Development of a Pneumatic Separator Based on a New Conception of Strategic Urban Mining

Abstract

In the present study, physical separation devices were developed, based on the concept of 'strategic urban mining', in order to establish a new recycling system. First, the optimal separation pattern (system and condition) was selected from two quadrillion possibilities, by means of a simulator developed by the author, using an electronic devices database. Then, the selected system, including an automatic double-tube pneumatic separator, was developed, enabling the recovery of tantalum capacitors from waste printed circuit boards. The system represents the world's first successful means of commercialized tantalum recycling.