Trajectory Simulation of ASR Particles in Induction Electrostatic Separation

Automobile shredder residue (ASR) is the final waste produced when end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) are shredded. ASR can be separated using mineral-processing operations such as comminution, air classification, magnetic separation, and/or electrostatic separation. In this work, trajectory analyses of conductors (copper) and non-conductors (glass) in the ASR have been carried out using induction electrostatic separator for predicting or improving the ASR-separation efficiency. From results of trajectory analysis for conductors, the trajectories of copper wire by observation versus simulation for coarse particles of 0.5 and 0.25 mm showed consistent congruity. The observed 0.06 mm fine-particles trajectory was deflected toward the () attractive electrode owing to the charge-density effects due to the particle characteristics and relative humidity. In the case of non–conductors, the actual trajectory of dielectric glass deflected toward the () electrode, showing characteristics similar to those of conductive particles. The analyses of stereoscopic microscope and SEM & EDS found heterologous materials (fine ferrous particles and conductive organics) on the glass surface. This demonstrates the glass decreasing separation efficiency for non–ferrous metals during electrostatic separation for the recycling of ASR. Future work will require a pretreatment process for eliminating impurities from the glass and advanced trajectory-simulation processes.