JP2023183950A - Separation and recovery method and separation and recovery device for constituent materials of absorbent articles, and method for producing recycled products from unused absorbent bodies - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To be able to separate and recover constituent materials of unused absorbent articles in high quality.
[Solution] A method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an unused absorbent article includes an unused absorbent article ( A dissolving step (step S1) of immersing the object to be treated 110) in a solvent 120 to dissolve the adhesive in the solvent 120, and a sheet that is a constituent material of the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110) from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed. 20, a separation and collection step (step S2) of separating and collecting the pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc., and a drying step (step S3) of drying the separated and collected constituent material sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc. Be equipped.
[Selection diagram] Figure 2

Description

The present invention is a method for recycling unused absorbent articles such as substandard products (defective products) and scraps (cut ends) generated in the manufacturing process of absorbent products such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins. It relates to a separation and recovery method and a separation and recovery device for constituent materials of absorbent articles, and in particular, a separation and recovery method and separation and recovery of constituent materials of absorbent articles that can separate and recover constituent materials of unused absorbent articles with high quality. It is related to the device.

Absorbent products such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, panty liners, and pet sheets are prone to damage, stains, poor adhesion, folding, and misaligned or missing component materials during the manufacturing process. or there are seams, fold lines, wrinkles, etc. that were not expected in the design of the sheet or tape, or the amount of pulp fiber or super absorbent polymer (SAP) does not meet the specified standards. This may result in non-standard products (defective products). In particular, since these absorbent products are used in delicate areas, they are rigorously inspected to ensure safety and security, and measures are widely taken to prevent substandard products (defective products) from entering the market. As a result, the amount of lost products that occurs during the manufacturing process is a non-negligible amount. In addition, in the manufacturing process for mass-producing absorbent articles, the outside of the absorbent body containing pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymers is covered with multiple layers of sheets of a predetermined size, and then heat-sealed into product-sized pieces. When the product is trimmed and cut into individual products, chips (cut ends) are generated.
Such non-standard products and chips are sometimes crushed and disposed of (incinerated or landfilled), but in recent years, attention has been paid to resource conservation, energy conservation, and carbon dioxide emissions associated with waste incineration. Due to environmental considerations such as these, and because the production volume of absorbent products such as disposable diapers is expected to increase as the aging society progresses, we will reduce the amount of non-standard products and chips generated in the manufacturing of absorbent products. It is desired to collect and recycle the constituent materials.

Therefore, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4 propose that non-standard products produced in the manufacturing of absorbent articles be crushed to separate and collect the constituent materials and be recycled.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-336077 International Publication No. 2017/104062 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-175591 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-15986

However, in the conventional technologies such as Patent Document 1 to Patent Document 4, in order to take out the pulp fibers and granular super absorbent polymer (SAP) contained between the front and back sheets, the standards of the absorbent article are This method involves applying physical impact such as crushing or cutting to foreign articles and chips, and applying mechanical cutting force.When crushing or cutting, adhesive (hot Due to the use of melt adhesives), the crushed pieces (cut items, shredded items) become hard, and the cut pieces of sheets etc. become entangled with pulp fibers, making it difficult to separate the constituent materials. However, there were problems in that separation and recovery of the constituent materials required time and energy, and the recovery rate of the constituent materials was low. Furthermore, even if the constituent materials could be recovered, the adhesive (hot melt adhesive) remained attached, making it difficult to recycle them as resources.
In particular, in order to increase the recovery rate, it is necessary to use a large amount of energy to separate the hardened parts by crushing, defibrating, etc. The original properties of the superabsorbent polymer change due to its fineness and atomization, making it unsuitable for recycling as an absorbent material for absorbent articles. In other words, when superabsorbent polymers are made into fine particles or fine particles, their water absorption properties decrease, and because the particle size becomes too small, when recycled as an absorbent material for absorbent articles, the water absorption properties of superabsorbent polymers decrease. It has been difficult to recycle absorbent articles as absorbent materials because they tend to be exposed to the surface and reduce the quality of the product. Furthermore, when fine particles of superabsorbent polymers flow out into wastewater, a problem arises in the burden of wastewater treatment.

Therefore, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for separating and recovering the constituent materials of an absorbent article, which can separate and recover the constituent materials of an unused absorbent article in high quality, and a method for producing recycled products from unused absorbent articles. This is an issue to be addressed.

The method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to claim 1 includes immersing an unused absorbent article, which is formed by surrounding an absorbent body in a sheet and bonding the sheet with an adhesive, in a solvent in the solvent treatment step. The adhesive is dissolved in the solvent, and in a separation and recovery step, the constituent materials of the absorbent article that have been dissociated by dissolving the adhesive in the solvent are separated and recovered, and in a drying step, the separated and recovered materials are separated and recovered. It dries the constituent materials.

The above solvent treatment step involves immersing an absorbent article made by surrounding an absorbent body containing pulp fibers, a superabsorbent polymer, etc. in a sheet and bonding the sheets together with an adhesive in a solvent. This is the process of dissolving and removing the adhesive.

Here, the above-mentioned absorbent article is an article used for absorbing fluids excreted from humans or animals, such as paper diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, panty liners, and pet sheets, and includes, for example, pulp It is made by surrounding an absorbent body containing fibers and a superabsorbent polymer with a sheet, and bonding the opposing sheets together with a hot melt adhesive.
The above-mentioned unused absorbent products refer to loss products such as non-standard products (defective products) and trimmed scraps (cut ends) generated in the manufacturing process of absorbent products such as disposable diapers. .
Further, the above-mentioned solvent may be any solvent as long as it can dissolve the hot melt adhesive used in absorbent articles, and preferably petroleum-based solvents containing paraffin, naphthene, etc., or chlorinated solvents such as tetrachlorethylene, trichlorethylene, etc. halogenated hydrocarbon solvents such as

The above separation and recovery process is a process of separating and recovering constituent materials such as sheets of absorbent articles that have been dissociated by dissolving and removing the adhesive, and absorbers containing pulp fibers, superabsorbent polymers, etc. The constituent materials are separated using differences in size, specific gravity, etc.
The drying step is a step of drying the separated constituent materials to volatilize the solvent adhering to the constituent materials and remove the solvent.

The solvent for dissolving the adhesive of the absorbent article in the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the second aspect of the present invention is preferably a petroleum-based and/or halogenated hydrocarbon-based dry cleaning solvent.
The petroleum solvent is preferably a petroleum solvent containing paraffin, naphthene, etc., which is used as a dry cleaning solvent.
Further, as the halogenated hydrocarbon solvent, chlorine solvents such as tetrachlorethylene and trichlorethylene are preferable.

Preferably, the solvent for dissolving the adhesive of the absorbent article in the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 3 has a specific gravity within a range of 0.7 or more and 1.5 or less. More preferably, it is in the range of 0.7 or more and 0.8 or less.
As the solvent having a specific gravity of 0.7 or more and 1.5 or less, for example, a petroleum solvent containing paraffin, naphthene, etc. used as a dry cleaning solvent is used.

The separation and recovery step of the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention according to claim 4 includes separating the constituent materials of the absorbent article in the solvent obtained by immersing the absorbent article in the solvent. The constituent materials of the absorbent article, which are disassembled in a solvent in which the adhesive is dissolved, are separated using gravity, centrifugal force, specific gravity difference, etc., and filtration using a screen or the like. It is something.

The separation and recovery step of the separation and recovery method for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 5 is a sheet separation and recovery step in which the absorbent article is immersed in the solvent and the sheet and the absorbent material are immersed in the solvent. In an absorbent separation and recovery step, the absorbent body separated from the sheet is separated from the pulp fibers in a solvent with a higher specific gravity than the superabsorbent polymer. The superabsorbent polymer is separated from the superabsorbent polymer.
The sheet separation and recovery step uses gravity, centrifugal force, specific gravity difference, etc., and filtration separation using a screen or the like to separate the constituent materials of the absorbent article disassembled in a solvent in which an adhesive is dissolved. This is a step of separating the sheet from the pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer serving as the absorbent body.
In addition, in the absorbent separation and recovery process, the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer are separated by using flotation of the superabsorbent polymer in a solvent with a higher specific gravity than the superabsorbent polymer and filtration separation using a screen or the like. This is a separation process.

In the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 6, the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer separated from the sheet are dried and then subjected to the absorbent separation and recovery step. The solvent in which the adhesive is dissolved is not mixed into the solvent used in the absorbent separation and recovery step.

The solvent used in the absorbent separation and recovery step of the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the seventh aspect of the invention has a specific gravity within a range of 1.6 or more and 1.8 or less.
As the solvent having a specific gravity of 1.6 or more and 1.8 or less, for example, a chlorine-based halogenated hydrocarbon solvent such as tetrachloroethylene used as a dry cleaning solvent is used.

The method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 8 includes, in the solvent treatment step, immersing an unused absorbent article obtained by surrounding an absorbent body with a sheet and bonding the sheet with an adhesive in a solvent. The adhesive is dissolved in the solvent, and in a drying step, the constituent materials of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed are dried, and in a separation and recovery step, the composition of the dried absorbent article is This is to separate and recover materials.

The above solvent treatment step involves immersing an absorbent article made by surrounding an absorbent body containing pulp fibers, a superabsorbent polymer, etc. in a sheet and bonding the sheets together with an adhesive in a solvent. This is the process of dissolving and removing the adhesive.
The drying step is a step of drying the constituent materials of the absorbent article that have been dissociated by dissolving and removing the adhesive, thereby volatilizing the solvent adhering thereto and removing the solvent.
The above-mentioned separation and recovery step is a step in which constituent materials such as a sheet of an absorbent article that has been dissociated and dried by dissolving and removing the adhesive, and an absorbent body containing pulp fibers, superabsorbent polymers, etc. are separated and recovered. , the constituent materials are separated using their dimensional differences, specific gravity differences, etc.

The method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 9 further comprises distilling the solvent in which the adhesive has been dissolved in the adhesive separation and recovery step, and separating and recovering the adhesive from the solvent. be.
The adhesive separation and recovery step is a step of separating and recovering the adhesive from the solvent by precipitating the adhesive by distilling the solvent in which the adhesive has been dissolved by immersing the absorbent article.

The method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to claim 10 is a method for recovering the solvent from which the adhesive has been separated and reusing it as a solvent for dipping the absorbent article in the solvent treatment step. After the distilled solvent gas is cooled and liquefied, it is preferably purified by filter filtration and reused.

The separation and recovery device for the constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is such that an unused absorbent article, which is formed by surrounding an absorbent body with a sheet and bonding the sheet with an adhesive, is immersed in a solvent in a solvent treatment section. The adhesive is dissolved in the solvent, the constituent materials of the absorbent article dissociated by dissolving the adhesive in the solvent are separated and recovered by a separation and recovery means, and the separated and recovered constituent materials are separated and recovered by a drying means. It is for drying.

The above-mentioned solvent treatment section immerses an absorbent article made by surrounding an absorbent body containing pulp fibers, a superabsorbent polymer, etc. in a sheet and bonding the sheets together with an adhesive in a solvent. This method dissolves and removes the adhesive.

Here, the above-mentioned absorbent article is an article used for absorbing fluids excreted from humans or animals, such as paper diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, panty liners, and pet sheets, and includes, for example, pulp It is made by surrounding an absorbent body containing fibers and a superabsorbent polymer with a sheet, and bonding the opposing sheets together with a hot melt adhesive.
The above-mentioned unused absorbent products refer to loss products such as non-standard products (defective products) and trimmed scraps (cut ends) generated in the manufacturing process of absorbent products such as disposable diapers. .
Further, the above-mentioned solvent may be any solvent as long as it can dissolve the hot melt adhesive used in absorbent articles, and preferably petroleum-based solvents containing paraffin, naphthene, etc., or chlorinated solvents such as tetrachlorethylene, trichlorethylene, etc. halogenated hydrocarbon solvents such as

The above-mentioned separation and collection means separates and collects the sheets of the absorbent article that have been dissociated by dissolving and removing the adhesive, and the constituent materials of the absorbent body containing pulp fibers, superabsorbent polymers, etc. The constituent materials are separated using differences in size, specific gravity, etc.
The drying means evaporates and removes the solvent adhering to the constituent materials by subjecting the separated constituent materials to vacuum drying, hot air drying, or the like.

The solvent for dissolving the adhesive of the absorbent article in the separation and recovery apparatus for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is preferably a petroleum-based and/or halogenated hydrocarbon-based dry cleaning solvent.
The petroleum solvent is preferably a petroleum solvent containing paraffin, naphthene, etc., which is used as a dry cleaning solvent.
Further, as the halogenated hydrocarbon solvent, chlorine solvents such as tetrachlorethylene and trichlorethylene are preferable.

Preferably, the solvent for dissolving the adhesive of the absorbent article in the separation and recovery device for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 13 has a specific gravity within a range of 0.7 or more and 1.5 or less. More preferably, it is in the range of 0.7 or more and 0.8 or less.
As the solvent having a specific gravity of 0.7 or more and 1.5 or less, for example, a petroleum solvent containing paraffin, naphthene, etc. used as a dry cleaning solvent is used.

The separation and recovery means of the separation and recovery device for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 14 is for separating the constituent materials of the absorbent article in the solvent obtained by immersing the absorbent article in the solvent. , separating the constituent materials of the absorbent article disassembled in a solvent in which an adhesive is dissolved by using gravity, centrifugal force, difference in specific gravity, etc., and filtration separation using a screen, etc. It is.

The separation and recovery means of the separation and recovery device for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 15 is characterized in that the absorbent article is immersed in the solvent by a sheet separation and recovery means, and the absorbent article is treated as the sheet and the absorbent body in the solvent. The pulp fibers and the super absorbent polymer are separated, and the absorbent body separated from the sheet is separated from the pulp fibers and the super absorbent polymer in a solvent having a higher specific gravity than the super absorbent polymer by an absorbent separation and recovery means. The polymer is separated into two.
The sheet separation and collection means uses gravity, centrifugal force, specific gravity difference, etc., and filtration separation using a screen or the like to separate the constituent materials of the absorbent article disassembled in a solvent in which an adhesive is dissolved. This separates the sheet from the pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer serving as the absorbent body.
Further, the absorbent separation and recovery means utilizes flotation of the superabsorbent polymer in a solvent having a specific gravity higher than that of the superabsorbent polymer and filtration separation using a screen or the like to separate the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer. It is something that separates.

The pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer separated from the sheet of the separation and recovery device for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 16 are dried and then separated by the absorbent separation and recovery means. The solvent in which the adhesive is dissolved is not mixed into the solvent used in the absorbent separation and recovery means.

The solvent used in the absorbent separation and recovery means of the separation and recovery device for constituent materials of absorbent articles according to the seventeenth aspect of the invention has a specific gravity within the range of 1.6 or more and 1.8 or less.
As the solvent having a specific gravity of 1.6 or more and 1.8 or less, for example, a chlorine-based halogenated hydrocarbon solvent such as tetrachloroethylene used as a dry cleaning solvent is used.

The separation and recovery device for the constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 18 includes immersing an unused absorbent article, which is formed by surrounding an absorbent body with a sheet and bonding the sheet with an adhesive, in a solvent in a solvent treatment section. to dissolve the adhesive in the solvent, drying the constituent material of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed by a drying means, and drying the constituent material of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed by a separation and recovery means. is separated and recovered.

The above-mentioned solvent treatment section immerses an absorbent article made by surrounding an absorbent body containing pulp fibers, a superabsorbent polymer, etc. in a sheet and bonding the sheets together with an adhesive in a solvent. This method dissolves and removes the adhesive.
The drying means removes the solvent by volatilizing the constituent materials of the absorbent article that have been dissociated by dissolving and removing the adhesive by drying under reduced pressure, drying with hot air, or the like.
The above-mentioned separation and recovery means separates and recovers constituent materials such as sheets of absorbent articles that have been dissociated and dried by dissolving and removing the adhesive, and absorbers containing pulp fibers, superabsorbent polymers, etc. , the constituent materials are separated using their dimensional differences, specific gravity differences, etc.

In the apparatus for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the adhesive separating and recovering means distills the solvent in which the adhesive is dissolved, and separates and recovers the adhesive from the solvent.
The adhesive separating and recovering means separates and recovers the adhesive from the solvent by precipitating the adhesive by distilling the solvent in which the adhesive has been dissolved by immersing the absorbent article.

The separation and recovery device for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 20 returns the solvent from which the adhesive has been separated by the solvent circulation path to the solvent treatment section and reuses it as a solvent for dipping the absorbent article. After the distilled solvent gas is cooled and liquefied, it is preferably purified by filter filtration and reused.

The method for producing a recycled product of an unused absorbent material according to the invention of claim 21 is a method for manufacturing a recycled product of an unused absorbent material by bonding a sheet wrapped with pulp fibers and a superabsorbent polymer as an absorbent material with an adhesive in a solvent treatment step. the absorbent article is immersed in a solvent to dissolve the adhesive in the solvent, and in a separation and recovery step, the sheet of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed, the pulp fibers, and the superabsorbent polymer are separated. In the collecting and drying step, the separated and collected pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer are dried.

The above solvent treatment process involves immersing an absorbent article made by surrounding an absorbent body made of pulp fibers and a superabsorbent polymer in a sheet and bonding the sheets together with an adhesive in a solvent. This is the process of dissolving and removing the agent.

Here, the above-mentioned absorbent article is an article used for absorbing fluids excreted from humans or animals, such as paper diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, panty liners, and pet sheets, and includes, for example, pulp It is made by surrounding an absorbent body containing fibers and a superabsorbent polymer with a sheet, and bonding the opposing sheets together with a hot melt adhesive.
The above-mentioned unused absorbent products refer to loss products such as non-standard products (defective products) and trimmed scraps (cut ends) generated in the manufacturing process of absorbent products such as disposable diapers. .
Further, the above-mentioned solvent may be any solvent as long as it can dissolve the hot melt adhesive used in absorbent articles, and preferably petroleum-based solvents containing paraffin, naphthene, etc., or chlorinated solvents such as tetrachlorethylene, trichlorethylene, etc. halogenated hydrocarbon solvents such as

The above separation and recovery process is a process of separating and recovering the sheet of the absorbent article, the pulp fibers, and the superabsorbent polymer that have been dissociated by dissolving and removing the adhesive. , the sheets, pulp fibers, and superabsorbent polymers are separated using differences in specific gravity and the like.
The drying step is a step of drying at least the separated pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer to volatilize and remove the solvent adhering to the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer.

