Systems for separating copper from shredder residue
US11697123B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 2022 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/62
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Systems and methods for separating materials and recovery of valuable copper from shredded end-of-life vehicles and appliances are disclosed. Shredded matter, or ASR, is sent through a series of sorters before reaching a system that separates out copper bits. The system utilizes a pair of conveyor belts; one for de-watering and removing most of the plastic and glass particles and a second below the first for separating the copper bits. The second conveyor belt has a belt with a particular tooth pattern and material softness, and is set at a slight uphill incline angle. Water is delivered from the top down the slope and the belt successfully transports mostly just copper up and over a top edge to a collection bin. A cascading series of pairs of conveyors may be used to ensure nearly complete recovery of the copper.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.