Wind-Sifting Separation: A Review

Abstract

Dry particle classification is a viable alternative to wet classification, both financially and environmentally, and has been used for decades with several approaches and techniques. One of these techniques, the wind-sifting principle, has been observed to be very effective for particle separation. Its separation mode is based on the use of the physical properties of these particles such as size, shape, and density to carry out separation. The principle of wind-sifting has been used to design multiple separators with various configurations for diverse kinds of applications, including recycling, agriculture, furniture, food and beverages, municipal and electronic waste sorting, and even mineral-processing industries. Although the wind-sifting principle has been implemented for various applications, research of this principle is ongoing owing to minimal literature. This Review seeks to provide some literature on wind-sifters as it delves into the three main types, their generic design features, and operational principles.