The effect of machine and material parameters on rare earth roller separation

Abstract

This study addresses the affect of machine and material factors on the separation of PET plastic and aluminum on the Rare Earth Roller magnetic separator. The purposes of this study are to gain a better understanding of how separation efficiencies are influenced and develop a performance profile of the Rare Earth Roller to generalize the behavior of other separators used in the recycling industry. Several operating parameters were explored, including input material concentration, splitter position and feed rate. Experimental design for the tests is presented. Separation performance appears to be dependent on splitter position, a subjective parameter determined by the characteristics of the machine. The separation process was less sensitive to material concentration and feed rate which are specifiable. The results from this study suggest that the Rare Earth Roller can operate at larger volumes of variable concentrations of aluminum and maintain industry standard separation efficiencies.