New electrostatic separator with rotating conveyor for the recovery of WEEE waste

This study presents a new electrostatic separation device for recovering high-purity metals and plastics from waste electrical and electronic equipment. The device is constituted by a rotating plate conveyor, an air suction system, and a vibrating hopper. It utilizes electro-adhesion force to selectively attract metal particles onto the conveyor surface, while precisely calibrated suction air effectively collects plastic particles into a dedicated box. A key feature is the employment of a low-level AC high voltage, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and safety compared to conventional electrostatic methods. Experimental results demonstrate high performance, achieving recovery and purity rates of up to 100 % depending on applied voltage and airflow settings.