Separation of metal materials from non-metallic materials in a stream of aerosol-generating article waste

Abstract

There is disclosed a method of separating metal materials from non-metallic materials in a stream of aerosol-generating articles or in a stream of waste generated during a manufacturing process for aerosol-generating articles, the method comprising: passing the stream onto an electrically grounded conductive circumferential surface of a rotating cylinder having a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of rotation while bombarding the stream with positive ions from at least one corona discharge electrode mounted adjacent to but not touching the conductive circumferential surface so as to impart a positive electrical charge to materials in the stream; wherein the at least one corona discharge electrode comprises an electrically conductive wire disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating cylinder and substantially parallel to the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder; wherein metal materials in the stream lose the imparted positive electrical charge to the conductive circumferential surface more rapidly than non-metallic materials; wherein metal materials are thrown from the conductive circumferential surface in a first range of tangential directions into a first receptacle; and wherein non-metallic materials are thrown from the conductive circumferential surface in a second range of tangential directions, or are brushed from the conductive circumferential surface, into a second receptacle.

Description

[0001] SEPARATION OF METAL MATERIALS FROM NON-METALLIC MATERIALS IN A STREAM OF AEROSOL-GENERATING ARTICLE WASTE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for separating metal materials from non-metallic materials in a stream of aerosol-generating article waste by way of a vibration table and by way of electrostatic attraction to a rotating cylinder.

[0003] In the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles, for example heat-not-burn heated tobacco products, heat-not-burn nicotine-containing products, and hybrids thereof, various elements are combined to make the aerosol-generating articles. Typically, these articles comprise an aerosol-generating substrate, for example tobacco cast leaf, other agricultural products, such as clove, menthol and guar gum, glycerine, one or more filter elements, for example comprising a cellulosic material, an aerosol-cooling element, for example comprising a polylactic acid material or an acetate material, and a metallic susceptor element that, when heated, causes the aerosol-generating substrate to heat up and release an aerosol. The various elements are arranged in a desired configuration and assembled as rod-shaped articles wrapped in an outer wrapper, which may be made of paper or other material.

[0004] There are many different designs of aerosol-generating article, and the present disclosure is directed specifically at waste streams generated during the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles comprising both metal and non-metallic materials, or to waste streams comprising used aerosol-generating articles comprising both metal and non-metallic materials.

[0005] With reference to the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles, a production line may be set up to manufacture thousands or tens of thousands or even more aerosol-generating articles per hour. The aerosol-generating articles are subject to quality checks, and those that do not meet quality standards will be rejected and sent to a waste stream. The waste stream may comprise complete aerosol-generating articles that do not meet quality standards and partially complete aerosol-generating articles that have been rejected before completion. It would be desirable to separate metal materials from non-metallic materials in the waste stream so that at least the metal materials can be recycled.

[0006] It would also be desirable to separate metal materials from non-metallic materials when processing used aerosol-generating articles, which may have been collected from end users or testing machines.

[0007] Some currently available separation methods and apparatuses are focussed on the recycling of conventional cigarettes, for example to separate cellulosic materials from paper or tobacco. These known separation methods and apparatuses are not designed to separate metal materials from non-metallic materials.

[0008] Other currently available separation methods and apparatuses attempt to separate metal materials by shredding the aerosol-generating articles and separating metal materials from non- metallic materials by using a magnetic force. However, such methods and apparatuses are only effective for metal materials that are ferromagnetic, and the shredding process gives rise to small metal particles that can be difficult to separate from other components and may contaminate the non-metallic component waste stream.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of separating metal materials from non-metallic materials in a stream of aerosol-generating articles or in a stream of waste generated during a manufacturing process for aerosol-generating articles, the method comprising: passing the stream onto an electrically grounded conductive circumferential surface of a rotating cylinder having a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of rotation while bombarding the stream with positive ions from at least one corona discharge electrode mounted adjacent to but not touching the conductive circumferential surface so as to impart a positive electrical charge to materials in the stream; wherein the at least one corona discharge electrode comprises an electrically conductive wire disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating cylinder and substantially parallel to the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder; wherein metal materials in the stream lose the imparted positive electrical charge to the conductive circumferential surface more rapidly than non-metallic materials; wherein metal materials are thrown from the conductive circumferential surface in a first range of tangential directions into a first receptacle; and wherein non-metallic materials are thrown from the conductive circumferential surface in a second range of tangential directions, or are brushed from the conductive circumferential surface, into a second receptacle.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present inventions, there is provided, in an aerosolgenerating article waste processing line, a separation apparatus to separate metal materials from non-metallic materials in a stream of aerosol-generating articles or a stream of waste generated during a manufacturing process for aerosol-generating articles, wherein the separation apparatus comprises: i) a cylinder having an electrically grounded conductive circumferential surface onto which the stream of waste is passed, the cylinder being rotatable about a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of rotation; and ii) at least one corona discharge electrode mounted adjacent to but not touching the conductive circumferential surface and configured to impart a positive electrical charge to materials in the stream, the corona discharge electrode comprising an electrically conductive wire disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotatable cylinder and substantially parallel to the conductive circumferential surface of the rotatable cylinder; wherein metal materials in the stream lose the imparted positive electrical charge to the conductive circumferential surface more rapidly than non-metallic materials; wherein the rotatable cylinder is operable to throw metal materials from the conductive circumferential surface in a first range of tangential directions into a first receptacle; and wherein the rotatable cylinder is operable to throw non-metallic materials from the conductive circumferential surface in a second range of tangential directions into a second receptacle, or wherein a blade or brush roller is operable to brush non-metallic materials from the conductive circumferential surface into a second receptacle.

[0011] The stream may be passed across a surface of a vibration table to physically separate the metal materials from the non-metallic materials before the stream is passed onto the conductive circumferential surface.

[0012] The aerosol-generating articles in the stream may have been subjected to prior processing to rip open outer wrappers of the articles and to expose inner components of the articles to facilitate initial separation from each other.

[0013] The aerosol-generating articles in the stream may have been subjected to prior processing so cut open outer wrappers of the articles and to expose inner components of the articles to facilitate their initial separation. A preferred cutting method and apparatus will be described hereinbelow.

[0014] The vibration table, where provided, has a surface that vibrates to perform an initial separation of the components of the articles on the vibration table. Vibration of the surface of the vibration table also causes the stream of waste to pass along the surface towards and onto the electrically grounded conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder.

[0015] The separation method is based upon the principle of electrostatic separation in which an electrical charge is imparted to the materials to be separated by way of positive ion bombardment from a corona discharge electrode. The positively electrically charged materials will be electrostatically attracted to the grounded conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder. Metal materials will rapidly lose their positive charge to the grounded conductive circumferential surface because the metal materials are electrically conductive. Accordingly, metal materials will be thrown from the conductive circumferential surface in a first range of tangential directions and are collected in the first receptacle. Non-metallic materials will lose their positive charge to the grounded conductive circumferential surface more slowly, because the non- metallic components are less electrically conductive than the metal materials or are not at all electrically conductive. Accordingly, non-metallic materials will remain electrostatically attracted to the conductive circumferential surface for longer than the metal materials and will be thrown from the conductive circumferential surface in a second range of tangential directions different from the first range of tangential directions, and are collected in the second receptacle.

[0016] By avoiding the need to shred the aerosol-generating articles, there is a reduced risk of generating small metal particles that might contaminate the non-metallic material waste stream.

[0017] The metal materials, after separation from non-metallic materials, can usefully be recycled. The non-metallic materials, which may comprise valuable aerosol-generating substrate materials such as tobacco cast leaf, as well as filter materials, paper and aerosol-cooling members, can be further separated into different fractions, some of which may be recycled, and some of which may be composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.

[0018] The metal materials may comprise susceptor components of aerosol-generating articles. Susceptor components may comprise a substantially laminar metal element having a plane disposed substantially centrally along the longitudinal axis of each article and disposed in or on an aerosol-generating substrate. This is a form factor that is often used for metal susceptor elements in aerosol-generating devices. In some aerosol-generating articles, the susceptor component may be wrapped around an aerosol-generating substrate. Metal susceptor components are used to impart heat to an aerosol-generating substrate. Susceptor components may operate by resistive or ohmic heating, in which case an electrical current is passed through the susceptor component when the aerosol-generating article is consumed using an aerosolgenerating device, or by inductive heating, in which case eddy currents are induced in the susceptor component by an alternating electromagnetic field when the aerosol-generating article is consumed using an aerosol-generating device.

[0019] The non-metallic materials may comprise at least one material selected from a list comprising: paper, aerosol-generating substrate, tobacco cast leaf, other agricultural products, such as clove, menthol and other flavours, guar gum, glycerine, glue, ink, filter material, cellulose, cellulose acetate, acetate tow, paper, aerosol-generating substrate, tobacco cast leaf, filter material, cellulose, cellulose acetate, acetate tow, and polylactic acid.

[0020] The electrically grounded conductive circumferential surface may have a negative electrical charge. This may arise due to electrical ground generally having a slightly negative charge.

[0021] The cylinder may rotate at a speed from 5 to 100 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 20 to 80 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed from 25 to 75 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 30 to 60 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 40 to 60 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 40 to 50 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of around 50 revolutions per minute. The rotational speed of the cylinder, in combination with the positive electrical charge on the materials on the conductive circumferential surface of the cylinder and the weight of individual material elements, will be a factor that determines the first and second ranges of tangential directions in which the materials are thrown from the conductive circumferential surface as the conductive circumferential surface rotates.

[0022] The at least one corona discharge electrode comprises an electrically conductive wire disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating cylinder and substantially parallel to the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder. This arrangement of the corona discharge electrode may help to ensure substantially even positive ion bombardment of materials across a major portion of a length of the conductive circumferential surface. This arrangement of the corona discharge electrode may help to ensure substantially even positive ion bombardment of materials across substantially all of a length of the conductive circumferential surface. By using an electrically conductive wire, it may be possible to improve an improved uniformity and stability of charge distribution on the conductive circumferential surface. By using an electrically conductive wire, it may be possible to improve an improved uniformity and stability of charge distribution on the metallic and non-metallic materials in the stream. This may improve the efficiency and efficacy of the separation process. In contrast to electrostatic separation apparatuses that employ needles as corona discharge electrodes, embodiments of the present invention, using an electrically conductive wire arranged generally parallel to the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder, surprisingly provide a more uniform and stable charge distribution and may require less maintenance.

[0023] The conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder may have a notional uppermost line defined by a line of contact between a top of the conductive circumferential surface and a substantially horizontal tangential plane.

[0024] The electrically conductive wire of the corona discharge electrode may be disposed substantially parallel to the notional uppermost line and spaced from the notional uppermost line by a distance of 30 to 70 millimetres, optionally 40 to 60 millimetres, optionally 45 to 55 millimetres. This range of distances may be particularly effective in relation to electrostatic separation of the types of materials from which aerosol-generating articles are made.

[0025] An elevation angle of the electrically conductive wire of the corona discharge electrode to the notional uppermost line may be from 30 to 60 degrees, optionally from 40 to 50 degrees, optionally from 43 to 47 degrees. This range of elevation angles may be particularly effective in relation to electrostatic separation of the types of materials from which aerosol-generating articles are made.

