Dissertation projects - RessourcenKolleg.NRW - RWTH Aachen & FH Münster

Identification and recovery of metal and plastic material flows in demolition and alteration work

The objective is to understand the options already available today to determine, in terms of quantity and time frame, the yield of metals and plastics during demolition and alteration work and to develop measures based on these to improve the future demolition and alteration of structures to be built today with the effect that the recovery / identification of the raw materials contained in the structure will be possible.

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Sensor-based inventory analysis of mixed waste containing metals

Sensor-based inventory analysis of mixed waste containing metals considers the potential of the determination of form factors using sensors for classification in the context of the subsequent preparation stages. Here, the classification by indicators (secondary characteristics) of individual materials can be extended by new dimensions.

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Fine grit treatment of mixed waste containing metals by density sorting

The dissertation project, "Fine grit treatment of mixed waste containing metals by density sorting", deals with the issue of how metals from waste flows with grain sizes in the < 20 mm range can be enriched and consequently reclaimed using the classic processing technique.

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Dry-mechanical enrichment of recoverable material flows from waste electrical equipment as a preliminary stage for the recovery of metals

Electrical and electronic devices (EED) have a high highly functional metal content. Many advanced technologies such as e-mobility or photovoltaics are dependent on these metals, which are present in the earth's crust in ever smaller concentrations. In order to be able to have long-term access to these metals, the recycling of EED is of great importance. But, due to waste loads, the complexity of the devices, their short innovation duration and serviceable life, and the high dissipation of the elements, adapted recycling strategies are required. The objective of the project is the development of an optimised processing technique to enrich or deplete material flows.

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Numerical modelling and further development of selected techniques and combinations of techniques for sorting and classification processes

Proven technologies (e.g. jig machines, pneumatic tables, air separators) in combination with new approaches are to be analysed in detail, evaluated and optimised in the course of this dissertation project in conjunction with the partners involved. The mechanisms of action relevant to the mechanical separation will be thoroughly examined using simulations (CFD) and experiments in order to be able better to predict and optimise the functional principles of various systems.

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Thermochemical preparation of mixed waste concentrates containing metals

The recyclable material potential both of dry and wet de-ashed waste incineration plant slags is to be demonstrated in the course of this experimental collaboration in the Energy Resources Technology Teaching and Research Division. Data for identifying raw materials from waste incineration plant slags is initially gathered from the literature and from existing plants and is evaluated. In addition to this, various processing techniques are tested in series of tests. An optimised plant concept for the recovery of recyclable materials will be developed based on the results.

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The use of substitute fuels in recycling and metallurgy

This research project is aiming to find the proper way to use the original and the pyrolyzed plastic/organic fraction as alternative reducing agent and/or fuel in recycling operations for non-ferrous metals. The work program involves determination of thermodynamic models for the (pyrolyzed) plastics/organic material - process gas - slag system considering the combustion, melting and reduction in combination with the slag design.

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Optimisation approaches for a system for near-infrared-based real-time analysis of substitute fuels

Using near-infrared-based real-time analytics systems, the quality of substitute fuels can be monitored and controlled directly during the process. This is a distinct advantage in comparison with the established (offline) laboratory analytics. At the same time, this technology presents a number of potentials for optimisation, which are to be systematically investigated aiming at a concrete optimisations to be derived in the course of this dissertation project.

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Research topics