AN APPARATUS TO EFFECT AT LEAST PARTIAL BREAKDOWN OF A MATERIAL OR PRODUCT ITEM OR A COMBINATION OF MATERIALS OR PRODUCT ITEMS

Abstract

An apparatus to effect at least partial breakdown of a discrete material or product item or a combination of discrete material or product items. The apparatus includes a treatment vessel in which the discrete material or product item or combination of discrete material or product items are located for treatment. There is at least one entry for introduction of at least one working fluid, at least one pressurisation arrangement to increase pressure on the material or product item or combination of material or product items within the treatment vessel. At least one decompression arrangement to rapidly reduce the pressure on the material or product item or combination of material or product items within the treatment vessel may also be provided. The at least one pressurisation arrangement and the at least one decompression arrangement are operable to cause repeated pressurisation and rapid decompression on the material or product item or combination of material or product items within the treatment vessel.

Claims

1. An apparatus to effect at least partial breakdown of a material or product item or a combination of material or product items, the apparatus comprising: at least one treatment vessel in which the material or product item or combination of material or product items are located for treatment; at least one entry into the at least one treatment vessel for introduction of at least one working fluid; at least one pressurisation arrangement to increase pressure on the material or product item or combination of material or product items in the treatment vessel within the at least one treatment vessel; and wherein the at least one pressurisation arrangement is operable to cause repeated pressurisation and rapid depressurisation on the material or product item or combination of material or product items in the treatment vessel within the at least one treatment vessel.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein any parameters for operation of the apparatus are determined according to material or product item or a combination of material or product items to be treated.

3. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the treatment vessel has a working volume which is variable in size.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 further comprising a piston mechanism which is movable relative to the working volume of the treatment vessel in order to change the working volume.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the working volume of the treatment vessel is adjusted prior to treatment and remains fixed during a treatment regime.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a mount to locate the material or product item or a combination of material or product items within the treatment vessel to allow the at least one working fluid access to multiple sides of the material or product item or a combination of material or product items.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising at least one recycle line to recycle of at least part of the at least one working fluid.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising at least one bypass, purge or exit arrangement connected to an outlet of the treatment vessel to allow a portion of the at least one working fluid to bypass, purge or exit the treatment vessel without being subject to the full process cycle or undergoing full pressurisation and/or depressurisation.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising monitoring equipment associated with the treatment vessel to monitor and/or control one or more conditions within the treatment vessel.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising at least one inlet for each of the material or product item or combination of material or product items and the at least one working fluid is provided.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising at least one outlet for each of the at least one working fluid and the treated material or product item or combination of material or product items, is provided.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a single arrangement or mechanism is provided to cause pressurisation and depressurisation.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a movable piston is associated with the treatment vessel to cause pressure increases within the working volume of the treatment vessel.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the movable piston is located at least partially within the treatment vessel.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the movable piston is located within a secondary vessel associated with the treatment vessel to allow the moveable piston to cause pressure increases within the treatment vessel.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the movable piston is located within a secondary portion of the treatment vessel which is separated from a treatment portion of the treatment vessel into which the material or product item or combination of material or product items is introduced, the secondary portion associated with the treatment portion such that an increase in pressure in the secondary portion also causes an increase in pressure in the treatment portion.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the movable piston is reciprocated causing the pressurisation and subsequent rapid depressurisation in the treatment vessel.

18. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a repurposed internal combustion engine to cause the pressurisation and subsequent rapid depressurisation in the treatment vessel.

19. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a controller provided to control the at least one pressurisation arrangement or mechanism and at least one depressurisation arrangement or mechanism to define one or more operational parameters of the increase in pressure and depressurisation.

20. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one depressurisation mechanism is a flash decompression or explosive decompression arrangement or mechanism.

21. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising an agitator associated with the treatment vessel to agitate or circulate the at least one working fluid within the treatment vessel.

22. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one working fluid is gaseous.

23. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one working fluid comprises a mixture of phases.

24. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one working fluid comprises a mixture of materials.

25. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one working fluid comprises at least one active component and at least one carrier.

26. An apparatus as claimed in claim 25 wherein the at least one active component comprises one or more reactant and/or one or more solvent.

27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26 wherein the at least one active component comprises one or more volatile substances.

28. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein a movable mechanism is associated with the treatment vessel to cause pressure increases within the working volume of the treatment vessel.

29. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the pressure increases within the working volume of the treatment vessel are created through the application of heat.

30. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein treatment occurs in an elongate treatment vessel through which the material to be treated is conveyed during treatment.

31. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the pressure increases in the treatment vessel are created in one or more elevated pressure zones in the treatment vessel using at least one injector, in at least one pulse.

32. An apparatus as claimed in claim 31 wherein the depressurisation occurs through the absence of pressure as material moves out of the one or more elevated pressure zones or ceasing of the at least one pulse.

33. An apparatus as claimed in either one of claim 31 or claim 32 wherein the at least one injector is oriented radially into the treatment vessel.

34. An apparatus as claimed in either one of claim 31 or claim 32 wherein the at least one injector is provided inline with the treatment vessel to create a pulsej et effect.

35. An apparatus as claimed in claim 33 wherein multiple injectors are provided in a single stage.

36. An apparatus as claimed in claim 33 or claim 35 wherein multiple injectors are provided in a single stage and multiple stages of injectors are provided over a length of the treatment vessel.

37. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising at least one depressurisation arrangement or mechanism to rapidly reduce the pressure in the at least one treatment vessel and wherein the at least one pressurisation arrangement or mechanism and the at least one depressurisation arrangement or mechanism are operable to cause repeated pressurisation and rapid depressurisation within the at least one treatment vessel.

38. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one catalyst is included in the treatment.

39. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein any pressure decreases within the working volume of the treatment vessel are created through the removal of heat.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0154] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0155] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional side view of an apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0156] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional side view of an apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0157] FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional side view of an apparatus according to a third embodiment.

[0158] FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional side view of an apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

[0159] FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional side view of an apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

[0160] FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional side view of an apparatus according to a sixth embodiment.

[0161] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to a seventh embodiment.

[0162] FIG. 8 shows the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 with the macerator loaded with a charge of material or product.

[0163] FIG. 9 shows the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 with the treatment vessel loaded.

[0164] FIG. 10 shows the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 with the treatment vessel pressurised.

[0165] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to an eighth embodiment.

[0166] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to an alternative embodiment with the piston in the loading position.

[0167] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 12 with the piston in the operational position.

[0168] FIG. 14 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to a further alternative embodiment with a mechanical conveyor to transport material into and out of the treatment vessel.

[0169] FIG. 15 is a schematic side view of an apparatus similar to that illustrated in FIG. 14 but of a different configuration.

[0170] FIG. 16 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to a further alternative embodiment.

[0171] FIG. 17 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to a further alternative embodiment.

[0172] FIG. 18 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to a further alternative embodiment.

[0173] FIG. 19 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to a further alternative embodiment.

[0174] FIG. 20A is a schematic end view of an apparatus showing a possible injector arrangement.

[0175] FIG. 20B is a schematic end view of an apparatus showing a second possible injector arrangement.

[0176] FIG. 20C is a schematic end view of an apparatus showing a third possible injector arrangement.

[0177] FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a potential downstream separation configuration following an apparatus for the breakdown of one or more materials.

[0178] FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a different potential downstream separation following an apparatus for the breakdown of one or more materials.

[0179] FIG. 23 is a view of a further potential process chamber configuration in an embodiment.

[0180] FIG. 24 is a view of another potential process chamber configuration in an embodiment.

[0181] In an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus 10 to effect at least partial breakdown of a material or product item or a combination of material or product items is provided.

[0182] A number of embodiments or varying complexity are illustrated in the accompanying Figures.

[0183] All illustrated embodiments of the apparatus comprise a treatment vessel 11 into which a material or product item 12 is located and temporarily sealed for treatment. The treatment vessel 11 has an entry 13 for introduction of at least one working fluid. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, the entry allows for entry of both the material or product item 12 and the at least one working fluid as well as the removal of both.

[0184] The treatment vessel 11 is associated with a pressurisation and depressurisation piston 14 to increase pressure within the treatment vessel 11 and then rapidly reduce the pressure in the treatment vessel 11. In use, the pressurisation and depressurisation piston 14 is operable to cause repeated pressurisation and rapid depressurisation within the treatment vessel 11 to effect at least partial breakdown of the material or product item 12.

[0185] The apparatus may be implemented in a treatment chamber which is large or small. The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are the simplest and smallest embodiments.

