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Call it Laser-guided recycling. A powerful laser beam is Panasonic’s latest weapon in its recycling arsenal for dealing with cathode ray tube from old TVs. As flat panel TVs become more popular in Japan’s analog to digital TV switchover approaches, the number of tube-based TVs coming into plants like this one is increasing. Three hundred thousands came through the doors last year and most expected to more than double in the next two years. So, speed is important.
To recycle a picture tube, it needs to be split into two because different glass is used at the front and the back. But this isn’t like breaking a sheet of glass. The front and the sidewalls of CRTs is typically a centimeter or more thick so cutting can be a tough job.
Until now Panasonic use the hot wire method but it took over two minutes per tube until the Laser. The new method unveiled by Panasonic on Thursday uses a laser to heat and create a stress crack all around the screen. Once done, all that is required is a sharp tap with a chisel and the tube is split into two pieces. The new method has enabled a single operator to handle up to 72 tubes per hour, three times the rate using the hot wire. And it can be used with screens between 14 and 36 inches in size. The wire method could only be used with five types of screen.
The technology is in use at Panasonic’s Echo Technology Center or PATEC in Kanto in Western Japan. Sitting among paddy fields, the factory is one of the region’s biggest recycling centers. In addition to old TV sets, it also handles air conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines. Workers break apart the appliances so the various cases, compressors, transformers and circuit boards can be appropriately processed. A large shredder makes sure work of some items like this refrigerator.
Japan’s had a recycling law since 2001 and it’s just being expanded to include flat panel TVs and clothes dryers. The PATEC Plant in Kanto is already handling a small volume of flat panel TV sets. And that is expected to grow as early models begin to reach the end of their life.
In Kanto Japan, this is Martin Williams, IDG News service.
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