How do you design a process to physically separate polymers, aluminium alloys etc?

How do you design a process to physically separate polymers, aluminium alloys, mangesium alloys, steel, paper and cardboard materials at a recycling plant

How do you design a process to physically separate polymers, aluminium alloys etc?
There are many ways first thing is to run a magnet to separate magnetic from non magnetic. Allot of the rest is sorted by hand. If your talking something like separating the tin from the steel in tin cans this is a simple process.





They put the cans in a tank containing a special acid. This acid dissolves the tin. This will leave the plates of steel and these are then shipped or processed in house. A metal plate is then inserted into the acid and electricity is used to make the tin attach itself to the plate. This is then taken out and the tin is melted off the plate.





I know its not worded very well as it would take along time to describe this in the total process. But it does give you the general idea. I don’t mention the name of the acid because I don't wont some kid getting hurt trying this. It is not a process to be done at home.





I know its not worded very well as it would take along time to discribe this in the total process. But it does give you the general idea. I din't mention the name of the acid becouse I don't wont some kid getting hurt trying this. It is not a process to be done at home.
Reply:dont no
Reply:This is old technology ... we've been doing this for many years. However, some of the materials (paper, for example) get destroyed in the process.
Reply:I think they have already done it. Cant remember what they called it but by means of forced air to blow off the lighter stuff electromagnets to get the ferrous and various other sieving techniques this process is achieved as it goes along a conveyor system. I'd guess you might start looking at waste handling equipment for ideas and methods





I saw the machine on one of them katrina cleanup shows about the massive amounts of debrie they have to go thru and proccess it all went thru a big mill that tore everything to shreds first, cars included
Reply:who would no the answer to this?!!!......
Reply:The guy above me pretty much covered it, using magnetism is the best way to separate metals from non-metals. Another method to consider in the separation of metals is electrolysis.