The method for producing a recycled product of an unused absorbent material according to the invention of claim 22 is a method for manufacturing a recycled product of an unused absorbent material by bonding a sheet wrapped with pulp fibers and a superabsorbent polymer as an absorbent material with an adhesive in a solvent treatment step. The article is immersed in a solvent to dissolve the adhesive in the solvent, and in a drying step, the constituent materials of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed are dried, and in a separation and recovery step, the dried absorbent The pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer of the sexual articles are separated and recovered.

The above solvent treatment process involves immersing an absorbent article made by surrounding an absorbent body made of pulp fibers and a superabsorbent polymer in a sheet and bonding the sheets together with an adhesive in a solvent. This is the process of dissolving and removing the agent.
The drying step is a step of drying the constituent materials of the absorbent article that have been dissociated by dissolving and removing the adhesive, thereby volatilizing the solvent adhering thereto and removing the solvent.
The above separation and recovery process is a process of separating and recovering the sheets, pulp fibers, and superabsorbent polymer of the absorbent article that have been dissociated and dried by dissolving and removing the adhesive. The constituent materials are separated using differences in size, specific gravity, etc. of the polymers.

According to the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 1, in the solvent treatment step, an unused absorbent article made by bonding a sheet wrapped with an absorbent body with an adhesive is treated with a solvent. After the adhesive is dissolved in the solvent by immersion, the constituent materials of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed are separated and recovered in a separation and recovery step, and the constituent materials of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed are separated and recovered in a drying step. Dry the constructed materials.

In this way, the adhesive that joins the constituent members of an unused absorbent article is dissolved in a solvent and removed from the absorbent article, thereby disassembling the absorbent article and separating and recovering its constituent materials. As the adhesive of the absorbent article is dissolved and removed, the absorbent article is easily decomposed and its constituent materials can be easily dissociated and separated. Therefore, it is possible to improve the recovery rate of constituent materials of unused absorbent articles. In particular, by removing the adhesive from the absorbent article, the constituent materials of the absorbent article can be accurately separated and recovered without applying large amounts of energy that would fragment the constituent materials, such as superabsorbent polymers. That is, the constituent materials of the absorbent article, such as superabsorbent polymers, can be separated and recovered without being fragmented. Therefore, constituent materials of the absorbent article can be separated and recovered with high quality. In particular, the superabsorbent polymer and pulp fibers of the absorbent material can be separated and recovered without being granulated or pulverized, maintaining their original properties as the absorbent material of the absorbent article, and the adhesive can also be removed. This makes it suitable for material recycling and also suitable for recycling as an absorber for absorbent articles.

According to the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 2, since the solvent is a petroleum-based and/or halogenated hydrocarbon-based dry cleaning solvent, it is difficult to deteriorate due to oxidation and cannot be repeatedly recycled. It is suitable for use, and the odor of the solvent is unlikely to remain in the separated and recovered constituent materials. Therefore, in addition to the effects described in claim 1, costs can be reduced, and the separated and collected constituent materials can be recycled for a wide range of uses.

According to the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 3, the solvent in which the absorbent article is immersed has a specific gravity within the range of 0.7 to 1.5. Therefore, the absorbent body sediments in the solvent in which the constituent materials of the absorbent article are immersed. Therefore, in the solvent, the sheet and the absorbent body can be accurately separated by filtration using a screen or the like under conditions that place a low load on the constituent materials and save energy. Therefore, by being able to separate the sheet and the absorbent body with high precision under conditions of low cost, energy saving, and low load, in addition to the effects set forth in claim 1, the absorbent body can be recovered in high quality at low cost and energy saving. In addition, the recovery rate can be improved.

According to the method for separating and recovering the constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 4, the separation and recovery step includes immersing the absorbent article in the solvent and separating the constituent materials of the absorbent article in the solvent. In order to separate the constituent materials of the absorbent article, which are disassembled in a solvent in which the adhesive is dissolved, the constituent materials are separated using gravity, centrifugal force, specific gravity difference, etc., and filtration separation using a screen, etc. I will do it. Therefore, since the separation is performed in a wet manner, the sheet and the absorbent body can be separated with high precision under conditions that place a low load on the constituent materials and save energy. Therefore, by being able to separate the sheet and the absorbent body with high precision under conditions of low cost, energy saving, and low load, in addition to the effects set forth in claim 1, the absorbent body can be recovered in high quality at low cost and energy saving. In addition, the recovery rate can be improved.

According to the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 5, the separation and recovery step includes immersing the absorbent article in the solvent and treating the sheet and the absorbent body in the solvent. a sheet separation and recovery step of separating the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer; and a step of separating the absorbent body separated from the sheet into the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer in a solvent having a higher specific gravity than the solvent in which the absorbent body was immersed. First, in the sheet separation and recovery process, the constituent materials of the disassembled absorbent article are subjected to gravity, centrifugal force, specific gravity difference, etc. in a solvent in which the adhesive is dissolved. Filtration separation using a screen or the like is used to separate the sheet, the pulp fibers serving as the absorbent material, and the superabsorbent polymer. In addition, in the subsequent absorbent separation and recovery process, the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer are separated by using flotation of the superabsorbent polymer in a solvent with a higher specific gravity than the superabsorbent polymer and filtration separation using a screen, etc. It will be separated. Therefore, it is wet separation, and in particular, the sheet, pulp fibers, and superabsorbent polymer can be separated with high accuracy under low load conditions for the superabsorbent polymer and with energy savings. Therefore, by being able to accurately separate the sheet, pulp fibers, and superabsorbent polymer under conditions of low cost, energy saving, and low load, in addition to the effects set forth in claim 1, pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymers can be separated at low cost and energy saving. The super absorbent polymer can be recovered in high quality, and the recovery rate can be improved.

According to the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 6, the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer separated from the sheet are dried and then subjected to the absorbent separation and recovery step. Therefore, the solvent in which the adhesive adhered to the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer is dissolved is used to separate the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer in the absorber separation and recovery step. It will not mix with the solvent used. Therefore, even when recovering and reusing the solvent used to separate the pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent separation and recovery process, there is no need for purification to separate the adhesive from the solvent in which it has been dissolved. In addition to the effects described in claim 5, costs can be reduced.

According to the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 7, the solvent used in the absorbent separation and recovery step has a specific gravity within the range of 1.6 to 1.8. Because of this, the highly water-absorbent polymer quickly floats up in the solvent, improving separation accuracy and requiring only a short time for separation and recovery. Therefore, in addition to the effect described in claim 5, separation efficiency can be improved.

According to the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 8, in the solvent treatment step, an unused absorbent article formed by bonding a sheet wrapped with an absorbent body with an adhesive is treated with a solvent. The adhesive is dissolved in the solvent by immersion, and in a drying step, the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been removed by dissolving in the solvent is dried, and in a separation and recovery step, the dried Separate and collect the constituent materials of the absorbent article.

In this way, the adhesive that joins the constituent members of an unused absorbent article is dissolved in a solvent and removed from the absorbent article, thereby disassembling the absorbent article and separating and recovering its constituent materials. As the adhesive of the absorbent article is dissolved and removed, the absorbent article is easily decomposed and its constituent materials can be easily dissociated and separated. Therefore, it is possible to improve the recovery rate of constituent materials of unused absorbent articles. In particular, by removing the adhesive from the absorbent article, the constituent materials of the absorbent article can be accurately separated and recovered without applying large amounts of energy that would fragment the constituent materials, such as superabsorbent polymers. That is, the constituent materials of the absorbent article, such as superabsorbent polymers, can be separated and recovered without being fragmented. Therefore, high quality separation and recovery is possible. In particular, the superabsorbent polymer and pulp fibers of the absorbent material can be separated and recovered without being granulated or pulverized, maintaining their original properties as the absorbent material of the absorbent article, and the adhesive can also be removed. This makes it suitable for material recycling, and also suitable for recycling as an absorber for absorbent articles.

According to the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 9, the method further includes an adhesive separation and recovery step of evaporating the solvent in which the adhesive has been dissolved and separating and recovering the adhesive. Therefore, in addition to the effects described in claim 1, the adhesive of the absorbent article can be recycled, and resources can be used more effectively.

According to the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 10, the solvent separated from the adhesive in the adhesive separation and recovery step immerses the absorbent article in the solvent treatment step. Since it is reused as a processing solvent, in addition to the effects described in claim 9, environmental loads can be reduced and costs can be reduced.

According to the separation and recovery device for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 11, in the solvent treatment section, an unused absorbent article made by bonding a sheet wrapped with an absorbent body with an adhesive is treated with a solvent. The adhesive is dissolved in the solvent by immersion, the constituent materials of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed are separated and recovered by a separation means, and the separated and recovered constituent materials are dried by a drying means.

In this way, the adhesive that joins the constituent members of an unused absorbent article is dissolved in a solvent and removed from the absorbent article, thereby disassembling the absorbent article and separating and recovering its constituent materials. As the adhesive of the absorbent article is dissolved and removed, the absorbent article is easily decomposed and its constituent materials can be easily dissociated and separated. Therefore, it is possible to improve the recovery rate of constituent materials of unused absorbent articles. In particular, by removing the adhesive from the absorbent article, the constituent materials of the absorbent article can be accurately separated and recovered without applying large amounts of energy that would fragment the constituent materials, such as superabsorbent polymers. That is, the constituent materials of the absorbent article, such as superabsorbent polymers, can be separated and recovered without being fragmented. Therefore, high quality separation and recovery is possible. In particular, the superabsorbent polymer and pulp fibers of the absorbent material can be separated and recovered without being granulated or pulverized, maintaining their original properties as the absorbent material of the absorbent article, and the adhesive can also be removed. This makes it suitable for material recycling and also suitable for recycling as an absorber for absorbent articles.

According to the separation and recovery device for constituent materials of absorbent articles according to the invention of claim 12, since the solvent is a petroleum-based and/or halogenated hydrocarbon-based dry cleaning solvent, it is difficult to deteriorate due to oxidation and cannot be repeatedly recycled. It is suitable for use, and the odor of the solvent is unlikely to remain in the separated and recovered constituent materials. Therefore, in addition to the effects described in claim 11, costs can be reduced, and the separated and recovered constituent materials can be recycled for a wide range of uses.

According to the apparatus for separating and recovering constituent materials of absorbent articles according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the solvent in which the absorbent articles are immersed has a specific gravity within a range of 0.7 to 1.5. Therefore, the absorbent body sediments in the solvent in which the constituent materials of the absorbent article are immersed. Therefore, the sheet and the absorbent body can be accurately separated in the solvent under conditions that place a low load on the constituent materials, such as filtration separation using a screen or the like, and with energy savings. Therefore, by being able to separate the sheet and the absorbent body with high precision under conditions of low cost, energy saving, and low load, in addition to the effect set forth in claim 11, the absorbent body can be recovered in high quality at low cost and energy saving. In addition, the recovery rate can be improved.

According to the separation and recovery device for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 14, the separation and recovery means separates the constituent materials of the absorbent article in the solvent obtained by immersing the absorbent article in the solvent. In order to separate the constituent materials of the absorbent article, which are disassembled in a solvent in which the adhesive is dissolved, the constituent materials are separated using gravity, centrifugal force, specific gravity difference, etc., and filtration separation using a screen, etc. I will do it. Therefore, since the separation is performed in a wet manner, the sheet and the absorbent body can be separated with high precision under conditions that place a low load on the constituent materials and save energy. Therefore, by being able to separate the sheet and the absorbent body with high precision under conditions of low cost, energy saving, and low load, in addition to the effect set forth in claim 11, the absorbent body can be recovered in high quality at low cost and energy saving. In addition, the recovery rate can be improved.

According to the separation and recovery device for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 15, the separation and recovery means is configured to immerse the absorbent article in the solvent and to separate the sheet and the absorbent body in the solvent. a sheet separation and recovery means for separating pulp fibers and a superabsorbent polymer; and a sheet separation and recovery means for separating the absorbent body separated from the sheet into a solvent having a higher specific gravity than the solvent in which the absorbent body was immersed. First, the sheet separating and collecting means separates the constituent materials of the disassembled absorbent article in a solvent in which the adhesive is dissolved, by gravity, centrifugal force, specific gravity difference, etc. Filtration separation using a screen or the like is used to separate the sheet, the pulp fibers serving as the absorbent material, and the superabsorbent polymer. In addition, in the subsequent absorbent separation and recovery means, the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer are separated by using flotation of the superabsorbent polymer in a solvent with a higher specific gravity than the superabsorbent polymer and filtration separation using a screen, etc. It will be separated. Therefore, it is wet separation, and in particular, the sheet, pulp fibers, and superabsorbent polymer can be separated with high accuracy under low load conditions for the superabsorbent polymer and with energy savings. Therefore, by being able to accurately separate the sheet, pulp fibers, and superabsorbent polymer under conditions of low cost, energy saving, and low load, in addition to the effect described in claim 11, pulp fibers can be separated at low cost and energy saving. The super absorbent polymer can be recovered in high quality, and the recovery rate can be improved.

According to the apparatus for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 16, the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer separated from the sheet are dried and then transferred to the absorbent separation and recovery means. Therefore, the solvent in which the adhesive adhered to the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer is dissolved is used to separate the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer in the absorber separation and recovery step. It will not mix with the solvent used. Therefore, even when the solvent used to separate the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer is recovered and reused by the absorbent separation and recovery means, there is no need for purification to separate the adhesive from the solvent in which it has been dissolved. In addition to the effects described in claim 15, costs can be reduced.

According to the separation and recovery device for constituent materials of absorbent articles according to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the solvent used in the absorbent separation and recovery step has a specific gravity within the range of 1.6 to 1.8. Because of this, the highly water-absorbent polymer quickly floats up in the solvent, improving separation accuracy and requiring only a short time for separation and recovery. Therefore, in addition to the effect described in claim 15, separation efficiency can be improved.

According to the separation and recovery device for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 18, in the solvent treatment section, an unused absorbent article made by bonding a sheet wrapped with an absorbent body with an adhesive is immersed in a solvent. the adhesive is dissolved in the solvent, the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been removed by dissolving in the solvent is dried by a drying means, and the dried absorbent article is configured by a separation and recovery means. Separate and collect the materials.

In this way, the adhesive that joins the constituent members of an unused absorbent article is dissolved in a solvent and removed from the absorbent article, thereby disassembling the absorbent article and separating and recovering its constituent materials. As the adhesive of the absorbent article is dissolved and removed, the absorbent article is easily decomposed and its constituent materials can be easily dissociated and separated. Therefore, it is possible to improve the recovery rate of constituent materials of unused absorbent articles. In particular, by removing the adhesive from the absorbent article, the constituent materials of the absorbent article can be accurately separated and recovered without applying large amounts of energy that would fragment the constituent materials, such as superabsorbent polymers. That is, the constituent materials of the absorbent article, such as superabsorbent polymers, can be separated and recovered without being fragmented. Therefore, constituent materials of the absorbent article can be separated and recovered with high quality. In particular, the superabsorbent polymer and pulp fibers of the absorbent material can be separated and recovered without being granulated or pulverized, maintaining their original properties as the absorbent material of the absorbent article, and the adhesive can also be removed. This makes it suitable for material recycling and also suitable for recycling as an absorber for absorbent articles.

According to the apparatus for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 19, the apparatus further includes an adhesive separating and recovering means for evaporating the solvent in which the adhesive has been dissolved and separating and recovering the adhesive. Therefore, in addition to the effects described in claim 11, the adhesive of the absorbent article can be recycled, and resources can be used more effectively.

According to the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the invention of claim 20, the absorbent article is immersed in the solvent separated from the adhesive by the adhesive separation and recovery means in the solvent treatment section. Since a solvent circulation path is provided to reuse the solvent as a solvent, in addition to the effects described in claim 19, environmental load can be reduced and costs can be reduced.

The method for producing a recycled product of an unused absorbent material according to the invention of claim 21 is a method for manufacturing a recycled product of an unused absorbent material by bonding a sheet wrapped with pulp fibers and a superabsorbent polymer as an absorbent material with an adhesive in a solvent treatment step. The absorbent article is immersed in a solvent to dissolve the adhesive in the solvent, and in a separation and recovery step, the sheet of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed, the pulp fibers, and the superabsorbent The polymer is separated and collected, and in a drying step, the separated and collected pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer are dried.

In this way, the adhesive that joins the constituent members of an unused absorbent article is dissolved in a solvent and removed from the absorbent article, thereby disassembling the absorbent article and separating and recovering its constituent materials. As the adhesive of the absorbent article is dissolved and removed, the absorbent article is easily decomposed and its pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer can be easily dissociated and separated. Therefore, it is possible to improve the recovery rate of pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymers that are unused absorbents. In particular, by removing the adhesive from the absorbent article, the pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer of the absorbent body can be accurately separated and recovered without applying large amounts of energy that would fragment the pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer. That is, the pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer of the absorbent body can be separated and recovered without being fragmented. Therefore, the pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer of the absorbent body can be separated and recovered with high quality. In particular, the superabsorbent polymer and pulp fibers of the absorbent material can be separated and recovered without being granulated or pulverized, maintaining their original properties as the absorbent material of the absorbent article, and the adhesive can also be removed. This makes it suitable for material recycling and also suitable for recycling as an absorber for absorbent articles.

The method for producing a recycled product of an unused absorbent material according to the invention of claim 22 is a method for manufacturing a recycled product of an unused absorbent material by bonding a sheet wrapped with pulp fibers and a superabsorbent polymer as an absorbent material with an adhesive in a solvent treatment step. The absorbent article is immersed in a solvent to dissolve the adhesive in the solvent, the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed is dried in a drying step, and the dried absorbent article is dried in a separation and recovery step. The pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer of the absorbent article are separated and collected.

