tire materials
FR3129095A1 (en) * 2021-11-15 2023-05-19 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin METHOD FOR SEPARATION OF THE COMPONENTS OF A MIXTURE OF FIBERS AND GRANULES BY ELECTROSTATIC NEUTRALIZATION AND SIEVING, AND CORRESPONDING INSTALLATION

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1249778A (en) * 1960-03-03 1960-12-30 Rotary separator with pneumatic suction, especially for the milling or chemical industries
US5299744A (en) * 1992-08-21 1994-04-05 Garmater Robert A Granulating, separating and classifying rubber tire materials
FR3129095A1 (en) * 2021-11-15 2023-05-19 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin METHOD FOR SEPARATION OF THE COMPONENTS OF A MIXTURE OF FIBERS AND GRANULES BY ELECTROSTATIC NEUTRALIZATION AND SIEVING, AND CORRESPONDING INSTALLATION

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