Patent Publication Number: US-2013231030-A1

Title: Devices, systems, and methods for recovery and recycling of carpet components

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/324,798, filed Dec. 13, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,968, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/422,323, filed Dec. 13, 2010 and 61/528,569, filed Aug. 29, 2011. The entire contents of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the recycling and recovery of carpet. Certain embodiments relate more specifically to devices, systems, and methods for disassembling carpet into the various components used for carpet construction by abrasive removal and separation of components. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments that are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain of such illustrative embodiments that are depicted in the figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary cut pile carpet  50  that may be processed by the methods and systems disclosed herein. This cross sectional view illustrates the cut pile face fibers  20  protruding from the primary backing  30  and a secondary backing  40  that is attached to the bottom surface of the primary backing  30 . 
         FIG. 1B  is a further illustration of the primary components of the cut pile carpet  50  depicted in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary loop pile carpet  50  that may be processed by the methods and systems disclosed herein. This cross sectional view illustrates the loop pile face fibers  20  protruding from the primary backing  30  and a secondary backing  40  that is attached to the bottom surface of the primary backing  30 . 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary carpet  50  with loop pile and cut pile face fibers  20  that may be processed by the methods and systems disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an exemplary carpet recycling system, illustrating a first high speed abrasive drum  202  applying pressure against a carpet  50  held in tension along the outer radius of the primary drum  100 . The secondary backing  40  of the carpet  50  is removed as the first high speed abrasive drum  202  spins and applies pressure against the carpet  50 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of an exemplary carpet recycling system, illustrating an abrasive circular rotating device  210  applying pressure against a carpet  50  held in tension along the outer radius of the primary drum  100 . The secondary backing  40  of the carpet  50  is removed as the abrasive circular rotating device  210  spins and applies pressure against the carpet  50 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an exemplary carpet recycling system, illustrating a second high speed abrasive drum  204 , a primary drum  100 , and a carpet  50  (without a secondary backing  40 ) held in tension over the outer radius of the primary drum  100 . The face fibers  20  of the carpet  50  are plucked from the primary backing  30  as the second high speed abrasive drum  204  spins and applies pressure against the face fibers  20 . 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary carpet recycling system, illustrating a set of high speed abrasive drums  200  (also shown as a first high speed abrasive drum  202  and a second high speed abrasive drum  204 ), a primary drum  100 , a plurality of rollers  400  positioned along the outer radius of the primary drum  100 , and a carpet  50  attached to a retention mechanism  105  on the primary drum  100 . 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of an exemplary carpet recycling system, illustrating a small ramp  110  affixed to the outer edge of the primary drum  100  for easing the second high speed abrasive drum  202  into first contact with the carpet  50 . 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of an exemplary carpet recycling system, illustrating a downward facing carpet  50  held in tension by a retention mechanism  105  and a plurality of rollers  400  positioned along the outer radius of a primary drum  100 , while the secondary backing  40  of the carpet  50  is abraded by the first high speed abrasive drum  202 . 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of an exemplary carpet recycling system, illustrating an upward facing carpet  50  (without a secondary backing  40 ) held in tension by a retention mechanism  105  and a plurality of rollers  400  positioned along the outer radius of a primary drum  100 , while face fibers  20  are being plucked from the primary backing  30  by the second high speed abrasive drum  204 . 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the methods for carpet recycling described herein. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a carpet recycling system as described herein. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembled high speed abrasive drum  200  fitted with an abrasive material  205  that is spirally wrapped around the high speed abrasive drum  200 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the high speed abrasive drum  200  from  FIG. 13  prior to assembly. 
         FIG. 15  is cross sectional view of the head end of an embodiment of a high speed abrasive drum  200 . 
         FIG. 16  is a cross sectional view of the tail end of an embodiment of a high speed abrasive drum  200 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Devices, systems, and methods for recycling carpet  50  are described herein. The methods, systems and devices disclosed are suited to breaking down post-consumer carpet  50  into components that have significant value as recycled materials. The methods described herein include placing the carpet  50  under tension and separating the material components of the carpet  50  by abrasion. For example, in certain embodiments, the carpet  50  is placed under tension, the secondary backing  40  is removed from the primary backing  30  by abrasion, and the face fiber  20  is abrasively stripped from the primary backing  30 . In such an embodiment, the face fiber  20 , primary backing  30  and the secondary backing  40  materials can be isolated during the recycling process and, if desired, further processed for use as post-consumer materials. 
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate cross sectional views of cut pile and loop pile carpets  50  that can be processed by the methods and systems for carpet recycling described herein. The carpets  50  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  include cut pile face fibers  20  or loop pile face fibers  20 , a primary backing  30 , and a secondary backing  40 . These carpets  50  include a plurality of cut pile face fibers  20  or loop pile face fibers  20  protruding from the top surface of the primary backing  30 . The secondary backing  40  forms the bottom surface of the carpet  50 , is adhered or connected to the primary backing  30 , and includes one or more fillers  60  and one or more adhesives  70 . 
     The term “face fibers” refers to fibers or yarns made of any one of a number of types of materials, e.g., acrylics, nylons, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamides, polyesters, wool, cotton, rayon, and the like, that are or can be used to form the pile of a cut pile or loop pile carpet  50 . 
     The term “primary backing” is used herein to refer to a woven or non-woven fabric made of one or more natural or synthetic fibers or yarns such as wool, polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene-propylene copolymers, polyesters, rayon, and the like. The face fibers  20  of the carpet  50  are affixed to and/or through the primary backing  30 . 
     The term “secondary backing” is used herein to refer to woven or non-woven fabrics made of one or more natural or synthetic fibers or yarns such as wool, polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene-propylene copolymers, polyesters, rayon, jute and the like. The secondary backing  40  is generally affixed or adhered to the primary backing  30 . 
     The terms “filler” and “fillers” are used herein to refer to substances such as calcium carbonate, glass, coal fly ash, bauxite, calcium sulfite, and the like, which are suitable for use in the manufacture of carpets  50 . 
     The terms “adhesive” and “adhesives” are used herein to refer to substances such as latex and the like, which are suitable for use in the manufacture of carpets  50 . 
