Disc Screen Separation of Adhered Aluminum and Non-Metallic Layers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The separation of aluminum flat product pieces from non-metallic intermediate layer pieces in recycling processes is challenging due to strong adhesion, requiring significant manual effort or complex installations, and existing methods are not economical or space-efficient.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a disc screen with rotatably mounted shafts and discs to separate aluminum flat product pieces from non-metallic intermediate layer pieces by exploiting their dimensional stability, where the non-dimensionally stable intermediate layer pieces deform and pass through the screen openings while the dimensionally stable aluminum pieces remain above, along with a screening device design that minimizes dust and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sorting is used to separate intermediate layer pieces from aluminum pieces, then separation quality can be maintained, but a large number of personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting with an automated air separation system that uses airflow to separate aluminum pieces from intermediate layer pieces. The system employs controlled air currents to lift and transport lighter non-metallic pieces away from heavier aluminum pieces, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining separation effectiveness.
2Extent of automation
If air separation is used to separate aluminum scrap from spacer pieces, then automation is achieved, but considerable installation effort and installation space are required
Solution Approach 1:
The air separation system is divided into distinct functional zones: a feeding zone where material is introduced, a separation zone where airflow differentiates between metal and non-metallic pieces, and a collection zone where separated materials are gathered. This segmentation allows for compact arrangement and reduced overall installation space while maintaining automated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes vertical airflow to achieve separation in the vertical dimension, allowing material to be processed upward and separated components to be collected at different heights. This vertical processing approach reduces the horizontal footprint of the equipment, minimizing installation space requirements while maintaining automation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for efficient, automated separation with reduced personnel and installation costs, achieving high throughput while maintaining the quality of recycled aluminum by effectively removing non-metallic spacer pieces, thus enhancing the recycling process.
Implementation Method 1
the dimensional stability of the aluminum or the aluminum flat product pieces compared to the non-dimensionally stable, non-metallic intermediate layer pieces is exploited when screening using a disk screen. The intermediate layer pieces that are not dimensionally stable are deformed during screening with the disc screen and pass through the screen openings of the disc screen into the underflow of the screen. The dimensionally stable aluminum flat product pieces, on the other hand, remain above the disc screen and thus in the screen overflow.
Implementation Method 2
The intermediate layer pieces that are not dimensionally stable are deformed during screening with the disc screen and pass through the screen openings of the disc screen into the underflow of the screen.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for separating pieces (22) of flat aluminium product and pieces (24) of non-metallic intermediate layer, comprising the following steps: supplying a mixture (20) comprising pieces (22) of flat aluminium product and pieces (24) of non-metallic intermediate layer, and screening the mixture (20) in order to separate the pieces (24) of non-metallic intermediate layer from the pieces (22) of flat aluminium product, wherein the screening is done using a disc screen (4), in particular a starscreen. The invention also relates to a screening apparatus (2) for separating pieces (22) of flat aluminium product and pieces (24) of non-metallic intermediate layer using a disc screen (4), which comprises a plurality of in particular rotatably mounted shafts (6, 6a-c), which are arranged one behind the other and each have a plurality of axially spaced-apart discs (8, 8I, 8II, 8III, 8IV, 8V, 8VI) arranged on them, and to a use for the same.