[0186] The operational parameters of the apparatus will typically be determined according to the material or product item or items to be treated and/or the material or mix if a combination of material or product items is treated.

[0187] The treatment vessel may have any configuration. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the treatment chamber 11 is an elongate chamber. However, these proportions need not be the case and the shape of the chamber will be designed and or adjusted suit the application as required. This treatment chamber will be loaded in any way.

[0188] In the stacked embodiment in FIG. 5 and the radial embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6, the treatment chamber may be cylindrical, or divided into one or more treatment chamber(s), each of which can be acted on by one or more of the six pistons shown. In this embodiment, six treatment chambers may be provided. In FIG. 5, two opposing pistons act on each treatment chamber. Generally, if more than one treatment chamber is provided, then depending upon the configuration the treatment chambers may be opposed to one another to balance the configuration. In this embodiment, the treatment chamber(s) loaded individually or by a carrousel/cassette/pallet system.

[0189] Before entry to the treatment vessel, the material or product item or items may be subjected to one or more pre-treatment steps. It is particularly preferred that the material or product item or items undergo size reduction before treatment. Size reduction will typically lead to an increase in surface area per unit volume of the material or product item or items. Surface area of the material or product item or items will typically be an important factor in the efficacy of the treatment with a larger surface area generally leading to greater and/or faster breakdown. Any size reduction mechanism may be used but will typically be appropriate for the type of material or combination of types of material to be treated.

[0190] One of the pre-treatment steps may be or include maceration. The liquid used will preferably depend on the composition of the material or to be treated. A pre-treatment step may be used to dehydrate the material and/or pre-soak it in a working fluid that may or may not have active reactive agents within it.

[0191] Typically, a batch basis is used for smaller-scale treatment vessels 11 such as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 but treatment may take place in treatment vessels which operate on a continuous basis or a hybrid basis, such as that illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0192] The treatment vessel illustrated in FIG. 1 has a fixed working volume 15.

[0193] The treatment vessel illustrated in FIG. 2 is a variable working volume vessel. The working volume 16 of the treatment vessel illustrated in FIG. 2 is adjustable in order to take account of the size of the charge of the material or product item or items and/or the type of material or to be treated. The working volume 16 of the treatment vessel illustrated in FIG. 2 adjusted prior to treatment and then may be maintained as a fixed working volume while a particular treatment regime is underway.

[0194] The mechanism illustrated in FIG. 2 for adjusting the working volume 16 is the provision of a piston 17 with a head 18 and a shaft 19 which is movable relative to the working volume 16 of the treatment vessel 11 in order to change the working volume 16. The piston 17 is mounted relative to the treatment vessel 11 using a threaded shaft 19 which has the advantage of being infinitely adjustable. Alternative mechanisms such as a hydraulic ram, pneumatic ram, locking mechanism or a rotating/sliding sheath may be used in place of the threaded shaft.

[0195] The piston head 18 is provided least partially within the treatment vessel 11, defining one wall of the working volume 16 allowing the piston head 18 to be moved in the treatment vessel 11 to adjust the working volume 16 of the treatment vessel 11. Reducing the working volume 16 of the treatment vessel 11 may allow higher pressures to be achieved within the treatment vessel.

[0196] The material or product item or items are located within the treatment vessel 11 to allow the working fluid access to multiple sides of the material. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the material or product item or items 12 are centrally located within the treatment vessel 11 suspended within the treatment vessel 11. Alternatively, as required by the material and or process, material may be located asymmetrically or free to oscillate.

[0197] FIG. 3 is an alternative configuration to that illustrated in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, both pistons 14 and 17 are in the treatment vessel. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the piston 17 that is provided to adjust the size of the working volume 16 is provided in the treatment vessel 11 but the working piston 14 (the piston to increase and decrease the pressure in the treatment vessel to effect treatment of the material or, is provided in a secondary vessel 37 which is spaced from the treatment vessel 11 with the working volume of the secondary vessel 37 linked to the working volume 16 of the treatment vessel 11 via a conduit 23.

[0198] The treatment vessel may be connected to allow a portion of the at least one working fluid to bypass part or all of the treatment vessel and/or process and be connected to the outlet of the treatment vessel in order to utilise the Venturi effect or the Bernoulli principle to assist with the removal of the at least one working fluid and/or the at least partially treated material or product item or items from the treatment vessel. A bypass/purge/flush/soak valve 20 is illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0199] Monitoring equipment is provided in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 to monitor at least the temperature 21 and pressure 22 within the working volume 16. Typically, monitoring will occur in real-time allowing adjustments to the treatment regime to be made if necessary.

