Aerosol can recycling apparatus and methods

Abstract

A multi-stage, batch or continuous, manual or automated process and apparatus for safely depressurizing, de-capping (decrimping plus pulling caps), and recycling aerosol cans, propellants, solvents, chemicals, dip tubes, and can tops. The apparatus includes a synchronized sorting and loading unit for guiding the cans onto an advancing line. The cans are first depressurized by a vacuum head until comprising a vacuum seal and a reciprocable hollow needle which punctures the can recessed top cap and removes the propellants by suction for later reuse or disposal. The cans are advanced to a decapping until where the cap member is removed by decrimping to crack the seal followed by being vertically pulled off without damage to the can's rolled lip. The reciprocating decrimper/decapper head includes a plurality of specially adapted pincers for gripping and radially inwardly deforming the cap nozzle neck (stem or insert) member thereby causing the crimped (rolled) flange of the cap to deform and unroll from the can lip at selected portions around the flange. Upon raising the decrimper head the cap member pops off the can lip. The loosened cap is released to rest atop the can. The method include unloading cans bottom side down, passing them at preselected, indexed intervals and rate along a disassembly line for depressurization, removal and recovery of propellants, and de-capping. The can top, plastic dip tube assemblies, and residual solvents and chemical contents are recovered for disposal or recycling. The cans are washed, rinsed and dried. The cans then may be de-lithoed, relabeled and refilled (repacked), or smelted for recovery of metal values. Top fill dip tube or piston type cans may be disassembled and recycled. Can process rates are high, typically in multiples of 24 cans/minute.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.