Vibratory separation of conductor-insulation mixtures using induction charging (2nd report, effect of corona or triboelectric charging on separation efficiency)

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of copper-polyvinylchloride (PVC) separation from chopped waste electric cables. The principle of the separation technique is based on the difference in electric conductivity. The separator consists of a vibratory feeder equipped with two plate electrodes. The separation tests were performed on a sample containing 50% PVC and 50% copper. In order to obtain a high purity and a high recovery of both materials, triboelectric charging and corona charging are used. The charging effect on the separation efficiency was investigated. The purity of PVC was more than 99% at the recovery of 93%. The purity of copper was more than 99% at the recovery of 88%.