A workflow to assess the recoverability of secondary raw materials via physical separation

• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2024.12.040
• Publication Date: 2025-01-05T02:33:45Z
• Authors: P. Boelens; L. Pereira; K. Tumakov; J.R. da Assuncao ...; C.G. da Silva Toc...; S. Gupta; B.M. Guy; R. Tolosana-Delgado; R. Möckel; T. Leißner; E. Löwer; D. Illing; A.D. Renno; L. Ott; F. Ellinger; M. Rudolph; J. Gutzmer
• Keywords: Separation (statistics)

Printed circuit boards represent an extraordinarily challenging fraction for the recycling of waste electric and electronic equipment. Due to closely interlinked structure composing materials, selective copper associated precious metals from this composite material is compromised by losses during mechanical pre-processing. This problem could partially be overcome a better understanding influence particle size shape on recovery finely comminuted well-liberated metal particles separation. Here, we propose workflow quantify role such in various separation processes. As case study, compare analytical heavy liquid new type eddy current separator. Using X-ray computed tomography, were able distinguish metallic non-metallic phases determine 3D microstructure individual particles. For both processes, trained particle-based model that predicts probability end up processing products. In particular, elongated found display negative correlation between sphericity line with correlation, predicted recoveries are positively correlated but negatively The suggested easily transferred other systems. It allows geometrical properties processes provide robust predictions recoverability different raw materials complex streams.