Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Pretz
Sebastian Kaufeld M.Sc.
Jig machines and pneumatic tables are the principal means of sorting metals with grain sizes in the < 20 mm range from waste flows. Using this technique, an assembly of grains is separated according to density by means of a pulsating stream of air or water. Due to the large difference in the density of metals and organic components, the underlying separation principle of this technique seems to be particularly suitable for the selective separation of metals from waste flows.
Solutions for fine grit treatment of waste flows containing metals should be sought,through the modification and development of the above-mentioned aggregates. The recovery and enrichment of valuable metals in waste fractions by means of the targeted adaptation of materials, processing and technique parameters should also be aimed for.
Fine grit (grain sizes < 20 mm) accumulates in the generation of waste. The amount of fine grit is inevitably increased in the course of the frequently required extraction crushing for conventional techniques (eddy current separation, sensor techniques) and due to abrasion during the transport and handling processes. Construction, processing and treatment limitations currently largely prevent the technical and economical sorting of these grain size fractions. The current lack of technological concepts results in substantial amounts of fine grit not being able to be recycled, e.g. for precious metals and special metals, and hence withdrawn from the materials cycle.
Sorting of metals in fine granular waste streams
Publications by Sebastian Kaufeld M.Sc.