Strathclyde Fluidised Bed
Composite recycling
Background
Recycling Composites
The use of fibre-reinforced composites has been growing exponentially in industry. Characteristic mechanical properties of high strength to weight ratio, high stiffness and low heat transfer make composites the primary material choice in the renewables, automotive and aerospace industries. Many of these composites are thermosetting materials which are difficult and expensive to recycle. This results in most composites being disposed of in landfill at the end of operational life, creating environmental concerns.
The development of an efficient and low cost recycling method for thermoset composite materials could create substantial environmental and economic benefits. Fluidised bed technologies have potential for adaption to achieve such a recycling process.
Previous Work
The project of creating a fluidised bed rig for thermal recycling of fibre-reinforced composite materials began in 2013. The initial project ended in the spring of 2014. Members of this project (previous Strathclyde students) developed a system based on results achieved through testing of a ‘cold rig’. These tests were used to establish several key design considerations such as: the mass flow rate; design of distributor plate; and sand and fibre behaviour.
The rig developed in the previous project was a substantial achievement but required a number of improvements before operation would be feasible. Main issues of the rig were: an underpowered airflow system; an underpowered heating system; and an incomplete separation system. Due to these inadequacies the current project was begun in September 2014 to redesign the fluidised bed rig.
The current project was based on the rig developed during the previous project. Initially improvements to the existing rig were considered however, during the project, it was decided that a complete redesign would produce a more versatile fluidised bed rig.
 Fluidised bed - Previous work |
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