In this way, the adhesive that joins the constituent members of an unused absorbent article is dissolved in a solvent and removed from the absorbent article, thereby disassembling the absorbent article and separating and recovering its constituent materials. As the adhesive of the absorbent article is dissolved and removed, the absorbent article is easily decomposed and its pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer can be easily dissociated and separated. Therefore, it is possible to improve the recovery rate of pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymers that are unused absorbents. In particular, by removing the adhesive from the absorbent article, the pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer of the absorbent body can be accurately separated and recovered without applying large amounts of energy that would fragment the pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer. That is, the pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer of the absorbent body can be separated and recovered without being fragmented. Therefore, the pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer of the absorbent body can be separated and recovered with high quality. In particular, the superabsorbent polymer and pulp fibers of the absorbent material can be separated and recovered without being granulated or pulverized, maintaining their original properties as the absorbent material of the absorbent article, and the adhesive can also be removed. This makes it suitable for material recycling and also suitable for recycling as an absorber for absorbent articles.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the constituent materials of a diaper, which is an example of an absorbent article. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating Example 1 of a separation and recovery method and a separation and recovery apparatus for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet separation and recovery process and a sheet separation and recovery means in Example 1 of the separation and recovery method and separation and recovery apparatus for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an absorbent separation and recovery process and an absorbent separation and recovery means of Example 1 of the separation and recovery method and separation and recovery apparatus for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating Example 2 of the separation and recovery method and separation and recovery device for the constituent materials of the absorbent article according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to a modification of the present embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In addition, in the embodiments and modifications thereof, the same symbols and the same reference numerals mean the same or corresponding functional parts, and in the embodiments and the modifications thereof, the same symbols and the same reference numerals refer to the same functions. Since this is a functional part that is common to both forms and modifications, redundant detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[Embodiment]
First, an absorbent article to be treated whose constituent materials are separated and recovered in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1.
Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, panty liners, and pet sheets are mainly made of pulp fibers 11 and super absorbent polymers (SAP). The body 10 is wrapped with sheets 20 such as a top sheet 21 and a back sheet 22 made of nonwoven fabric, thermoplastic resin film, etc., and the opposing sheets 20 such as the top sheet 21 and back sheet 22 are bonded with a hot melt adhesive. It is something.

The absorbent body 10 disposed between the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 22 is made of absorbent materials of pulp fibers 11 and super absorbent polymer (SAP) 12.
Pulp fibers 11 (fibrous pulp) include wood pulp (softwood pulp, hardwood pulp), crosslinked pulp, non-wood pulp, regenerated cellulose, semi-synthetic cellulose, cellulose nanofiber (CNF), cellulose acetate, rayon, cotton, etc. Cellulose fibers are mainly used, but synthetic fibers may also be included, and are used in the absorbent body 10 in the form of fluff pulp (cotton-like pulp), which is a chemical pulp. The fiber length is on average about several mm, for example about 1 mm to 5 mm, and the fiber diameter is on average about several tens of μm, for example about 10 to 50 μm.

In addition, the super absorbent polymer (hereinafter referred to as "SAP") 12 is polyacrylate-based such as sodium polyacrylate, polysulfonate-based, polyvinyl alcohol-based, polyacrylamide-based, polyoxyethylene-based, polyasparagine-based, etc. Hydrophilic polymers (water-soluble polymers) with crosslinked structures such as synthetic polymers such as acid salts, polyglutamates, polyalginates, and anhydrous maleates, starch, cellulose, and amino acid. For example, sodium polyacrylate, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), starch-acrylic acid (salt) graft copolymer, saponified starch-acrylonitrile copolymer, crosslinked sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). ), PVA/sodium polyacrylate, etc., but typically a polymer or copolymer of acrylic acid or an alkali metal salt of acrylic acid is used. Usually, a particulate material is used as a water-swellable water-insoluble polymer gelling agent, but a fibrous material may also be used. The particle size of particulate SAP in a dry state is, for example, about 150 to 600 μm.

The surface sheet (top sheet) 21 is a surface material, and for example, a nonwoven fabric or a film is used. Specifically, a liquid permeable nonwoven fabric, a synthetic resin film, or a laminate thereof (composite sheet) is used. Ru.
The back sheet (back sheet) 22 is a waterproof material, such as filler (calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, calcium sulfate, magnesium oxide, barium carbonate, talc, silica, kaolin, mica, clay, titanium oxide, zinc oxide). Synthetic resin films such as porous polyolefin resins containing fine pores (inorganic fillers such as pigments, etc.), i.e., synthetic resin films that are impermeable to liquids and have air permeability and moisture permeability, and synthetic resin films that are not breathable. A synthetic resin film is used.

Examples of nonwoven fabrics used include polyolefin nonwoven fabrics such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyester nonwoven fabrics such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, polyamide nonwoven fabrics such as 6-nylon and 6,6-nylon, and rayon nonwoven fabrics. For example, an air-seal nonwoven fabric made by bonding composite fibers with hot air is used.
As the film, for example, a thermoplastic resin film such as a polyolefin film such as polyethylene is used.

Furthermore, depending on the type of absorbent article, a sheet-like water-absorbing paper 23 may be disposed between the surface sheet (top sheet) 21 and the absorbent body 10 made of pulp fibers 11 and super absorbent polymer 12. There is also. As the water-absorbing paper 23, for example, a polyolefin nonwoven fabric or the like is used.
Further, an exterior sheet made of a breathable nonwoven fabric or the like may be provided on the side of the back sheet 22 opposite to the side on which the absorbent body 10 is provided.
In addition, leak-preventing side sheets 24 may be provided on both sides of the absorbent article in the width direction. etc.), breathable synthetic resin films (polyolefin films, styrene elastomer films, etc.), and elastic thread rubber 25 (spandex, urethane rubber, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, etc.) are used.
In addition, adhesive tapes (velcro fasteners) made of polyolefins such as polypropylene or synthetic rubber as adhesive materials, and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) as pulp fibers 11 contain silver ions and fragrances that have deodorizing and antibacterial effects. Supported materials may also be used.

In this way, the absorbent article whose constituent materials are to be separated and recovered includes an absorbent body 10 made of pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12, a top sheet 21, a back sheet 22, a water-absorbing paper 23, a side sheet 24, etc. made of a film, nonwoven fabric, etc. It is composed of sheets 20 and the like, and these constituent materials are bonded together using a hot melt adhesive.
Hot melt adhesives usually contain a base polymer, a tackifier, a plasticizer, etc. Examples of the base polymer include styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS), styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene block. Styrenic and polyester copolymers such as copolymers (SEBS), styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers (SIS), styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymers (SEPS), and styrene-butadiene copolymers (SBR). Rubber-based thermoplastic resins such as isoprene and natural rubber, acrylic-based resins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, silicone-based resins such as polydimethylsiloxane polymer, and olefin-based thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene are used. As the tackifying resin (tackifier), for example, rosin, terpene resin, petroleum resin, etc. are used, and as the plasticizer, process oil, polybutene, etc. are used. In addition, it may contain waxes such as paraffin wax and polyethylene, fillers such as calcium carbonate, titanium oxide, and talc, and stabilizers such as phenol and toluene.

Taking a diaper as an absorbent article as an example, as shown in FIG. Further, an absorbent body 10 consisting of pulp fibers (flap pulp) 11 and granular SAP 12 wrapped therein is disposed below the absorbent body 10, and a heat source is provided on the outside of the absorbent body 10 on the side opposite to the topsheet 21 side. It has a multilayer structure in which a back sheet (waterproof material) 22 made of a plastic resin film is disposed, and an exterior material (surface material) made of a non-woven fabric (not shown) is further disposed on the outside thereof. Further, on both sides in the width direction, elastic gathers are formed by side sheets 24 to prevent leakage, and rubber threads 25 are disposed therein. In addition, an adhesive material (not shown) is attached to the back sheet 22 side. In the diaper D having such a configuration, an absorbent body 10 made of pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 is surrounded by a top sheet 21, a back sheet 22, etc. made of nonwoven fabric or a thermoplastic resin film, and the top sheet 21 and back sheet 22 are bonded to each other via a hot melt adhesive. The back sheet 22 and the like are joined, and the side sheets 24 and exterior sheets forming the gathers are also joined to the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 22 via hot melt adhesive.

Next, a method and an apparatus for separating and collecting constituent materials such as substandard products and chips generated in the manufacturing process of such absorbent articles will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6.
The method and device for separating and recovering constituent materials of absorbent articles according to the present embodiment separates constituent materials from substandard products (defective products) and scraps (cut ends) generated during the manufacturing of absorbent articles. This method separates and collects the constituent materials of unused absorbent articles.

As shown in FIG. 2, the separation and recovery method of separating and recovering constituent materials of an unused absorbent article according to the present embodiment is based on the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an unused absorbent article. Solvent treatment in which non-standard products, chips, etc. (hereinafter simply referred to as "workpiece 110") are immersed in a solvent 120 and hot melt adhesive (hereinafter simply referred to as "adhesive") is dissolved in the solvent 120. step (step S1), a separation and recovery step (step S2) of separating and recovering the constituent materials of the object to be processed 110 from which the adhesive has been removed by dissolving the adhesive in the solvent 120, and drying the separated and recovered constituent materials. and a drying step (step S3).

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the separation and recovery apparatus for separating and recovering constituent materials of an unused absorbent article according to the present embodiment immerses the object to be treated 110 in a solvent 120 to remove the adhesive from the solvent. 120, screens F1, F2, solvents 120, 220, etc., which separate and collect constituent materials of the object 110 from which the adhesive has been removed by dissolving the adhesive in the solvent 120. It has a separation and collection means and a drying means for drying the separated and collected constituent materials.

First, in the solvent treatment step (step S1), objects 110 to be treated, such as non-standard products and chips generated in the manufacturing process of absorbent articles, are immersed in a solvent 120 in the solvent treatment section 510.
In addition, if collected materials such as non-standard products and scraps generated in the manufacturing process of absorbent products are packed in bags or compressed packaging and are transported in that state, tear the bags or unpack them. The object to be processed 110 is taken out and placed in the solvent processing section 510. From the viewpoint of preventing clogging of the inlet of the solvent processing section 510, the object to be treated 110 may be folded and thrown in, or may be cut in advance to a size that fits into the inlet. It is not crushed or crushed, and has a length of, for example, 3 to 120 cm and a width of 3 to 120 cm.

In the solvent treatment section 510, the object to be treated 110, which is an unused absorbent article such as a substandard product or chips generated in the manufacturing process of an absorbent article product, is immersed in a solvent 120, for example, the object to be treated 110 and A processing tank containing a solvent 120 is used, the object to be processed 110 is put into the processing tank, a predetermined amount of the solvent 120 is poured to a predetermined depth, and the object to be processed 110 is immersed in the solvent 120. Preferably, in the processing tank in which the object to be treated 110 is immersed in the solvent 120, the solvent 120 is preferably permeated throughout the object to be treated 110 evenly and uniformly, and the constituent members of the object to be treated 110 are preferably prevented from disassociating, especially. In order to promote dissociation between the sheet 20 and the absorbent body 10, which have been unbonded by dissolving the adhesive in the solvent 120, and to make them easier to separate, physical impact such as vibration, stirring, centrifugation (rotation), etc. is usually applied. , an external force is applied.

Here, the solvent 120 is, for example, a petroleum solvent containing paraffin, naphthene, etc., a halogenated hydrocarbon solvent such as a chlorinated solvent such as tetrachloroethylene, a fluorinated solvent such as HCFC-225 or HFC-365, or a cyclic solvent. Alternatively, silicone-based solvents such as linear silicone can be used, and among them, petroleum-based or halogenated hydrocarbon-based dry cleaning solvents are preferred.

As the petroleum solvent, kerosene (mainly composed of C9-15 hydrocarbons) and No. 5 industrial gasoline (cleaning solvent) used for dry cleaning can be suitably used. Petroleum solvents used as dry cleaning solvents have a specific gravity of about 0.73 to 0.80 and are a hydrocarbon mixture.
Examples of halogenated hydrocarbon solvents include brominated solvents such as 1-bromopropane used in dry cleaning solvents, chlorinated solvents such as tetrachlorethylene (perchloroethylene) and trichlorethylene, and 1,1,1,3,3 pentasols. Fluorinated solvents such as fluorobutane can be used.
As the silicone solvent, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane, etc., which are used as dry cleaning solvents, can be used.

In the solvent treatment step (step S1), when the object to be treated 110 is immersed in such a solvent 120, the adhesive that bonded the constituent materials of the object to be treated 110 is dissolved in the solvent 120, and the components in the object to be treated 110 are dissolved. When the adhesive is removed, the bonded portions of the constituent materials of the object to be processed 110 are peeled off, causing dissociation and separation of the constituent materials of the object to be processed 110. That is, the object to be treated 110 is decomposed by unbinding the sheets 20, such as films and nonwoven fabrics, which constitute the absorbent article that is the object to be treated 110, and separated into SAP 12, pulp fibers 11, sheet 20, etc. be done. In particular, by chemically treating the object 110 with the solvent 120, the nonwoven fabric or film sheet 20 is not broken into pieces and can be peeled off while maintaining its original shape. Then, the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 that were included in the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 22 are scattered in the solvent 120 as the bond of the nonwoven fabric or film sheet 20 is peeled off in the solvent 120. .

Thus, in the solvent treatment step (step S1), the object to be treated 110 is immersed in the solvent 120 to dissolve the adhesive in the solvent 120 and remove the adhesive from the object to be treated 110.
In particular, in the case where the object to be treated 110 is decomposed into its constituent materials through a chemical process in which the adhesive is dissolved and removed using the solvent 120, the bonding force between the sheets 20 is reduced during the treatment at room temperature, and the object to be treated 110 is Since it is possible to dissociate the constituent materials of the object 110 and does not require heating or crushing to dismantle the object 110, it requires less energy and energy cost.

Next, in a separation and recovery step (step S2), the constituent materials of the object to be processed 110 from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed by immersion in the solvent 120 are separated and recovered.
When the object to be treated 110 is immersed in the solvent 120, the adhesive is dissolved in the solvent 120 and removed, and the bond between the film, nonwoven fabric, etc. of the object to be treated 110 is broken, and the object to be treated 110 is removed. By decomposing and dissociating, constituent materials of the object to be processed 110 can be separated and recovered.

In this embodiment, the object to be processed 110 is dismantled by dissolving the adhesive in the solvent 120 without finely crushing the object to be processed 110. Therefore, the sheet 20 of nonwoven fabric or film is fragmented. The pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorbent body 10, which were peeled off and dissociated without being peeled off and dissociated, and were contained between the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 22 made of nonwoven fabrics, films, etc., are scattered in the solvent 120, and the sheets 20 and Can be easily separated.

In particular, when the adhesive is removed from the object to be treated 110, the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 are less likely to adhere to and remain on the sheet 20 made of nonwoven fabric, film, etc. The pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorbent body 10 are cleanly and easily separated from the nonwoven fabric or film sheet 20 and dispersed in the solvent 120 with less remaining pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12. In addition, since the sheet 20 of nonwoven fabric or film is separated in its large size without being broken into pieces, it is difficult for the sheet 20 to be mixed into the pulp fibers 11 and the like.
Furthermore, since the nonwoven fabric or film sheet 20 and the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorbent body 10 are significantly different in size, they can be easily separated.

Here, the separation and collection of the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 constituting the object to be treated 110 and the sheet 20 made of nonwoven fabric, film, etc. is performed based on their dimensional difference, specific gravity difference (density difference), sedimentation/floating, etc. Can be separated and recovered using differences, resistance, etc.
As a separation and collection means for separating and collecting the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorbent body 10 and the sheet 20 made of a nonwoven fabric, film, etc., for example, although the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorbent body 10 are passed through, a nonwoven fabric, a film, etc. For the sheet 20, a screen, sieve, filter, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as "screen F1") having a plurality of holes that do not allow the passage of light can be used. For example, one with an opening of 3 to 50 mm, preferably 5 to 40 mm, more preferably 5 to 25 mm can be used. At this time, separation may be promoted by vibrating the screen F1, or a roller screen may be used. Further, the screen F1 may be arranged in multiple stages or may be subjected to cascade processing.
In such filtration and separation using the screen F1, the nonwoven fabric or film sheet 20 is not broken and its original shape is generally maintained, and the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorbent body 10 are not made fine. It is possible to separate small-sized fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 from large-sized coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 made of nonwoven fabric, film, etc., without applying a load to the constituent materials.

For example, by passing the processing liquid (solid-liquid mixture) obtained by immersing the object 110 in the solvent 120 through the screen F1, fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 and the processing liquid (solvent 120 ) passes through the screen F1, while coarse pieces L such as the nonwoven fabric or film sheet 20 are captured and collected on the screen F1. As a result, the coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 can be separated from the fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 and collected separately without being broken into small pieces.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, a rotatable drum R (drum screen) as an inner drum provided with a screen F1 on the outer periphery is installed in the processing tank as the solvent processing section 510, and the to-be-processed inside the drum R is installed. A solvent treatment is performed in which the object 110 is immersed in a solvent 120. At this time, by rotating the drum R, its stirring, physical impact such as centrifugal force, and external force promote penetration of the solvent 120 into the object 110 and dissolution of the adhesive into the solvent 120. By dissolving the adhesive in the solvent 120, the constituent materials are likely to dissociate and separate. Then, due to the centrifugal force of the rotation, fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 are discharged from the holes of the screen F1 around the drum R to the outer shell outside the rotating drum R, and the nonwoven fabric or film is inside the outer shell. Since the coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 remain, the sheet 20 can be separated from the fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 and collected separately without breaking the sheet 20 into small pieces.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the screen F1 is installed in a processing tank in which the object 110 is immersed in a solvent 120, and the decomposed constituent materials of the object 110 are dissolved by dissolving the adhesive in the solvent 120. Utilizing the gravity of sedimentation or floating in the solvent 120, coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 and fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 can be separated and collected separately. It is possible.