[0026] The vibration table, where provided, may be disposed on one side of the longitudinal axis of rotation and the electrically conductive wire may be disposed on an opposed side of the longitudinal axis of rotation. For example, the vibration table may be disposed above the longitudinal axis of rotation and may extend from a point generally directly above the longitudinal axis of direction in a first direction. The electrically conductive wire may also be disposed above the longitudinal axis of rotation, but at a predetermined distance from the point directly above the longitudinal axis of rotation in a second direction opposed to the first direction. In this way, the materials in the stream of materials may be bombarded with positive ions as they pass from the vibration table onto the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder. Alternatively, or in addition, the materials in the stream of materials may be bombarded with positive ions immediately after they have passed from the vibration table onto the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder.

[0027] The electrically conductive wire may have a diameter of 0.1 to 5 millimetres, optionally 1 to 4 millimetres, optionally 2 to 3 millimetres. The electrically conductive wire may be a tungsten wire.

[0028] The conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder may have a width L1 measured along the axis of rotation, and the electrically conductive wire may be arranged over a distance L2 measured substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. The width L2 may be greater than the width L1. This may help to ensure that materials at all longitudinal locations along the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder are bombarded with positive ions.

[0029] The at least one corona discharge electrode may be charged to a potential of 10 to 35 kilovolts, optionally 15 to 30 kilovolts, optionally 25 to 30 kilovolts. This range of electrical potentials may be particularly effective in relation to electrostatic separation of the types of materials from which aerosol-generating articles are made. Charging the electrically conductive wire of the corona discharge electrode to a high potential creates a strong electric field around the electrically conductive wire, which facilitates ionisation around the electrically conductive wire.

[0030] The at least one corona discharge electrode may be supplied with a current of 15 to 1000 microamperes, optionally 100 to 900 microamperes, optionally 400 to 600 microamperes. This range of currents may be particularly effective in relation to electrostatic separation of the types of materials from which aerosol-generating articles are made. The current in the electrically conductive wire may be a leakage current primarily due to movement of charged ions in the air surrounding the electrically conductive wire and ionisation of materials on the electrically conductive surface. Accordingly, the actual current carried by the electrically conductive wire may be relatively small, have an order of magnitude of up to 1000 microamperes, for example. The primary purpose of the current is not to transfer power, but to facilitate the generation of a sufficient number of ions in order to charge metallic and non-metallic materials and to promote electrostatic separation.

[0031] The method may be carried out at a relative humidity of 5 to 75 percent, optionally 10 to 40 percent, optionally 12 to 20 percent. Electrostatic separation of the types of materials from which aerosol-generating articles are made may be facilitated at lower relative humidities, since less ionising charge is lost to water vapour.

[0032] The method may further comprise heating the stream on the surface of the vibration table. The stream on the surface of the vibration table may be heated by a heater. The heater may be disposed above the surface of the vibration table. Heating the stream may help to reduce relative humidity.

[0033] Non-metallic materials may be brushed off the conductive circumferential surface into the second receptacle by a brush roller. In the event that at least some of the non-metallic materials have not been thrown from the conductive circumferential surface into the second receptacle, these non-metallic materials may be brushed off the conductive circumferential surface into the second receptacle. This may help to ensure that the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder is free of material when it rotates back up towards the vibration table in order to collect more material. The non-metallic materials may be brushed off the conductive circumferential surface into the second receptacle by a blade.

[0034] The surface of the vibration table may be disposed in a plane, and the vibration table may vibrate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surface of the vibration table. This may cause the surface of the vibration table repeatedly to impact on the stream of materials, thus facilitating initial separation of metal materials from non-metal-materials.

[0035] The surface of the vibration table may have a proximal end to which the stream of waste is supplied, and a distal end located above the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder, and the stream of waste may travel from the proximal end to the distal end and from the distal end onto the conductive circumferential surface.

[0036] The surface of the vibration table may be disposed in a plane, and the plane may be angled downwardly from the proximal end to the distal end at an angle of 5 to 35 degrees to a horizontal plane, optionally at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees to a horizontal plane, optionally at an angle of 12 to 17 degrees to a horizontal plane, optionally at an angle of about 15 degrees to a horizontal plane. By angling the plane downwardly from the proximal end to the distal end, passage of the stream of waste across the surface of the vibration table towards the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder may be facilitated.

[0037] The surface of the vibration table may vibrate at a frequency of 5 to 100Hz, optionally 30 to 60Hz, optionally 40 to 50Hz. This range of vibration frequencies may be particularly effective in relation to initial separation of the types of materials from which aerosol-generating articles are made.

[0038] The surface of the vibration table may vibrate at a vibration amplitude of 1 to 6 millimetres, optionally of 2 to 5 millimetres, optionally of 3 to 4 millimetres. This range of vibration amplitudes may be particularly effective in relation to initial separation of the types of materials from which aerosol-generating articles are made.

[0039] The surface of the vibration table may have a vibration amplitude of less than a spacing between the distal end of the surface of the vibration table and the conductive circumferential surface such that the distal end of the surface of the vibration table does not contact the conductive circumferential surface. This can help to avoid unwanted fouling of the conductive circumferential surface by the distal end of the surface of the vibration table during vibration.

[0040] The stream of waste may be passed across the surface of the vibration table at a flow rate of 0.5 to 4.5 tonnes per hour, optionally 1 to 4 tonnes per hour, optionally 2 to 3 tonnes per hour.

[0041] The rotating cylinder may have a diameter from 100 to 600 millimetres, optionally from 200 to 550 millimetres, optionally from 200 to 500 millimetres, optionally from 250 to 500 millimetres, optionally from 300 to 400 millimetres, optionally from 300 to 350 millimetres, optionally around 350 millimetres. The conductive circumferential surface may have a width, measured along the longitudinal axis, from 300 to 1000 millimetres, optionally 600 to 900 millimetres, optionally 800 to 900 millimetres.

[0042] The rotating cylinder may be made of steel. The rotating cylinder may be made of stainless steel.

[0043] The conductive circumferential surface may comprise a layer of titanium or a layer of titanium alloy.

[0044] The surface of the vibration table may have a length from 300 to 2000 millimetres, optionally 600 to 1500 millimetres, optionally 1000 to 1250 millimetres.

[0045] The surface of the vibration table may have a width from 300 to 1000 millimetres, optionally 600 to 900 millimetres, optionally 700 to 800 millimetres.

[0046] The surface of the vibration table may be mounted on a frame by way of spring members.

[0047] The surface of the vibration table may be vibrated by way of a motor.

[0048] The stream of waste, prior to passage across the surface of the vibration table, may comprise aerosol-generating articles from a manufacturing process that do not meet quality standards or have been deemed to be defective. The stream of waste, prior to passage across the surface of the vibration table, may comprise used aerosol-generating articles collected from end-users, or aerosol-generating articles that have been subjected to testing in testing machines.

[0049] In some embodiments, vibration of the aerosol-generating articles on the surface of the vibration table may be sufficient to cause circumferential wrappers of the aerosol-generating articles to open or split, and to expose and separate interior components of the aerosol-generating articles, including metal materials and non-metallic materials.

[0050] In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating articles of the stream of waste may be subjected to prior processing in which circumferential wrappers of the aerosol-generating articles are cut open so as to expose the interior components and facilitate initial separation of metal materials and non-metallic materials.

[0051] The prior processing may comprise the steps of: a) aligning the aerosol-generating articles in a feed hopper such that the aerosolgenerating articles are arranged with their longitudinal axes substantially parallel and coextensive with each other; b) feeding the aerosol-generating articles from the feed hopper to an outer circumference of a rotating drum having an axis of rotation, wherein the outer circumference comprises a plurality of longitudinal grooves disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and each longitudinal groove configured releasably to receive at least one aerosol-generating article with the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article being substantially parallel to the axis of rotation; c) cutting at least the circumferential wrappers of the aerosol-generating articles open along the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article while the aerosol-generating articles are in the longitudinal grooves on the outer circumference of the rotating drum; and d) releasing the aerosol-generating articles from the outer circumference of the rotating drum after cutting the circumferential wrappers.

[0052] The prior processing may be performed by an apparatus comprising: a) a feed hopper in which the aerosol-generating articles are arranged with their longitudinal axes substantially parallel and coextensive with each other; b) a rotatable drum having an axis of rotation and an outer circumference configured to receive aerosol-generating articles from the feed hopper, the outer circumference comprises a plurality of longitudinal grooves disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and wherein each longitudinal groove is configured releasably to receive at least one aerosol-generating article with the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article being substantially parallel to the axis of rotation; c) a cutting device configured to cut at least the circumferential wrappers of the aerosol-generating articles open along the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article while the aerosol-generating articles are on the outer circumference of the rotatable drum; and d) the rotatable drum being configured to release the aerosol-generating articles from the outer circumference of the rotatable drum after the circumferential wrappers have been cut.

[0053] By aligning the aerosol-generating articles and disposing the aerosol-generating articles in a predetermined orientation in the longitudinal grooves on the outer circumference of the rotating drum, it becomes possible to cut at least the circumferential wrappers of the aerosol-generating articles open along the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article in a controlled manner, thus exposing internal components of the aerosol-generating articles and facilitating their separation from each other. The controlled cutting step, in contrast to known shredding processes, substantially reduces the risk of damaging metal materials in the aerosol-generating articles, such as metal susceptor strips. Accordingly, there is a reduced risk of generating small shredded metal pieces that could be more difficult to separate from other materials.

[0054] The longitudinal grooves on the outer surface of the rotating drum may be provided with air holes.

[0055] The aerosol-generating articles may releasably held in the longitudinal grooves by a controllable negative air pressure applied to the air holes. The negative air pressure may act through the air holes to suck the aerosol-generating articles into the longitudinal grooves and keep the aerosol-generating articles correctly aligned.

[0056] The aerosol-generating articles may be ejected from the longitudinal grooves by a controllable positive air pressure applied to the air holes. The positive air pressure may act through the air holes to blow the aerosol-generating articles out of the longitudinal grooves when desired. The rotating drum may comprise a fixed inner portion and a rotating outer circumferential portion defining the outer circumference.

[0057] The fixed inner portion may comprise a longitudinal negative pressure air channel. The fixed inner portion may comprise a first at least one axial channel that extends from the longitudinal negative pressure air channel towards the rotating outer circumferential portion and the first at least one axial channel may communicate with the air holes of at least one of the longitudinal grooves when the at least one longitudinal groove is at a first predetermined rotational position. The first predetermined rotational position may be a position adjacent to an output from the feed hopper. More generally, the first predetermined rotational position may be any position within a predetermined range of rotational positions in an upper half of the rotating drum.

[0058] The fixed inner portion may comprise a longitudinal positive pressure air channel. The fixed inner portion may comprise a second at least one axial channel that extends from the longitudinal positive pressure air channel towards the rotating outer circumferential portion and the second at least one axial channel may communicate with the air holes of at least one of the longitudinal grooves when the at least one longitudinal groove is at a second predetermined rotational position. The second predetermined rotational position may be a lowermost longitudinal groove in the rotating outer portion as the rotating outer portion rotates about the fixed inner portion. More generally, the second predetermined rotational position may be any position within a predetermined range of rotational positions in a lower half of the rotating drum.

