Application of physical separation technologies to the shredder fluffs

The compositional structure of the two kinds of shredder fluffs generated from scrap automobiles and electrical home appliances were compared with each other on material and elemental compositions and liberation state. It was found that compositional elements were classified into three kinds of groups of different size and that valuable elements were concentrated in larger size and toxic ones in smaller size ranges. The combination of physical separation methods, jigging, magnetic, eddy current and electrostatic separations was able to produce metal concentrates of Fe, Cu and Al suitable for smelter feeds with relatively high recoveries and contents. Plastic and wooden materials suitable for energy recovery were also produced in the float or sink and float separation.