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Sensor-based control in eddy current separation of incinerator bottom ash
Md Abdur Rahman1, M C M Bakker
1Delft University of Technology, CITG, Resources & Recycling Group, P.O. Box 5048, 2628CN Delft, The Netherlands. rahman@tudelft.nl
Waste Management (New York, N.Y.)
|March 16, 2013
Summary
A new sensor unit enhances eddy current separation (ECS) for non-ferrous metals recovery from incinerator bottom ash. It provides real-time data for quality control, improving metal recovery and economic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Incinerator bottom ash contains valuable non-ferrous metals.
- Eddy current separators (ECS) are used for metal recovery.
- Optimizing ECS performance is crucial for efficient recycling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel sensor unit for real-time monitoring of eddy current separator (ECS) performance.
- To assess the sensor's accuracy in measuring metal grades and particle characteristics.
- To investigate the impact of feed properties and ECS settings on metal recovery.
Main Methods:
- A sensor unit was integrated with an ECS processing 1-6mm bottom ash fraction.
- Real-time particle counting and grade measurement were performed.
- Tests were conducted in laboratory and industrial settings with varying bottom ash types and moisture content.
- ECS performance was analyzed at different splitter distances.
Main Results:
- The sensor accurately measured metal grades, with low errors (0-3.1%) compared to manual analysis.
- Sensor data revealed segregation effects and identified optimal splitter distances for metal recovery.
- ECS performance was highly sensitive to splitter distance, with a 10mm shift causing significant changes in recovery and grade.
- Very wet feed conditions led to reduced ECS metal recovery, as indicated by particle counts and properties.
Conclusions:
- The sensor unit enables effective online quality control and facilitates automatic optimization of ECS splitter distance.
- Implementing the sensor can lead to substantial improvements in metals recovery, economic viability, and recycling rates.
- This technology contributes to reduced environmental impact associated with incinerator bottom ash.
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