     The methods described herein comprise breaking down carpet  50  into its primary components by abrasion. As used herein, “primary component” refers to any of the face fiber  20 , the primary backing  30 , and the secondary backing  40 . The term “abrasion” refers to any technique, process, or technology involving the application of an abrasive to the surface of a material with a mechanical force sufficient to abrade, grind, strip, pull, or otherwise remove the designated component, surface, or layer. For purposes of the present disclosure, “abrasion” includes any sanding or grinding technique, process, or technology suitable for use in the methods described herein for separating carpet  50  into its primary component materials. In certain embodiments, abrasion as contemplated for the methods described herein is carried out using an abrasive drum, an orbital, reciprocating or circular sander, grinding wheels or grinding wheels mounted or stacked onto a shaft, abrasive wire wheels or shafts, or a belt sanding or grinding mechanism. The abrasive material  205  may be a suitable, commercially available abrasive product, such as, sandpaper, abrasive cloth, abrasive particles, hook and loop roll abrasive cloth, and the like. In one embodiment, abrasive particles may be applied to, adhered to, or embedded within the surface of a drum or shaft for use in abrasion as contemplated for the methods described herein. In an alternative embodiment, abrasive particles may be applied to, adhered to, or embedded within the surface of a removable sleeve that can slide or be disposed over the surface of a drum or shaft for use as an abrasive material  205 . 
     In the methods described herein, carpet  50  to be recycled is provided, the secondary backing  40  is removed by abrasion, and the face fibers  20  are stripped from the primary backing  30  by abrasion. Once separated from the carpet  50 , the materials forming the primary components may be separately collected for recycling. Therefore, by facilitating the separate collection of the materials forming each of the primary components, the methods described herein greatly facilitate collection of the individual components for recycling, minimize cross-contamination of the recovered materials, and reduce or eliminate the need for further processing of primary component materials prior to their subsequent sale, transport, or use. 
     In some embodiments, the carpet  50  to be recycled may be cleaned or remediated prior to abrasively breaking down the carpet  50  into its primary components. In further embodiments, the carpet  50  is sized and/or sorted prior to abrasive deconstruction. For example, in some embodiments, the carpet  50  may be graded according to the nature of the face fiber  20  as part of the recycling process. Grading the carpet  50  in this manner reduces the possibility of cross-contamination of face fiber  20  materials recovered from the methods described herein. For example, a system for carrying out the methods described herein may be dedicated to recycling carpets  50  having a certain type or class of face fibers  20 . Alternatively, a single system may be used for recycling carpets  50  having any type of face fiber  20 , but the carpets  50  may be graded, grouped, and processed according to face fiber  20  type so that different types of face fibers  20  can be collected with little or no contamination with face fibers  20  of a different material. 
     In certain embodiments, the materials forming the primary components may be further processed to facilitate their sale, transportation, or use as post-consumer recycled materials. For instance, the materials may be washed, or otherwise cleaned, densified, pelletized, baled, etc. Moreover, in some embodiments, once separated from the carpet  50 , the primary component materials may be handled or processed to isolate or produce secondary component materials. For example, the secondary backing  40  may include fiber  42 , adhesive  70 , and filler  60  materials, and once separated from the carpet  50 , the material forming the secondary backing  40  may be collected and processed in a manner that isolates one or more secondary component materials (e.g., one or more of the fiber  42 , adhesive  70 , or filler material  60  recovered from the secondary backing  40 ). Therefore, in certain embodiments of the methods described herein, the material recovered from the secondary backing  40  is processed to isolate one, or more, or each of the adhesive  70 , filler  60 , and fiber  42  materials used in the secondary backing  40 . For example, the material recovered from the secondary backing  40  may be further processed using a hammer mill, attrition mill or shredder before being separated using a vibratory screen, air cyclone, hydro cyclone, float/sink tank or other suitable separation device or devices configured for use in this context. 
     To facilitate abrasive removal of the secondary backing  40  and stripping of the face fibers  20  from the primary backing  30 , in certain embodiments of the methods described herein, a force is applied to the carpet  50  to prevent significant folding, wrinkling, or deflection of the carpet  50  upon application of the abrasive materials  205  and/or forces. As used herein, a “significant” folding, wrinkling, or deflection of the carpet would include any condition that prevents the high speed abrasive drum  200  from making full and flat contact with the carpet  50  during processing. 
     In certain embodiments, prior to abrasive deconstruction, the carpet  50  may be immobilized at one or more ends or surfaces. Such immobilization may be carried out using any suitable retention mechanism  105 , such as, for example, a clamp, a vice, or other mechanical fixing means, such as one or more hooks or pins. Alternatively, the carpet  50  may be immobilized by sewing multiple pieces of carpet  50  end-to-end forming a continuous roll, which is prevented from turning by using a conventional braking mechanism, thus, keeping the carpet  50  taut and flat during processing. Immobilization of the carpet  50  at one or more ends or surfaces reduces or eliminates folding, wrinkling or deflection of the carpet  50  during processing. 
     In addition to being immobilized at one or more ends or surfaces, in some embodiments, a tensile force may be additionally applied to the carpet  50 . In certain such embodiments, the tensile force is applied in a single direction (e.g., parallel to the length or width of the carpet  50  being recycled), while in other embodiments, tensile forces may be applied in two or more directions (e.g., a first tensile force applied parallel to the length of the carpet  50  and a second tensile force applied parallel to the width of the carpet  50 ). Again, placing the carpet  50  under one or more tensile forces works to minimize or eliminate issues associated with folding, wrinkling, or deflection of the carpet  50  as it is broken down into its primary components by abrasion. In certain embodiments, a tensile force is applied parallel to the warp yarn of the secondary backing  40 . In other embodiments, a tensile force is applied parallel to the weft yarn of the secondary backing  40 . In still other embodiments, a first tensile force is applied parallel to the weft yarn of the secondary backing  40  and a second tensile force is applied parallel to the warp yarn of the secondary backing  40 . The magnitude of the tensile force(s) applied to the carpet  50  may vary depending on the size and nature of the carpet  50  to be recycled. 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart schematically illustrating an embodiment of the methods for recycling carpet  50  as described herein. The method may start with inspection of the carpet  50  to determine if a hazardous contaminant, such as, for example, asbestos, is present. If a hazardous material is present, steps can be taken to abate the hazardous material and, if needed, properly dispose of the carpet  50  without further processing. If a hazardous material is not present, the carpet  50  may be checked for other non-hazardous contaminants and cleaned, if necessary. If the carpet  50  is cleaned to remove contaminants, the carpet  50  may be re-inspected after cleaning to ensure that all contaminants are sufficiently removed before further processing. 