[0059] Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol-generating articles may be releasably held in the longitudinal grooves by a magnetic field.

[0060] The metal material may comprise a substantially laminar metal element having a plane disposed substantially centrally along the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article. This is a form factor that is often used for metal susceptor elements in aerosol-generating devices. Metal susceptor elements are used to impart heat to an aerosol-generating substrate. Metal susceptor elements may operate by resistive or ohmic heating, in which case an electrical current is passed through the metal susceptor elements when the aerosol-generating article is consumed using an aerosol-generating device, or by inductive heating, in which case eddy currents are induced in the metal susceptor elements by an alternating electromagnetic field when the aerosolgenerating article is consumed using an aerosol-generating device.

[0061] The longitudinal grooves may be provided with magnets to exert the magnetic field releasably to hold the aerosol-generating articles in the longitudinal grooves. The magnets may comprise at least one permanent magnet. The magnets may comprise at least one electromagnet. Each of the longitudinal grooves may be provided with at least one magnet.

[0062] The magnets may comprise elongate magnet members disposed along opposite edges of the longitudinal grooves. The elongate magnet members may be configured to have opposing magnetic polarities across each of the longitudinal grooves. This may allow a stronger magnetic field to be exerted in the longitudinal grooves. The magnets may cause the aerosol-generating articles to rotate relative to the outer circumference of the rotating drum such that the planes of the substantially laminar metal elements are aligned substantially parallel to the outer circumference of the rotating drum. This is particularly advantageous where the metal materials comprise substantially laminar metal elements each having a plane disposed substantially centrally along the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article. The magnets may be configured to rotate the aerosol-generating articles within the longitudinal grooves so that the planes of the substantially laminar metal elements are aligned substantially parallel to the outer circumference of the rotating drum. The magnets may help to retain the aerosol-generating articles in the longitudinal grooves while the rotating drum rotates, at least until the aerosol-generating articles are released or until the aerosol-generating articles ejected from the longitudinal grooves by air from the longitudinal positive pressure air channel.

[0063] By aligning the planes of the substantially laminar metal elements substantially parallel to the outer circumference of the rotating drum, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of the metal materials being cut in the cutting of step c). This in turn reduces the risk of small metal particles being generated in the cutting step, which might be more difficult than the larger substantially laminar metal elements to separate from the non-metallic materials.

[0064] In embodiments that use electromagnets as the magnets, it may be possible to omit the longitudinal positive pressure air channel and second at least one axial channel, since selected electromagnets may be switched off in order to release the cut aerosol-generating articles from a lower half of the rotating outer portion or at least from a lowermost longitudinal groove as the rotating outer portion rotates around the fixed inner portion. The aerosol-generating articles may then fall from the longitudinal grooves under gravity.

[0065] Preferably, in step c), the aerosol-generating articles are cut open without cutting the metal components.

[0066] In step c), the aerosol-generating articles may be cut open using a laser. The laser may have a power selected to cut open only the circumferential wrapper without cutting the metal materials.

[0067] In step c), the aerosol-generating articles may be cut open using a blade cutting device. The blade cutting device may comprise a rotating blade. The blade cutting device may comprise a plurality of blades mounted on a driven belt. The driven belt may be configured such that the plurality of blades cut in a longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis of an aerosolgenerating article on the outer circumference of the rotating drum.

[0068] The rotating drum may rotate in a stepwise manner, with the rotating drum being stationary during the cutting of step c). This simplifies the cutting step, since it is not necessary for the cutting device to rotate with the rotating drum.

[0069] In step c), the aerosol-generating articles may be cut to a depth of up to 3 millimetres, optionally up to 2 millimetres. This depth may be sufficient to open up the aerosol-generating articles, allowing metal and non-metallic materials to be separated, with little risk of cutting the metal materials.

[0070] The cut aerosol-generating articles may be released or ejected onto a conveyor after step d). The conveyor may be disposed underneath the rotating drum. The articles may be conveyed on the conveyor to a surface of the vibration table.

[0071] Alternatively, the cut aerosol-generating articles may be released directly onto the surface of the vibration table after step d). The vibration table may be disposed underneath the rotating drum. The vibration table may be disposed directly underneath the rotating drum.

[0072] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “aerosol-generating article” is intended to mean an article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate that is configured to be used with an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a nicotine-containing substance, e.g. tobacco. The article may comprise additional components such as a mouthpiece, an aerosol mixing portion, a filter portion, a flavour portion and so forth. An aerosol-generating article preferably has a rod-like or cylindrical form factor. An aerosol-generating article preferably has a constant cross-section along its length, which may be circular, elliptical or oval, but could also have other shapes, including polygonal.

[0073] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “aerosol-generating substrate” is intended to mean a substrate that is capable of generating an aerosol when heated. Examples of aerosolgenerating substrates include tobacco cast leaf formed from a slurry of ground tobacco leaves and suitable binders, and also mixtures of nicotine with one or more of glycerine, guar gum, menthol, cloves, other flavourings, other agricultural products, or high retention material with nicotine content.

[0074] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “corona discharge electrode” is intended to mean an electrode, for example in the form of an electrically conductive wire, that can be charged to a sufficiently high voltage to cause air surrounding the electrode to undergo electrical breakdown and to become electrically conductive, allowing charge continuously to leak off the electrode and into the surrounding air. A corona discharge occurs at locations where the strength of the electric field around the electrode exceeds the dielectric strength of the air. Corona discharge electrodes promote the generation of positive ions from neutral atoms or molecules in the air.

[0075] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “fixed inner portion” is intended to mean a substantially cylindrical inner portion of the rotating drum that remains substantially stationary while an outer cylindrical and coaxial portion of the rotating drum rotates around the inner portion.

[0076] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “laminar” is intended to mean an item having a thin, plate-like configuration, or a foil-like configuration.

[0077] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “longitudinal groove” is intended to mean a groove that extends longitudinally along an outer circumference of a rotating drum. A longitudinal groove may be substantially semi-cylindrical. A longitudinal groove may be configured to receive a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article aligned longitudinally with the longitudinal groove, with an outer longitudinal curved surface of the aerosol-generating article facing outwardly from the outer circumference of the rotating drum.

[0078] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “metal materials” is intended to mean pieces of metal, for example metal susceptor elements in aerosol-generating articles that are configured to heat an aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating articles when the aerosol-generating articles are being consumed using an aerosol-generating device.

[0079] In the context of the present disclosure, the terms “metal susceptor element” and “susceptor element” are intended to mean a substantially laminar metal element, for example in the form of a metal foil, that is disposed in or adjacent to an aerosol-generating substrate, and which can be heated by resistive or inductive heating so as to cause the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0080] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “non-metallic materials” is intended to mean components of aerosol-generating articles that are not made of metal. These may include at least one of paper, such as wrapping paper, tipping paper and tubular cardboard elements; aerosol-generating substrates such as tobacco cast leaf, glycerine, guar gum, clove, menthol, high retention material with nicotine content; filter materials, such as acetate tow or cellulose- based elements; and aerosol-cooling components, such as paper, acetate or polylactic acid materials.

[0081] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “vibration table” is intended to mean a machinery component that comprises a surface that is able to be vibrated at a desired frequency and amplitude of vibration. The vibration may be substantially perpendicular to a plane of the surface. In some variants, the vibration may alternatively or additionally be in another plane, for example parallel to a plane of the surface, or at an angle other than 90 degrees to the plane of the surface. The surface of the vibration table may be vibrated by way of a motor or by other appropriate mechanisms. The surface of the vibration table may be provided with raised side edges to help direct the stream from one end of the surface to the other end of the surface.

[0082] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “electrically grounded” is intended to mean connected to electrical ground. The electrical ground may be the surface of the Earth, or may be an electrically conductive component that itself is electrically connected to the surface of the Earth. The electrical ground may be large conductive component, for example a chassis of a piece of machinery, that is sufficiently large so as to absorb charge without itself significantly changing its potential.

[0083] The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein. Example Ex1 : A method of separating metal materials from non-metallic materials in a stream of aerosol-generating articles or in a stream of waste generated during a manufacturing process for aerosol-generating articles, the method comprising: i) passing the stream across a surface of a vibration table to physically separate the metal materials from the non-metallic materials; and ii) passing the stream from the surface of the vibration table to an electrically grounded conductive circumferential surface of a rotating cylinder having a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of rotation while bombarding the stream with positive ions from at least one corona discharge electrode mounted adjacent to but not touching the conductive circumferential surface so as to impart a positive electrical charge to materials in the stream; wherein metal materials in the stream lose the imparted positive electrical charge to the conductive circumferential surface more rapidly than non-metallic materials; wherein metal materials are thrown from the conductive circumferential surface in a first range of tangential directions into a first receptacle; and wherein non-metallic materials are thrown from the conductive circumferential surface in a second range of tangential directions, or are brushed from the conductive circumferential surface, into a second receptacle.

[0084] Example Ex2: The method according to Example Ex1 , wherein the metal materials comprise susceptor components of aerosol-generating articles.

[0085] Example Ex3: The method according to Example Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the non-metallic materials comprise at least one material selected from a list comprising: paper, aerosolgenerating substrate, tobacco cast leaf, other agricultural products, such as clove, menthol and other flavours, guar gum, glycerine, glue, ink, filter material, cellulose, cellulose acetate, acetate tow, and polylactic acid.

[0086] Example Ex4: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the electrically grounded conductive circumferential surface has a negative electrical charge.

[0087] Example Ex5: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the cylinder rotates at a speed from 5 to 100 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 20 to 80 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed from 25 to 75 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 30 to 60 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 40 to 60 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 40 to 50 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of around 50 revolutions per minute.

[0088] Example Ex6: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one corona discharge electrode comprises an electrically conductive wire disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating cylinder and substantially parallel to the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder.

[0089] Example Ex7: The method according to Example Ex6, wherein the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder has a notional uppermost line defined by a line of contact between a top of the conductive circumferential surface and a substantially horizontal tangential plane.

[0090] Example Ex8: The method according to Example Ex7, wherein the electrically conductive wire is substantially parallel to the notional uppermost line and spaced from the notional uppermost line by a distance of 30 to 70 millimetres, optionally 40 to 60 millimetres, optionally 45 to 55 millimetres.

[0091] Example Ex9: The method according to Example Ex7 or Ex8, wherein an elevation angle of the electrically conductive wire to the notional uppermost line is from 30 to 60 degrees, optionally from 40 to 50 degrees, optionally from 43 to 47 degrees.

[0092] Example Ex10: The method according to any one of Examples Ex6 to Ex9, wherein the vibration table is disposed on one side of the longitudinal axis of rotation and the electrically conductive wire is disposed on an opposed side of the longitudinal axis of rotation.

[0093] Example Ex11 : The method according to any one of Examples Ex6 to Ex10, wherein the electrically conductive wire has a diameter of 0.1 to 5 millimetres, optionally 1 to 4 millimetres, optionally 2 to 3 millimetres.

