Numerical Modeling of Static and Rotary Electrostatic Separators for Plastic Waste Sorting using DEM Simulations

The electrostatic separation technique, in which charged particles are sorted using a high-intensity electric field, is ideal for the treatment of plastic granular waste. Since analyzing the influence of some factors experimentally is complex and time-consuming, numerical methods such as the discrete element method are employed to appropriately adjust these variables, control the trajectory of particles and adequately comprehend the process in detail. This work focused on the development of a model capable of predicting particle motion within a static inclined plane separator and a novel rotary conical separator, along comparing the outcomes between both systems. Particle charge and high voltage were chosen as the main factors to evaluate separation efficiency, with a cohesive effect included, which is frequently overlooked in research. The added value of the rotational arrangement which drastically reduced particle agglomeration commonly encountered in industrial equipment was highlighted.