Importance

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Abstract

A method an apparatus for reclaiming face fibers and polypropylene and/or polyvinyl chloride backing material from rolls and pieces of post-consumer carpet. The system includes a separator for separating the face fibers from the backing and for separating latex and carbon calcium powder from polypropylene backing. An extruder is provided for extruding the face fibers separated from the backing into extrusions, and a pelletizer pelletizes the extrusions. A roller opener opens the polypropylene backing into fibrous portions and also cleans such fibrous portions. Alternately, a granulator can be provided that chops and grinds the polypropylene or PVC backing into fragments after the separation of the face fibers from the backing. A heat source heats the PVC fragments, and also the polypropylene fragments (thereby separating the latex therefrom), and ultimately melts such fragments. Reclaimed fibers can be pelletized, made into extrusions, used in non-woven products and in other manners.

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First Claim