[0094] Example Ex12: The method according to any one of Examples Ex6 to Ex11 , wherein the electrically conductive wire is a tungsten wire.

[0095] Example Ex13: The method according to any one of Examples Ex6 to Ex12, wherein the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder has a width L1 measured along the axis of rotation, and wherein the electrically conductive wire is arranged over a distance L2 measured substantially parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0096] Example Ex14: The method according to Example Ex13, wherein L2 > L1.

[0097] Example Ex15: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one corona discharge electrode is charged to a potential of 10 to 35 kilovolts, optionally 15 to 30 kilovolts, optionally 25 to 30 kilovolts.

[0098] Example Ex16: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one corona discharge electrode is supplied with a current of 15 to 1000 microamperes, optionally 100 to 900 microamperes, optionally 400 to 600 microamperes.

[0099] Example Ex17: The method according to any preceding Example, carried out at a relative humidity of 5 to 75 percent, optionally 10 to 40 percent, optionally 12 to 20 percent.

[0100] Example Ex18: The method according to any preceding Example, further comprising heating the stream on the surface of the vibration table.

[0101] Example Ex19: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein non-metallic materials are brushed off the conductive circumferential surface into the second receptacle by a brush roller.

[0102] Example Ex20: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein non-metallic materials are brushed off the conductive circumferential surface into the second receptacle by a blade. Example Ex21 : The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the surface of the vibration table is disposed in a plane, and wherein the vibration table vibrates in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surface of the vibration table.

[0103] Example Ex22: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the surface of the vibration table is disposed in a plane, and wherein the plane is angled downwardly from an end furthest from the conductive circumferential surface to an end closest to the conductive circumferential surface at an angle of 5 to 35 degrees to a horizontal plane, optionally at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees to a horizontal plane, optionally at an angle of 12 to 17 degrees to a horizontal plane, optionally at an angle of about 15 degrees to a horizontal plane.

[0104] Example Ex23: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the surface of the vibration table vibrates at a frequency of 5 to 100Hz, optionally 30 to 60Hz, optionally 40 to 50Hz.

[0105] Example Ex24: The method according to Example Ex21 , or according to Example Ex22 or Ex23 depending from Example Ex21 , wherein the surface of the vibration table vibrates at a vibration amplitude of 1 to 6 millimetres, optionally of 2 to 5 millimetres, optionally of 3 to 4 millimetres.

[0106] Example Ex25: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the surface of the vibration table has a proximal end to which the stream of waste is supplied, and a distal end located above the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder, wherein the stream of waste travels from the proximal end to the distal end and from the distal end onto the conductive circumferential surface.

[0107] Example Ex26: The method according to Example Ex25, wherein the surface of the vibration table has a vibration amplitude of less than a spacing between the distal end of the surface of the vibration table and the conductive circumferential surface such that the distal end of the surface of the vibration table does not contact the conductive circumferential surface.

[0108] Example Ex27: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the stream of waste is passed across the surface of the vibration table at a flow rate of 0.5 to 4.5 tonnes per hour, optionally 1 to 4 tonnes per hour, optionally 2 to 3 tonnes per hour.

[0109] Example Ex28: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the rotating cylinder has a diameter from 100 to 600 millimetres, optionally from 200 to 550 millimetres, optionally from 200 to 500 millimetres, optionally from 250 to 500 millimetres, optionally from 300 to 400 millimetres, optionally from 300 to 350 millimetres, optionally around 350 millimetres.

[0110] Example Ex29: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the conductive circumferential surface has a width, measured along the longitudinal axis, from 300 to 1000 millimetres, optionally 600 to 900 millimetres, optionally 800 to 900 millimetres.

[0111] Example Ex30: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the rotating cylinder is made of steel, optionally wherein the rotating cylinder is made of stainless steel. Example Ex31 : The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the conductive circumferential surface comprises a layer of titanium or a layer of titanium alloy.

[0112] Example Ex32: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the surface of the vibration table has a length from 300 to 2000 millimetres, optionally 600 to 1500 millimetres, optionally 1000 to 1250 millimetres.

[0113] Example Ex33: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the surface of the vibration table has a width from 300 to 1000 millimetres, optionally 600 to 900 millimetres, optionally 700 to 800 millimetres.

[0114] Example Ex34: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the surface of the vibration table is mounted on a frame by way of spring members.

[0115] Example Ex35: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein the surface of the vibration table is vibrated by way of a motor.

[0116] Example Ex36: The method according to any preceding Example, wherein prior to passing the stream of waste across the surface of the vibration table, aerosol-generating articles comprising metal and non-metal materials in a circumferential wrapper are processed by: a) aligning the aerosol-generating articles in a feed hopper such that the aerosolgenerating articles are arranged with their longitudinal axes substantially parallel and coextensive with each other; b) feeding the aerosol-generating articles from the feed hopper to an outer circumference of a rotating drum having an axis of rotation, wherein the outer circumference comprises a plurality of longitudinal grooves disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and each longitudinal groove configured releasably to receive at least one aerosol-generating article with the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article being substantially parallel to the axis of rotation; c) cutting at least the circumferential wrappers of the aerosol-generating articles open along the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article while the aerosol-generating articles are in the longitudinal grooves on the outer circumference of the rotating drum; and d) releasing the aerosol-generating articles from the outer circumference of the rotating drum after cutting the circumferential wrappers.

[0117] Example Ex37: The method according to Example Ex36, wherein the aerosol-generating articles are releasably held in the longitudinal grooves by a magnetic field.

[0118] Example Ex38: The method according to Example Ex36 or Ex37, wherein the longitudinal grooves are provided with air holes.

[0119] Example Ex39: The method according to Example Ex38, wherein the aerosol-generating articles are releasably held in the longitudinal grooves by a controllable negative air pressure applied to the air holes. Example Ex40: The method according to Example Ex38 or Ex39, wherein the aerosolgenerating articles are ejected from the longitudinal grooves by a controllable positive air pressure applied to the air holes.

[0120] Example Ex41 : The method according to Example Ex39 or Ex40, wherein the rotating drum comprises a fixed inner portion and a rotating outer circumferential portion defining the outer circumference.

[0121] Example Ex42: The method according to Example Ex41 , wherein the fixed inner portion comprises a longitudinal negative pressure air channel.

[0122] Example Ex43: The method according to Example Ex42, wherein the fixed inner portion comprises a first at least one axial channel that extends from the longitudinal negative pressure air channel towards the rotating outer circumferential portion and wherein the first at least one axial channel communicates with the air holes of at least one of the longitudinal grooves when the at least one longitudinal groove is at a first predetermined rotational position.

[0123] Example Ex44: The method according to any one of Examples Ex41 to Ex43, wherein the fixed inner portion comprises a longitudinal positive pressure air channel.

[0124] Example Ex45: The method according to Example Ex44, wherein the fixed inner portion comprises a second at least one axial channel that extends from the longitudinal positive pressure air channel towards the rotating outer circumferential portion and wherein the second at least one axial channel communicates with the air holes of at least one of the longitudinal grooves when the at least one longitudinal groove is at a second predetermined rotational position.

[0125] Example Ex46: The method according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex45, wherein the metal material comprises a substantially laminar metal element having a plane disposed substantially centrally along the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article.

[0126] Example Ex47: The method according to Example Ex46 depending through Example Ex37, wherein the rotating drum comprises at least one magnet exerting the magnetic field and wherein the magnetic field causes the aerosol-generating articles to rotate relative to the outer circumference of the rotating drum such that the planes of the substantially laminar metal elements are aligned substantially parallel to the outer circumference of the rotating drum.

[0127] Example Ex48: The method according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex47, wherein in step c), the aerosol-generating articles are cut open without cutting the metal materials.

[0128] Example Ex49: The method according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex48, wherein in step c), the aerosol-generating articles are cut open using a laser.

[0129] Example Ex50: The method according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex49 wherein in step c), the aerosol-generating articles are cut open using a blade cutting device.

[0130] Example Ex51 : The method according to Example Ex50, wherein the blade cutting device comprises a rotating blade.

[0131] Example Ex52: The method according to Example Ex50, wherein the blade cutting device comprises a plurality of blades mounted on a driven belt. Example Ex53: The method according to Example Ex52, wherein the driven belt is configured such that the plurality of blades cut in a longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis of an aerosol-generating article on the outer circumference of the rotating drum.

[0132] Example Ex54: The method according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex53, wherein the rotating drum rotates in a stepwise manner, with the rotating drum being stationary during the cutting of step c).

[0133] Example Ex55: The method according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex54, wherein in step c), the aerosol-generating articles are cut to a depth of up to 3 millimetres, optionally up to 2 millimetres.

[0134] Example Ex56: The method according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex55, wherein the aerosol-generating articles are released or ejected onto a conveyor after step d).

[0135] Example Ex57: The method according to Example Ex56, wherein the aerosol-generating articles are conveyed on the conveyor to the surface of the vibration table.

[0136] Example Ex58: The method according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex55, wherein the aerosol-generating articles are released directly onto the surface of the vibration table after step d).

[0137] Example Ex59: In an aerosol-generating article waste processing line, a separation apparatus to separate metal materials from non-metallic materials in a stream of aerosolgenerating articles or a stream of waste generated during a manufacturing process for aerosolgenerating articles, wherein the separation apparatus comprises: i) a vibration table having a surface across which the stream is passed to physically separate the metal materials from the non-metallic materials; and ii) a cylinder having an electrically grounded conductive circumferential surface, the cylinder being rotatable about a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of rotation; iii) at least one corona discharge electrode mounted adjacent to but not touching the conductive circumferential surface and configured to impart a positive electrical charge to materials in the stream; wherein metal materials in the stream lose the imparted positive electrical charge to the conductive circumferential surface more rapidly than non-metallic materials; wherein the rotatable cylinder is operable to throw metal materials from the conductive circumferential surface in a first range of tangential directions into a first receptacle; and wherein the rotatable cylinder is operable to throw non-metallic materials from the conductive circumferential surface in a second range of tangential directions into a second receptacle, or wherein a blade or brush roller is operable to brush non-metallic materials from the conductive circumferential surface into a second receptacle.

[0138] Example Ex60: The apparatus according to Example Ex59, wherein the metal materials comprise susceptor components of aerosol-generating articles. Example Ex61 : The apparatus according to Example Ex59 or Ex60, wherein the non- metallic materials comprise at least one material selected from a list comprising: paper, aerosolgenerating substrate, tobacco cast leaf, other agricultural products, such as clove, menthol, other flavours, guar gum, glycerine, glue, ink, filter material, cellulose, cellulose acetate, acetate tow, and polylactic acid.

[0139] Example Ex62: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex61 , wherein the electrically grounded conductive circumferential surface has a negative electrical charge.

[0140] Example Ex63: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex62, wherein the cylinder is operable to rotate at a speed from 5 to 100 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 20 to 80 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed from 25 to 75 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 30 to 60 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 40 to 60 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 40 to 50 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of around 50 revolutions per minute.

[0141] Example Ex64: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex63, wherein the at least one corona discharge electrode comprises an electrically conductive wire disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotatable cylinder and substantially parallel to the conductive circumferential surface of the rotatable cylinder.

