SYSTEM FOR TREATING MATERIALS FOR SEPARATION

摘要

A system (10) is provided for treating a mixture (12) containing desired materials (14) and contaminating plastic materials (16) for separation at a subsequent material processing stage. The system (10) comprises a treatment station (18), guiding means (24, 25, 30) for guiding the mixture (12) into the treatment station (18), and heating means (20) for heating a fluid medium flowing in said treatment station (18). The heating means (20) is arranged so that the mixture (12) at said treatment station (18) is heated to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range below melting points of the plastic materials. When heated to that temperature and exposed in the treatment station (18) within a predetermined time period the contaminating plastic materials (16) change their physical characteristics to a form allowing separation a the subsequent material processing stage. The system is particularly useful for removing plastic fibers from natural fibers such as wool, cotton or silk.