[0200] Typically, monitoring, sample testing or the use of one or more indicator devices may be used in real-time or post-process allowing adjustments to the treatment regime to be made if necessary.

[0201] Any monitoring, sampling or indicator equipment may be used to monitor the conditions within the treatment vessel, the outside of the treatment vessel and/or one or more exits from the treatment vessel.

[0202] The sealing of the treatment vessel may be accomplished in any way that is appropriate and at any time during the operational process that is appropriate. The particular time at which the treatment vessel is sealed will normally depend on whether the treatment vessel is being operated on a batch or continuous basis. The treatment vessel which is being operated on a batch basis will typically be simpler to seal. The time at which the treatment vessel being operated on a batch basis is sealed either prior to introduction of the material or product item or items or thereafter but at least before the introduction of the at least one working fluid into the treatment vessel.

[0203] The apparatus of the present invention includes an entry into the treatment vessel for introduction of working fluid. As mentioned above, the embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 2 shows a single entry 13 for both the material or to be treated and the working fluid. This port also allows the removal of the treated product.

[0204] The working fluid entry 23 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 is at one end of the treatment vessel. The entry 23 is associated with a repurposed internal combustion engine 24 with an electric drive motor 25 connected to the engine crank. This configuration can make use of the valve arrangement at an upper portion of the engine to control introduction of the working fluid from the working fluid generator 26 via a supply conduit 27 linked to an inlet port 28 of the engine 24. The reciprocating action of the piston 29 driven by the electric drive motor 25 can then be used to pressurise and depressurise the working volume 16 of the treatment vessel 11 through the entry 23. The outlet port 30 of the engine 24 can be used to exhaust the working fluid when required. The valves associated with the inlet port 28 and the outlet port 30 can be controlled as required according to the operational parameters chosen for the treatment regime. The working fluid, when exhausted, can be vented through conduit 31 or recirculated to the supply conduit 27 with appropriate reconditioning and/or cleaning.

[0205] In all illustrated embodiments, a charge of working fluid is introduced into the treatment vessel 11 prior to initialisation of a treatment regime. The size of the charge of the working fluid depends upon the working volume of the treatment vessel and/or on the size of the charge of at least one material or item or items and/or the composition of the material or to be treated. The first pulse from the pressurisation device may be the first introduction of ‘working fluid’—in this case the existing atmosphere in the chamber becomes part of the working fluid mixture.

[0206] The configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 in particular allows for additional and/or replacement working fluid to be added to the treatment vessel 11 over the course of the treatment regime.

[0207] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a movable piston 14 with an elongate shaft 32 and an enlarged head 33 is located within the treatment vessel 11 to cause pressure increases within the working volume 15 or 16 of the treatment vessel 11.

[0208] The movable piston 14 is mechanically driven (drive not shown but an electric drive motor similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4 can be used) to reciprocate causing the pressurisation and subsequent depressurisation in the treatment vessel 11.

[0209] The mechanism used to drive the movable piston is typically used to define the parameters of the pressurisation and depressurisation stages of the cycle according to which the present invention operates.

[0210] The pressurisation and depressurisation stages will typically include operational parameters such as the duration of pressurisation, the duration of depressurisation (each of which respectively include both the overall time taken to pressurise and depressurise the treatment vessel as well as the speed of pressurisation and depressurisation), the compression or pressurisation ratio, the depressurisation ratio and the like.

[0211] For example, the pressurisation stage may be longer in time than the depressurisation stage which will typically occur rapidly. Alternatively, the pressurisation stage may last substantially the same length of time as the depressurisation stage which will typically occur rapidly.

[0212] The depressurisation stage will preferably be a flash or instantaneous depressurisation stage. The increase in pressure may take place over a period of time and then the pressure may be maintained at an elevated level for a period of time within the treatment vessel prior to depressurisation.

[0213] A control device will typically be provided to control the mechanism used to drive the movable piston.

[0214] The degree of pressurisation and decompression may be the same but implemented over a different time period.

[0215] At least one depressurisation mechanism may be provided to rapidly reduce the pressure in the treatment vessel to a pressure of above the starting pressure, that is, the depressurisation mechanism may reduce the pressure in the treatment vessel, but not as much as the immediately preceding increasing pressure.