[0142] Example Ex65: The apparatus according to Example Ex64, wherein the conductive circumferential surface of the rotatable cylinder has a notional uppermost line defined by a line of contact between a top of the conductive circumferential surface and a substantially horizontal tangential plane.

[0143] Example Ex66: The apparatus according to Example Ex65, wherein the electrically conductive wire is substantially parallel to the notional uppermost line and spaced from the notional uppermost line by a distance of 30 to 70 millimetres, optionally 40 to 60 millimetres, optionally 45 to 55 millimetres.

[0144] Example Ex67: The apparatus according to Example Ex65 or Ex66, wherein an elevation angle of the electrically conductive wire to the notional uppermost line is from 30 to 60 degrees, optionally from 40 to 50 degrees, optionally from 43 to 47 degrees.

[0145] Example Ex68: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex64 to Ex67, wherein the vibration table is disposed on one side of the longitudinal axis of rotation and the electrically conductive wire is disposed on an opposed side of the longitudinal axis of rotation.

[0146] Example Ex69: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex64 to Ex68, wherein the electrically conductive wire has a diameter of 0.1 to 5 millimetres, optionally 1 to 4 millimetres, optionally 2 to 3 millimetres.

[0147] Example Ex70: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex64 to Ex69, wherein the electrically conductive wire is a tungsten wire.

[0148] Example Ex71 : The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex64 to Ex70, wherein the conductive circumferential surface of the rotatable cylinder has a width L1 measured along the axis of rotation, and wherein the electrically conductive wire is arranged over a distance L2 measured substantially parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0149] Example Ex72: The apparatus according to Example Ex71 , wherein L2 > L1.

[0150] Example Ex73: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex72, wherein the at least one corona discharge electrode is operable to be charged to a potential of 10 to 35 kilovolts, optionally 15 to 30 kilovolts, optionally 25 to 30 kilovolts.

[0151] Example Ex74: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex73, wherein the at least one corona discharge electrode is operable to be supplied with a current of 15 to 1000 microamperes, optionally 100 to 900 microamperes, optionally 400 to 600 microamperes.

[0152] Example Ex75: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex74, further comprising a heater operable to heat the stream on the surface of the vibration table.

[0153] Example Ex76: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex75, comprising a brush roller operable to brush non-metallic materials off the conductive circumferential surface into the second receptacle.

[0154] Example Ex77: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex76, comprising a blade operable to brush non-metallic materials off the conductive circumferential surface into the second receptacle.

[0155] Example Ex78: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex77, wherein the surface of the vibration table is disposed in a plane, and wherein the vibration table is operable to vibrate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surface of the vibration table.

[0156] Example Ex79: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex78, wherein the surface of the vibration table is disposed in a plane, and wherein the plane is angled downwardly from the proximal end to the distal end at an angle of 5 to 35 degrees to a horizontal plane, optionally at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees to a horizontal plane, optionally at an angle of 12 to 17 degrees to a horizontal plane, optionally at an angle of about 15 degrees to a horizontal plane.

[0157] Example Ex80: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex79, wherein the surface of the vibration table is operable to vibrate at a frequency of 5 to 100Hz, optionally 30 to 60Hz, optionally 40 to 50Hz.

[0158] Example Ex81 : The apparatus according to Example Ex78, or according to Example Ex79 or Ex80 depending from Example Ex78, wherein the surface of the vibration table is operable to vibrate at a vibration amplitude of 1 to 6 millimetres, optionally of 2 to 5 millimetres, optionally of 3 to 4 millimetres.

[0159] Example Ex82: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex81 , wherein the surface of the vibration table has a proximal end to which the stream of waste is supplied, and a distal end located above the conductive circumferential surface of the rotatable cylinder, wherein the vibration table is operable to cause the stream of waste to travel from the proximal end to the distal end and from the distal end onto the conductive circumferential surface.

[0160] Example Ex83: The apparatus according to Example Ex82, wherein the surface of the vibration table is configured to have a vibration amplitude of less than a spacing between the distal end of the surface of the vibration table and the conductive circumferential surface such that the distal end of the surface of the vibration table does not contact the conductive circumferential surface.

[0161] Example Ex84: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex83, wherein the apparatus is configured to pass the stream of waste across the surface of the vibration table at a flow rate of 0.5 to 4.5 tonnes per hour, optionally 1 to 4 tonnes per hour, optionally 2 to 3 tonnes per hour.

[0162] Example Ex85: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex84, wherein the rotatable cylinder has a diameter from 100 to 600 millimetres, optionally from 200 to 550 millimetres, optionally from 200 to 500 millimetres, optionally from 250 to 500 millimetres, optionally from 300 to 400 millimetres, optionally from 300 to 350 millimetres, optionally around 350 millimetres.

[0163] Example Ex86: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex85, wherein the conductive circumferential surface has a width, measured along the longitudinal axis, from 300 to 1000 millimetres, optionally 600 to 900 millimetres, optionally 800 to 900 millimetres.

[0164] Example Ex87: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex86, wherein the rotatable cylinder is made of steel, optionally wherein the rotating cylinder is made of stainless steel.

[0165] Example Ex88: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex87, wherein the conductive circumferential surface comprises a layer of titanium or a layer of titanium alloy.

[0166] Example Ex89: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex88, wherein the surface of the vibration table has a length from 300 to 2000 millimetres, optionally 600 to 1500 millimetres, optionally 1000 to 1250 millimetres.

[0167] Example Ex90: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex89, wherein the surface of the vibration table has a width from 300 to 1000 millimetres, optionally 600 to 900 millimetres, optionally 700 to 800 millimetres.

[0168] Example Ex91 : The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex90, wherein the surface of the vibration table is mounted on a frame by way of spring members.

[0169] Example Ex92: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex91 , further comprising a motor configured to vibrate the surface of the vibration table.

[0170] Example Ex93: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex92, further comprising, at a location upstream of the surface of the vibration table: a) a feed hopper in which the aerosol-generating articles comprising metal and non- metal materials in a circumferential wrapper are arranged with their longitudinal axes substantially parallel and coextensive with each other; b) a rotatable drum having an axis of rotation and an outer circumference configured to receive aerosol-generating articles from the feed hopper, the outer circumference comprises a plurality of longitudinal grooves disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and wherein each longitudinal groove is configured releasably to receive at least one aerosol-generating article with the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article being substantially parallel to the axis of rotation; c) a cutting device configured to cut at least the circumferential wrappers of the aerosol-generating articles open along the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article while the aerosol-generating articles are on the outer circumference of the rotatable drum; and d) the rotatable drum being configured to release the aerosol-generating articles from the outer circumference of the rotatable drum after the circumferential wrappers have been cut.

[0171] Example Ex94: The apparatus according to Example Ex93, wherein the longitudinal grooves are provided with magnets to exert a magnetic field releasably to hold the aerosolgenerating articles in the longitudinal grooves.

[0172] Example Ex95: The apparatus according to Example Ex94, wherein the magnets comprise at least one permanent magnet.

[0173] Example Ex96: The apparatus according to Example Ex94 or Ex95, wherein the magnets comprise at least one electromagnet.

[0174] Example Ex97: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex94 to Ex96, wherein each of the longitudinal grooves is provided with at least one magnet.

[0175] Example Ex98: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex94 to Ex97, wherein the magnets comprise elongate magnet members disposed along opposite edges of the longitudinal grooves.

[0176] Example Ex99: The apparatus according to Example Ex98, wherein the elongate magnet members are configured to have opposed magnetic polarities across each of the longitudinal grooves.

[0177] Example Ex100: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex93 to Ex98, wherein the longitudinal grooves are provided with air holes.

[0178] Example Ex101 : The apparatus according to Example Ex100, configured releasably to hold the aerosol-generating articles in the longitudinal grooves by a controllable negative air pressure applied to the air holes.

[0179] Example Ex102: The apparatus according to Example Ex100 or Ex101 , configured to eject the aerosol-generating articles from the longitudinal grooves by a controllable positive air pressure applied to the air holes. Example Ex103: The apparatus according to Example Ex101 or Ex102, wherein the rotatable drum comprises a fixed inner portion and a rotatable outer circumferential portion defining the outer circumference.

[0180] Example Ex104: The apparatus according to Example Ex103, wherein the fixed inner portion comprises a longitudinal negative pressure air channel.

[0181] Example Ex105: The apparatus according to Example Ex104, wherein the fixed inner portion comprises a first at least one axial channel that extends from the longitudinal negative pressure air channel towards the rotatable outer circumferential portion and wherein the first at least one axial channel is configured to communicate with the air holes of at least one of the longitudinal grooves when the at least one longitudinal groove is at a first predetermined rotational position.

[0182] Example Ex106: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex103 to Ex105, wherein the fixed inner portion comprises a longitudinal positive air pressure longitudinal positive pressure air channel.

[0183] Example Ex107: The apparatus according to Example Ex106, wherein the fixed inner portion comprises a second at least one axial channel that extends from the longitudinal positive pressure air channel towards the rotatable outer circumferential portion and wherein the second at least one axial channel is configured to communicate with the air holes of at least one of the longitudinal grooves when the at least one longitudinal groove is at a second predetermined rotational position.

[0184] Example Ex108: The apparatus according to Example Ex94 or any one of Examples

[0185] Ex95 to Ex107 depending through Example Ex94, wherein the metal material comprises a substantially laminar metal element having a plane disposed substantially centrally along the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article, and wherein the magnets are configured to exert a magnetic field to cause the aerosol-generating articles to rotate relative to the outer circumference of the rotatable drum such that the planes of the substantially laminar metal elements are aligned substantially parallel to the outer circumference of the rotatable drum.

[0186] Example Ex109: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex94 to Ex108, wherein the cutting device is configured to cut open the aerosol-generating articles without cutting the metal material.

[0187] Example Ex110: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex94 to Ex109, wherein the cutting device is a laser cutting device.

[0188] Example Ex111 : The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex94 to Ex109, wherein the cutting device is a blade cutting device.

[0189] Example Ex112: The apparatus according to Example Ex111 , wherein the blade cutting device comprises a rotating blade.

[0190] Example Ex113: The apparatus according to Example Ex111 , wherein the blade cutting device comprises a plurality of blades mounted on a driven belt. Example Ex114: The apparatus according to Example Ex113, wherein the driven belt is configured such that the plurality of blades cut in a longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis of an aerosol-generating article on the outer circumference of the rotatable drum.

[0191] Example Ex115: The apparatus according to any one any one of Examples Ex93 to

[0192] Ex114, wherein the rotatable drum is configured to rotate in a stepwise manner, with the rotatable drum being stationary while the cutting device cuts the circumferential wrappers of the aerosolgenerating articles.

[0193] Example Ex116: The apparatus according to any one any one of Examples Ex93 to

[0194] Ex115, wherein the cutting device is configured to cut the aerosol-generating articles to a depth of up to 3 millimetres, optionally up to 2 millimetres.

[0195] Example Ex117: The apparatus according to any one any one of Examples Ex93 to

[0196] Ex116, further comprising a conveyor onto which the aerosol-generating articles are released after step d).