     Once it is confirmed that the carpet  50  is free of hazardous material and sufficiently clean, the face fiber type of the carpet  50  may be determined so as to properly sort the carpet  50  for further processing with other like carpets  50 . The face fiber type of the carpet  50  may be determined using commercially available tools and systems such as a micro-fiber carpet analyzer, such as a Polychromix Phazir™ analyzer, and the like. Once sorted according to the type of face fiber  20 , the carpet  50  may be measured and combined according to size in preparation for the abrasive breakdown of the carpet  50 . As described herein, the secondary backing is removed by abrasion. In particular embodiments described herein, once the secondary backing is removed, the face fibers are removed by abrasion. Removal of the secondary backing prior to removal and separation of the face fibers eases recovery of the face fibers, allows recovery face fibers that are substantially free of contaminant materials from the secondary backing, and can simplify collection of the primary backing. For example, abrasive removal of the secondary backing followed by abrasive removal of the face fiber results in a primary backing that is substantially intact and substantially or completely free of face fiber or secondary backing materials. 
     Embodiments of devices and systems suited to recycle carpet  50  according to the methods described herein are illustrated in and described in association with  FIGS. 4-10  and  FIGS. 12-16 . Though the methods and systems described herein are illustrated in  FIGS. 4-10  and  FIGS. 12-16 , it is to be understood that the methods described herein are not limited to the embodiments illustrated. For example, mechanical means different than those specifically illustrated herein for securing the carpet to be recycled while the secondary backing and primary backing materials are removed can be assembled and configured to recycle carpet as described herein. 
     The system illustrated in  FIGS. 4-10  includes a primary drum  100  and one or more high speed abrasive drums  200 . The carpet  50  is mounted to the primary drum  100 , with at least one end of the carpet  50  immobilized. A plurality of rollers  400  positioned along the outer radius of the primary drum  100  applies at least one tensile force to hold the carpet  50  in place. The one or more spinning high speed abrasive drums  200  may be applied against the carpet  50  to abrasively separate the carpet  50  into its primary component materials. At least one high speed abrasive drum  200  may be applied against the carpet  50  to remove the secondary backing  40  from the primary backing  30 . The aggregate mixture  45  (e.g., abraded secondary backing fibers  42 , adhesives  70 , and fillers  60 ) is collected by a collection system  500 , which may include one or more of a vacuum system  510 , one or more filters, a cyclone system, a vibratory screen, and the like. The collection system  500  may be used to further separate the aggregate mixture  45  into its secondary components. The carpet  50  may be turned over and at least one high speed abrasive drum  200  may be applied against the face fibers  20  to separate the face fibers  20  from the primary backing  30 . Similarly, the face fibers  20  separated from the primary backing  30  may be collected by a collection system  500 , which may include one or more of a vacuum system  510 , one or more filters, a cyclone system, a vibratory screen, a face fiber packing system, and the like. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of a first high speed abrasive drum  202  and primary drum  100 . Shown in  FIG. 4  is a primary drum  100 , the radius of the primary drum  100  (represented by R D ), a first high speed abrasive drum  202 , an abrasive material  205 , a carpet  50 , and an aggregate mixture  45 . An aggregate mixture  45  may include abraded secondary backing fibers  42 , adhesives  70 , and/or fillers  60  that are removed from the bottom surface of a carpet  50  by at least one high speed abrasive drum  200 . The primary drum  100  may be configured to receive and secure carpet  50  with the secondary backing  40  facing towards the first high speed abrasive drum  202 . One or more tensile forces (represented by force arrows F 1 ) may be applied to hold the carpet  50  along the outer radius of the primary drum  100 . The first high speed abrasive drum  202  may include or be fitted with an abrasive material  205 , and pressure (represented as force arrow F 3 ) may be applied by the first high speed abrasive drum  202  against the carpet  50  to remove the secondary backing  40 . After the secondary backing  40  is abraded from the primary backing  30 , the carpet  50  may be turned over so that the face fibers  20  are positioned to come into contact with at least one high speed abrasive drum  200  in preparation for stripping the face fibers  20  from the primary backing  30 . In embodiments of the system illustrated in  FIGS. 4-10 , and where the carpet  50  is affixed to the primary drum  100  at one end, turning the carpet  50  over may be accomplished by reversing the rotational direction of the primary drum  100 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative to the one or more high speed abrasive drums  200 . In particular, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a circular rotating abrasive device  210  may be used as an alternative to a high speed abrasive drum  200 . Shown in  FIG. 5  is a primary drum  100 , the radius of the primary drum  100  (represented as R D ), a circular rotating abrasive device  210 , and an abrasive material  205 . The primary drum  100  may be configured to receive and secure a carpet  50  with the secondary backing  40  facing the circular rotating abrasive device  210 . The carpet  50  may be held in tension along the outer radius of the primary drum  100 . The circular rotating abrasive device  210  may be fitted with an abrasive material  205 , and pressure (represented as force arrow F 3 ) may be applied by the circular rotating abrasive device  210  against the carpet  50  to separate the secondary backing  40  from the primary backing  30  of the carpet  50 . After the secondary backing  40  is abraded from the primary backing  30 , the carpet  50  may be turned over so that the face fibers  20  are positioned to come into contact with at least one high speed abrasive drum  200  in preparation for stripping the face fibers  20  from the primary backing  30 . In embodiments of the system illustrated in  FIGS. 4-10 , and where the carpet  50  is affixed to the primary drum  100  at one end (shown in  FIGS. 7-10  and  FIG. 12 ), turning the carpet  50  over may be accomplished by reversing the rotational direction of the primary drum  100 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , removal of the secondary backing  40  with abrasion results in an aggregate mixture  45  of abraded secondary backing fiber  42 , adhesive  70 , and filler  60  materials. Once separated from the primary backing  30 , the aggregate mixture  45  may be collected and processed in a manner that isolates one or more secondary component materials (e.g., secondary backing fiber  42 , adhesive  70 , and filler  60  materials). In certain embodiments described herein, the aggregate mixture  45  may be captured and separated into its secondary components by a collection system  500 , including any combination of a vacuum system  510  (shown in  FIG. 12 ), one or more filters, a cyclone system, a vibratory screen, or any other physical or mechanical separation device. 