[0216] The degree of pressurisation and depressurisation may differ. The degree of pressurisation and depressurisation may differ in different cycles across the treatment regime. For example, the degree of pressurisation earlier cycles in a treatment regime may be less than the degree of pressurisation in later cycles, in order to build pressure in the treatment vessel and then the later cycles may reduce the pressure in the treatment vessel to a greater degree than the pressurisation in the immediately preceding pressurisation stage.

[0217] The at least one pressurisation mechanism will preferably increase the pressure within the treatment vessel by pressurising the working fluid within the treatment vessel. When introduced, the at least one working fluid may displace (totally) any other atmosphere in the treatment vessel or be mixed therewith.

[0218] The increasing pressure within the treatment vessel may be a staged increase over a number of cycles, to a maximum treatment pressure, followed by a staged decrease in pressure over a number of cycles.

[0219] Preferably, the movable piston 14 and piston 29 will operate to depressurise the treatment vessel 11 using flash decompression or explosive decompression. The at least one depressurisation mechanism may operate more quickly or in a shorter time when compared to the pressurisation stage. It is preferred that the depressurisation stage is substantially instantaneous.

[0220] Preferably, the apparatus will be operated in a treatment regime to treat a particular charge of material or, with the treatment regime being made up of a plurality of cycles, each cycle being made up of a pressurisation stage and a subsequent rapid depressurisation stage. The number of cycles in the treatment regime will preferably be determined according to the material or which is introduced for treatment.

[0221] The controlling parameters of each pressurisation stage and each subsequent rapid depressurisation stage will normally be determined prior to commencement of the treatment regime or may be adjusted during the treatment regime based upon the measurements, readings or outputs of the process. As mentioned above, the parameters of each pressurisation stage and/or each subsequent rapid depressurisation stage, of each cycle, may be the same or different.

[0222] The particular design of the individual stages and the cycles will generally be important to the efficacy (degree of breakdown) and/or efficiency (in terms of time and/or energy used) of the treatment regime.

[0223] In a preferred embodiment, the size of the charge of working fluid is adjusted to suit the size of the charge of the material or product item or combination of material or product items and/or the size of the treatment chamber.

[0224] The alternative embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 are simply variations of the number of treatment chambers and the configuration of the movable piston.

[0225] In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, a pair of repurposed internal combustion engines 34 capable of moving a number of pistons (obscured within internal combustion engines 34) through rapid compression and decompression cycles. A drive mechanism will normally be provided by an external source such as an electric drive motor similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4. The number of devices and cylinders is for illustration purposes only.

[0226] The respective pistons are mounted such that a pipe, manifold, duct, gallery or port 35 links each cylinder of compression/decompression devices to a treatment chamber 11.

[0227] The inlet and exhaust manifolds 36 of the repurposed internal combustion engines 34 can be independent or linked. The treatment chamber(s) 11 can be loaded individually or by carrousel/cassette/pallet system 38. The repurposed internal combustion engines 34 can be synchronised using belts, cams, gears, shafts or motor controls.

[0228] In FIG. 6, a radial configuration is illustrated. In this configuration, six repurposed internal combustion engines 34 are capable of moving a number of pistons (obscured within internal combustion engines 34) through rapid compression and decompression cycles. A drive mechanism will normally be provided by an external source such as an electric drive motor similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4. The number of devices and cylinders is for illustration purposes only.

[0229] The respective pistons are mounted such that a pipe, duct, gallery or port 35 links each cylinder of compression/decompression devices to a central treatment chamber 11. The treatment chamber 11 can be loaded individually or by carrousel/cassette/pallet system.

[0230] The inlet and exhaust manifolds 36 of the repurposed internal combustion engines 34 can be independent or linked. The repurposed internal combustion engines 34 can be synchronised using belts, cams, gears, shafts or motor controls.

[0231] FIG. 7 shows yet a further embodiment to treat material or such as nappies and sanitary napkins and towels which are difficult to treat using conventional apparatus.

[0232] The embodiment of FIG. 7 includes an outer housing 710 with a wet material or load door 711, a foul water drain 712 and a cake unloading door 721. The embodiment is configured to treat material or 750 such as nappies and sanitary napkins and towels which are loaded into a loading chamber 713 located above a macerator 714. The macerator operates to undertake partial deconstruction or chopping of the nappies and sanitary napkins and towels in a liquid, typically water, may be added to the macerator 714. This is shown in FIG. 8.