[0197] Example Ex118: The apparatus according to Example Ex117, wherein the conveyor is configured to convey the aerosol-generating articles to the surface of the vibration table.

[0198] Example Ex119: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex93 to Ex116, wherein the rotatable drum is configured to release the aerosol-generating articles directly onto the surface of the vibration table after step d).

[0199] Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

[0200] Figure 1 shows, in schematic form, an exemplary rod-shaped aerosol-generating article;

[0201] Figure 2 shows, in schematic form, a separation apparatus of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0202] Figure 3 shows, in schematic form, the apparatus of Figure 2 in operation;

[0203] Figure 4 shows, in schematic form, a waste material component on the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder of the apparatus of Figures 2 and 3;

[0204] Figure 5 shows a plan view of a more detailed schematic representation of the corona discharge electrode of the apparatus of Figures 2 and 3;

[0205] Figure 6 shows three schematic representations of the electrically grounded rotating cylinder and corona discharge electrode of the apparatus of Figures 2 and 3;

[0206] Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of the dimensional relationship between the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder and the vibration table of the apparatus of Figures 2 and 3;

[0207] Figure 8 shows, in schematic plan view, the apparatus of Figures 2 and 3;

[0208] Figure 9 shows, in schematic view, front and end elevations of the vibration table of the apparatus of Figures 2 and 3;

[0209] Figure 10 shows, in schematic view, the rotating cylinder with its grounded conductive circumferential surface of the apparatus of Figures 2 and 3; Figure 11 shows, in schematic form, a cutting apparatus comprising a feed hopper and a rotating drum;

[0210] Figure 12 shows, in schematic form, the rotating drum of Figure 11 in isolation;

[0211] Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section through an aerosolgenerating article located next to a magnet;

[0212] Figure 14 shows a schematic representation of a side view of a cutting device having a rotating blade;

[0213] Figure 15 shows a schematic representation of an alternative cutting device comprising a laser cutting unit; and

[0214] Figure 16 shows a schematic representation of the dimensional arrangement of an aerosolgenerating article, metal susceptor element and cutting device.

[0215] FIG. 1 shows, in schematic form, an exemplary rod-shaped aerosol-generating article 1 comprising a variety of different components arranged end-to-end. The article 1 shown in FIG. 1 , for instance, comprises a porous filter element 11 made of acetate tow and provided with a filter plug wrap paper 111 , a rear hollow acetate tow tube element 12, a front hollow acetate tow tube element 13 provided with a plug wrap paper 131 , an aerosol-generating substrate 14 provided with a plug wrap paper 141 and incorporating a metal susceptor element 142, and a front plug acetate tow element 15 provided with a plug wrap paper 151. The rear hollow acetate tow tube element 12, the front hollow acetate tow tube element 13, the aerosol-generating substrate 14 and the front plug acetate tow element 15 are all wrapped together in a wrapping paper 161 and are then joined to the porous filter element 11 by way of a tipping paper 121.

[0216] In FIG. 1 , the filter plug wrap paper 111 , plug wrap papers 131 , 141 , 151 , the wrapping paper 161 and the tipping paper 121 may all be considered to be circumferential wrappers and non-metallic components.

[0217] In FIG. 1 , the porous filter element 11 , rear hollow acetate tow tube element 12, front hollow acetate tow tube element 13, aerosol-generating substrate 14 and front plug acetate tow element 15 may all be considered to be non-metallic components.

[0218] In FIG. 1 , the metal susceptor element 142 may be considered to be a metal component.

[0219] The precise structural details of the article 1 are not of particular concern, other than to note that the article 1 has a complex structure, which can make it difficult to separate its components from each other for recycling and environmentally responsible disposal.

[0220] The article 1 may have a length L of 42 to 105 millimetres, preferably 55 to 95 millimetres, most preferably 60 to 80 millimetres. The article 1 may have a diameter D of 4.1 to 9.0 millimetres, preferably 6.1 to 8.2 millimetres, most preferably 6.5 to 7.5 millimetres.

[0221] The metal susceptor element 142, shown in more detail to the right of the article 1 , may have a generally laminar form factor, with a length I of 5.0 to 20.0 millimetres, preferably 7.0 to 17.0 millimetres, most preferably 10.0 to 14.0 millimetres, a width J of 3.1 to 8.0 millimetres, preferably 3.5 to 7.0 millimetres, most preferably 4.0 to 5.0 millimetres, and a thickness K of 0.01 to 0.2 millimetres, preferably 0.05 to 0.15 millimetres, most preferably 0.075 to 0.1 millimetres. The metal susceptor element 142 may take the form of a metal foil.

[0222] The metal susceptor element 142 may be made, for example, of 304 stainless steel alloy with a nickel coating of thickness between 10 and 30 micrometres, although other metal materials may be used.

[0223] FIG. 2 shows, in schematic form, a separation apparatus 300 of an embodiment of the present disclosure. The separating apparatus 300 comprises a feed hopper 301 positioned above a proximal end of a vibration table 320 with the feed hopper 301 being designed to accept and contain a waste stream comprising aerosol-generating articles 1 or pre-processed aerosolgenerating articles 1. The aerosol-generating articles 1 may comprise aerosol-generating articles 1 rejected during manufacture due to not meeting quality standards or may be used aerosolgenerating articles 1 collected from end-users or from testing machines. The aerosol-generating articles 1 may optionally have been pre-processed to expose internal components of the aerosolgeneral articles 1 , for example by cutting or ripping open one or more of the circumferential wrappers 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161. The waste stream thus contains both metal and non- metallic materials. The feed hopper 301 dispenses the waste stream material onto the vibration table 320 in a controlled manner. For example, the flow of waste material from the feed hopper 301 onto the vibration table 320 may be controlled by the material discharge rate of the feed hopper 320. The feed hopper 320 may be configured to allow an even distribution of the waste material across the width of the vibration table 320. Positioned at the distal end of the vibration table 320 is a rotating cylinder 330 with an electrically grounded conductive circumferential surface, rotating about and grounded through an axle 332. The cylinder 330 rotates in a direction so as to carry waste material away from the vibration table 320. Positioned above the rotating cylinder 330 is a corona discharge electrode 310 configured to be charged to a high electrical potential and to impart a positive charge on the respective components of the waste material stream on the electrically grounded conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330. The electrode 310 may be a tungsten wire disposed generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating cylinder 330 and spaced from the conductive circumferential surface. The electrode 310 serves to bombard the waste material stream with positive ions, thus imparting a positive electrical charge to the waste material stream. The electrode 310 is supplied with power from a power source 311 via an electrical connection 312. Positioned below and in contact with the grounded conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330 is a brush roll 331 rotating in the same direction as the rotating cylinder 330 and designed to clear the grounded conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330 of non-metallic waste material components. Two waste material collection hoppers are positioned below the rotating cylinder 330, with a first metal waste material collection receptacle 303 being positioned further from the rotating cylinder 330 and a second non-metallic waste material collection receptacle 302 being positioned closer to the rotating cylinder 330. The first and second receptacles 303, 302 need not be limited to bins, but may be separate chutes to transport the separated metal and non-metallic components of the waste stream to further processing stations, for example via separate conveyor systems or vacuum material transportation lines (not shown). Optionally a heater 313 is provided above and towards the proximal end of the vibration table 320. The heater 313 may heat the waste stream so as to reduce the relative humidity of the waste stream, potentially leading to better separation of the metal and non-metallic materials.

[0224] FIG. 3 shows, in schematic form, the apparatus 300 of FIG. 2 in operation, focusing primarily on the electrostatic separation mechanism. A mixture of metal susceptor elements 142 and non- metallic materials 410 (collectively referred to as the waste stream), is fed from the feed hopper 301 across the surface of the vibration table 320 towards the rotating cylinder 330 with its electrically grounded conductive circumferential surface, which is negatively charged. Once the waste stream is on the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330, the components of the waste stream are positively charged by positive ion bombardment from the corona discharge electrode 310. Because the metal susceptor 142 are electrically conductive they rapidly lose this induced positive charge to the negatively charged conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330, and thus lose or reduce their electrostatic attraction Fi to the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330 as shown in FIG. 4. This results in the centrifugal force Fc from the rotation of the rotating cylinder 330 being higher than the low attraction force between the conductive circumferential surface and the metal susceptor elements 142, thus allowing the conductive metal susceptor elements 142 to be thrown tangentially off the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330 in a first range of tangential directions and into the first receptacle 303. Conversely the non-conductive, non-metallic components 410 of the waste stream retain the induced positive charge for longer and thus they remain attracted to the negatively charged conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330 for a longer period of time. The centrifugal force Fc imparted on the non-metallic components by the rotation of the rotating cylinder 330 is not high enough to overcome the electrostatic attraction force Fi until the positive charge has dissipated by a certain amount, at which time the non-metallic components 410 are thrown tangentially from the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330 in a second range of tangential directions and into the second receptacle 302. In this manner it is possible to separate the conductive metal materials 142 and non-conductive non-metallic materials 410 based on the tangential directions in which they are thrown from the rotating cylinder 330 by the centrifugal force Fc imparted via this rotating action. Furthermore, should any non-metallic components 410 remain attached to the conductive circumferential surface, a brush roll 331 may be provided to clean these components 410 from the bottom of the rotating cylinder 330 into the respective second receptable 302.

[0225] FIG. 4 shows, in schematic form, a waste material component 142, 410 on the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330, and the electrode 310. FIG. 4 also shows the electrostatic attraction force Fi, the gravitational force Fg, the centrifugal force Fc, and the aerodynamic resistance force Fa.

[0226] Table 1 sets out some numerical examples for different masses of component 142, 410 on the conductive circumferential surface of a rotating cylinder 330 of diameter 350 millimetres rotating at a speed of 50 rpm.

[0227] Table 1 :

[0228] Table 2 sets out some numerical parameters for different types of component 142, 410.

[0229] Table 2: Table 3 sets out some preferred ranges for the electrostatic attraction force Fi (electrical image force):

[0230] Table 3:

[0231] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a more detailed schematic representation of the corona discharge electrode 310 and electrical connection 312. The corona discharge electrode 310 is positioned above the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330 and generates positively charged ions. The ion generating corona discharge electrode 310 assembly comprises a tungsten wire with a length L2 corresponding to at least the width L1 of the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330. For example, if the width of the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330 is 1000 millimetres, the length of the tungsten wire shall be greater than 1000 millimetres. The power source 311 may be configured to charge the corona discharge electrode 310 to a potential of 10 to 35 kiloelectronvolts.

