Method and apparatus for softening and crushing thermoplastic bottles

摘要

Process for reducing volume of empty thermoplastic bottle, by thermal softening and mechanical crushing, comprises projecting a rapid flux of hot air directly against the inside of the bottle (1). Flux is introduced through a tube (2) passing through the neck of the bottle (1b); the mouth of the tube (2a) being 4-20 mm above the bottom of the bottle (1a) and no more than 50 mm from the side of the bottle. The temperature of hot air is at least the melting point of thermoplastic material and the air fills the entire volume of the bottle. Also claimed is apparatus for carrying out the above process.