Separation of Automobile Shredder Residue by Gravity Separation Using a Gas-Solid Fluidized Bed [Translated]^†

Abstract

The authors investigated the gravity separation of plastic, rubber, and wire harnesses in automobile shredder residue using a gas-solid fluidized bed. Uni-beads (barium silica titanate glass), zircon sand, and glass beads were employed as fluidized particles. Superficial air velocity was changed to see how the plastic, rubber, and wire harnesses floated and sank in the fluidized bed. Wire harnesses were almost completely separated from the other constituents by using uni-beads and zircon sand. Plastic can be separated from rubber by using glass beads, although separation efficiency is relatively low. Precise adjustment of superficial air velocity is essential for attaining high separation efficiency because particle flow and air bubbles in the fluidized bed affect how objects float and sink.

^† This report was originally printed in J. Soc. Powder Technology, Japan, 38(10), 702-709 (2001) in Japanese, before being translated into English by KONA Editorial Committee with the permission of the editorial committee of the Soc. Powder Technology, Japan.