[0233] Once the incoming material or has been macerated, a slurry pump 715 located beneath the macerator 714 then transfers the slurry via a slurry transfer duct 716 to the treatment chamber 717. A valve 718 may be located at the entry to the treatment vessel prevents backflow and seals the treatment vessel 717. Alternatively, the inlet may be arranged in relation to the pressurisation arrangement in a manner that there is no backpressure in the feed duct. FIG. 9 shows the treatment vessel 717 charged with slurry to be treated and the valve closed 718.

[0234] The treatment vessel 717 is provided with a perforated bed 719 at a lower side with one or more sheets of filter paper or gauze thereover to minimise clogging of the perforated bed 719. The lower portion of the treatment vessel 717 is shaped to drain fluid into an optional pump 720 which then leads to the foul water drain 712.

[0235] A hydraulic package 722 provides hydraulic fluid to drive a ram 723 which in turn, drives the main piston to pressurise the atmosphere within the treatment vessel 717, from the position illustrated generally in FIG. 9 and the position illustrated in FIG. 10, and to depressurise the atmosphere within the treatment vessel 717 repeatedly. The pressurised condition is illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0236] The apparatus illustrated will be operated through a treatment regime to at least partial break down the nappies and sanitary napkins and towels and ultimately, the formation of a cake (not illustrated) on the perforated bed 719. At the end of the treatment regime in this embodiment, the final stage will be a compression stage to form the cake which will in turn, force the liquid from the slurry through the perforated bed 719 and dewater the cake as much as possible.

[0237] The cake can then be removed from the treatment vessel 717 by the ejector ram 725 also driven by the hydraulic package 722 which will move the cake out of the vessel 717 through the cake unloading door 721. The ejected cake may be bagged at or after exiting the cake unloading door 721.

[0238] The configuration is controlled via controller 726.

[0239] FIG. 11 shows yet a further embodiment which is similar to that shown in FIG. 7 but is a heated configuration. The components of this embodiment are the same as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 except for some notable additions. Firstly, a renewable power supply generator is associated with the housing 710. In the illustrated embodiment, a solar panel 811 with a tilt or tracking mechanism is provided but a wind turbine or similar can be provided alternatively.

[0240] The treatment vessel 717 is provided with a concentric outer chamber 813 to capture vapour and drain condensate. The main piston 814 is provided with an integrated heating element 815. A heating jacket 816 is provided about a lower portion of the treatment vessel 717, however heating jackets or internal elements may be positioned in a variety of locations in and around 813 and or 717 to achieve the required process parameters. A battery array 817 which stores a portion of the electrical charge from the solar panel 811 and powers or contributes toward powering the apparatus is also provided.

[0241] The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 includes a treatment vessel 120 with a piston 121 provided within the vessel to vary the working volume of the vessel. The piston 121 is mounted on a control rod 122 associated with a control mechanism to adjust the size of the treatment chamber. In FIG. 12, the piston is illustrated in a raised position to allow material input and output through the material port 123. The pressurisation/depressurisation port 125 is shown at a lower portion of the treatment vessel 120. In FIG. 13, the piston has been moved to the operational position, which defines the volume of the treatment chamber 124. Movement of the piston 121 also seals the treatment chamber 124 (as it is positioned below the material port 123).

[0242] FIG. 14 shows an alternative configuration with similar features to the previous embodiments. The treatment vessel 120 is provided with a piston 121 provided within the vessel to vary the working volume of the vessel. The piston 121 is mounted on a control rod 122 associated with a control mechanism to adjust the size of the treatment chamber. A material port 123 is provided. The pressurisation/depressurisation port 125 of this embodiment is provided adjacent to the. material port 123. A conveying mechanism, which in this embodiment is a screw conveyor 126 is provided at a lower side of the treatment vessel 120 to either transport material for treatment into the treatment vessel 120 and/or to remove treated material from the treatment vessel 120 or perform both functions whilst also sealing the treatment vessel 120. Optional drains or ports 127 are provided for removal of material at different locations relative to the screw conveyor.