For example, a dry cleaning solvent 120 having a specific gravity smaller than that of the SAP 12 of the absorber 10, preferably a petroleum-based, halogenated hydrocarbon-based, or a mixture thereof, whose specific gravity is 0.7 or more and 1.5 or less is used. In this case, if the adhesive in the object to be processed 110 is immersed in the solvent 120 and the bond of the adhesive in the object to be processed 110 is broken, the SAP 12 has a specific gravity greater than the solvent 120 and does not absorb the solvent 120, so the processing tank It settles (falls) in the solvent 120. Moreover, the pulp fibers 11 are dispersed or precipitated in the solvent 120 because the fibers are entangled with each other and the specific gravity thereof is larger than that of the solvent 120.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a predetermined location below the liquid level of the solvent 120 in the processing tank of the solvent processing section 510 in which the object to be processed 110 is immersed in the solvent 120 and above the bottom position is shown. When the above-mentioned screen F1 is installed at a position above the screen F1 and the workpiece 110 is introduced at a position above the screen F1, the solvent 120 penetrates into the workpiece 110 and the bond of the adhesive is broken, so that the workpiece 110 is The sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc. of the treated material 110 are scattered, and the fine pieces P of the pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc. of the absorber 10 pass through the screen F1 and settle, but the sheets 20, etc. of nonwoven fabric or film are scattered. Since the coarse pieces L do not pass through the screen F1, they are separated into fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 and coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 above and below the screen F1. Thereby, the coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 and the fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 can be separated and separately collected without breaking the sheet 20 into small pieces. At this time, it is preferable that at least the area above the screen F1 is stirred or the screen F1 is vibrated, so that the constituent materials of the object to be processed 110 are easily dissociated and separated, and the screen F1 of the sheet 20 is preferably clogging due to accumulation can be prevented, and fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 can be efficiently separated from coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20.

That is, the material to be treated 110 is introduced into the processing tank of the solvent processing section 510 provided with the screen F1 from above the screen F1, and the pulp of the absorber 10 is introduced from the solvent tank T1 connected to the solvent processing section 510. A solvent 120 having a specific gravity lower than that of the fibers 11 and SAP 12 is injected so that the liquid level is above the screen F1, and the object to be treated 110 is immersed in the solvent 120. At this time, preferably, the solvent 120 is stirred and vibrated by a stirring means that is immersed in the solvent 120, or the solvent 120 is stirred and vibrated by, for example, shaking a processing tank.
When the workpiece 110 is immersed in the solvent 120, the adhesive in the workpiece 110 is dissolved in the solvent 120, and the adhesive is dissolved and removed from the workpiece 110. 110 is disassembled and its constituent materials are scattered.
Among the constituent materials of the object to be treated 110, fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10, which have a specific gravity larger than that of the solvent 120 and smaller than the size of the sheet 20, pass through the screen F1 and settle. On the other hand, the coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 having larger dimensions than the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 stay above the screen F1. From this, coarse pieces L such as the large sheet 20 and fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorbent body 10 can be separately collected.

The pulp fibers 11 of the absorber 10 are separated and recovered by sedimentation or flotation of the constituent materials of the screen F1 and the material to be treated in the solvent 120 in which the material to be treated 110 is immersed in the solvent 120 in the solvent treatment section 510. In the case where fine pieces P such as SAP 12 and coarse pieces L such as sheet 20 are separated and recovered, the sheet It is possible to prevent clogging caused by the accumulation of coarse pieces L such as No. 20 on the screen F1, and it is possible to efficiently separate the screen F1, and it is also possible to reduce the physical impact on the constituent materials, that is, to perform separation under soft conditions. The pulp fibers 11 and the SAP 12 can be separated while maintaining their quality without deteriorating the absorber 10. Furthermore, since the device has a simple configuration, costs can be reduced.

Then, the coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 that remain above the screen F1 are discharged to the outside of the solvent processing section 510 by, for example, scraping, scooping, or winding them from the solvent 120 with a sheet collecting means. It can be collected by using the solvent, it can be captured and collected on the screen F1, or it can be discharged from the solvent processing section 510 together with the solvent 120 and separated from the solvent 120 using another screen or the like and collected. You can also do it.

The fine pieces P of pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 that have passed through the screen F1 and settled in the treatment tank of the solvent treatment section 510 are further transferred to the screen F1, which allows the pulp fibers 11 to pass through the SAP 12 but not the pulp fibers 11. The pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 may be separated by the screen F2 in the solvent 120 of the solvent treatment section 510, or they may be discharged together with the solvent 120 from the solvent treatment section 510 and It is also possible to provide a screen F2 at a location separate from 510 (such as an absorbent separation section 520 described later) and separate the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 there.

That is, the coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 and the separated fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 11 of the absorber 10 are separated by using the size difference, specific gravity difference (density difference), sedimentation/flotation difference, resistance, etc. It can be separated into pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12.
The absorbent separation and recovery means for separating and recovering the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 has, for example, openings such as holes such as a plurality of round holes and slits that allow the SAP 12 to pass through but not the pulp fibers 11. A screen, sieve, filter, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as "screen F2") can be used. For example, one with an opening of 0.1 to 5 mm, preferably 0.15 to 3 mm can be used. At this time, separation may be promoted by vibrating the screen F2, or a roller screen may be used. Further, the screen F2 may be arranged in multiple stages or may be subjected to cascade processing.

For example, the fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 and the solvent pass through the coarse screen F1 that does not allow the coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 to pass through, and are separated from the coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20. Regarding the treatment liquid containing 120, or regarding the treatment liquid containing fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP12 of the absorber 10 taken out from the coarse screen F1 on the outer periphery of the rotating drum and the solvent 120, By passing through the fine screen F2 that does not allow the pulp fibers 11 to pass through, the fine screen F2 captures the pulp fibers 11, while the SAP 12 and the solvent 120 of the processing liquid pass through the fine screen F2. Pulp fibers 11 can be separated and collected separately from SAP 12.

The processing liquid containing SAP12 and solvent 120 that has passed through the fine screen F2 is passed through a fine screen that allows the solvent 120 of the processing liquid to pass through but does not allow SAP12 to pass through, thereby capturing the SAP12 on the fine screen. On the other hand, since the solvent 120 of the processing liquid passes through the fine-mesh screen, the SAP 12 can be separated from the solvent 120 of the processing liquid by the fine-mesh screen and recovered separately.

Alternatively, for the coarse screen F1 that does not allow the sheet 20 or the like to pass through, which is installed at a predetermined position above the bottom position in the processing tank of the solvent processing section 510 in which the object to be processed 110 is immersed in the solvent 120, A fine screen F2 that allows SAP12 to pass through but not pulp fibers 11 is installed, and a fine screen F2 that captures SAP12 is installed below that to separate the SAP12 using sedimentation separation in the processing liquid. It can also be collected. That is, among the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 that have passed through the coarse screen F1 installed in the treatment tank in which the object 110 to be treated is immersed in the solvent 120 and have sunk, the fine fibers are removed at a position below the coarse screen F1. While the pulp fibers 11 stay at a position above the screen F2, the SAP12 passes through the fine screen F2 and sinks, and is further captured by the fine screen located below, thereby separating the pulp fibers 11 and SAP12. can be separated and collected separately. Alternatively, SAP 12 may be deposited at the bottom of the processing tank and collected all at once.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a coarse mesh that does not allow the sheet 20 or the like installed at a predetermined position above the bottom position in the processing tank of the solvent processing section 510 in which the object to be processed 110 is immersed in the solvent 120 may be used. Absorbent body separation equipped with a fine screen F2 that collects fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP12 of the absorbent body 10 that have passed through the screen F1 of the absorbent body 10 and allows them to pass through the SAP12 but not the pulp fibers 11. In the treatment tank 520, an absorbent separation solvent 220 different from the solvent 120 in which the object to be treated 110 was immersed in the solvent treatment unit 510 is put into the treatment tank, and fine particles such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 are placed in the treatment tank. The piece P may be charged, and the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 may be separated from each other in the absorbent separation solvent 220 and recovered separately. As the absorber separation solvent 220, the same solvents as those listed for the solvent 120 described above can be used.

In particular, a solvent 220 with a specific gravity greater than the specific gravity of the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10, preferably a halogenated hydrocarbon dry cleaning solvent with a specific gravity in the range of 1.6 or more and 1.8 or less, or When the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 are immersed in a mixed solvent with a petroleum-based dry cleaning solvent, the SAP 12 has a smaller specific gravity than the solvent 220 and the pulp fibers 11 and does not absorb the solvent 220. It floats in the solvent 220.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the above-mentioned screen F2 is installed at a predetermined position in the processing tank of the absorber separation unit 520 containing the absorber separation solvent 220, and a sheet is placed at a position lower than the screen F2. By feeding the pulp fibers 11 of the absorber 10 and the fine pieces P of SAP12, etc., which have been separated and collected and dried separately from the coarse pieces L such as No. 20, the granular materials P2 such as SAP12 float up and The fibrous materials P1, such as pulp fibers 11, pass through F2 and move above the screen F2, and the fibrous materials P1, such as pulp fibers 11, do not pass through the screen F2, and stay below the screen F2, so that granular materials such as SAP 12, etc., pass through the screen F2. It is separated into a substance P2 and a fibrous substance P1 such as pulp fiber 11. From this, the particulate matter P2 such as SAP12 and the fibrous material P1 such as pulp fiber 11 can be collected separately.

That is, the absorbent separating solvent 220 having a higher specific gravity than the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 is injected into the processing tank of the absorbent separating part 520 from the solvent tank T2 connected to the absorbent separating part 520 and containing the absorbent separating solvent 220, In the processing tank of the absorbent separation unit 520 provided with the screen F2, fine pieces such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP12 of the absorbent body 10 that are separated and collected and dried separately from the coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 are placed below the screen F2. Feed piece P. At this time, preferably, the absorbent separating solvent 220 is stirred and vibrated by a stirring means immersed in the absorbent separating solvent 220, or the absorbent separating solvent 220 is stirred and vibrated by shaking a processing tank or the like.
When the fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP12 of the absorbent body 10 are put into the absorbent separation solvent 220 and stirred, the SAP12, which has a lighter specific gravity than the absorbent separation solvent 220 and the pulp fibers 11, is granular, and has a smaller size. , rises (floats) in the absorbent separation solvent 220, passes through the screen F2, and moves above the screen F2, while the pulp fibers 11, which are larger in size than the SAP12 due to the entanglement of single fibers, are larger than the screen F2. Stay at the bottom. Therefore, particulate matter P2 such as SAP12 and fibrous matter P1 such as pulp fiber 11 can be collected separately.

The particulate matter P2 such as SAP12 floating above the screen F2 can be discharged together with the solvent 220 to the outside of the absorber separation unit 520 and separated and recovered from the solvent 220 using another screen or the like. It may be captured and recovered on the ground.
Fibrous materials P1 such as pulp fibers 11 that remain below the screen F2 are discharged to the outside of the absorbent separation unit 520 together with the solvent 220 and collected, and are separated and collected from the solvent 220 using another screen or the like. Alternatively, the SAP 12 and solvent 220 may be discharged and deposited on the bottom of the processing tank and recovered.

In the absorbent separation unit 520, the fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP12 of the absorbent 10 are separated and collected in the absorbent separation solvent 220 by the floating separation and recovery means of the screen F2 and SAP12, and are separated into particulates P2 such as SAP12. In the case where the fibrous material P1 such as the pulp fiber 11 is separated and recovered, a treatment liquid of the solvent 120 containing the granular material P2 such as SAP 12 and the fibrous material P1 such as the pulp fiber 11 is passed through the screen F2. It is possible to prevent clogging caused by the accumulation of fibrous materials P1 such as pulp fibers 11 on the screen F2, and to separate them efficiently, and to reduce the physical impact on the constituent materials. Since the separation can be performed under such conditions, the pulp fibers 11 and the SAP 12 can be separated while maintaining their quality without deteriorating the absorber 10. Furthermore, since the device has a simple configuration, costs can be reduced.

That is, by separating the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 using gravity in the screen F2 and the absorbent separation solvent 220 having a higher specific gravity than SAP 12, the mixing ratio can be reduced with less load on the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 with less energy. This makes it possible to separate and collect SAP 12 and pulp fiber 11, which have extremely low purity and have high purity. Pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 can be separated with good separation accuracy, and high-purity pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 can be obtained with good productivity.
Therefore, the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 can be separated with high precision with a small energy load without making the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 fine or pulverized, and the separated and collected pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 are It becomes a high quality product with little deterioration. Therefore, it is suitable for material recycling. In particular, even if the object to be processed 110 is immersed in the solvent 120, the SAP 12 does not absorb oil, and as mentioned above, it can be separated and recovered without being refined or pulverized, so the particle size distribution does not change significantly. Since the SAP 12 can be recovered at a high recovery rate while maintaining its original properties such as water absorption, the recovered SAP 12 is of high quality and is suitable for material recycling as a constituent material of absorbent articles. In addition, since the material to be processed 110 is not finely crushed in the pulp fiber 11, there is less contamination with the sheet 20, rubber thread 25, tape, etc., and the material can be separated and recovered at a low load without degrading the material. The pulp fibers 11 can be recovered at a high recovery rate while maintaining properties such as water absorption, and the recovered pulp fibers 11 are of high quality suitable for material recycling as a constituent material of absorbent articles.

When carrying out the present invention, in addition to this, as a separation means and recovery means for separating and recovering the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12, for example, in the processing liquid containing the solvent 120 after collecting the coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20, It is also possible to separate the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 by applying a liquid flow to the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 and moving the SAP 12, which has a relatively small specific gravity, to a different location from the pulp fibers 11, which have a relatively large specific gravity. Alternatively, it is also possible to separate and recover using a wet classifier such as a liquid cyclone HC that utilizes centrifugal force.

As shown in Fig. 6, the liquid cyclone HC is formed into a conical (inverted triangular pyramid) cylindrical shape, and has an inlet on the upper side of the conical body (cylindrical container) through which the processing liquid is pumped from the side. It has a lower outlet at the lower end of the cone and an upper outlet at the upper end of the cone. By pumping the processing liquid containing the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 and the solvent 120 to the inlet of the cone of the liquid cyclone, the processing liquid is flowed at high speed in the circumferential direction due to the centrifugal force caused by the vortex of the rotational motion. The pulp fibers 11 rotate along the inner wall of the cylinder and are discharged from the upper discharge port together with the solvent 120 of the treatment liquid, and the SAP 12 descends while rotating along the inner wall and is discharged from the lower discharge port. This also allows the SAP 12 to be separated and recovered separately from the treatment liquid containing the pulp fibers 11 and the solvent 120. Furthermore, the pulp fibers 11 and the solvent 120 can be separated and recovered separately through a screen or sedimentation separation. In the method that uses centrifugal force to separate the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 contained in the solvent 120 in which the object 110 is immersed, the processing liquid of the solvent 120 is used as the medium, so production can be performed with fewer steps. The pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 can be separated efficiently and with higher precision.

Incidentally, the coarse pieces L including the sheet 20 and the like that have been separated and collected may be further separated from other constituent materials such as the rubber thread 25 and tape, and then subjected to the drying process (step S3), or may be subjected to the drying process (step S3). S3) It may be separated afterward. Further, the sheet 20 made of nonwoven fabric or film can be further classified into a plurality of types using differences in specific gravity or the like. Note that the specific gravity of the sheet 20 varies depending on the type, content, etc. of the resin and filler (additive).
Furthermore, after other constituent materials such as the thread rubber 25 and tape are separated and removed from the granular material P2 containing SAP 12 and the like and the fibrous material P1 containing the pulp fiber 11, etc., they are subjected to the drying process (step S3) described below. Alternatively, it may be separated and removed after the drying step (step S3). Other constituent materials such as the separated rubber thread 25 and tape can also be recycled as material recycling.

In particular, in this embodiment, the material to be processed 110 is not finely pulverized, so the collected SAP 12 and pulp fibers 11 contain less fine sheets 20, rubber thread 25, tape, etc. Foreign matter can be easily separated, and SAP 12 and pulp fibers 11 can be separated and recovered with high purity. Furthermore, since the object to be processed 110 is disassembled and disassembled by dissolving the adhesive of the object to be processed 110 in the solvent 120 and the constituent materials are separated and recovered, the sheet 20 of nonwoven fabric or film is cut into small pieces. In addition, since the adhesive is removed from the object 110, the absorbent material of the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 is formed on the nonwoven fabric or film sheet 20. Since it is difficult for 10 to adhere and remain, foreign matter can be easily removed. Furthermore, since the adhesive has been removed, the sheet 20 can be recovered in high quality with less foreign matter, so the recovered sheet 20 is suitable for recycling for a wide range of uses. Since SAP12 etc. are finely granulated and pulverized and do not flow out, there is no burden on wastewater.

As described above, in this embodiment, the object to be processed 110 is dismantled by removing the adhesive from the object to be processed 110 without finely defibrating, crushing, crushing, etc. It is easy to separate the sheets 20, such as the top sheet 21 and back sheet 22, from the absorbent body 10, which is comprised of the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 contained between the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 22. Therefore, it is possible to accurately separate SAP 12 with less energy, ie, under low load conditions, without inputting excessive energy that would cause the SAP 12 to become fine or pulverized. Since the SAP 12 and the pulp fibers 11 can be separated and recovered without causing deterioration or changes in properties such as water absorption due to granulation or pulverization, it is suitable for recycling as constituent materials of absorbent articles. That is, in a method in which the object to be processed 110 is dismantled by dipping the object to be processed 110 in a solvent 120 to dissolve the adhesive, the sheet 20 is broken into pieces by removing the adhesive from the object to be processed 110. The material of the object to be processed 110 is easily scattered without entanglement or sticking between the constituent materials of the object to be processed 110, which is caused by finely defibrating, disintegrating, crushing, etc. As a result, the constituent materials can be separated and recovered with less energy, and the recovery rate of the constituent materials is also high.

In this way, in the separation and recovery process (step S2), at least pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, nonwoven fabrics, The sheet 20 such as a film is separated and collected separately.

Subsequently, in the drying step (step S3), in the drying section 550 equipped with a drying means, each of the separated and collected constituent materials is dried by the drying means, thereby removing the solvent remaining in each of the separated and collected constituent materials. 120 and 220 are removed and desolvated.
As a drying means, for example, the solvents 120 and 220 can be evaporated by natural drying at room temperature, drying at a temperature higher than room temperature, air drying with room temperature air, drying by blowing hot air, drying under reduced pressure, etc. , a vacuum pump, a fan, etc. can be used.
However, since the petroleum solvents 120 and 220 have low flash points, the solvents 120 and 220 are volatilized under reduced pressure, with nitrogen substitution, and with controlled gas and oxygen concentrations. Note that it is preferable to carry out drying until the solvent ratio becomes 1% by mass or less.
At this time, the collected constituent materials may be dried individually or may be dried all at once. Since the solvents 120 and 220 are used for drying, drying can be performed with low load and energy saving.
In the drying section 550, uneven drying is prevented and removed by a mechanism that rotates the processing tank, for example, a mechanism that rotates the tank itself, a mechanism that provides a rotating body in the tank and rotates the rotating body, or a wind current. It is also possible to accelerate the conversion into a solvent and shorten the drying time.

