Experimental study of a new separation technique of metal/plastic particles using an inclined rotating disk-shape actuator.

A rotating inclined disk electrostatic separation device was designed and investigated for the separation of millimeter sized metal and plastic particles. This device comprises a set of three-phase electrodes intricately built on the upper surface of a streamlined PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and powered by three high-voltage amplifiers, delivering a square waveform signal. The separation mechanism is based on the application of an electro-adhesion force to metal particles, complemented by the disk's rotational action, which facilitates the collection of plastic particles as they naturally detach from its surface. The obtained results, according to voltage levels, inclination angles, and voltage frequency settings, have confirmed the device's performance in terms of recovery and purity rates. Note that these values reached 95% for recovery and 100% for purity for determined values of the parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]