[0243] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 14. In both configurations, a screw conveyor 126 is provided in a lower portion of the treatment vessel 120 to convey treated material in and/or out of the treatment vessel. A screw conveyor 126 can seal the exit from the treatment vessel through the formation of a plug of material in the screw conveyor. A screw conveyor 126 may extend into the treatment vessel and may simply remove material with a separate inlet portion 123 for locating the material within the treatment vessel. The material once removed can be separate into one or more exit ports 127.

[0244] FIG. 15 shows an alternative configuration in which the screw conveyor 126 is provided through the treatment vessel 120 which allows the screw conveyor 126 to convey material to be treated into the treatment vessel 120, support the material during treatment and then remove material from the treatment vessel.

[0245] In either case, the screw conveyor 126 may rotate in a single direction only at all times or in a first direction to input material and an opposite direction to remove material.

[0246] FIG. 16 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to a further alternative embodiment which is capable of operating in a continuous or batch mode. The material 160 to be treated (or a mixture containing one or more materials to be treated) is introduced into an elongate treatment vessel in the form of a treatment duct 161 in which the pressurisation and depressurisation takes place.

[0247] The material to be treated (or a mixture containing one or more materials to be treated) is preferably conveyed longitudinally through the treatment duct 161 during treatment. A process device 165 such as an impellor, pump, fluid jet, or the like is shown at the inlet end of the treatment duct 161 to create the flow in desired direction of the material to be treated, in the direction of the arrow. The material may be fluidised using working fluid.

[0248] A macerator 162 or any other appropriate pre-treatment process equipment may be provided at the inlet end of the treatment duct 161 for preparing workpieces/material to an appropriate particle size/shape/state for treatment.

[0249] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, pressurisation of the material to be treated (or a mixture containing one or more materials to be treated) occurs through the application of pressure using an injector 163 to create one or more zones of elevated pressure within the treatment duct 161 in which pressurisation of the material to be treated takes place. Depressurisation occurs when the injectors 163 ceases to apply pressure and/or when the flow of material to be treated (or a mixture containing one or more materials to be treated) through the treatment duct, moves the material to be treated (or a mixture containing one or more materials to be treated) out of the elevated pressure zone created by the injector. The injector 163 illustrated in FIG. 16 may be associated with a reservoir of pressurised working fluid in order to apply the pressure.

[0250] Preferably, high pressure working fluid is introduced in one or more pulse(s) via the injector 163 so as to rapidly pressurise immediate zone of treatment duct 161. There may be multiple pulses from one or more injector(s) provided in a single phase or stage or multiple phases or stages of injectors 164 may be used as shown in FIG. 17. Pressurisation may be achieved within the injector or prior to injector feed. Depressurisation is achieved as a result of absence of injector pulse.

[0251] The pressure may be applied in one or more pulses through an injector 163. Multiple injectors may be provided radially or circumferentially about the treatment duct, provided in the same plane as a single stage or phase. Multiple injectors may be provided over the length of the treatment duct as shown in FIG. 17, in multiple phases or stages of injectors 164.

[0252] High pressure working fluid may be introduced in pulse(s) via one or more injectors so as to rapidly pressurise a zone in the treatment duct 161. There may be multiple pulses from single phase or stage of injector(s) 163 or multiple phases or stages of injectors 164. Pressurisation of the working fluid may be achieved within the injector or prior to the injector feed using pressurised working fluid stored in a reservoir for example. Depressurisation can be achieved as a result of absence of the injector pulse.

[0253] The injector 163 in FIG. 16 (and the multiple injectors 164 in FIG. 17) is illustrated provided substantially transverse to the direction of the flow through the treatment duct 161.

[0254] The number and configuration of injector(s) 163 or 164 provide will depend on the treatment regime required. A ring of multiple injectors about the treatment duct 161 can create a treatment zone through which the material must pass. An example of this configuration is show in FIG. 20A.A pair of opposed injectors as shown in FIG. 20B could be used or a single injector as shown in FIG. 20C. The duct cross-section shape and number of injectors and orientation can be varied to accommodate material breakdown requirements, process capacity requirements, assembly constraints, cost, and the like.

[0255] As shown in FIG. 17, Multiple rings of multiple injectors over the length of the treatment duct 161can form multiple treatment zones over the length of the treatment duct 161.

[0256] In FIG. 16, a low-pressure chamber/zone 166 with passive or active separation for example fractional distillation, electrostatic/electromagnetic separation, cyclonic/inertial filtration is provided at the outlet end of the treatment duct 161. A flow control device 167 may be provided between the outlet end of the treatment duct 161 and the low-pressure chamber/zone 166.

