Method for processing contaminated plastic waste

摘要

A compress/melt waste processor includes a frame; a chamber housing having walls which define a chamber therein; a ram movably disposed in the chamber; a sensor which senses pressure applied by the ram; an actuator operatively connected to the ram to move the ram; a chamber hatch upon which the housing is mounted, the chamber housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch defining a space therebetween; and a device for feeding contaminated plastic waste into the chamber. The apparatus also includes a device for heating the housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch; a device for cooling the housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch, a device for detecting temperature of the housing walls, the ram, the chamber hatch and the contaminated plastic waste in the chamber; and a control device for controlling the actuator and the heating and cooling devices. The control device activates the actuator so that the ram applies pressure to the contaminated plastic waste and also activates the heating device such that pressure and heat are concurrently applied to the plastic waste until the plastic waste reaches a predetermined temperature. The control device also activates the cooling device when a predetermined temperature has been reached in order to cool the heated plastic waste. A method incorporating the functional features of the apparatus produces an end product which is in a sanitary inert form such that it can be stored for a long period of time without creating a health hazard.