     In one embodiment, a vacuum system  510  may be used to collect the aggregate mixture  45  released from the abrasion and a cyclone system may be used to transfer the aggregate mixture  45  to a vibratory screen. The vibratory screen may be used to separate the aggregate mixture  45  into its secondary components materials. Where a vacuum system  510  is used to collect the aggregate mixture  45  released from the abrasion, the vacuum system  510  may be configured to facilitate the mechanical separation of the secondary backing fiber  42  from adhesive  70  and filler  60  materials. For example, the conduit within which a vacuum is generated may include one or more drops, chutes, or openings (not shown) where larger-sized or heavier materials (such as, e.g., a collection of secondary backing fiber  42 ) will drop away and separate from lighter adhesive  70  and filler  60  materials as they are pulled through the vacuum system  510  to be collected (such as by a cyclone collection system). Alternatively or in addition, in certain embodiments, a vacuum system  510  may include one or more filters sized and configured to separate one or more of the secondary component materials included in the aggregate mixture  45 . For example, the vacuum system  510  may include a filter, screen, sieve, mesh, or other suitable mechanism configured to capture and collect one or more of the secondary backing fibers  42  or the adhesive  70  and filler  60  materials. The vacuum systems  510  described herein may include a cyclone system that is configured to collect or further separate the aggregate mixture  45  collected by the vacuum system  510  and received into the cyclone system. In order to generate the negative pressure within the vacuum system, an inline fan suitable for pulling the aggregate mixture  45  through the vacuum system  510  may be used. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the carpet  50  after removal of the secondary backing  40  and after the carpet  50  has been turned over to expose the face fibers  20  to a second high speed abrasive drum  204  for further processing. Shown in  FIG. 6  is a primary drum  100 , the radius of the primary drum  100  (represented by R D ), a second high speed abrasive drum  204 , an abrasive material  205 , and a plurality of face fibers  20  woven into a primary backing  30 . The primary backing  30  may be held by at least one tensile force (represented by force arrows F 2 ) along the outer radius of the primary drum  100  with the face fibers  20  facing the second high speed abrasive drum  204 . As pressure (represented as force arrow D 2 ) is applied by the spinning second high speed abrasive drum  204  against the face fibers  20  of the carpet  50 , the second high speed abrasive drum  204  abrasively removes the face fibers  20  from the top surface of the primary backing  30 . The second high speed abrasive drum  204  may be similar or identical in construction and/or operation to the first high speed abrasive drum  202 . 
     In certain embodiments, the second high speed abrasive drum  204  may also be an orbital, reciprocating or circular sander, or a belt sanding or grinding mechanism. Abrasive removal of the face fibers  20  from the primary backing  30  results in separated face fibers  20 , which may be captured with a collection system  500 . In certain embodiments, the separated face fibers  20  may be collected and processed by a collection system  500 , including any combination of a vacuum system  510 , a cyclone system, a face fiber packing system, and the like. In one embodiment, the separated face fibers  20  may be delivered to a container  520  from a cyclone or a vacuum system. Depending upon the final disposition of the face fibers  20 , the face fibers  20  may be cleaned or further processed. In some embodiments, the face fibers may be densified, pelletized, or baled. 
       FIG. 7  schematically illustrates an exemplary carpet recycling system according to one aspect of the present description. Shown in  FIG. 7  is a set of high speed abrasive drums  200  (shown as a first high speed abrasive drum  202  and a second high speed abrasive drum  204 ), one or more screeds  410 , one or more sensors  415 , a primary drum  100 , a retention mechanism  105  affixed to the primary drum  100 , and a plurality of rollers  400 . As shown, carpet  50  is being loaded onto the carpet recycling system in preparation for removal of the secondary backing  40 . The carpet recycling system can be configured to permit manual loading of carpet  50  onto the primary drum  100 , or the system can be configured to provide automatic loading of carpet  50 , such as by the inclusion of a conveyor and loading system (not shown) configured to automatically load carpet  50  onto the primary drum  100 . In certain embodiments, the carpet  50  may be oriented and loaded onto the primary drum  100 , such that the warp yarn follows the outer radius of the primary drum  100 , while the weft yarn lies perpendicular to the outer radius of the primary drum  100 . Where the secondary backing  40  includes polypropylene yarns, generally, the warp yarn is relatively shiny in appearance, while the weft yarn, which retains relatively more filler  60  and adhesive  70  material is relatively dull. The edges of the carpet  50 , which may be cut and/or squared prior to processing, may be secured to the primary drum  100  using a retention mechanism  105  (for example, the retention mechanisms described herein) to hold the carpet  50  in place as the primary drum  100  rotates in a direction that allows the secondary backing  40  to face away from the primary drum  100 . 
     As the primary drum  100  rotates to pull carpet  50  through the plurality of rollers  400  and along the outer radius of the primary drum  100 , the rollers  400  apply a force against the carpet  50  to maintain tension and to remove wrinkles and creases that may be present. One or more pneumatic cylinders may be connected or otherwise attached to the plurality of rollers  400  along the outer radius of the primary drum  100  to apply a force that pulls the plurality of rollers  400  against the primary drum  100 . In certain embodiments, the force applied to the one or more pneumatic cylinders is selected from approximately 20 to 500 pounds per square inch; approximately 20 to 250 pounds per square inch; approximately 20 to 150 pounds per square inch; approximately 20 to 100 pounds per square inch; approximately 50 to 500 pounds per square inch; approximately 50 to 250 pounds per square inch; approximately 50 to 150 pounds per square inch; and approximately 50 to 100 pounds per square inch. In a specific embodiment, the force applied to the one or more pneumatic cylinders is approximately 80 pounds per square inch. In one embodiment, the force applied by the rollers 400 to hold the carpet 50 in tension ranges from approximately 150 to 1,500 pounds per square inch. In certain such embodiments the force applied is selected from the following ranges: approximately 250 to 1,500 pounds per square inch; approximately 250 to 1,250 pounds per square inch; approximately 250 to 1,000 pounds per square inch; approximately 500 to 1,500 pounds per square inch; approximately 500 to 1,250 pounds per square inch; approximately 500 to 1,000 pounds per square inch; approximately 750 to 1,500 pounds per square inch; approximately 750 to 1,250 pounds per square inch; and approximately 750 to 1,000 pounds per square inch. 