[0232] Tables 4 and 5 set out some preferred dimensions and parameters:

[0233] Table 4:

[0234] Table 5:

[0235] FIG. 6 shows three schematic representations of the electrically grounded rotating cylinder 330 and corona discharge electrode 310. Three representations have been made for clarity in order to clearly mark the dimensional relationship between these components. The tungsten wire electrode 310 is positioned at an angle, a, relative to the horizontal plane of the uppermost point of the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330 of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, preferably at approximately 45 degrees. The ion generating electrode 310 is spaced from the horizontal plane of the uppermost point of the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330 by a distance, b, of 30 to 70 millimetres, preferably approximately 50 millimetres. The ion generating electrode 310 is charged to an electrical potential of between 10 and 35 kilovolts, preferably approximately 25 kilovolts. A higher electrical potential increases the relative charge on the waste stream components and thus the attractive forces Fi between the non-metallic components 410 and the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330 are higher. However, if the electrical potential of the corona discharge electrode 310 is too high, direct electrical arcing between the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330 and the corona discharge electrode 310 may occur. This arcing imparts a temporary positive charge onto the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330, and as a result attraction forces Fi between positively charged non-metallic components 410 of the waste stream and the normally negatively charged conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330 may cease to exist. This can prevent separation of the respective metal and non- metallic components of the material waste stream and is to be avoided.

[0236] Table 6 sets out some preferred values for a and b: Table 6:

[0237] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of the dimensional relationship between the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330 and the vibration table 320. The distal end of the vibration table 320 is positioned adjacent to an uppermost point of the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330. The rotating cylinder 330 is positioned so that the uppermost point of the conductive circumferential surface (taking a vertical axis through the longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotating roll 330 to the highest point of the circumferential surface) is positioned below the bottom surface of the distal end of the vibration table 320. The distal end of the vibration table 320 has a clearance L3 above the uppermost point of the circumferential surface of at least the vibration amplitude of the vibration table, so as to avoid collision between the distal end of the vibration table 320 and the circumferential surface. In this way each respective part may move freely in the desired manner. The vibration table 320 may have a vibration frequency of between 5 and 100Hz, more preferably approximately 30 to 60Hz, most preferably around 50Hz. The vibration table 320 may have a vibration amplitude substantially perpendicular to a plane of a surface of the vibration table 320 in a range from 1 to 6 millimetres. The clearance L3 may thus be in a range of at least 1.5 to 7 millimetres, depending on the vibration amplitude. The vibration table 320 may be positioned at an angle relative to the horizontal plane at an angle between 10 and 35 degrees, more preferably at an angle of approximately 15 degrees. The angle imparts a downward slope on the vibration table 320 from the proximal end to the distal end (the proximal end is higher than the distal end). In this way the waste stream travels from the proximal end of the vibration table 320 towards the distal end of the vibration table 320 as the vibration table 320 vibrates.

[0238] FIG. 8 shows, in schematic plan view, the apparatus 300 of FIGS. 2 and 3, including the feed hopper 301 , the vibration table 320, the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330, the axle 332, the corona discharge electrode wire 310, the first receptacle 303 and the second receptable 302.

[0239] FIG. 9 shows, in schematic view, front and end elevations of the vibration table 320. The vibration table 320 has an upper surface 323, which may be made of steel, for example stainless steel. The upper surface 323 is mounted on a frame 322 by way of spring members 321. The frame 322 may also be made of steel, for example stainless steel. The spring members 321 may be made of steel, for example low-alloy steel, cold-formed steel, oil-tempered steel, bainitic hardened steel, or stainless steel. Preferably, the spring members 321 are made of spring steel, for example C55S, C60S, C67S, C100S, 51CrV4 or 80CrV2. A motor 325 is mounted to the underside of the upper surface 323 of the vibration table 320, and operation of the motor 325 causes the upper surface 323 to vibrate on the spring members 321 relative to the frame 322. The upper surface 323 may have a length of 300 to 2000 millimetres, preferably 600 to 1500 millimetres, most preferably 1000 to 1250 millimetres. The upper surface 323 may have a width of 300 to 1000 millimetres, preferably 600 to 900 millimetres, most preferably 700 to 800 millimetres.

[0240] FIG. 10 shows, in schematic view, the rotating cylinder 330 with its grounded conductive circumferential surface. The rotating cylinder rotates about an axle 132. The axle 132 may have a length of 500 to 1200 millimetres, preferably 700 to 1000 millimetres, most preferably 800 to 900 millimetres. The rotating cylinder 330 may have a length of 300 to 1000 millimetres, preferably 600 to 900 millimetres, most preferably 700 to 800 millimetres. The axle 132 may have a diameter of 50 to 100 millimetres, preferably 60 to 90 millimetres, most preferably 70 to 80 millimetres. The rotating cylinder 330 may have a diameter of 200 to 550 millimetres, preferably 250 to 500 millimetres, most preferably 300 to 350 millimetres. The rotating cylinder 330 may have a main body made of steel, preferably stainless steel, for example stainless steel 316. The conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 330 may be a coating of titanium. The axle may also be made of steel, preferably stainless steel, for example stainless steel 316.

[0241] FIG. 11 shows, in schematic form, an apparatus 10 comprising a feed hopper 110 and a rotating drum 100. FIG. 12 shows, in schematic form, the rotating drum 100 of FIG. 11 in isolation.

[0242] The apparatus 10 of FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 may be provided upstream of the apparatus 300 of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 and serves to cut open the aerosol-generating articles 1 so as to expose the inner components of the aerosol-generating articles 1 prior to passage across the vibration table 320.

[0243] A plurality of aerosol-generating articles 1 with embedded metal susceptor elements 142 are aligned in the feed hopper 110 such that the aerosol-generating articles 1 are arranged with their longitudinal axes substantially parallel and coextensive with each other. The metal susceptor elements 142 are embedded in an aerosol-generating substrate 14, and the aerosol-generating articles 1 each comprise at least one circumferential wrapper 153 (for example one or more of the wrappers 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 , 151 , 161 of FIG. 1). The rotating drum 100 is disposed adjacent to the feed hopper 110 so that the feed hopper 110 can feed aerosol-generating articles 1 to an outer circumference of the rotating drum 100. The rotating drum 100 has a longitudinal central axis of rotation, and in FIG. 11 is configured to rotate clockwise. The outer circumference of the rotating drum 100 comprises a plurality of longitudinal grooves 114 disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. Each longitudinal groove 114 is configured releasably to receive at least one aerosol-generating article 1 with a longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article 1 being substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. Each longitudinal groove 114 may have a length sufficient to receive two or more aerosol-generating articles 1 in an end-to-end arrangement, although in some embodiments, the longitudinal grooves 114 may be configured to receive only one aerosol-generating article 1 at a time.

[0244] The rotating drum 100 of the embodiment of FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 comprises a fixed inner portion 102 and a rotating outer circumferential portion 101 defining the outer circumference of the rotating drum 100.

[0245] The fixed inner portion 102 comprises a longitudinal negative pressure air channel 160 and a longitudinal positive pressure air channel 112. Negative air pressure and positive air pressure is respectively provided to the air channels 160, 112 at one or both ends of the fixed inner portion 102.

[0246] A first axial channel 180 extends from the longitudinal negative pressure air channel 160 towards the rotating outer circumferential portion 101 in a direction towards an output of the feed hopper 110. The first axial channel 180 is located in an upper half of the rotating drum 100.

[0247] The longitudinal grooves 114 in the rotating outer circumferential portion 101 are provided with air holes 181. The air holes 181 may be distributed longitudinally along bases of the longitudinal grooves 114.

[0248] When the rotating outer circumferential portion 101 is aligned relative to the fixed inner portion 102 such that one of the longitudinal grooves 114 is aligned with the output of the feed hopper 110, the air holes 181 in the base of the longitudinal groove 114 are aligned with the first axial channel 180 and air will be sucked through the air holes 181 and the first axial channel 180 into the longitudinal negative pressure air channel 160. This will help to transfer an aerosolgenerating article 1 from the output of the feed hopper 110 to the longitudinal groove 114 and facilitate correct placement of the aerosol-generating article 1 in the longitudinal groove 114.

[0249] Edges of the longitudinal grooves 114 are also provided with magnets 120. The magnets 120 may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. In the embodiment of FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the magnets 120 comprise elongate magnet members disposed along opposite edges of the longitudinal grooves 114. The magnets 120 are configured to exert a magnetic field in the longitudinal grooves 114 that interacts with the metal susceptor elements 142 of the aerosolgenerating articles 1 on the rotatable outer circumferential portion 101 of the rotating drum 100. The magnetic field can help to retain the aerosol-generating articles 1 in the longitudinal grooves 114 as the rotating outer circumferential portion 101 rotates about the fixed inner portion 102, even when the longitudinal groove 114 has rotated away from the first axial channel 180 and negative air pressure is not being supplied to the air holes 181 of the longitudinal grooves 114.

[0250] The apparatus 10 further comprises a cutting device 200 shown schematically in FIG. 11. The cutting device 200 is disposed further around the rotating drum 100 relative to the feed hopper 110 in a direction of rotation of the rotating drum 100. The cutting device 200, which may comprise a laser or a blade cutting device, is configured to cut at least the circumferential wrappers 153 of the aerosol-generating articles 1 open along the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article 1 while the aerosol-generating articles 1 are in the longitudinal grooves 114 on the outer circumference of the rotating drum 100. The cutting device 200 is described in further detail hereinbelow. FIG. 11 shows aerosol-generating articles 1 in the longitudinal grooves 114 including longitudinal cuts 250. The longitudinal cuts 250, which extend at least through the circumferential wrappers 153, help to expose the inner components of the aerosol-generating articles 1 and to facilitate the separation of metal and non-metallic components from each other.

[0251] A second axial channel 182 extends from the longitudinal positive pressure air channel 112 towards the rotating outer circumferential portion 101 in a direction towards an underside of the rotating drum 100. The second axial channel 182 is located in a lower half of the rotating drum 100.

[0252] When the rotating outer circumferential portion 101 is aligned relative to the fixed inner portion 102 such that one of the longitudinal grooves 114 is at a predetermined position on an underside of the rotating drum 100, the air holes 181 in the base of the longitudinal groove 114 are aligned with the second axial channel 182 and air will be blown through the air holes 181 and the second axial channel 182 from the longitudinal positive pressure air channel 112. This will help to eject an aerosol-generating article 1 from the longitudinal groove 114 by providing sufficient force to overcome the magnetic field exerted by the magnets 120.

[0253] In embodiments where the magnets 120 are electromagnets, it may not be necessary to provide the longitudinal positive pressure air channel 112 and second axial channel 182. Instead, the electromagnet magnets 120 in the relevant longitudinal groove 114 may be switched off temporarily and the aerosol-generating article 1 may be released and fall from the longitudinal groove 114 under gravity.

[0254] The apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 11 further comprises a surface 130 disposed under the rotating drum 100. The cut aerosol-generating articles 1 are released from the longitudinal grooves 114 of the rotating drum 100 onto the surface 130. In some embodiments, the surface 130 may be the surface of the vibration table 320 of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. In other embodiments, the surface 130 may be a surface of a conveyor, and the conveyor may convey the aerosolgenerating articles 1 to the surface of the vibration table 320.

[0255] FIG. 13 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section through an aerosol-generating article 1 located next to a magnet 120, also shown in FIG. 11. The aerosol-generating article 1 includes an internal metal susceptor element 142 in the form of a laminar metal element having a plane disposed substantially centrally along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article 1. The magnets 120 at the edges of the longitudinal grooves 114 are configured to exert a magnetic field that interacts with the metal susceptor elements 142 so as to cause the planes of the magnetic susceptor elements 142 to become aligned substantially parallel to the outer circumference of the rotating drum 100.

