Sorting and Separation of WPCBs

Abstract

Manual and automatic sensor-based sorting and separation systems are used in WPCB recycling industries. Physical properties of WEEE for separation method selection are introduced here. Wet and dry gravity separation equipment (such as rising current separators, cyclone, triboelectric cyclone, Kelsey centrifugal jigs, heavy media separators, jigs, shaking tables, Falcon separators, and Mozley separators) are widely used in the crude metal and nonmetal separation for e-waste recycling. These processes produce huge amount of wastewater, dust, and residues which may create serious secondary environmental problems. Dry gravity separators (such as zigzag separators, fluidized bed separators, air tables, etc.) do not have water problem but require expensive dust collection systems. The advantages of density-based systems are simplicity, low energy consumption at a low product purity, and loss of some valuable metals. Electrostatic and magnetic separation types and industrial-scale equipment are covered in detail. Froth flotation and mixed separation method usage for e-waste recycling are also explained in this chapter as well.