Incidentally, the coarse pieces L including the sheet 20 and the like that have been separately collected and dried may be further separated and collected into the sheet 20 such as a nonwoven fabric or film, and other constituent materials such as the rubber thread 25 and tape.
The sheet 20 made of nonwoven fabric or film can also be further classified into a plurality of types using differences in specific gravity or the like. Note that the specific gravity of the sheet 20 differs depending on the type and content of the resin and filler (additive).
Further, the SAP 12 is collected after being separated and removed from other constituent materials such as the thread rubber 25 and tape from the dried granular material P2 containing the SAP 12 and the like. That is, the SAP 12 is recovered by separating and removing other constituent materials such as the rubber thread 25 and tape from the granular material P2 containing the separated and dried SAP 12 and the like.
The pulp fibers 11 are collected separately, and other constituent materials such as the rubber thread 25 and tape are separated and removed from the dried fibrous material P1 containing the pulp fibers 11 and the like, and then the pulp fibers 11 are collected. That is, the pulp fibers 11 are recovered by separating and removing other constituent materials such as the thread rubber 25 and tape from the fibrous material P1 containing the pulp fibers 11 and the like which have been separated and recovered and dried.
Other constituent materials such as the separated rubber thread 25 and tape can also be recycled as material recycling.

Thus, in the present embodiment, in the solvent treatment section 510, the absorbent body 10 including the pulp fibers 11 and the SAP 12 is surrounded by the sheet 20 such as a film or nonwoven fabric, and the opposing sheets 20 are bonded with an adhesive. A solvent treatment step (step S1) is performed in which the object to be treated 110, which is an absorbent article to be used, is immersed in a solvent 120 to dissolve the adhesive of the object to be treated 110 in the solvent 120, and the adhesive is removed by a separation and recovery means. By carrying out a separation and recovery step (step S2) of separating and recovering the constituent materials of the object 110 that have been dissolved and removed, and by carrying out a drying step (step S3) of drying the separated and recovered constituent materials by a drying means. , at least pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, and a sheet 20 such as a nonwoven fabric or film are separated and recovered from a treated object 110, which is an unused absorbent article.

As described above, in this embodiment, the object to be processed 110 is disassembled and disassembled by dissolving the adhesive in the solvent 120 without pulverizing the object to be processed 110, and the constituent materials are separated and recovered. Therefore, the nonwoven fabric or film sheet 20 is not fragmented (decomposed) and is separated while maintaining its original shape, and the adhesive is removed from the object 110. The absorber 10 of pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 adheres to the sheet 20 of nonwoven fabric or film and is difficult to remain, and the pulp fibers 11 and Separation of the SAP 12 from the absorber 10 is easy. Therefore, constituent materials can be separated efficiently and accurately with less energy and energy cost, and the recovery rate is also high. Since the constituent materials can be easily separated without applying excessive energy, the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 can be separated with a small load, and the miniaturization and deterioration of the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 are suppressed. be done. Furthermore, the adhesive has been removed from the separated pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12. Therefore, the recovered pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 are of high quality, suitable for material recycling, and have properties comparable to virgin raw materials. Therefore, it can be reused as a constituent material of absorbent articles, enabling material recycling for a wide range of uses.
In particular, in this embodiment, the object to be processed 110 is immersed in the solvent 120 and the constituent materials are separated and recovered in a wet state, so that the separation can be performed with low energy and accuracy, and the SAP 12 and pulp fibers 11 can also be pulverized and finely pulverized. Because it is difficult to convert, high-quality products can be obtained.

Therefore, the recovered SAP12 can not only be reused in absorbent products, but also used in agriculture and horticulture (soil water retention agents, pesticide disintegration aids, etc.), food products (freshness preservation agents, antifreeze agents, etc.). cold packs), civil engineering and construction (solid agents, anti-condensation agents, water-stopping materials), cosmetics and pharmaceuticals (air fresheners, lotions, drops), sanitary products, portable toilets for disasters, electrical and electronic materials (for optical cables) It can be used in a wide range of applications such as water stop materials) and paints.
The pulp fibers 11 can of course be reused for absorbent articles, and can also be used for material recycling in a wide range of applications as fiber materials for paper, cardboard, sanitary products, and the like. Chemical recycling is also possible by performing saccharification treatment.

Further, in the present embodiment, the sheet 20 that constitutes the object to be treated 110 is also treated with a solvent, in which the object to be treated 110 is immersed in a solvent 120 to dissolve the adhesive without pulverizing the object 110. The sheets 20, such as the back sheet 22, can be easily separated from the pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc. of the absorbent body 10, and can be recovered at a high recovery rate, while keeping the sheet shape as it was when input.

The coarse pieces L, such as the sheet 20, separated and collected from the object to be processed 110 can be solidified by compression or the like, and can also be thermally recycled as a solidified fuel (Refuse derived paper and plastics densified fuel: RPF). In particular, since the adhesive has been removed from the coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 that have been separated and collected from the object to be treated 110, which is an unused absorbent article, and the content of impurities such as moisture, ash, and chlorine is low, It has good ignitability, can generate a high amount of heat, and becomes a stable, high-quality solidified fuel. That is, a high calorific value comparable to that of coal or coke can be obtained, and it becomes a high-quality solidified fuel that is unlikely to cause boiler corrosion or dioxin generation due to chlorine gas.
That is, the object to be treated 110, which is an unused absorbent article, is immersed in a solvent 120 to dissolve the adhesive, thereby disassembling the object to be treated 110, and separating it into SAP 12 and pulp fibers 11 by filtration using a screen F, etc. In the resulting sheet 20, since the SAP 12, pulp fibers 11, etc. are not finely divided or pulverized, there is extremely little contamination of SAP 12 and pulp fibers 11, and there is no adhesion of adhesive, resulting in a high-quality product. . Therefore, the solidified fuel obtained by molding and compressing them with a molding machine and turning it into solid fuel with a solid fuel forming means that cools it with a cooler has an extremely low blending ratio of SAP 12 and pulp fiber 11. This results in a low moisture content. Further, SAP12 is not inactivated with an inactivating agent such as calcium chloride, and furthermore, since the adhesive has been removed, impurities such as ash and chlorine are contained less. Therefore, it has a high calorific value and is of high quality. In addition, the solidified fuel obtained by solidifying the sheet 20 etc. separated from the SAP 12 and the pulp fibers 11 is lightweight and saves space and energy when stored and transported because the SAP 12 does not expand due to water absorption. , the burden on transport workers is small and the work can be carried out safely. Furthermore, since the mixing ratio of SAP 12 is extremely small, there is no risk of generation of strange odor due to heat accumulation of SAP 12 or ignition.

Alternatively, it can be melted and solidified (pelletized) to become a plastic raw material and recycled into plastic products. In particular, since the adhesive has been removed from the large pieces L, such as the sheet 20, separated and collected from the object to be processed 110, which is an unused absorbent article, the large pieces L have few impurities and are easy to use for plastic processing. . That is, in this embodiment, since the adhesive has been removed from the separated sheet 20 of film or nonwoven fabric, it is dissolved as a plastic raw material and stretched into a film, or made into a resin by extrusion molding, blow molding, etc. Even when molded, the properties are comparable to virgin raw materials, resulting in high-quality, high-purity recycled materials.
In this case, the bulky pieces L such as the sheet 20 made of multiple types of nonwoven fabric or film are further separated and sorted by component using differences in specific gravity. As a separation means, a cyclone or the like that performs centrifugal separation in a solvent 120 before drying or in air after drying can be used, and it is also possible to separate film sheets and nonwoven fabric sheets by a cyclone or the like using centrifugal force.
The various plastic raw materials with different specific gravities separated in this way can be recycled into resin products such as absorbent articles, packaging materials (bags, films, containers, tubes, wraps, etc.), plastic films, plastic bags, etc. .

Alternatively, it is possible to convert it into oil and chemically or thermally recycle it as a generated oil such as naphtha, light oil, or heavy oil, or as a blast furnace reducing agent or coke substitute. The produced oil can be used for chemical raw materials such as fuel and plastics.

By the way, this embodiment further includes adhesive separation and recovery in which the solvent 120 in which the adhesive is dissolved is distilled after the constituent materials of the object to be treated 110 are recovered, and the adhesive precipitated by the distillation is separated and recovered. The step (step S4) is provided.
In the adhesive separation and recovery step (step S4), the adhesive is precipitated from the solvent 120 in which the adhesive is dissolved after the constituent materials of the object to be processed 110 have been recovered by distillation as an adhesive separation and recovery means. Separate and collect. In addition, in the separation and recovery apparatus of this embodiment, the solvent circulation path 540 connecting the solvent tank T1 and the distillation section 530 is formed, so that the adhesive formed by cooling the solvent gas in the distillation section 530 The solvent 120 from which is removed is fed to the solvent tank T1 through the solvent circulation path 540, and thus is reused as the solvent 120 for immersing the object 110 to be treated. Note that the solvent circulation path 540 is provided with a filtration section equipped with a filter, and after the solvent 120 from which the adhesive has been removed is used to remove foreign substances by the filter of the filtration section, the object 110 to be treated is immersed again. The solvent is reused as a solvent 120.

That is, the solid adhesive can be separated and recovered from the solvent 120 by distilling the solvent 120 in which the adhesive is dissolved to precipitate the adhesive. The evaporated solvent gas is then cooled and condensed to become a liquid solvent 120 from which the adhesive has been removed, which is then filtered through a filter in the filtration section and reused as the solvent 120 in which the object to be treated 110 is immersed. .
In particular, if the dry cleaning solvent 120 is petroleum-based or halogenated hydrocarbon-based, the recovery rate of the eluted adhesive is high.

Thus, in this embodiment, the solvent 120 in which the adhesive is dissolved is not disposed of externally, but is recovered by distillation and used as the solvent 120 for repeatedly immersing the object 110. . Therefore, it is not necessary to treat waste liquid of the solvent 120, and costs can be reduced. Furthermore, since the adhesive can be separated and recovered by distilling the solvent 120 in which the adhesive is dissolved, the adhesive can also be recycled as a material, and the resources of the constituent materials of the absorbent article can be used more effectively.
That is, in this embodiment, the object to be processed 110 is disassembled and disassembled by dissolving the adhesive in the object to be processed 110 in the solvent 120. By dissolving the adhesive in the solvent 120, Since the adhesive can be precipitated from the solvent 120 by distillation, it is also possible to separate and recover the adhesive from the treated object 110, which is an unused absorbent article, and perform material recycling. Therefore, it is possible to increase the reusability and recycling rate of the constituent materials of unused absorbent articles, thereby contributing to environmental conservation.

The series of separation and recovery devices has an intake section that takes in outside air and an exhaust section that exhausts internal air. The internal air is appropriately exhausted and discharged to the outside.

In this way, the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the present embodiment involves surrounding the absorbent core 10 of pulp fibers 12 and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) 12 with the sheet 20, and hot melting between the opposing sheets 20. A separation and recovery method for separating and recovering component materials from unused absorbent articles that are non-standard products and scraps bonded with adhesive, and in which unused non-standard products and scraps are removed in the solvent treatment process (step S1). The object to be treated 110, which is an absorbent article to be used, is immersed in a solvent 120 to dissolve the adhesive bonding between the sheets 20, and in the separation and recovery step (step S2), the adhesive is dissolved in the solvent 120. The constituent materials of the dissociated absorbent article are separated and collected, and in a drying step (step S3), the separated and collected constituent materials are dried to volatilize the solvent 120.

In addition, in the separation and recovery device for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the present embodiment, an absorbent body 10 made of pulp fibers 12 and a super absorbent polymer (SAP) 12 is surrounded by a sheet 20, and opposing sheets 20 are bonded by hot melt bonding. A separation and recovery device that separates and collects constituent materials from unused absorbent articles that are non-standard products or scraps bonded with a chemical agent, and is used to separate and collect component materials from unused absorbent articles that are non-standard products or scraps that are bonded with a chemical agent. A solvent treatment section 510 that immerses the article 110 in a solvent 120 to dissolve the adhesive bonding the sheets 20 together; and a screen that separates and recovers constituent materials of the absorbent article that have been dissociated by dissolving the adhesive in the solvent 120. It is equipped with a separation and collection means such as F1, and a drying means such as a heater, a vacuum pump, a fan, etc., which dries the separated and collected constituent materials and evaporates the solvent 120.

According to the separation and recovery method and separation and recovery apparatus for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the present embodiment, the hot melt adhesive that joins the constituent members of an unused absorbent article is dissolved in the solvent 120. Since the constituent members are dissociated and their constituent materials are separated and recovered, the adhesive is dissolved and removed, making it easier to dissociate and decompose the absorbent article (object to be treated 110), thereby increasing the recovery rate of the constituent materials. You can improve. In particular, by removing the adhesive, there is no entanglement caused by the adhesive, so the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 can be granulated and pulverized with less energy, and the sheet 20 and the fibers contained therein can be reduced. The pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 can be easily separated due to their differences in size, specific gravity, etc. The pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 can be finely separated and separated with low energy without pulverization, and since the adhesive is also removed, the sheets 20, pulp fibers 11, and SAP 12 can be separated with high quality. It is possible to separate and recover the constituent materials such as, making it suitable for material recycling.

In particular, in this embodiment, the constituent materials of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been removed are immersed in the solvent 120, and the constituent materials of the absorbent article are separated and recovered in the solvent 120, and then dried. In the case where the constituent materials are separated in a wet state using gravity and the difference in specific gravity with the solvent 120, the constituent materials can be separated under conditions that place a low load on the constituent materials. Therefore, by being able to separate the constituent materials under soft conditions that do not cause them to deteriorate or become finer, it is possible to separate and recover the constituent materials with high quality.

In addition, as a sheet separation and recovery step, the constituent materials of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been removed are immersed in a solvent 120 in the solvent treatment section 510, and the sheet 20, the pulp fibers 11 as the absorbent body 10, and the SAP 12 are soaked in the solvent 120. Then, as an absorber separation and recovery step, the sheet 20 and the separated pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 are separated into pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 in a solvent 220 having a higher specific gravity than SAP 12 in an absorber separation section 520. The separation method separates the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 into fine particles with low load and soft conditions that do not cause pulverization, and with a simple device configuration, and with high precision and high quality. It is recoverable and low cost.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the adhesive separation and recovery step (step S4), the solvent 120 in which the adhesive is dissolved is distilled in the distillation section 530 to precipitate and separate and recover the adhesive. It also enables material recycling and more effective use of resources. In addition, since the solvent 120 distilled in the solvent circulation path 540 is reused as the solvent 120 for immersing the object to be treated 110, which is an absorbent article, in the solvent processing section 510, wastewater treatment of the solvent 120 is not required, and the environment is improved. It is possible to reduce load and cost.

Here, Example 1 of a separation and recovery method and a separation and recovery apparatus for separating and recovering constituent materials of an unused absorbent article according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.
The separation and recovery apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a screen F1 as a separation means in a processing tank of a solvent processing section 510 that immerses an object to be processed 110 in a solvent 120. The screen F1 has openings such as a plurality of holes such as round holes and slits with a diameter that allows the SAP 12 and pulp fibers 11 of the absorber 10 to pass through but does not allow the sheet 20 to pass through, and has an opening of about 5 to 25 mm. It is something.

A solvent tank T1 containing the solvent 120 is connected to the solvent treatment section 510 via a pump, a valve, etc. When the valve is open, the solvent 120 in the solvent tank T1 is transferred to the solvent treatment section by driving the pump. The solvent 120 in the solvent tank T1 is supplied into the processing tank T1, and when the pump is stopped or the valve is closed, supply of the solvent 120 in the solvent tank T1 into the processing tank is stopped. From this, the solvent 120 in which the object to be treated 110 is immersed is pumped from the solvent tank T1 and placed in the processing tank of the solvent processing section 510 up to a predetermined liquid level.

Therefore, first, the object to be treated 110 is accommodated in the processing tank of the solvent processing section 510, the valve disposed between the solvent processing section 510 and the solvent tank T1 is opened, and the pump is operated. , the solvent 120 in the solvent tank T1 is poured into the processing tank of the solvent processing section 510 to a predetermined liquid level above the screen F1, and the object to be processed 110 is immersed in the solvent 120 in the processing tank of the solvent processing section 510.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the object to be processed 110 is immersed in the solvent 120 in the processing tank of the solvent processing section 510, the adhesive in the object to be processed 110 immersed in the solvent 120 is dissolved in the solvent 120, so that the object to be processed 110 is immersed in the solvent 120. The object to be treated 110 is decomposed, dissociated, and disassembled, and the constituent materials of the object to be treated 110 are scattered into the solvent 120. At this time, preferably, the solvent 120 in which the object to be treated 110 is immersed is stirred by a stirring means such as a stirrer. Alternatively, the processing tank itself is shaken to give vibration to the solvent 120. This promotes decomposition of the object to be processed 110 and separation of constituent materials, improving processing efficiency.

Here, in Example 1, a petroleum-based dry cleaning solvent 120 with a specific gravity of 0.6 or more and 0.8 or less, which is smaller than the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorbent body 10, is used as the solvent 120. did. Then, in the processing tank of the solvent processing section 510, the object to be processed 110 was placed above the screen F1 installed in the processing tank of the solvent processing section 510.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, when the adhesive in the object 110 is dissolved in the solvent 120 in the treatment tank of the solvent processing section 510, the object 110 is decomposed, dissociated, and disassembled. Among the constituent materials of the treated material 110, fine pieces P such as the cotton-like pulp fibers 11 and granular SAP 12 of the absorber 10 descend, pass through the screen F1, and settle below the screen F1, while the sheets 20, etc. The coarse pieces L stay above the screen F1 without passing through the screen F1.

In this way, in the first embodiment, the screen F1 is installed in the solvent processing section 510, the solvent 120 is filled up to the position above the screen F1, and the object to be processed 110 is introduced above the position of the screen F1. By immersing the object 110 in the petroleum-based dry cleaning solvent 120 with a specific gravity of 0.6 or more and 0.8 or less, the screen F1 is Because the size is smaller than the hole, fine pieces P such as pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 settle below the screen F1, while coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 stay above the screen F1. It is separated into fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP12 of the absorber 10 that have settled below the screen F1, and coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 that have settled above the screen F1. Therefore, the fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 and the coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 can be collected separately.

The coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 that have accumulated above the screen F1 can be removed from the solvent by, for example, scraping, scooping, or winding them up from the solvent 120, or by using air flow or liquid flow. It is discharged to the outside of the processing unit 510 and collected. The coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 discharged from the solvent-treated material 510 are conveyed to a drying section 550 equipped with drying means such as a heater, a vacuum pump, and a fan, where they are dried with hot air or the like. Then, the collected and dried coarse pieces L including the sheet 20 are thermally recycled, material recycled, or chemically recycled as solid fuel, plastic raw material, or produced oil.
In addition, since the dried coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 may contain other constituent materials such as the rubber thread 25 and labels, the sheet 20 of nonwoven fabric or film and other components such as the rubber thread 25 may also be included. The constituent materials may be separated, separated and collected, and recycled separately.

In the processing tank of the solvent processing section 510, the fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 that have settled below the screen F1 are treated together with the solvent 120 after the coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 are discharged to the outside. The solvent is discharged to the outside of the processing tank of the solvent processing section 510, filtered by a filtration section 560 to remove the solvent 120, and then sent to a drying section 550 equipped with a drying means using a heater, a vacuum pump, a fan, etc. .
The solvent 120 containing fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP12 discharged from the solvent processing section 510 is filtered in the filtration section 560 and separated into the solvent 120 and fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP12. Then, the fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 separated from the solvent 120 in the filtration section 560 are sent to the drying section 550, where they are dried by hot air drying, reduced pressure drying, etc., and are desolvated.
In addition, in FIG. 3, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, a plurality of drying sections 550 are shown, but this does not mean that the separation apparatus is provided with a plurality of drying sections 550. It is sufficient if there is one or more. Furthermore, when implementing the present invention, a filtering section 560 may be provided in the solvent processing section 510. The filtration means in the filtration section 560 is, for example, filter filtration or sedimentation separation.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the filtration section 560 is connected to the distillation section 530, and the solvent 120 discharged from the filtration section 560 is fed to the distillation section 530 and distilled there.
The solvent 120 discharged from the filtration section 560 may be once recovered in a solvent recovery tank disposed between the filtration section 560 and the distillation section 530, and then sent to the distillation section 530 from there.
The exhaust solvent gas generated when the fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 are dried in the drying section 550 may also be cooled and sent to the solvent recovery tank and the distillation section 530.
Since the adhesive contained in the object to be treated 110 is dissolved in the solvent 120 in which the object to be treated 110 has been immersed, the solvent 120 after the object to be treated 110 has been immersed is dissolved in the distillation section 530. By distilling, the adhesive precipitates and is separated and recovered.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the distillation section 530 is connected to the solvent tank T1 by a solvent circulation path 540, and a filtration section equipped with a fine-mesh filter for removing foreign substances is disposed in the middle of the solvent circulation path 540. It is done.
From this, the liquid solvent 120 distilled by cooling and condensing the evaporated solvent gas in the distillation section 530 is sent to the solvent tank T1 after fine foreign matter is filtered out by the filter in the filtration section. As a result, the solvent 120 is reused as the solvent 120 for immersing the object 110 to be treated.

In the first embodiment, the pulp fibers 11 and the fine pieces P such as SAP 12 of the absorbent body 10 dried in the drying section 550 are further conveyed to the absorbent body separating section 520, and are transported to the processing tank of the absorbent body separating section 520. It is put inside.
As shown in FIG. 5, the processing tank of the absorbent separation section 520 includes a screen F2 as an absorbent separation and recovery means. The screen F2 has openings such as a plurality of holes such as round holes and slits having a diameter that allows the SAP 12 to pass through but does not allow the pulp fibers 11 to pass through, and has an opening of about 1 mm.

In the present Example 1, the absorbent separating section 520 has a separating section 520a in which the screen F2 is installed, and an opening A opened upward into which the fine particles P are introduced, and is arranged in the separating section 520a. It is comprised of an input section 520b that is continuously connected to the separation section 520a below the screen F2 and feeds the fine particles P below the screen F2.
The separation section 520a where the screen F2 is installed is provided with an upper discharge section B above the screen F2 for discharging the SAP12 floating on the solvent 220 to the outside as an overflow, and an upper discharge section B below the screen F2. A lower discharge part C that can be opened and closed for discharging the pulp fibers 11 is provided at the lower part. Further, above the screen F2 and below the upper discharge section B, there is an upwardly opened injection port D into which the solvent 220 is injected in order to discharge the pulp fibers 11 from the lower discharge section C. It is provided.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 3, the solvent tank T2 containing the solvent 220 is connected to the absorber separation unit 520 via a pump, a valve, etc. When the valve is open, the solvent tank T2 is connected to the solvent tank T2 by driving the pump when the valve is open. The solvent 220 in the solvent tank T2 is supplied to the processing tank of the absorber separation unit 520, and when the pump is stopped or the valve is closed, the supply of the solvent 220 in the solvent tank T2 to the processing tank is stopped. It looks like this. From this, the solvent 220 is pumped from the solvent tank T2 and introduced into the processing tank through the opening A and the injection port D of the absorber separating section 520. Note that at least the lower discharge section C is in a closed state when injecting into the opening A.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the first embodiment, first, the fine particles P are introduced into the opening A of the processing tank of the absorbent separation section 520, and then the connection between the absorbent separation section 520 and the solvent tank T2 is performed. By opening the valve disposed between them and operating the pump, the solvent 220 in the solvent tank T2 is introduced from the opening A of the absorber separating section 520, and the screen in the processing tank of the absorber separating section 520 is removed. The solvent is filled up to a predetermined position below F2, and the fine pieces P are immersed in the solvent 220 in the treatment tank of the absorbent separation section 520. That is, in the present Example 1, due to the above-described configuration of the separating section 520a and the input section 520b of the absorbent separating section 520, the fine particles P introduced from the opening A of the absorbent separating section 520 are placed in the separating section 520a. It is fed below the screen F2 and immersed in the solvent 220 below the screen F2.
At this time, preferably, the solvent 220 in which the fine pieces P are immersed is stirred using a stirring means such as a stirrer. Alternatively, the processing tank itself is shaken to give vibration to the solvent 220. As a result, the fine pieces P are dispersed, the separation of the SAP 12 and the pulp fibers 11 is promoted, and the processing efficiency is improved. Note that the liquid level of the solvent 220 injected into the processing tank is set at a sufficient distance from the screen F2 so that the liquid level and splashing of the solvent 220 do not reach the screen F2 due to stirring and vibration at this time.

In Example 1, the solvent 220 is a halogenated hydrocarbon dry cleaning solvent 220 with a specific gravity of 1.5 or more and 1.8 or less, which has a higher specific gravity than the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10. is used. Preferably it is tetrachlorethylene.

From this, in the treatment tank of the absorber separation unit 520, when the introduced fine pieces P are immersed in the solvent 220 and the solvent 220 is stirred, the fine pieces P are dispersed in the solvent 220 and become suspended. . Then, when the stirring is stopped when the fine pieces P are dispersed in the solvent 220, the specific gravity of the SAP 12 is smaller than the solvent 220, and the SAP 12 is smaller than the specific gravity and size of the pulp fibers 11, and does not absorb the solvent 220. As a result, particulate SAP 12 of the fine particles P floats to the surface of the liquid.

Next, when the SAP 12 floats above the pulp fibers 11, the solvent 220 is added through the opening A of the input section 520b of the absorbent separation section 520 to raise the liquid level of the solvent 220 within the separation section 520a. While the granular SAP 12 passes through the screen F2, the flocculent pulp fibers 11 do not pass through the screen F2 and stay below the screen F2. Furthermore, when the liquid level of the solvent 220 in the separation part 520a is raised to the position of the upper discharge part B by injecting the solvent 220, the solvent 220 on which the SAP 12 that has passed through the screen F2 is floated overflows from the upper discharge part B and is discharged to the outside. be discharged.
That is, by injecting the solvent 220, the SAP 12 that has passed through the screen F2 is caused to overflow from the upper discharge part B together with the solvent 220, thereby causing the particulate matter P2 such as the SAP 12 to be discharged from the external discharge part B together with the solvent 220.
Subsequently, after the particulate matter P2 such as SAP12 is discharged from the upper discharge part B together with the solvent 220, the lower discharge part C and the inlet part D are opened, and the solvent is discharged from the opening of the inlet part D of the absorbent separation part 520. By injecting the solvent 220, the solvent 220 is introduced from above the screen F2, and the fibrous material P1 such as the pulp fiber 11 is discharged together with the solvent 220 from the opened lower discharge part C.

In this way, in the present Example 1, the screen F2 is installed in the absorbent separation section 520, the solvent 220 is put into the processing tank, and the fine particles P are thrown in at a position lower than the position of the screen F2. By immersing P in a halogenated hydrocarbon dry cleaning solvent 220 such as tetrachloroethylene with a specific gravity of 1.5 or more and 1.8 or less, the screen F2 is Because the size is smaller than the hole, SAP12 of the fine particles P floats above the screen F2, while the pulp fibers 11 of the minute particles P stay below the screen F2, so they float above the screen F2. It is separated into granular materials P2 such as SAP12 and fibrous materials P1 such as pulp fibers 11 that remain below the screen F2. Therefore, the granular materials P2 such as SAP12 and the fibrous materials P1 such as pulp fibers 11 can be collected separately.
That is, the particulate matter P2, such as SAP12, which passed through the screen F2 and floated to the liquid surface above the screen F2, and the fibrous material P1, such as the pulp fiber 11, which remained below the screen F2, are separated. , SAP12, etc. are discharged from the upper discharge section B, and fibrous materials P1, such as the pulp fibers 11, are discharged from the lower discharge section C. The fibrous material P1 such as No. 11 can be collected separately.

The solvent 220 containing the particulate matter P2 such as SAP12 discharged from the upper discharge part B of the separation part 520a due to overflow is sent to the filtration part 562, where the solvent 220 and the particulate matter P2 such as SAP12 are separated. Separated. Then, the particulate matter P2 such as SAP12 separated from the solvent 220 is sent to the drying section 550, where it is dried by hot air drying, reduced pressure drying, etc., and the solvent is removed. Furthermore, since the dried particulate matter P2 such as the SAP 12 may contain other constituent materials such as the thread rubber 25, the other constituent materials are removed using a screen or the like. From this, high-quality SAP 12 is recovered.

The solvent 220 containing the fibrous material P1 such as the pulp fibers 11 discharged from the lower discharge section C of the separation section 520a is also sent to the filtration section 561 separately from the particulate material P2 such as the SAP 12, and there, It is separated into the solvent 220 and the fibrous material P1 such as the pulp fiber 11. The fibrous material P1, such as the pulp fiber 11, separated from the solvent 220 is then fed to the drying section 550, where it is dried with hot air or the like to remove the solvent. Furthermore, since the dried fibrous material P1 such as the pulp fibers 11 of fine fibers may contain other constituent materials such as thread rubber 25 and short fibers such as rayon and synthetic fibers, other constituent materials may be removed using a screen or the like. Remove constituent materials. From this, high-quality pulp fibers 11 are recovered.
The filtration means in the filtration sections 561 and 562 is, for example, filter filtration or sedimentation separation.

In addition, other constituent materials such as thread rubber 25, short fibers such as rayon and synthetic fibers, which are separated from the SAP 12 and pulp fibers 11, are collected together with coarse pieces L such as sheets 20, which are separately collected, as well as solid fuel and plastics. It is possible to thermally recycle, materially recycle, or chemically recycle the raw material or produced oil.

In the first embodiment, the filtration units 561 and 562 are connected to the solvent tank T2 through a solvent circulation path 540, and a fine-mesh filter (not shown) is disposed in the middle of the solvent circulation path 540. The solvent 220 discharged from the filtration units 561 and 562 is filtered to remove fine foreign matter through a fine-mesh filter, and then fed to the solvent tank T2, whereby the solvent 220 separates the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 in a wet state. be reused as Note that the solvent gas discharged when the fibrous material P1 such as the pulp fiber 11 or the particulate material P2 such as the SAP 12 is dried in the drying section 550 is also cooled and sent to the solvent tank T2. It may be reused as the solvent 220 for separating the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12.

In particular, the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 separated from the sheet 20 are dried in the drying section 550 to volatilize the solvent 120, and then supplied to the absorbent separation section 520, so that the adhesives attached to the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 are removed. The solvent 120 in which the agent is dissolved does not mix into the solvent 220 used for separating the pulp fibers 11 and the SAP 12 in the absorbent separation section 520. Therefore, even when recovering and reusing the solvent 220 used to separate the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 in the absorbent separation unit 520, there is no need for purification to separate it from the solvent 120 in which the adhesive has been dissolved. , the device can be simplified and costs can be reduced.

In this way, in Example 1, pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 are separated by using the floating of SAP 12 in the solvent 220, which has a higher specific gravity than SAP 12, and the screen F2. SAP 12 and pulp fibers 11 can be efficiently separated with high precision under soft, low-load conditions without expending energy that would degrade the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc. Therefore, pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 can be recovered with extremely high quality.

Next, another example of a separation and recovery method and a separation and recovery apparatus for separating and recovering constituent materials of an unused absorbent article according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6.
In the second embodiment, the processing tank as the solvent processing unit 510 equipped with separation and recovery means such as the screen F1 allows the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorbent body 10 and the solvent 120 to pass through the tank, but the sheet 20 passes through the processing tank. A cylindrical rotating drum R having a screen F1 on its circumferential surface having a hole with a diameter of 100 mm is supported by a shaft. A solvent tank T1 containing a solvent 120 is connected to the processing tank of the solvent processing section 510 via a pump, a valve, etc. When the valve is open, the solvent 120 in the solvent tank T1 is subjected to solvent processing by driving the pump. The solvent 120 in the solvent tank T1 is supplied into the rotating drum R of the solvent tank T1, and when the pump is stopped or the valve is closed, the supply of the solvent 120 in the solvent tank T1 to the rotating drum R is stopped. From this, the solvent 120 in which the workpiece 110 is immersed in the rotating drum R is pumped up from the solvent tank T1 and put into the rotating drum R up to a predetermined liquid level. In this Example 2 as well, a petroleum-based dry cleaning solvent 120 with a specific gravity of 0.6 or more and 0.8 or less, which is smaller than the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10, was used as the solvent 120.

The object to be treated 110 is housed in the rotating drum R, and the valve disposed between the solvent treatment section 510 and the solvent tank T1 is opened, and the pump is operated to remove the solvent in the solvent tank T1. By putting the solvent 120 into the rotating drum R to a predetermined liquid level and rotating the rotating drum R, the solvent 120 containing the object to be processed 110 is agitated. From this, the object to be processed 110 is immersed in the solvent 120 in the rotating drum R, and the adhesive in the object to be processed 110 is dissolved in the solvent 120, so that the object to be processed 110 is decomposed, dissociated, and dismantled. The constituent materials of object 110 are dispersed into solvent 120. Then, due to the centrifugal force of the rotating drum R, the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10, as well as the solvent 120, among the constituent materials of the object to be treated 110, pass through the screen F1 provided on the circumferential surface of the rotating drum R and pass through the rotating drum. On the other hand, the sheet 20 remains in the rotating drum R, so that the coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 are separated from the fine pieces P such as the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorber 10 and the solvent 120. Separated.

The bulky pieces L such as the sheet 20 remaining in the rotating drum R in the solvent processing section 510 are discharged to the outside of the solvent processing section 510 and collected using, for example, wind flow, liquid flow, or the like. The coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 discharged from the solvent-treated material 510 are conveyed to a drying section 550 equipped with drying means, where they are dried using hot air or the like. Then, it is thermally recycled, material recycled, or chemically recycled as solid fuel, plastic raw material, or produced oil.
In addition, since the dried coarse pieces L such as the sheet 20 may contain other constituent materials such as the rubber thread 25 and labels, the sheet 20 of nonwoven fabric or film and other components such as the rubber thread 25 may also be included. The constituent materials may be separated, separated and collected, and recycled separately.

The solvent 120 containing the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 discharged to the outer shell outside the rotating drum R in the solvent treatment section 510 is discharged from the solvent treatment section 510 and further sent to the liquid cyclone HC, where the pulp fibers 11 and It is separated into a solvent 120 and SAP 12.
The hydrocyclone HC has an inlet in the upper side of the cone, a lower outlet in the lower end of the cone, and an upper outlet in the center of the upper surface of the cone. When the solvent 120 containing pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 is pumped into the inlet of the hydrocyclone HC, the particulate SAP 12 in the fluid descends while swirling along the inner surface of the cone due to the centrifugal force of the vortex and is discharged from the lower part. The pulp fibers 11 are discharged from the outlet, reversed upward near the bottom together with the solvent 120, and discharged from the upper discharge port, thereby being separated into the pulp fibers 11, the solvent 120, and the SAP 12.

Particulate matter P2 such as SAP12 discharged from the lower discharge part of the liquid cyclone HC is sent to the drying part 550, where it is dried with hot air or the like and is desolvated. Furthermore, since the dried particulate matter P2 such as the SAP 12 may contain other constituent materials such as the thread rubber 25, the other constituent materials are removed using a screen or the like. From this, high-quality SAP 12 is recovered.

The solvent 120 containing the fibrous material P1 such as the pulp fibers 11 discharged from the upper discharge part of the liquid cyclone HC is sent to the filtration part 561, where the solvent 120 and the fibrous material P1 such as the pulp fibers 11 are separated. separated into The fibrous material P1, such as the pulp fiber 11, separated from the solvent 120 is then fed to the drying section 550, where it is dried with hot air or the like to remove the solvent. Furthermore, since the dried fibrous material P1 such as the pulp fibers 11 of fine fibers may contain other constituent materials such as thread rubber 25 and short fibers such as rayon and synthetic fibers, other constituent materials may be removed using a screen or the like. Remove constituent materials. From this, high-quality pulp fibers 11 are recovered.

In the second embodiment, the filtration section 561 is connected to the distillation section 530, and the solvent 120 discharged from the filtration section 561 is fed to the distillation section 530 and distilled there.
The solvent 120 discharged from the filtration section 561 may be once recovered in a solvent recovery tank disposed between the filtration section 561 and the distillation section 530, and then fed to the distillation section 530 from there.
The exhaust solvent gas generated when the sheet 120, pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc. are dried in the drying section 550 may also be cooled and sent to the solvent recovery tank and the distillation section 530.
Since the adhesive contained in the object 110 is dissolved in the solvent 120 in which the object 110 is immersed, the solvent 120 after the object 110 is immersed is distilled in the distillation section 530. As a result, the adhesive precipitates and is separated and recovered.