     Where a carpet recycling system as described herein includes one or more screeds  410  to minimize or eliminate folding, wrinkling, or deflection of the carpet  50  as it approaches the high speed abrasive drums  200 , the one or more screeds  410  may be positioned parallel to the plurality of rollers  400 , along the outer radius of the primary drum  100 . In some embodiments, the one or more screeds  410  may be situated adjacent to either or both of the first  202  and second  204  high speed abrasive drums. The screeds  410  may be constructed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, iron, and the like. 
     A screed  410  utilized in a carpet recycling system according to the present description may be configured such that it has a substantially planar surface that comes into contact with the carpet  50  disposed over the outer radius of the primary drum  100 . In an alternative embodiment, the screed  410  may have a substantially concave surface that may be nested against the non-planar cylindrical surface of the primary drum  100 . A screed  410  will generally be configured such that, by either or both of its weight or application of a mechanical force to the screed  410 , the screed  410  applies a desired pressure across the surface of the carpet  50  that comes into contact with the screed  410 . The pressure applied against the carpet  50  creates an even tension along the carpet  50 , which further reduces or eliminates wrinkles, creases, or deflections in the carpet  50  prior to contact with one or more high speed abrasive drums  200 . In certain embodiments, the screed  410  may be attached or otherwise connected to a frame structure (not shown). In further embodiments, the screed  410  may be slidably or hingeably attached to the frame structure, such that the proximity of the screed  410  to the carpet  50  disposed over the primary drum  100  may be adjusted accordingly. 
     A small ramp  110  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) may be affixed to the outer edge of each side of the primary drum  100  to ease the high speed abrasive drums  200  into first contact while the carpet  50  is held in tension along the outer radius of the primary drum  100  by the plurality of rollers  400 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a primary drum  100 , a retention mechanism  105 , a small ramp  110 , and a first high speed abrasive drum  202  fitted with an abrasive material  205 . The small ramp  110  may be affixed to the outer edge of each side of the primary drum  100  and adjacent to the retention mechanism  105  that is used to secure the edges of the carpet  50  to the primary drum  100 . Small wheels  215  may also be affixed to each side of the high speed abrasive drums  200  to ease the high speed abrasive drums  200  into first contact with the carpet  50 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the small wheels  215  may aid in rolling the first high speed abrasive drum  202  onto the small ramp  110 , before easing the first high speed abrasive drum  202  into first contact with the carpet  50 . The use of a small ramp  110  and wheels  215  on the first high speed abrasive drum  202  may reduce the likelihood of backlash in the primary drum  100  upon first contact and decrease the likelihood of burn through of the carpet during abrading. The second high speed abrasive drum  204  may be similar or identical in construction and/or operation to the first high speed abrasive drum  202 . The second high speed abrasive drum  204  may also include small wheels  215  affixed to each side of the second high speed abrasive drum  204  to ease the second high speed abrasive drum  204  into first contact with the carpet  50 . 
     In one embodiment, the high speed abrasive drums  200  may be fitted with a pressure-maintaining mechanism (not shown) to maintain a substantially even pressure against the carpet  50  sufficient to effectively separate the secondary backing  40  and/or face fibers  20  from the primary backing  30 . Examples of such pressure-maintaining mechanisms may include pneumatic cylinders, coil spring mechanisms, hydraulic cylinders, and the like. 
     The speed of the primary drum  100  and the high speed abrasive drums  200 , the pressure applied by the high speed abrasive drums  200  against the carpet  50 , the pressure with which the carpet  50  is affixed to the primary drum  100 , and the tension exerted across the carpet  50  by, for example, the forces applied by the plurality of rollers  400  may be adjusted so as to minimize or prevent uneven or inconsistent removal and isolation of the individual components of the carpet  50  being recycled. For example, one or more of each of these parameters may be adjusted according to the characteristics (e.g., thickness, size, density, etc.) and/or nature (e.g., face fiber type, materials used in secondary and primary backings, etc.) of the carpet  50  being recycled. 
     In some embodiments, the system may include one or more sensors  415  capable of assessing one or more qualities of the carpet  50  being recycled, such as the thickness, size, density, face fiber type, and materials used in secondary and primary backings, etc. Input received from such sensors  415  can be used to adjust, as needed, one or more system parameters (e.g., the speed of the primary drum  100 , the speed of the high speed abrasive drums  200 , the pressure applied by the high speed abrasive drums  200  against the carpet  50 , the pressure with which the carpet  50  is affixed to the primary drum  100 , and the tension exerted across the carpet  50  by, for example, the forces applied by the plurality of rollers  400 ). 
     Where one or more sensors  415  are provided, the one or more sensors  415  may be positioned in proximity to or in direct contact with the carpet  50  to be recycled as the carpet  50  is prepared for, positioned within, or processed by the carpet recycling system. For example, one or more sensors  415  may be positioned and configured to sense the movement or displacement of the one or more rollers  400  or the one or more screeds  410  positioned along the outer radius of the primary drum  100  to allow adjustment of one or more of the speed of the primary drum  100 , the speed of the high speed abrasive drums  200 , and the amount of pressure to be applied against the carpet  50  based on, for example, the size, density, or thickness of the carpet  50 . One or more sensors  415  may also be positioned and configured to assess the carpet  50  to be recycled as it is loaded into primary drum  100 . Any sensor  415  suitable for sensing and communicating information regarding the characteristics and/or the nature of the carpet  50  may be utilized. In particular embodiments, the one or more sensors  415  may be coupled or associated with an automatic or programmable control system capable of automatically adjusting one or more system parameters in light of information received from the one or more sensors  415 . 
     The carpet recycling system may also include a drum-aligning means (not shown) to keep the high speed abrasive drums  200  in line with the primary drum  100 . Examples of such drum-aligning means may include a gear rack and pinion assembly (not shown), and the like. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of the secondary backing  40  being removed by the first high speed abrasive drum  202 . Shown in  FIG. 9  is a primary drum  100 , a first high speed abrasive drum  202 , a second high speed abrasive drum  204 , an abrasive material  205 , a retention mechanism  105 , a screed  410 , a sensor  415 , and a plurality of rollers  400 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , a carpet  50  is held in tension along the outer radius of a primary drum  100  by a retention mechanism  105  and a plurality of rollers  400 , such that the secondary backing  40  of the carpet  50  faces the first high speed abrasive drum  202 . A screed  410  may be positioned adjacent to the first high speed abrasive drum  202  to minimize or eliminate any wrinkles, creases, or deflections in the carpet  50  prior to contact with the first high speed abrasive drum  202 . The primary drum  100  rotates around its axis while the first high speed abrasive drum  202  spins and comes into contact to the carpet  50 . The first high speed abrasive drum  202  applies a constant pressure against the carpet  50  and operates at a speed sufficient to effectively remove the secondary backing  40 . 
