Mill Comminution for Metal Recovery from Fibrous Feedstock
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of efficiently recovering metals from fibrous feedstock, particularly from shredder residue, which is difficult due to the entanglement of metals with fibrous materials, leading to high disposal rates and low recovery efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of comminution processes, such as ball or rod milling, followed by specific gravity separation techniques, to liberate metals from fibrous feedstock, including wet and dry processes, and subsequent separation using devices like inertia tables and gravity separators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional shredding and rough separation methods are used, then processing speed is maintained, but metal recovery efficiency deteriorates due to entanglement of metals with fibrous materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the metal recovery process into distinct stages: initial rough separation using traditional methods, followed by comminution (size reduction) of fibrous materials, and then fine separation. This multi-stage approach breaks down the complex problem of separating entangled metals from fibrous feedstock into manageable steps, improving overall recovery efficiency while controlling processing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by performing comminution of fibrous materials before final metal separation. By pre-processing the fibrous feedstock to reduce fiber length and complexity, the subsequent separation processes can more effectively liberate and recover embedded metals, thereby improving metal recovery efficiency
2Productivity
If comminution processes are applied to liberate metals from fibrous feedstock, then metal recovery efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using comminution processes selectively on specific portions of fibrous feedstock that contain embedded metals, rather than processing all material to the same degree. The comminution is optimized to achieve sufficient fiber breakdown for metal liberation without excessive energy input, balancing recovery efficiency with energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing comminution parameters such as mill type, operating speed, feed rate, and particle size reduction targets. By carefully controlling these parameters, the process achieves effective metal liberation from fibrous materials while minimizing energy consumption through efficient size reduction
3Productivity
If advanced separation techniques are used, then metal recovery yield increases, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by implementing a multi-stage separation process where different separation techniques are applied in sequence: initial rough separation, comminution, and then advanced separation methods. This staged approach increases metal recovery yield by progressively improving separation effectiveness while managing overall processing time through parallel processing where possible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs continuity of useful action by designing a continuous processing flow where materials move through different separation stages without interruption. The system maintains continuous operation with multiple processing lines working in parallel, ensuring that the increased separation effectiveness does not result in excessive batch processing times
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
Enhances metal recovery efficiency by effectively separating metals from fibrous materials, allowing for higher yields and reduced disposal of valuable materials.
Implementation Method 1
comminuting the fibrous feedstock with a mill (ball or rod) to liberate and separate the fibrous feedstock
Implementation Method 2
specific gravity separation techniques
Data Source
AI summary
A method for recovering metals from waste in which material is roughly or coarsely separated to leave a fibrous feedstock, the feedstock is comminuted with a mill (e.g., a ball mill) to liberate and separate the fibrous feedstock to obtain a mix of a metal fraction and residue, and the metals fraction and the residue are collected. There is a system employing the same to treat such materials.