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The electrostatic separator is useful for separating materials of different particle sizes and densities. Generally, it uses high voltage electrostatic fields to separate conductive minerals from non-conductive minerals. The electrostatic separation process involves three stages: attracting, repelling, and collecting. This separation process is widely used in the recycling, mining, and mineral industries.
Roll-type electrostatic separators
The roll-type electrostatic separators are based on a high-voltage transformer that supplies the corona wires with the needed high voltage. The separators come with a high-tension wire and a collection rolled, usually made of conductive screen wires. As the feed material falls onto the separator's feed top, the dielectric of the collection roll is electrified by the corona wire. The charged material parts are then attracted to the oppositely charged collection roll.
Drum-type electrostatic separators
Drum-type electrostatic separators work somewhat similarly to roll-type separators, with the main difference being that they utilize a drum instead of a collection roll or roll. After the materials are attracted to the oppositely charged drum, they fall due to gravity to the suitable discharge points.
Plate electrostatic separators
The plate electrostatic separators consist of parallel plates connected to a high-voltage power supply that creates an electric field between them. The feed material falls on the plates' top. When the particles are influenced by the electric field, the polarized particles are then separated and moved along the plates' sloped surface to their respective discharge points.
In addition to the above, some electrostatic separators combine different types of equipment to form a complete separation system. Such separators are suitable for specific industries and separation requirements.
Electrostatic separation machines generally come with varied specifications depending on the industry application or material. Common specifications include voltage, weight, dimension, output, as well as the working environment.
For proper and effective functioning, an electrostatic separator needs consistent maintenance. During regular maintenance, operators are often advised to pay special attention to important components to avoid inefficient or ineffective separation.
Electrostatic separators are very versatile machines and can be used in different industries. Below are some of the common applications of electrostatic separators.
Recycling industry
Electrostatic separators are very critical in the recycling industry. They can separate a wide range of insulating materials, like plastics, ceramics, glass, and PVC. This improves the quality of recycled materials while maximizing production yields. The separators do this by separating different plastic film types, coatings, and contaminants. Electrostatic separators also have the ability to remove non-ferrous metals from dielectric materials. For instance, they can separate aluminum and copper from insulated plastics or materials like automotive shredder residue (ASR).
Mining industry
Electrostatic separators can increase mineral recovery in the mining industry. They can separate conductive minerals, like rutile, columbite, wolfram, zircon, cassiterite, and ilmenite, from none conductive gangue minerals. The none conductive minerals may be non-metals like feldspar, quartz, calcite, or sand.
Food industry
Electrostatic separators can be used to remove unwanted foreign materials in the food industry. For example, they can be used to separate sugar from sugar beans or to remove foreign materials like salt, glass, and sugar from sand. This improves food safety and quality.
Chemical industry
Electrostatic separators can be used to separate, for example, valuable chemicals from industrial ash. The electrostatic separator will help to reduce the volume of industrial ash and thus, recover valuable chemicals like nickel, zinc, and copper.
Electronics industry
In the electronics industry, electrostatic separators are commonly used to separate different components from electronic waste. For instance, they can be used to separate circuit boards, condensers, colophones, sockets, ICs, and carbon brushes. By applying an appropriate voltage, the machines extract valuable metals like gold, silver, palladium, or copper from the waste materials. This not only recovers precious resources but also reduces the environmental impact of electronic waste.
When shopping for industrial equipment like an electrostatic separator, it is important to look beyond superficial details like color or shape. The following features and benefits of the separator should be looked at closely.
Q1: What types of materials can the electrostatic separator process?
A1: Electrostatic separators are commonly used to separate minerals such as zircon, rutile, monazite, ilmenite, and cassiterite. They can also be used to separate plastics, such as PVC, PS, ABS, and rubber, from non-organic materials like glass and carbon.
Q2: What are the advantages of electrostatic separation?
A2: Electrostatic separation offers several advantages. It is a dry separation method, making it more environmentally friendly by reducing water consumption. It is also efficient, precise, and cost-effective, capable of separating materials of similar sizes, and recovering valuable materials from waste streams.
Q3: What are the limitations of electrostatic separation?
A3: Electrostatic separation is not suitable for all types of materials. It is most effective for materials that can acquire and discharge electrostatic charges and may not work for intimately bonded materials.
Q4: Can electrostatic separation be used in conjunction with other separation methods?
A4: Yes, electrostatic separation is often used with other separation methods, such as magnetic, flotation, gravity, or air separation, to enhance the overall separation process and achieve better recovery rates.