     The primary drum  100  may be rotated by a rotating means  115  at a variable speed. Examples of such rotating means  115  may include a hydraulic drive, a hydraulic drive and gear reduction system, an electric drive, an electric drive and gear reduction system, a chain drive, a chain drive and gear reduction system, a friction drive, a friction drive and gear reduction system, and the like. 
     In addition, the primary drum  100  may rotate at a variable speed suitable to effectively separate the secondary backing  40  and/or face fibers  20  from the primary backing  30 . The speed at which the primary drum  100  rotates may vary depending on the size and nature of the carpet  50  to be recycled. In one embodiment, the primary drum  100  may rotate at a speed ranging from about 1 to 100 feet per minute. In certain examples of such an embodiment, the primary drum may rotate at a speed selected from about 2-50 feet per minute, about 2-30 feet per minute, about 2-20 feet per minute, about 2-15 feet per minute, about 2-10 feet per minute, about 2-5 feet per minute, about 15-75 feet per minute, about 15-65 feet per minute, about 15-55 feet per minute, about 15-45 feet per minute, about 15-35 feet per minute, about 15-25 feet per minute, about 25-100 feet per minute, about 25-75 feet per minute, about 25-65 feet per minute, about 25-55 feet per minute, about 25-45 feet per minute, and about 25-35 feet per minute. In a particular embodiment, the primary drum  100  may rotate at a speed ranging from about 18-60 feet per minute (ft/min). In another specific embodiment, the primary drum  100  may rotate at a speed of 2-3 revolutions per minute (RPM). The pressure applied to the high speed abrasive drums  200  is directly proportional to the speed of the primary drum  100 , as well as the width of the carpet  50  retained in the primary drum  100  and the density of the face fiber  20  of the carpet  50 . 
     The speed at which the high speed abrasive drums  200  rotate may be varied to suit a particular application. In each embodiment, the speed of the high speed abrasive drum  200  is set at a speed that effectively removes the desired carpet component without substantially removing or altering additional components. For example, the high speed abrasive drums may be configured to rotate at a speed ranging from about 500-RPM to 10,000-RPM. In certain such embodiments, the high speed drums can be selected and configured to rotate at a range of speeds selected from about 500-RPM to 7,500-RPM, about 500-RPM to 5,000-RPM, about 500-RPM to 3,500-RPM, about 500-RPM to 2,500-RPM, about 750-RPM to 7,500-RPM, about 750-RPM to 5,000-RPM, about 750-RPM to 3,500-RPM, about 750-RPM to 2,500-RPM, about 1,000-RPM to 7,500-RPM, about 1,000-RPM to 5,000-RPM, about 1,000-RPM to 3,500-RPM, and about 1000-RPM to 2,500-RPM. In one embodiment, the high speed abrasive drums  200  may operate at standard motor speed of 1800-RPM with a one-to-one belt drive. In an alternative embodiment, the high speed abrasive drums  200  may operate at a speed of approximately 4,200 feet per minute. 
     The amount of force to be applied by the high speed abrasive drums  200  fitted with pressure-maintaining mechanisms depends on, for example, the amount and qualities (e.g., the characteristics, such as thickness, size, density, etc., and/or nature, such as face fiber type, and materials used in secondary and primary backings, etc.) of the carpet  50  being processed. The amount of pressure applied by the high speed abrasive drums may also be adjusted according to the speed at which the high speed abrasive drums  200  and the primary drum  100  rotate. In certain embodiments, the high speed abrasive drums apply a force selected from the following ranges: approximately 2 to 50 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 ; approximately 2 to 35 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 ; approximately 2 to 25 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum; approximately 2 to 20 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 ; approximately 2 to 15 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 ; and approximately 2 to 10 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 . In other embodiments, the high speed abrasive drums apply a force selected from the following ranges: approximately 4 to 50 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 ; approximately 4 to 35 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 ; approximately 4 to 25 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum; approximately 4 to 20 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 ; approximately 4 to 15 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 ; and approximately 4 to 10 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 . In still further embodiments, In other embodiments, the high speed abrasive drums apply a force selected from the following ranges: approximately 2 to 8 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 ; approximately 2 to 7 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 ; approximately 2 to 6 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum; approximately 2 to 5 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 ; approximately 4 to 8 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 ; approximately 4 to 7 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 ; approximately 4 to 6 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 ; and approximately 4 to 5 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100 . In a specific embodiment, the high speed abrasive drums  200  apply approximately 4 to 6 pounds of force per inch of carpet width retained by the primary drum  100  operating at approximately 3-RPM. 
     The high speed abrasive drums  200  may also be attached or otherwise connected to a frame structure. In one embodiment, the high speed abrasive drums  200  may be hingeably or slidably attached to the frame structure (not shown), such that the proximity of the high speed abrasive drums  200  to the primary drum  100  can be adjusted accordingly. In certain embodiments, the high speed abrasive drums  200  may connected to the same frame structure (not shown) that is connected to the one or more screeds  410 . 