[0257] The working fluid may be pumped out of the low-pressure chamber/zone 166 with flow from the low-pressure chamber/zone 166 may be controlled using a flow control device 168. This may also simply be vented to atmosphere or a fluid reservoir.

[0258] Single or multiple exit ports 169 may be provided for separated component/material/catalyst extraction, again with or without flow controlled using a flow control device 170. Additional downstream stages of separation can be added as required with optional configurations illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22.

[0259] As illustrated in FIG. 18, one or more injectors may be provided in line within the treatment duct. This can create a pulsej et-configuration treatment duct with a high-pressure zone, a process zone and a low-pressure zone as illustrated. The pulsejet configuration may or may not involve combustion. In this configuration, treatment will normally be intermittent, with the pressurisation and expulsion of each charge of working fluid or mixture (material to be treated and working fluid) preferably causing the intake of a fresh charge of working fluid or material to be treated and working fluid. The material to be treated 180 may also be loaded and secured within the process zone of the duct during its treatment.

[0260] A low-pressure zone or vessel may be associated with an outlet of a treatment duct or vessel. The low-pressure zone or vessel may be at or close to a vacuum.

[0261] FIG. 19 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to a further alternative embodiment. In this configuration, a two-part treatment vessel 190 with either an upper removable cap 191 or removable base 192 in order to load material to be treated. Material 193 to be treated is loaded into the treatment vessel 190 for treatment.

[0262] In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 19, an arrangement of one or more heating elements mechanisms around/through chamber/vessel/zone are illustrated to achieve variations in temperature (and via temperature, changes in pressure to achieve pressurisation and depressurisation in working fluid atmosphere above/surrounding material 193 to be treated. The heat may be provided through direct or indirect heating of material and/or working fluid.

[0263] A low-pressure zone or vessel and/or low-temperature zone or vessel 195 may be associated with an outlet 196 of a treatment vessel. An upper conduit 197 and a lower outlet 198 are provided from the vessel 195. The upper conduit 197 may be a cold fluid inlet and mist or alternative means of reducing pressure within vessel 195. The lower outlet 198 may be form removal of working fluid and/or broken-down material. Material, broken down components and working fluid will typically experience variations in pressure and temperature as they progress through zones of the equipment illustrated in FIG. 19.

[0264] As mentioned above, FIGS. 21 and 22 each show a schematic view of a potential downstream separation configuration following an apparatus for the breakdown of one or more materials. The number and type of stages/separation used will be primarily dictated by purification requirements of working fluid(s)/catalyst(s)/component(s)/material(s). In FIG. 21, any mixture exiting the treatment vessel will typically enter the downstream separation area and travel through any one or more separation process vessels 210. Heating and/or cooling 211 may be provided in any one or more of the separation process vessels 210 and/or any one or more of the linking conduits 212 as shown. Each separation process vessel may include one or more exit ports 213 for separated component/material/catalyst extraction. Additional downstream stages of separation added as required.

[0265] A more particular downstream separation area is illustrated in FIG. 22. A balancing vessel 220 is preferably provided for any mixture exiting the treatment vessel. In the illustrated embodiment, a settlement tank 221 is provided with an upper and lower exit therefrom. An electrostatic precipitator 222 with a pair of outlet portions therefrom is included with a mechanical filtration stage 223, typically a mesh or gauze filter included prior to the electrostatic precipitator 222. A further separation process vessel 225 is provided. Again, heating and/or cooling 224 may be provided in any one or more of the separation process vessels and/or any one or more of the linking conduits 226 as shown.

[0266] In FIGS. 23 and 24, two additional potential process chamber configurations are shown. In these Figures, dual arrangements 230 to provide material loading and volume variation are shown in two different arrangements, relative to a treatment vessel that also includes a bypass/purge valve 231 and a pressurisation/depressurisation port 232. The threaded arrangements illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24 provide fine adjustment capability, which may not be achievable with a piston arrangement.

[0267] Embodiments of the present invention can be optimised to treat waste such as carpet, plastic bottles, containers, bags and other plastic products, fashion items, nappies and other absorbent products as well as other items that have waste material on/in them such as diesel particulate filters, cleaning engines, components, material from pipes or conduits, treating/recovery of carbon fibre, fibreglass, phenolic resin, and/or removal of moulding material.

[0268] The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.