Method of processing discarded seatbelt pretensioner

Abstract

The present invention provides a highly workable disposal method for a seatbelt pretensioner used in an automobile. This method is a disposal method for a seatbelt pretensioner and attachments thereof, in which the attachments are removed, whereupon the seatbelt pretensioner, which contains an explosive component, is subjected to thermal treatment at a temperature that is equal to or greater than the ignition point of the explosive component.

1 . A seatbelt pretensioner disposal method for a seatbelt pretensioner and attachments thereof, wherein the seatbelt pretensioner, which contains an explosive component, and the attachments thereof, are subjected to thermal treatment at a temperature that is equal to or higher than an ignition point of the explosive component.  
   
   
       2 . A seatbelt pretensioner disposal method for a seatbelt pretensioner and attachments thereof, wherein the seatbelt pretensioner, which contains an explosive component, is subjected to thermal treatment at a temperature that is equal to or higher than an ignition point of the explosive component after removing the attachments.  
   
   
       3 . A seatbelt pretensioner disposal method for a seatbelt pretensioner and attachments thereof, wherein only a part containing an explosive component is removed from the seatbelt pretensioner, and this part is subjected to thermal treatment at a temperature that is equal to or higher than an ignition point of the explosive component.  
   
   
       4 . The seatbelt pretensioner disposal method according to  claim 1 , wherein valuable resources, including metals, are separated and recovered from combustion residue produced by the thermal treatment.  
   
   
       5 . The seatbelt pretensioner disposal method according to  claim 1 , wherein the removed attachments and/or the seatbelt pretensioner that remains after removal of the part containing the explosive component are further dismantled, whereby plastics and metals are separated and recovered according to type.  
   
   
       6 . The seatbelt pretensioner disposal method according to  claim 1 , wherein processing prior to the thermal treatment or storage of the seatbelt pretensioner prior to the thermal treatment is performed in an indoor facility comprising a lightning conductor.  
   
   
       7 . The seatbelt pretensioner disposal method according to  claim 1 , wherein the seatbelt pretensioner is treated using thermally treating equipment comprising a thermally treating tower, a seatbelt pretensioner introducing port for introducing the seatbelt pretensioner into the thermally treating tower, a heating device disposed in the interior of the thermally treating tower, and a cooling device for cooling gas that is discharged from the thermally treating tower.