     Abrasive material  205  may be selected from any material suitable for abrading or sanding that is sufficiently flexible to wrap around a high speed abrasive drum  200 , including sandpaper, carbide grit, diamond grit, zirconium grit, abrasive cloth, hook and loop roll abrasive, and the like. In one embodiment, the abrasive material  205  comprises abrasive particles ranging from one of approximately 10-200 grit, 10-100 grit, 10-75 grit, 10-65 grit, 10-50 grit, 10-25 grit, 15-200 grit, 15-100 grit, 15-75 grit, 15-65 grit, 15-50 grit, 15-25 grit, 20-200 grit, 20-100 grit, 20-75 grit, 20-65 grit, 20-50 grit, and 20-25 grit. In a specific embodiment, the abrasive material  205  comprises abrasive particles ranging from approximately 24-60 grit. The high speed abrasive drums  200  may be machined out of a solid steel shaft and balanced to accommodate smooth operation at high speed, such that the abrasive material  205  can be quickly and easily replaced while maintaining drum balance and, therefore, low vibration, which works to provide improved bearing life and relatively low cost of operation. In an alternative embodiment, the high speed abrasive drums  200  may be replaced with one or more grinding wheels, one or more abrasive wire wheels or shafts, one or more shafts containing abrasive particles applied to, adhered to, or embedded within the surface of the one or more shafts, one or more shafts with removable sleeves containing abrasive particles applied to, adhered to, or embedded within the surface of the removable sleeves, or other suitable abrasive means that are configured for use in this context. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of face fibers  20  being separated from the primary backing  30  by a second high speed abrasive drum  204 . Shown in  FIG. 10  is a primary drum  100 , a first high speed abrasive drum  202 , a second high speed abrasive drum  204 , a retention mechanism  105 , a screed  410 , a sensor  415 , and a plurality of rollers  400 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the secondary backing  40  of the carpet  50  from  FIG. 9  has been abraded by the first high speed abrasive drum  202 . The rotational direction of the primary drum  100  may be reversed and the carpet  50  turned over to expose the face fibers  20 . A screed  410  may be positioned adjacent to the second high speed abrasive drum  204  to reduce or eliminate any wrinkles, creases, or deflections that may be present in the carpet  50  prior to contact with the second high speed abrasive drum  204 . As the primary drum  100  rotates around its axis, the second high speed abrasive drum  204  spins and comes into contact with the carpet  50 . The second high speed abrasive drum  204  applies a substantially constant pressure against the carpet  50  as it spins at a speed sufficient to effectively remove the face fibers  20  from the primary backing  30 . 
       FIG. 12  provides a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a system suited to the methods for deconstructing and recycling carpet  50  as described herein. The system embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12  illustrates that the methods described herein are suited to the stepwise removal and recovery of the primary components of the carpet  50  being recycled. With reference to  FIG. 12 , with the carpet  50  secured at one end in the primary drum  100 , the primary drum  100  is rotated such that the secondary backing  40  of a carpet  50  faces out and the carpet  50  is pulled under the one or more rollers  400 , which work to maintain the carpet  50  in position against the primary drum  100  and under tension as the primary drum  100  rotates. As the carpet  50  passes the first high speed abrasive drum  202  fitted with an abrasive material  205 , the secondary backing  40  is removed from the primary backing  30 , resulting in an aggregate mixture  45  of secondary components (e.g., abraded secondary backing fiber  42 , adhesive  70 , and filler  60  materials). In certain embodiments described herein, the aggregate mixture  45  may be collected and separated into its secondary components by a collection system  500 , which may include any combination of one or more vacuum systems  510 , one or more filters, one or more cyclone systems, one or more vibratory screens, or any other physical or mechanical separation device. 
     In one embodiment, a vacuum system  510  may be used to collect the aggregate mixture  45  released from the abrasion, and a cyclone system may be used to transfer the aggregate mixture  45  to a vibratory screen. The vibratory screen may be used to separate the aggregate mixture  45  into its secondary component materials. Where a vacuum system  510  is used to collect the aggregate mixture  45  released from the abrasion, the vacuum system  510  may be configured to facilitate the mechanical separation of the secondary backing fiber  42  from adhesive  70  and filler  60  materials. For example, the conduit within which a vacuum is generated may include one or more drops, chutes, or openings (not shown) where larger-sized or heavier materials (such as, e.g., a collection of secondary backing fiber  42 ) can drop away and separate from lighter adhesive  70  and filler  60  materials, as they are pulled through the vacuum system to be collected (such as by a cyclone collection system). Alternatively or in addition, in certain embodiments, a vacuum system may include one or more filters sized and configured to separate the one or more secondary component materials included in the aggregate mixture  45 . The vacuum system may include one or more of a filter, screen, sieve, mesh, or other suitable mechanism configured to capture and collect one or more of the secondary backing fibers  42  or the adhesive  70  and filler  60  materials. The vacuum systems  510  described herein may include a cyclone system configured to collect or further separate the aggregate mixture  45  collected by the vacuum system  510  and received into the cyclone system. In one embodiment, the vacuum systems  510  described herein or any other suitable mechanisms, such as a conveyor belt, may be used to transfer the one or more secondary component materials separated from the aggregate mixture  45  into one or more designated containers  520  for collection or further processing, as desired, for sale, transportation, or use. 
     In one embodiment, a vacuum system  510  may be used to collect the face fiber  20  released from abrasion, and a cyclone system may be used to transfer the face fiber  20  to a vibratory screen to remove any residual primary backing  30  or secondary backing components. The cyclone system described herein may also be used to transfer the face fibers  20  to a designated container  520  for collection or further processing, as desired, for sale, transportation, or use. Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, a cyclone system or another suitable system, such as a conveyor system, may be used to transport the face fibers  20  to a packing system to be densified, pelletized, and/or baled. 
     Where a vacuum system is used herein as part of a collection system, in order to generate the negative pressure within the vacuum system  510 , an inline fan suitable for pulling the aggregate mixture  45  through the vacuum system  510  may be used. The inline fan can be positioned, as desired, within the vacuum system  510  to generate a negative pressure to pull the aggregate mixture  45  through the vacuum system  510 . To increase system reliability and operational life of the inline fan, the inline fan can be positioned within the vacuum system  510  such that contact between the inline fan and primary or secondary component materials is prevented or minimized. In one embodiment, the inline fan is positioned within the vacuum system  510  such that one or all of the primary or secondary component materials is collected prior to reaching the inline fan. 
     Once the secondary backing  40  is removed, the face fiber  20  of the carpet  50  is then stripped by abrasion from the primary backing  30 . In the embodiment of the system illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the carpet  50  is prepared for stripping of the face fibers  20  by turning the carpet  50  over so that the face fibers  20  face out. With the system shown in  FIG. 12 , turning the carpet  50  over can be accomplished by reversing the direction of rotation of the primary drum  100 , resulting in the carpet  50  being pulled through the one or more rollers  400  such that the primary backing  30  is positioned against the primary drum  100  and the face fibers  20  are positioned to come into contact with the second high speed abrasive drum  204  fitted with an abrasive material  205 . The second high speed abrasive drum  204  may be similar in construction and operation to the first high speed abrasive drum  202 . As the primary drum  100  rotates in the direction opposite to that used for removal of the secondary backing  40 , the face fibers  20  come into contact with the second high speed abrasive drum  204 , resulting in the face fibers  20  being stripped from the primary backing  30 . Again, a vacuum system  510  may be used to collect the separated face fibers  20  and a cyclone system may be used to transfer the separated face fibers  20  to a container  520  for collection or further processing, as desired, for sale, transportation, or use. Depending upon the final disposition of the face fibers  20 , the face fibers  20  may be, for example, densified, pelletized, and/or baled. 
