Developing the combined magnetic, electric and air flow (KLME) separator for RMSW processing

Area of Science:

• Waste Management and Recycling
• Mechanical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Non-selectively collected residual municipal solid waste (RMSW) presents significant disposal challenges.
• Effective sorting technologies are crucial for resource recovery and waste reduction.
• Existing separation methods often require complex configurations and multiple stages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and pilot-test a novel mechanical-physical processing plant for RMSW.
• To design and evaluate the performance of the KLME (combined magnetic, electric, and air flow) separator.
• To optimize waste sorting technology for improved yield and efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Extensive sampling and analysis of RMSW and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) were conducted.
• Laboratory-scale research and development preceded the construction of a pilot-scale KLME separator (1.5 ton/h).
• Systematic pilot-scale testing involved 18 different technological setups with continuous on-site modifications.

Main Results:

• The KLME separator successfully processed RMSW, producing five distinct output streams: foils, light materials, magnetic materials, conductive materials, and heavy inert materials.
• Pilot testing demonstrated the feasibility of integrating magnetic, eddy current, and air flow separation without traditional conveyors.
• Continuous improvements based on testing data led to enhanced performance and yield.

Conclusions:

• The developed KLME separator technology is a promising advancement for the mechanical-physical processing of RMSW.
• The pilot-scale testing provided crucial insights for the design of an industrial-scale waste sorting facility.
• This integrated approach offers a more efficient and potentially cost-effective solution for waste management and resource recovery.