Study of a tribo-aero-electrostatic separator for mixtures of micronized insulating materials

This work is aimed the optimization of a new process of electrostatic separation of micronized isolating materials mixtures, with application at the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The two high-voltage rotating-cylinder electrodes of the electrostatic separator are partly immersed in a fluidized bed containing the material to be separated. The control variables of the process are: the high-voltage applied to the electrodes, the speed of the fluidization air, and the feeding rate of the separator. Experimental design methodology is employed for modelling the separation process. This enables the determination of the values of these variables that ensure the optimal operating condition of the installation.