Further, in the second embodiment as well, the distillation section 530 is connected to the solvent tank T1 by a solvent circulation path 540, and a filtration section equipped with a fine-mesh filter for removing foreign substances is disposed in the middle of the solvent circulation path 540. It is done.
From this, the liquid solvent 120 distilled by cooling and condensing the evaporated solvent gas in the distillation section 530 is sent to the solvent tank T1 after fine foreign matter is filtered out by the filter in the filtration section. As a result, the solvent 120 is reused as the solvent 120 for immersing the object 110 to be treated.

In this way, in this second embodiment, the centrifugal force of the rotating drum R in the solvent treatment section 510, the screen F1, and the liquid cyclone HC are used to separate the sheet 20, the pulp fibers 11, and the SAP 12. Can be separated with precision.

By the way, the present inventors have investigated the solvent 120 for dissolving the adhesive of the object to be treated 110 using various solvents 120 shown in Table 1.
Here, a diaper was used as the treated object 110 of the absorbent article, and was immersed in various solvents shown in Table 1 (the amount of solvent 120 used was the same). Note that the object to be treated 110 is immersed in the solvent 120 by placing the object to be treated 110, which is a diaper, in a container in a flat state, and then pouring an amount of solvent into the container so that the liquid level is sufficient to immerse the entire diaper. and stirred.

In any of the solvents 120 shown in Table 1, when the object to be treated 110 is charged and the solvent 120 is stirred, the adhesive in the object to be treated 110 is dissolved in the solvent 120, so that the object to be treated 110 is decomposed and dismantled. , its constituent materials were scattered.
Here, for each solvent 120, the permeability of the solvent 120 into the object to be treated 110 when the object to be treated 110 is immersed in the solvent 120 is visually confirmed, and the permeability of the solvent 120 to the object to be treated 110 is determined to be good (A), fair (B), or poor ( Evaluation was made in three stages (C).
In addition, the constituent materials such as the sheet 20 (PP/PE), pulp fibers 11, and SAP 12 that were scattered and separated from the workpiece 110 after being immersed in the solvent 120 were taken out, and the remaining adhesive was visually confirmed. The solubility of the adhesive was evaluated in three stages: No adhesive remained: Good (A), Partial adhesive remained: Fair (B), Much adhesive remained: Poor (C) .
Furthermore, the constituent materials such as the sheet 20, the pulp fibers 11, and the SAP 12 taken out were air-dried. Excellent quick-drying properties: Good (A), Quick-drying properties: Fair (B), Poor quick-drying properties: Not possible (C) It was evaluated in three stages.

Regarding the odor of Solvent 120, the odor was evaluated in three stages: good (A) if the odor was not bothersome at all, good (B) if the odor could be detected but weak, and poor (C) if the odor was strong. did. Furthermore, the residual odor of the solvent 120 was checked for the constituent materials such as the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, and SAP 12 that had been taken out and dried, and those with no odor at all: Good (A); those with a weak odor that could be detected; Evaluation was made on a three-grade scale: acceptable (B); strong odor remaining: unacceptable (C).

In addition, visually check the remaining color of the solvent 120 on the constituent materials such as the sheet 20, pulp fiber 11, and SAP 12 that have been taken out and dried. Those with no discoloration: Good (A), and those with weak discoloration but hardly noticeable. Evaluation was made on a three-grade scale: acceptable (B) for those that did not follow the same pattern, and unacceptable (C) for those that were concerned about discoloration.
In addition, we checked the changes due to oxidative deterioration of the solvent 120. Those with no discoloration or hardening and not easily oxidized: Good (A), those with slight discoloration or hardening: Fair (B), those with discoloration or hardening and oxidative deterioration. Evaluation was made on a three-level scale: easy to do: impossible (C).
Furthermore, regarding changes in the properties of the constituent materials such as the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, and SAP 12 that were taken out and dried, there was no change in the properties of any of the constituent materials: Good (A), slight properties but hardly noticeable. Evaluation was made on a three-grade scale: acceptable (B) for those with a level of smearing, and unacceptable (C) for those with changes in properties and unsuitable for reuse.

As shown in Table 1, paraffin-containing petroleum solvents such as Dry Solvent Hi-Soft and Cleaning Solvent NW-S, which are used in dry cleaning solvents, and halogenated hydrocarbon solvents such as tetrachlorethylene and trichloroethylene, It also had good permeability into the object to be treated 110, could sufficiently dissolve the adhesive in the object to be treated 110 without leaving any adhesive, and also had good quick drying properties. In particular, the odor and color of the solvent 120 will not remain in the separated and recovered constituent materials, and furthermore, the solvent 120 will not easily deteriorate due to oxidation, making it suitable for reuse. It was something that did not change.

On the other hand, although kerosene has good permeability to the object 110 and solubility of the adhesive, it is not suitable for dry cleaning in terms of quick drying of the adhesive, residual odor, residual color, and oxidative deterioration of the solvent 120. It was inferior to petroleum-based solvents and halogenated hydrocarbon solvents such as tetrachlorethylene and trichloroethylene that are used as solvents.
Therefore, as the solvent 120, it is preferable to use petroleum-based solvents or halogenated hydrocarbon-based solvents such as tetrachlorethylene and trichloroethylene, which are used as dry cleaning solvents.

That is, kerosene and the like have a strong characteristic odor, and even after drying, the characteristic odor of the solvent 120 remains in the constituent materials such as the sheet 20, pulp fiber 11, SAP 12, etc., and it is easily oxidized and hardened in the air. However, petroleum-based solvents containing paraffin, which are used in dry cleaning solvents, and halogenated hydrocarbon-based solvents, such as tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene, are , there is no odor of the solvent 120, and it has good handling and work environment properties, and the odor of the solvent 120 does not remain in the constituent materials such as the sheet 20, pulp fiber 11, SAP 12, etc., so it is suitable for reuse in a wide range of applications. Therefore, the recovered constituent materials such as the sheet 20, the pulp fibers 11, and the SAP 12 are of high quality. In addition, since these solvents themselves are not susceptible to oxidative deterioration, they are suitable for repeated use, and the cost of wastewater disposal can be reduced, and the use of the solvent 120 can be done at low cost.

According to the experimental research conducted by the present inventors, halogenated hydrocarbon-based tetrachlorethylene is particularly suitable as the absorbent separation solvent 220 for separating the pulp fibers 11 and the SAP 12. That is, in the solvent 220 of halogenated hydrocarbon-based tetrachlorethylene, the particulate SAP 12 floats, and by using the floating of the SAP 12 and the screen F2, the SAP 12 and the pulp fibers are separated with a low load on the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12. 11 can be separated efficiently and with high precision in a short time. Therefore, high-quality pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 can be recovered.

As explained above, in the method for separating and recovering constituent materials (recycling method) of the absorbent article of the above embodiment, the sheet 20 that wraps the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 as the absorbent body 10 is bonded with an adhesive. A solvent treatment step (step S1) in which an unused absorbent article (object to be treated 110) made of A separation and collection step (step S2) of separating and collecting the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc., which are the constituent materials of the object to be processed 110), and the separated and collected constituent materials such as the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc. A drying step (step S3) of drying the.

According to the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the above embodiment, the adhesive bonding the constituent members of an unused absorbent article (object to be treated 110) is dissolved in the solvent 120 to absorb the absorbent article. The absorbent article (object to be processed 110) is disassembled by removing it from the article (object to be processed 110), and its constituent materials such as the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, and SAP 12 are separated and recovered. By dissolving and removing the adhesive of the article (object to be treated 110), the absorbent article (object to be treated 110) is easily decomposed, and its constituent materials such as the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc. are dissociated and separated. becomes easier. Therefore, it is possible to improve the recovery rate of the sheet 20, pulp fiber 11, SAP 12, etc. that are the constituent materials of the unused absorbent article (material to be treated 110). In particular, by removing the adhesive from the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110), the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110) can be easily removed without applying a large amount of energy that would cause the constituent materials such as the SAP 12 to become fine and pulverized. The constituent materials of the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc. can be separated and recovered with high accuracy without any effort. That is, the constituent materials such as SAP 12 of the absorbent article (material to be treated 110) can be separated and recovered without being made fine or pulverized. Therefore, the sheet 20, pulp fiber 11, SAP 12, etc., which are constituent materials of the absorbent article (material to be treated 110), can be separated and recovered with high quality. In particular, the SAP 12 and pulp fibers 11 of the absorbent body 10 can be separated and recovered while maintaining their original properties as constituent materials of the absorbent article without being granulated or pulverized, and the adhesive has also been removed. Therefore, it is suitable for material recycling, and also suitable for recycling as the absorbent body 10 of an absorbent article.

Furthermore, before the drying process (step S3), the constituent materials of the absorbent article (object to be treated 110) are separated and recovered, and the constituent materials of the absorbent article (object to be treated 110) are separated and recovered using a wet method. Therefore, compared to the dry method, it is possible to separate and recover the constituent materials with high separation accuracy under low load and energy saving conditions.

That is, according to the separation and recovery method for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the above embodiment, the separation and recovery step (step S2) is performed by immersing the absorbent article (material to be treated 110) in the solvent 120. Since the constituent materials of the absorbent article (workpiece 110) are separated in the solvent 120 in which the adhesive is dissolved, the constituent materials of the disassembled absorbent article (workpiece 110) are subjected to gravity, centrifugal force, and specific gravity. The constituent materials are separated using filtration and separation using screens F1, F2, etc. Therefore, since the separation is performed in a wet manner, the sheet 20 and the absorbent body 10 can be separated with high accuracy under conditions that place a low load on the constituent materials and save energy. Therefore, by being able to separate the sheet 20 and the absorbent body 10 with high precision under conditions of low cost, energy saving, and low load, it is possible to recover the absorbent body in high quality at low cost and energy saving, and to improve the recovery rate. .

Further, according to the separation and recovery method for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the embodiment, the separation and recovery step (step S2) includes immersing the absorbent article (material to be treated 110) in the solvent 120. a sheet separation and recovery step in which the sheet 20 is separated into the pulp fibers 11 and SAP12 as the absorber 10; First, in the sheet separation and recovery process, the constituent materials of the disassembled absorbent article (object to be treated 110) are separated in the solvent 120 in which the adhesive is dissolved. The sheet 20 and the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 as the absorbent body 10 are separated using gravity, centrifugal force, specific gravity difference, etc., and filtration using the screen F1 or the like. In addition, in the subsequent absorbent separation and recovery step, the pulp fibers 11 and the SAP 12 are separated by using floating of the SAP 12 in a solvent 220 having a higher specific gravity than the SAP 12 and filtration using a screen F2 or the like. Therefore, the separation is performed by a wet method, and the sheet 20, the pulp fibers 11, and the SAP 12 can be separated with high accuracy, especially under conditions where the load on the SAP 12 is low and with energy saving. Therefore, by being able to accurately separate the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, and SAP 12 under low cost, energy saving, and low load conditions, the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 can be recovered in high quality at low cost and energy saving. Recovery rate can be improved. That is, the pulp fibers 11 and the superabsorbent polymer 12 can be separated with high recovery efficiency under low load conditions.
In particular, if the solvent 220 used in the absorber separation and recovery process has a specific gravity within the range of 1.6 to 1.8, the SAP 12 will float quickly in the solvent 220, improving separation accuracy. It works well and requires only a short time to separate and collect. Therefore, separation efficiency can be improved.

If the solvent 120 for dissolving the adhesive of the absorbent article (object 110) is a petroleum-based and/or halogenated hydrocarbon-based dry cleaning solvent, it will not easily deteriorate due to oxidation and is suitable for repeated reuse. Moreover, the odor of the solvent 120 is unlikely to remain in the pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc. of the separated and collected constituent materials. Therefore, costs can be reduced, and the pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc., which are separated and recovered constituent materials, can be recycled for a wide range of uses without being limited in their uses.

In particular, the solvent 120 for immersing the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110), that is, the solvent 120 for dissolving the adhesive of the solvent-absorbent article (the object to be treated 110), has a specific gravity of 0.7 to 1.5. If it is within the range, the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the absorbent body 10 will settle in the solvent 120 obtained by immersing the constituent material of the absorbent article (material to be treated 110) in the solvent 120. Therefore, in the solvent 120, the sheet 20 and the absorbent body 10 can be separated with high accuracy by sedimentation due to gravity and filtration separation using the screen F1 or the like, under conditions that place a low load on the constituent materials and save energy. Therefore, by being able to separate the sheet 20 and the absorbent body 10 with high precision under conditions of low cost, energy saving, and low load, the absorbent body 10 can be recovered in high quality at low cost and energy saving, and the recovery rate is improved. can.

Then, the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 separated from the sheet 20 are dried and then subjected to an absorbent separation and recovery process. The solvent 220 used to separate the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 in the body separation and recovery process will not be mixed with the solvent 220. Therefore, even when recovering and reusing the solvent 220 used to separate the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 in the absorber separation and recovery process, there is no need for purification to separate it from the solvent 120 in which the adhesive has been dissolved. Cost can be reduced.

According to the method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the above embodiment, the method further includes an adhesive separation and recovery step (step S4) of distilling the solvent 120 in which the adhesive is dissolved and separating and recovering the adhesive. As a result, the adhesive of the absorbent article can be recycled, and resources can be used more effectively.
In addition, the solvent 120 separated from the adhesive in the adhesive separation and recovery step (step S4) is reused as the solvent 120 for immersing the absorbent article (object to be treated 110) in the solvent treatment step (step S1). By doing so, resources can be saved and costs can be reduced.

Further, in the above embodiment, an unused absorbent article (material to be treated 110), which is made by bonding a sheet 20 that wraps pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 as an absorber 10 with an adhesive, is dipped in a solvent 120. A solvent processing unit 510 that dissolves the adhesive in the solvent 120, and a screen that separates and collects the sheet 20, pulp fiber 11, SAP 12, etc. that are the constituent materials of the absorbent article (object to be treated 110) from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed. An absorbent device comprising a separation and collection means using F1, F2, etc., and a drying means using a heater, a vacuum pump, a fan, etc. to dry the separated and collected constituent material sheet 20, pulp fiber 11, SAP 12, etc. It can also be regarded as an invention of a separation and recovery device (recycling device) for constituent materials of articles.

According to the separation and recovery apparatus for the constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the embodiment described above, the adhesive bonding the constituent members of an unused absorbent article (workpiece 110) is dissolved in the solvent 120, and the absorbent article is The absorbent article (object to be processed 110) is disassembled by removing it from the article (object to be processed 110), and its constituent materials such as the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, and SAP 12 are separated and recovered. By dissolving and removing the adhesive of the article (object to be treated 110), the absorbent article (object to be treated 110) is easily decomposed, and its constituent materials such as the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc. are dissociated and separated. becomes easier. Therefore, it is possible to improve the recovery rate of the sheet 20, pulp fiber 11, SAP 12, etc. that are the constituent materials of the unused absorbent article (material to be treated 110). In particular, by removing the adhesive from the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110), the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110) can be easily removed without applying a large amount of energy that would cause the constituent materials such as the SAP 12 to become fine and pulverized. The constituent materials such as the sheet 20, pulp fiber 11, and SAP 12 can be separated and recovered with high precision. That is, the constituent materials such as SAP 12 of the absorbent article (material to be treated 110) can be separated and recovered without being made fine or pulverized. Therefore, the sheet 20, pulp fiber 11, SAP 12, etc., which are constituent materials of the absorbent article (material to be treated 110), can be separated and recovered with high quality. In particular, the SAP 12 and pulp fibers 11 of the absorbent body 10 can be separated and recovered while maintaining their original properties as constituent materials of the absorbent article without being granulated or pulverized, and the adhesive has also been removed. Therefore, it is suitable for material recycling, and also suitable for recycling as the absorbent body 10 of an absorbent article.

In addition, the constituent materials of the absorbent article (object to be treated 110) are separated and recovered before drying by the drying means, and the constituent materials of the absorbent article (object to be treated 110) are separated and recovered using a wet method. Compared to the dry method, it is possible to separate and recover constituent materials with high separation accuracy under low load and energy-saving conditions.

That is, according to the separation and recovery device for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the above embodiment, in the separation and recovery means, the absorbent article (material to be treated 110) is immersed in the solvent 120, and the absorbent article is treated by immersing the absorbent article in the solvent 120. Since the constituent materials of the (to-be-treated object 110) are separated, the constituent materials of the disassembled absorbent article (to-be-treated object 110) are screened against gravity, centrifugal force, specific gravity difference, etc. in the solvent 120 in which the adhesive is dissolved. The constituent materials will be separated using filtration separation using F1, F2, etc. Therefore, since the separation is performed in a wet manner, the sheet 20 and the absorbent body 10 can be separated with high accuracy under conditions that place a low load on the constituent materials and save energy. Therefore, by being able to separate the sheet 20 and the absorbent body 10 with high precision under conditions of low cost, energy saving, and low load, it is possible to recover the absorbent body in high quality at low cost and energy saving, and to improve the recovery rate. .

Further, according to the separation and recovery device for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the above embodiment, the separation and recovery means is configured to immerse the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110) in the solvent 120 and to separate the sheet 20 in the solvent 120. A sheet separation and recovery means using a screen F1 or the like that separates the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 as the absorber 10, and the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 separated from the sheet 20 in a solvent 220 having a higher specific gravity than the SAP 12. 11 and an absorbent separation and collection means using a screen F2 etc. that separates the absorbent article (covered material) into The sheet 20 and the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 as the absorbent body 10 are separated using gravity, centrifugal force, specific gravity difference, etc., and filtration separation using the screen F1, etc. of the constituent materials of the treated product 110). In addition, the absorber separation and recovery means separates the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 by using flotation of the SAP 12 in a solvent 220 having a higher specific gravity than the SAP 12 and filtration using a screen F2 or the like. Therefore, the separation is performed by a wet method, and the sheet 20, the pulp fibers 11, and the SAP 12 can be separated with high accuracy, especially under conditions where the load on the SAP 12 is low and with energy savings. Therefore, by being able to accurately separate the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, and SAP 12 under low cost, energy saving, and low load conditions, the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 can be recovered in high quality at low cost and energy saving. Recovery rate can be improved. That is, the pulp fibers 11 and the superabsorbent polymer 12 can be separated with high recovery efficiency under low load conditions.
In particular, if the solvent 220 used in the absorber separation and recovery means has a specific gravity within the range of 1.6 to 1.8, the SAP 12 will float quickly in the solvent 220, improving separation accuracy. It works well and requires only a short time to separate and collect. Therefore, separation efficiency can be improved.

