Developed for old shoes recycling system

Raw materials and finished products of the recycling process

Gallery (2 images)

Of all the things we have on a regular basis, would you think that shoes would be one of the most difficult to recycle. Not only are used shoes well... gross, but they are also made of a variety of different materials, all of which are joined together. However, the scientists of the University of Loughborough in the United Kingdom announced last week that have created and tested "the first system in the global world." to separate and recover useful materials from old shoes

Recycling system was developed in the University's innovative manufacturing and construction Research Center and is the end result of a 10-year research program.

The process begins with shoes manually being classified into categories (for example, "instructors") and metal components such as remove a eyelets. Are then automatically shredded and granular, ending as small fragments. These fragments are classified according to the material, using three main methods - cyclonic separation, separation in zig-zag and tables that vibrate.

The recycling line the shoe in innovative manufacturing and construction Research Center

Cyclonic separation process, creates a tornado-like vortex of air within a closed cylindrical Chamber. Lighter fragments are collected into that Vortex and taken outside the Chamber through an outlet tube at the top, while heavier fragments back at the bottom.

Then, in the process of separation in zig-zag, fragments are inserted into the upper part of a column attached and fall to the bottom of "zig-zag" back and forth between inclined to alternate platforms. Along the way, the jets of air that blows from the sides push fragments of a lighter containers, allowing that only the heaviest reaching the bottom.

Finally, when mixed fragments are placed in a sieve screen - how integrated on a vibrating table, vibrations cause the fragments most small fall through gaps in the screen, with the largest remaining at the top.

When they reach the end of the line, the shoe fragments are classified into four types of materials: leather, foam, rubber and other materials. Fragments of leather could be used to create sheets of regenerated (real leather mixed with synthetic); foam can enter items such as carpet foundations; rubber could be used in materials for patio surfaces or even the soles of new shoes; and the mixed materials could find use as building insulation.

The University is now working with "important footwear manufacturers" to develop methods of footwear design that would make recycling as environmentally friendly as possible. This could include using materials of different densities, as doing so would make the process of separation faster and therefore cheaper.

Alternatively, also shoes sitting in landfills can save for millennia to make them with compostable materials.

More information about the system of Loughborough is available in the slideshow below.

Source: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Share about the author an experienced cameraman, freelance writer and TV producer, Ben interest in all forms of innovation is particularly fanatic when it comes to human-powered transport, film gear, technologies of environmental protection and all what has designed to go under the water. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta, where to spend much time reviewing your mountain bike handlebar, hanging in the parks apagado-correa and wishing that the Pacific Ocean was not so far away.   All articles by Ben Coxworth http://twitter.com/bencoxworth
Post a comment related articles

Simply enter your friends and your address in the form below

For multiple addresses, separate each with a comma

Privacy is safe with us because we have a strict privacy policy.