Patent ID: 8101100
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: B29B,B29C,B29K,Y02W

Abstract:
1. A method for preparing a reformulated feed material from a plurality of batches of reclaimed mixed waste plastic, the reformulated feed material having a target density that is suitable for use in manufacturing a desired product, the method comprising: preprocessing a plurality of different batches of contaminated, reclaimed mixed waste plastic by removing gross contaminants, shredding the resultant product, densifying the shredded mixed waste plastic to a bulk density of at least about 16 pounds per cubic foot, and pulverizing the densified mixed waste plastic to a predetermined maximum particle size; selecting a sample from each of the plurality of batches of preprocessed mixed waste plastic; further reducing the particle size of the sample to obtain a more uniform particle size distribution; injection molding a substantially homogeneous composition from the mixed waste plastic within each sample; analyzing at least a portion of each injection molded composition to determine an apparent density for that sample; selecting a target density suitable for use in making the desired product; calculating a reformulated blend including mixed waste plastic from at least some of the plurality of batches of mixed waste plastic based upon the apparent densities of the injection molded compositions; and blending a quantity of mixed waste plastic from the at least some of the plurality of batches of mixed waste plastic according to the calculated reformulated blend to produce a reformulated feed material having a density falling within a predetermined range of the selected target density.