Then, the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 separated from the sheet 20 are dried and then subjected to an absorbent separation and recovery means. The solvent 220 used for separating the pulp fibers 11 and the SAP 12 by the body separation and recycling means will not be mixed with the solvent 220. Therefore, even when the solvent 220 used to separate the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 is collected and reused by the absorbent separation and collection means, there is no need for purification to separate it from the solvent 120 in which the adhesive is dissolved. Cost can be reduced.

Further, according to the separation and recovery apparatus for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the above embodiment, a distillation section 530 is further provided as an adhesive separation and recovery means for distilling the solvent 120 in which the adhesive is dissolved and separating and recovering the adhesive. Since the adhesive of the absorbent article can be recycled, resources can be used more effectively.
In addition, a solvent circulation path 540 is provided for reusing the solvent 120 separated from the adhesive by the adhesive separation circuit as the solvent 120 for immersing the absorbent article (object to be treated 110) in the solvent treatment section 510. As a result, the solvent 120 separated from the adhesive by the adhesive separation and recovery means is reused as the solvent 120 for immersing the absorbent article (object to be treated 110), which saves resources and reduces costs. can.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment is an unused absorbent article (material to be treated 110) formed by bonding with an adhesive a sheet 10 that wraps pulp fibers 11 and super absorbent polymer (SAP) 12 as an absorber 10. A solvent treatment step (step S1) in which the adhesive is dissolved in the solvent 120 by immersing it in the solvent 120, and the sheet 10, pulp fiber 11, and SAP 12 of the absorbent article (material to be treated 110) from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed are An invention of a method for manufacturing a recycled product of an unused absorbent body 10, which comprises a separation and recovery step (step S2) of separating and recovering the pulp fibers 11 and a drying step (step S3) of drying the separated and recovered pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12. You can also capture it.

According to the method for manufacturing a recycled product of the unused absorbent article 10 of the above embodiment, the adhesive bonding the constituent members of the unused absorbent article (object to be treated 110) is dissolved in the solvent 120 and absorbed. The absorbent article (material to be treated 110) is disassembled by removing it from the absorbent article (material to be treated 110), and its constituent materials such as the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, and SAP 12 are separated and recovered. By dissolving and removing the adhesive of the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110), the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110) is easily decomposed, and its constituent materials such as the sheet 20, the pulp fibers 11, and the SAP 12 are dissociated. Separation becomes easy. Therefore, it is possible to improve the recovery rate of pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12, which are constituent materials of an unused absorbent article (material to be treated 110). In particular, by removing the adhesive from the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110), the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110) can be easily removed without applying a large amount of energy that would cause the constituent materials such as the SAP 12 to become fine and pulverized. The pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc. which are the constituent materials of the can be separated and recovered with high accuracy. That is, the constituent materials such as SAP 12 of the absorbent article (material to be treated 110) can be separated and recovered without being made fine or pulverized. Therefore, the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12, which are constituent materials of the absorbent article (material to be treated 110), can be separated and recovered with high quality. In particular, the SAP 12 and pulp fibers 11 of the absorbent body 10 can be separated and recovered while maintaining their original properties as constituent materials of the absorbent article without being granulated or pulverized, and the adhesive has also been removed. As a result, the separated and collected recycled products are of high quality and are suitable for material recycling and also for recycling as the absorbent body 10 of absorbent articles.

By the way, in the above embodiment, a solvent treatment step (step S1) is performed in which the object to be treated 110 is immersed in the solvent 120 to dissolve the adhesive that was bonding the constituent members of the object to be treated 110 in the solvent 120, After performing a separation and collection step (step S2) in which constituent materials such as the sheet 20, cotton-like pulp fibers 11, and granular SAP 12 are individually separated and collected, a drying step (step S2) is performed in which the separated and collected constituent materials are dried individually or all together. S3).

However, when carrying out the present invention, after drying the constituent materials of the object 110 from which the adhesive has been removed by immersing the object 110 in the solvent 120, the sheet 20, the cotton-like pulp fibers 11 , granular SAP 12 and other constituent materials may be separately collected.
That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the separation and recovery method according to the modified example of the embodiment includes a solvent treatment step (step S1) in which the adhesive bonding the constituent members of the object to be treated 110 is dissolved in the solvent 120; The process includes a drying step (step S21) of drying the constituent materials of the processed object 110 from which the adhesive has been removed, and a separation and collection step (step S22) of individually separating and collecting the dried constituent materials of the processed object 110. After the solvent treatment step (step S1), a drying step (step S21) is performed to dry the constituent materials of the object to be treated 110 (step S21), and then a separation and recovery step (step S3) is performed to separate and recover the constituent materials of the object to be treated 110. It is something.

Further, the separation and recovery apparatus according to the modification of the embodiment includes a solvent processing section 510 that immerses the object to be processed 110 in a solvent and dissolves the adhesive in the solvent 120; It has a drying means for drying the constituent material of the object to be processed 110 from which has been removed, and a separation and recovery means for separating and recovering the dried constituent material.

In this modification, after the object to be treated 110 is immersed in the solvent 120 in the solvent treatment section 510 and the adhesive is eluted into the solvent 120, the constituent materials of the object to be treated 110 are collected all together and dried.
The constituent materials of the object to be treated 110 may be dried by discharging and collecting the constituent materials of the object to be treated 110 all together from the solvent treatment section 510 and drying at another location, or by drying the constituent materials of the object to be treated 110 in the processing tank of the solvent treatment section 510. The solvent 120 in which the adhesive has been dissolved may be discharged from inside, and the constituent materials of the object to be processed 110 remaining in the processing tank may be dried together.
Note that the solvent 120 discharged and collected at this time is also distilled in the distillation section 530 to precipitate the adhesive as a solid, and the solvent 120 and the adhesive are separated and collected separately. The solvent 120 separated from the adhesive is reused as the solvent 120 for eluting the adhesive in the solvent processing section 510.

After drying the object 110 from which the adhesive has been removed and removing the solvent, the constituent materials are separated and recovered.
As a means for separating and recovering each constituent material, it is possible to separate the constituent materials by utilizing the size difference, specific gravity difference (bulk density), resistance difference, drop difference, etc. of the constituent materials. etc. can be used.
Alternatively, it is also possible to separate using airflow, and by applying an airflow to the constituent materials of the dried object 110, the constituent materials can be moved and separated by utilizing the difference in specific gravity and resistance of the constituent materials. is also possible. Alternatively, it is also possible, for example, to use a wind classifier such as a cyclone.
In particular, in the modified example, since the constituent materials of the absorbent article are separated in a dry state, it is possible to improve separation accuracy.

The method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to such a modification is an unused absorbent article (processed material 110) in a solvent 120 to dissolve the adhesive in the solvent 120 (step S1), and the sheet 20 and pulp that are constituent materials of the absorbent article (object 110) from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed. A drying step (step S21) in which the fibers 11, SAP 12, etc. are dried together, and the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc., which are constituent materials of the dried absorbent article (processed object 110), are separated and collected. The method includes a separation and recovery step (step S22).

Further, the separation and recovery device for the constituent materials of an absorbent article according to the modified example is an unused absorbent article (to be treated) formed by bonding a sheet 20, which is an absorbent body 10, which wraps pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 with an adhesive. A solvent treatment section 510 that immerses an object 110) in a solvent 120 to dissolve the adhesive in the solvent 120, and a sheet 20 and pulp fibers that are constituent materials of the absorbent article (object 110) from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed. 11, a drying means using a heater, a vacuum pump, a fan, etc. to dry SAP 12, etc. together, and a sheet 20, pulp fiber 11, and SAP 12, which are constituent materials of the dried absorbent article (material to be treated 110). It is equipped with a separation and recovery means using screens F1, F2, etc. for separating and recovering the substances.

Also in the separation and recovery method and separation and recovery apparatus for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to such a modification, the adhesive bonding the constituent members of an unused absorbent article (object to be treated 110) is dissolved in the solvent 120. This is because the absorbent article (material to be treated 110) is disassembled by removing it from the absorbent article (material to be treated 110), and its constituent materials such as the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc. are separated and recovered. As the adhesive of the absorbent article (article 110 to be treated) is dissolved and removed, the absorbent article (article 110 to be treated) is easily decomposed and its constituent materials such as sheet 20, pulp fiber 11, SAP 12, etc. Dissociation and separation become easier. Therefore, it is possible to improve the recovery rate of the sheet 20, pulp fiber 11, SAP 12, etc. that are the constituent materials of the unused absorbent article (material to be treated 110). In particular, by removing the adhesive from the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110), the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110) can be easily removed without applying a large amount of energy that would cause the constituent materials such as the SAP 12 to become fine and pulverized. The constituent materials such as the sheet 20, pulp fiber 11, and SAP 12 can be separated and recovered with high precision. That is, the constituent materials such as SAP 12 of the absorbent article (material to be treated 110) can be separated and recovered without being made fine or pulverized. Therefore, the sheet 20, pulp fiber 11, SAP 12, etc., which are constituent materials of the absorbent article (material to be treated 110), can be separated and recovered with high quality. In particular, the SAP 12 and pulp fibers 11 of the absorbent body 10 can be separated and recovered while maintaining their original properties as constituent materials of the absorbent article without being granulated or pulverized, and the adhesive has also been removed. Therefore, it is suitable for material recycling, and also suitable for recycling as the absorber 10 of an absorbent article.

In addition, the above-mentioned modification example is an unused absorbent article (workpiece 110) made by bonding a sheet 10 that wraps pulp fibers 11 and super absorbent polymer (SAP) 12 as an absorber 10 with an adhesive. A solvent treatment step (step S1) in which the adhesive is dissolved in the solvent 120 by immersion in the solvent 120, and the pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, and sheet 20 of the absorbent article (object to be treated 110) from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed are assembled. An unused absorbent body comprising a drying step (step S21) of drying the dry absorbent article (material to be treated 110), and a separation and recovery step (step S22) of separating and recovering the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12 of the dried absorbent article (material to be treated 110). This can also be seen as the invention of a manufacturing method for 10 recycled products.

According to the method for manufacturing a recycled product of the unused absorbent article 10 of the above embodiment, the adhesive bonding the constituent members of the unused absorbent article (object to be treated 110) is dissolved in the solvent 120 and absorbed. The absorbent article (material to be treated 110) is disassembled by removing it from the absorbent article (material to be treated 110), and its constituent materials such as the sheet 20, pulp fibers 11, and SAP 12 are separated and recovered. By dissolving and removing the adhesive of the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110), the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110) is easily decomposed, and its constituent materials such as the sheet 20, the pulp fibers 11, and the SAP 12 are dissociated. Separation becomes easy. Therefore, it is possible to improve the recovery rate of pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12, which are constituent materials of an unused absorbent article (material to be treated 110). In particular, by removing the adhesive from the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110), the absorbent article (the object to be treated 110) can be easily removed without applying a large amount of energy that would cause the constituent materials such as the SAP 12 to become fine and pulverized. The pulp fibers 11, SAP 12, etc. which are the constituent materials of the can be separated and recovered with high precision. That is, the constituent materials such as SAP 12 of the absorbent article (material to be treated 110) can be separated and recovered without being made fine or pulverized. Therefore, the pulp fibers 11 and SAP 12, which are constituent materials of the absorbent article (material to be treated 110), can be separated and recovered with high quality. In particular, the SAP 12 and pulp fibers 11 of the absorbent body 10 can be separated and recovered while maintaining their original properties as constituent materials of the absorbent article without being granulated or pulverized, and the adhesive has also been removed. As a result, the separated and collected recycled products are of high quality and are suitable for material recycling and also for recycling as the absorbent body 10 of absorbent articles.

By the way, the absorbent article described above is based on the premise that the sheets 20 are joined by heat sealing using a hot melt adhesive, but the sheets 20 are melted and joined by ultrasonic vibration and pressure. By joining the sheets 20 containing the absorbent body 10 using ultrasonic sealing, it is possible to simplify the labor and number of steps for separating and collecting the constituent materials of the absorbent article, and to reduce the SAP12 of the absorbent body 10 of the constituent material of the absorbent article. and the recovery rate of pulp fibers 11 can be improved.

In addition, when carrying out the present invention, the structure, composition, formulation, component, shape, quantity, material, The size, manufacturing method, etc. are not limited to this embodiment, its modifications, and examples. In addition, not all of the numerical values listed in this embodiment, its modifications, and examples indicate critical values, and some numerical values indicate suitable values suitable for implementation. Even if a slight change is made, this does not negate its implementation.

10 Absorbent body 11 Pulp fiber 12 Super absorbent polymer (SAP)
20 sheet 110 object to be treated (absorbent article)

Claims (22)

a solvent treatment step of immersing an unused absorbent article formed by bonding a sheet wrapped around an absorbent body in a solvent to dissolve the adhesive in the solvent;
a separation and recovery step of separating and recovering constituent materials of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed;
A method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article, comprising a drying step of drying the separated and recovered constituent materials. 2. The method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the solvent in which the absorbent article is immersed is a petroleum-based and/or halogenated hydrocarbon-based dry cleaning solvent. The method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the solvent in which the absorbent article is immersed has a specific gravity within a range of 0.7 to 1.5. 2. The method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein in the separation and recovery step, the constituent materials of the absorbent article are separated in the solvent. The separation and recovery step includes a sheet separation and recovery step in which the constituent materials of the absorbent article are separated into the sheet, pulp fibers as the absorbent body, and a superabsorbent polymer in the solvent, and the material separated from the sheet. The absorbent according to claim 1, further comprising an absorbent separation and recovery step of separating the absorbent body into the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer in a solvent having a specific gravity higher than that of the superabsorbent polymer. A method for separating and recovering constituent materials of articles. The constituent material of the absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer separated from the sheet are dried and then subjected to the absorbent separation and recovery step. Separation and recovery method. Separation and recovery of constituent materials of absorbent articles according to claim 5, wherein the solvent used in the absorbent separation and recovery step has a specific gravity within the range of 1.6 to 1.8. Method. a solvent treatment step of immersing an unused absorbent article formed by bonding a sheet wrapped around an absorbent body in a solvent to dissolve the adhesive in the solvent;
a drying step of drying the constituent material of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed;
a separation and recovery step of separating and recovering the constituent materials of the dried absorbent article;
A method for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article, comprising: The constituent material of the absorbent article according to claim 1 or 8, further comprising an adhesive separation and recovery step of distilling the solvent in which the adhesive has been dissolved and separating and recovering the adhesive. Separation and recovery method. The absorbent product according to claim 9, wherein the solvent separated from the adhesive in the adhesive separation and recovery step is reused as a solvent for dipping the absorbent article in the solvent treatment step. A method for separating and recovering constituent materials of articles. a solvent treatment section that immerses an unused absorbent article made by bonding sheets wrapped around an absorbent body in a solvent to dissolve the adhesive in the solvent;
separation and recovery means for separating and recovering constituent materials of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed;
An apparatus for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article, comprising a drying means for drying the separated and recovered constituent materials. 12. The apparatus for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to claim 11, wherein the solvent is a petroleum solvent and/or a halogenated hydrocarbon solvent. 12. The apparatus for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to claim 11, wherein the solvent in which the absorbent article is immersed has a specific gravity within a range of 1.6 to 1.8. 12. The separation and recovery apparatus for constituent materials of an absorbent article according to claim 11, wherein the separation and recovery means separates the constituent materials of the absorbent article in the solvent. The separation and recovery means includes a sheet separation and recovery means for separating the constituent materials of the absorbent article into at least the sheet and pulp fibers and a superabsorbent polymer as the absorbent body in the solvent; 12. An absorbent separation and recovery means for separating the absorbent body into the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer using a screen in a solvent having a higher specific gravity than the solvent in which the absorbent body was immersed. Separation and recovery equipment for constituent materials of absorbent articles. The absorbent body separated from the sheet by the sheet separating and collecting means is dried by the drying means, and then separated into the pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer by the absorbent separating and collecting means. An apparatus for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article according to claim 15. Separation and recovery of constituent materials of an absorbent article according to claim 15, wherein the solvent used in the absorbent separation and recovery means has a specific gravity within a range of 1.6 to 1.8. Device. a solvent treatment section that immerses an unused absorbent article made by bonding sheets wrapped around an absorbent body in a solvent to dissolve the adhesive in the solvent;
Drying means for drying the constituent material of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed;
Separation and recovery means for separating and recovering constituent materials of the dried absorbent article;
An apparatus for separating and recovering constituent materials of an absorbent article, comprising: The absorbent article according to claim 11 or 18, further comprising adhesive separation and recovery means for distilling the solvent in which the adhesive has been dissolved and separating and recovering the adhesive from the solvent. Separation and recovery equipment for component materials. A claim further comprising a solvent circulation path for reusing the solvent separated from the adhesive by the adhesive separation circulation means as a solvent for dipping the absorbent article in the solvent treatment section. Item 20. A separation and recovery device for constituent materials of the absorbent article according to item 19. a solvent treatment step of immersing an unused absorbent article made by bonding a sheet wrapped with pulp fibers and a superabsorbent polymer as an absorbent in a solvent in a solvent to dissolve the adhesive in the solvent;
a separation and recovery step of separating and recovering the sheet of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed, the pulp fibers, and the superabsorbent polymer;
A method for producing a recycled product of an unused absorbent material, comprising: a drying step of drying the separated and collected pulp fibers and the superabsorbent polymer. a solvent treatment step of immersing an unused absorbent article made by bonding a sheet wrapped with pulp fibers and a superabsorbent polymer as an absorbent in a solvent in a solvent to dissolve the adhesive in the solvent;
a drying step of drying the constituent material of the absorbent article from which the adhesive has been dissolved and removed;
a separation and recovery step of separating and recovering the sheet of the dried absorbent article, the pulp fibers, and the superabsorbent polymer;
A method for producing a recycled product of an unused absorbent material, comprising:

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