     Once the secondary backing  40  and the face fibers  20  are removed, the primary backing  30  is removed from the primary drum  100 . At this point, the primary backing  30  is essentially free of secondary backing  40  and face fiber  20  materials. The primary backing  30  can then be collected by any suitable means and processed, as desired, for sale, transportation, or use. Depending upon the final disposition of the face fibers  20 , the face fibers  20  may be, for example, densified, pelletized, and/or baled. 
     Though the system illustrated in  FIG. 12  is just one embodiment of a system suited for recycling carpet  50  according to the present description,  FIG. 12  highlights that the methods described herein not only break carpet  50  down into the materials forming the primary carpet components, but the methods described herein also allow for the collection of the materials forming each of the primary components as discrete products. The materials collected include little cross-contamination. For example, the face fibers  20  collected include little to no material from the secondary backing  40  or primary backing  30 . Additionally, the recovered primary backing  30  material includes little to no face fiber  20  or secondary backing  40  material. Each of the discrete products produced by the methods and systems described herein can, itself, be sold, transported, and used with little to no additional processing. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a high speed abrasive drum  200  that can be used in the systems and methods described herein. The high speed abrasive drum  200  is configured for receiving and securing an abrasive material  205  onto a high speed abrasive drum  200 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the high speed abrasive drum  200  may be configured such that it has an abrasive retainer  600  on the head end and an adjustable sleeve  610  on the tail end. The adjustable sleeve  610  may also be configured to have an abrasive retainer  600 . The abrasive retainer  600  may include a retaining strip  605 , a machined slot  615 , and a fastening mechanism  625 . Examples of such fastening mechanisms  625  may include screws, pins, and the like. The retaining strip  605  and fastening mechanism  625  may be inserted into the machined slot  615  located on the head end of the high speed abrasive drum  200  to secure one end of the abrasive material  205  in place. The abrasive material  205  may be wrapped around the high speed abrasive drum  200  toward the tail end. The loose end of the abrasive material  205  may be secured to the tail end of the high speed abrasive drum  200  by inserting the retaining strip  605  and fastening mechanism  625  into the machined slot  615  of the adjustable sleeve  610 . The adjustable sleeve  610  may be fitted and secured over the tail end of the high speed abrasive drum  200  using a fastening mechanism  625 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the head end of a high speed abrasive drum  200 . Shown in  FIG. 15  is a high speed abrasive drum  200 , a retaining strip  605 , a fastening mechanism  625 , and an abrasive material  205 . The retaining strip  605  and fastening mechanism  625  secure an edge of the abrasive material  205  in the machined slot  615  of the high speed abrasive drum  200 . The length of the abrasive material  205  may be wrapped around the high speed abrasive drum  200  toward the tail end. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tail end of a high speed abrasive drum  200 . Shown in  FIG. 16  is a high speed abrasive drum  200 , an adjustable sleeve  610 , a retaining strip  605 , an abrasive material  205 , and fastening mechanisms  625 . The clamp strip  605  and a fastening mechanism  625  secure an edge of the abrasive material  205  in the machined slot  615  of the adjustable sleeve  610 . The adjustable sleeve  610  may also be attached to the high speed abrasive drum  200  using a fastening mechanism  625 . 
     Any methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified. 
     The materials recovered using the methods, systems, and devices described herein can be used for any purpose suited to the material recovered. Because the methods described herein facilitate the removal and isolation of individual components of the carpet  50  being recycled, the methods reduce the amount of additional processing required to prepare the materials for commercial sale and use as recycled materials for any one of a variety of applications. In some embodiments, where the primary components used to construct the carpet  50  are fabricated from synthetic yarns or fibers that exhibit lipophilic properties, the materials generated from the methods and systems described herein are well suited for use in the recovery, clean-up, and recycling of liquid hydrocarbons and organic liquids. Examples of suitable fibers exhibiting lipophilic properties suitable for recovery, clean-up, and recycling of liquid hydrocarbons and organic liquids include synthetic fibers, such as polymer fibers. These polymer fibers may be formed from one or more of nylon, polyester, olefin, or acrylic polymers. 
     With reference, for example, to  FIG. 12 , where any of the primary backing  30 , the secondary backing  40 , or the face fibers  20  are formed of a lipophilic material, the recovered lipophilic material may be used to form absorbent booms, bales, mats, pads, or filling suited for the recovery, clean-up, and recycling of liquid hydrocarbons and organic liquids. In most carpets  50  manufactured, at least one of the primary components is formed using a synthetic yarn or fiber. For example, the yarns used in forming the secondary  40  and primary  30  backings are often made of polypropylene (an olefin polymer). Additionally, the face fiber  20  material is typically one of polypropylene, nylon-6, nylon-6.6, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethyl terephthalate (PTT), acrylic fibers, and the like. In one example, because the primary backing  30  recovered using the systems and methods described herein is often preserved substantially intact, the recovered primary backing  30  may be sewn or otherwise formed into the exterior netting of a mat, pad, bale, or boom, with the exterior netting formed by the recovered primary backing  30  material being filled with one or more of recovered face fiber  20 , recovered secondary backing fiber  42 , and recovered primary backing  30  fiber. In specific embodiments, such a mat, pad, bale, or boom would be configured to allow water to pass through while liquid hydrocarbon or liquid organic material contained in the water is collected in the matrix formed by the recovered lipophilic fiber material. Examples of mats, pads, bales, and booms that may be constructed using the materials recovered from the methods and systems described herein are shown, for instance, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,565,257, 3,667,608, 3,679,058, 3,968,041, 5,165,821, 5,580,185, 5,679,247, 6,143,172, and 6,743,367, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     Throughout this specification, any reference to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “the embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim requires more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles set forth herein.