[0256] Accordingly, the magnets 120 may perform two different functions. Firstly, the magnets 120 can help to retain the aerosol-generating articles 1 in the longitudinal grooves 114 by magnetically interacting with the metal susceptor elements 142. Secondly, the magnets 120 can help to orientate the aerosol-generating articles 1 rotationally in the longitudinal grooves 114 so that the planes of the metal susceptor elements 142 are generally parallel or tangential to the outer circumference of the rotating drum 100. This second function may be advantageous since it allows the aerosol-generating articles 1 to be rotationally oriented in the longitudinal grooves 114 in such a way as to reduce the risk of the metal susceptor elements 142 being cut by the cutting device 200. The desired rotational orientation of the aerosol-generating articles 1 is achieved by way of the side edges of the metal susceptor element 142 being closest to the magnets 120 when the aerosol-generating article 1 is in the correct rotational orientation. The cutting device 200 may cut to a depth almost through to the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article 1 without cutting the metal susceptor element 142. This is advantageous, since it is desirable not to generate small cut pieces of metal that might be more difficult to separate from the non-metallic components in subsequent steps. It is also desirable to cut through the circumferential wrappers 153 to a sufficient depth so as to facilitate subsequent opening up of the cut aerosol-generating articles 1 and to facilitate separation of metal from non-metallic components, and optionally different non-metallic components from each other.

[0257] FIG. 14 shows a schematic representation of a side view of a cutting device 200 having a rotating blade 201. In one embodiment, the rotating blade 201 comprises a driven belt 204 provided with a plurality of blades 202 on an outer surface of the driven belt 204, the blades 202 separated by gaps 203. The driven belt 204 passes over a drive wheel 210 and around a tail wheel 211 , thus forming a continuously rotating arrangement. The alternating series of blades 202 and gaps 203 may be configured to index the rotation of the rotating drum 100 with the rotation of the driven belt 204 and the blades 202 so as to ensure that the blades 202 do not clash with non-recessed surface portions of the rotating drum 100, or dislodge the aerosol-generating articles 1 from the longitudinal grooves while only cutting along the longitudinal axis of the aerosolgenerating article 1 through the circumferential wrapper and a optionally a portion of the non- metallic internal components. This arrangement is advantageous, as it negates the need to have any vertical movement of the rotating blade 201 assembly. In use, the cutting device 200 is positioned above the rotating drum 100 and is designed to cut the circumferential wrapper of one or more aerosol-generating articles 1 held within the longitudinal grooves 114 positioned on the outer circumference of the rotating drum 100.

[0258] FIG. 15 shows a schematic representation of an alternative cutting device comprising a laser cutting unit 225. The laser cutting unit 225 comprises one or more laser sources 226 generating one or more laser beams 227. The laser source 226 may be, for example, a 60 watt, carbon dioxide laser with a wavelength of 10.64 micrometres. Other laser sources 226 suitable for cutting at least the circumferential wrappers of the aerosol-generating articles 1 may be employed. In use, the laser cutting unit 225 is positioned above the rotating drum 100 and the one or more laser sources 226 are electronically controlled to generate one or more laser beams 227 to make a longitudinal cut along the length of one or more aerosol-generating articles 1 held within the longitudinal grooves 114. The electronic control of the laser cutting unit 225 may ensure that the laser source 226 is activated only at the appropriate time when the aerosol-generating articles 1 are in the correct position for cutting. Additionally, and not shown, there may be an aerosol-generating article 1 detection sensor to ensure that the laser cutting unit 225 does not activate should there be no aerosol-generating article 1 positioned within the longitudinal groove 114. In this way, damage to the outer circumference of the rotating drum 100 by the laser cutting unit 225 may be avoided.

[0259] FIG. 16 shows a schematic representation of the dimensional arrangement of an aerosolgenerating article 1 , metal susceptor element 142 and cutting device 200. In embodiments configured for processing aerosol-generating articles 1 having a diameter of approximately 7 millimetres, the cutting device 200 may be configured not to cut beyond a depth of approximately 2 millimetres from an uppermost circumferential surface of the aerosol-generating article 1 so as to reduce the risk of accidentally cutting the metal susceptor element 142 which might generate small metal particles. It will be appreciated that different cutting depths will be appropriate for differently dimensioned aerosol-generating articles 1.

[0260] Once the waste stream has been separated into the respective metal and non-metallic fractions, the metal susceptor elements 142 may be recycled via smelting or other means to recover the respective constituent metals. The other components 410, namely the paper, filter and tobacco may be formed into a pulp via the addition of water and application of pressure and heat. The resulting pulp may be disposed of via composting or otherwise recycled. Alternatively, particular fractions of the non-metallic materials 410 may be separated from each other and recycled or disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner as appropriate.

[0261] For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 5% of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A method of separating metal materials from non-metallic materials in a stream of aerosolgenerating articles or in a stream of waste generated during a manufacturing process for aerosolgenerating articles, the method comprising: passing the stream onto an electrically grounded conductive circumferential surface of a rotating cylinder having a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of rotation while bombarding the stream with positive ions from at least one corona discharge electrode mounted adjacent to but not touching the conductive circumferential surface so as to impart a positive electrical charge to materials in the stream; wherein the at least one corona discharge electrode comprises an electrically conductive wire disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating cylinder and substantially parallel to the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder; wherein metal materials in the stream lose the imparted positive electrical charge to the conductive circumferential surface more rapidly than non-metallic materials; wherein metal materials are thrown from the conductive circumferential surface in a first range of tangential directions into a first receptacle; and wherein non-metallic materials are thrown from the conductive circumferential surface in a second range of tangential directions, or are brushed from the conductive circumferential surface, into a second receptacle.

2. The method according to claim 2, wherein the cylinder rotates at a speed from 5 to 100 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 20 to 80 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed from 25 to 75 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 30 to 60 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 40 to 60 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 40 to 50 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of around 50 revolutions per minute.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder has a notional uppermost line defined by a line of contact between a top of the conductive circumferential surface and a substantially horizontal tangential plane; wherein the electrically conductive wire is substantially parallel to the notional uppermost line and spaced from the notional uppermost line by a distance of 30 to 70 millimetres, optionally 40 to 60 millimetres, optionally 45 to 55 millimetres; and optionally wherein an elevation angle of the electrically conductive wire to the notional uppermost line is from 30 to 60 degrees, optionally from 40 to 50 degrees, optionally from 43 to 47 degrees.

4. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one corona discharge electrode is charged to a potential of 10 to 35 kilovolts, optionally 15 to 30 kilovolts, optionally 25 to 30 kilovolts.

5. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one corona discharge electrode is supplied with a current of 15 to 1000 microamperes, optionally 100 to 900 microamperes, optionally 400 to 600 microamperes.

6. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the stream is passed across a surface of a vibration table to physically separate the metal materials from the non-metallic materials before the stream is passed onto the conductive circumferential surface.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising heating the stream on the surface of the vibration table.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the surface of the vibration table has a proximal end to which the stream of waste is supplied, and a distal end located above the conductive circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder, wherein the stream of waste travels from the proximal end to the distal end and from the distal end onto the conductive circumferential surface.

9. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein prior to passing the stream of waste onto the conductive circumferential surface, aerosol-generating articles comprising metal and non-metal materials in a circumferential wrapper are processed by: a) aligning the aerosol-generating articles in a feed hopper such that the aerosolgenerating articles are arranged with their longitudinal axes substantially parallel and coextensive with each other; b) feeding the aerosol-generating articles from the feed hopper to an outer circumference of a rotating drum having an axis of rotation, wherein the outer circumference comprises a plurality of longitudinal grooves disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and each longitudinal groove configured releasably to receive at least one aerosol-generating article with the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article being substantially parallel to the axis of rotation; c) cutting at least the circumferential wrappers of the aerosol-generating articles open along the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article while the aerosol-generating articles are in the longitudinal grooves on the outer circumference of the rotating drum; and d) releasing the aerosol-generating articles from the outer circumference of the rotating drum after cutting the circumferential wrappers.

10. In an aerosol-generating article waste processing line, a separation apparatus to separate metal materials from non-metallic materials in a stream of aerosol-generating articles or a stream of waste generated during a manufacturing process for aerosol-generating articles, wherein the separation apparatus comprises: i) a cylinder having an electrically grounded conductive circumferential surface onto which the stream of waste is passed, the cylinder being rotatable about a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of rotation; and ii) at least one corona discharge electrode mounted adjacent to but not touching the conductive circumferential surface and configured to impart a positive electrical charge to materials in the stream, the corona discharge electrode comprising an electrically conductive wire disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotatable cylinder and substantially parallel to the conductive circumferential surface of the rotatable cylinder; wherein metal materials in the stream lose the imparted positive electrical charge to the conductive circumferential surface more rapidly than non-metallic materials; wherein the rotatable cylinder is operable to throw metal materials from the conductive circumferential surface in a first range of tangential directions into a first receptacle; and wherein the rotatable cylinder is operable to throw non-metallic materials from the conductive circumferential surface in a second range of tangential directions into a second receptacle, or wherein a blade or brush roller is operable to brush non-metallic materials from the conductive circumferential surface into a second receptacle.11 . The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the cylinder is operable to rotate at a speed from 5 to 100 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 20 to 80 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed from 25 to 75 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 30 to 60 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 40 to 60 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of 40 to 50 revolutions per minute, optionally at a speed of around 50 revolutions per minute.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the conductive circumferential surface of the rotatable cylinder has a notional uppermost line defined by a line of contact between a top of the conductive circumferential surface and a substantially horizontal tangential plane; wherein the electrically conductive wire is substantially parallel to the notional uppermost line and spaced from the notional uppermost line by a distance of 30 to 70 millimetres, optionally 40 to 60 millimetres, optionally 45 to 55 millimetres; and optionally wherein an elevation angle of the electrically conductive wire to the notional uppermost line is from 30 to 60 degrees, optionally from 40 to 50 degrees, optionally from 43 to 47 degrees.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a vibration table having a surface across which the stream of waste is passed to physically separate the metal materials from the non-metallic materials prior to passing the stream of waste onto the conductive circumferential surface.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a heater operable to heat the stream on the surface of the vibration table.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising, at a location upstream of the conductive circumferential surface: a) a feed hopper in which the aerosol-generating articles comprising metal and non- metal materials in a circumferential wrapper are arranged with their longitudinal axes substantially parallel and coextensive with each other; b) a rotatable drum having an axis of rotation and an outer circumference configured to receive aerosol-generating articles from the feed hopper, the outer circumference comprises a plurality of longitudinal grooves disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and wherein each longitudinal groove is configured releasably to receive at least one aerosol-generating article with the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article being substantially parallel to the axis of rotation; c) a cutting device configured to cut at least the circumferential wrappers of the aerosol-generating articles open along the longitudinal axis of each aerosol-generating article while the aerosol-generating articles are on the outer circumference of the rotatable drum; and d) the rotatable drum being configured to release the aerosol-generating articles from the outer circumference of the rotatable drum after the circumferential wrappers have been cut.

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