Characterization and mechanical separation of metals from computer Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) based on mineral processing methods

Separation of Copper from Electric Cable Waste Based on Mineral Processing Methods: A Case Study

“…The highest separation efficiency (95.5%) was obtained with an intermediate water flow rate of 3 L/min, with a copper recovery of 97.8%. Sarvar et al [23] obtained similar results in wet jigging separation of metals from computer printed circuit boards of the 0.59-1.68 mm size fraction, with a metal recovery in the sink of 97.5% and a metal grade of 92.5%. Also, He et al [12] separated the same material but with an active pulsing air classifier, achieving a maximum separation efficiency of 92.4% and a metal recovery of 96.2%.…”

“…These results were better than those obtained by Ogunniyi and Vermaak [21] in a study for beneficiation of printed circuit boards by froth flotation, where the maximum copper recovery in the sink was 66%. Also, Sarvar et al [23] in froth flotation separation of metals from computer printed circuit boards of size fractions lower than 0.59 mm, obtained worse results, with a metal recovery in the sink of 85.7%, a metal grade of 75%, and a separation efficiency of 45.25%. However, these results were not as good as those obtained by Gallegos-Acevedo et al [22], in a study for beneficiation of printed circuit boards by froth flotation, where the maximum separation efficiency was 85.32%, the metal recovery in the sink was 92.62% and the fiberglass recovery in the floated was 92.70%.…”

“…Several studies have reviewed the progress and the potential of the available techniques, for the recovery of metals and non-metals from electric and electronic waste [2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. These technologies include the application of physical separation, such as gravity methods [9][10][11][12]; magnetic separation [13][14][15]; electrostatic separation by the corona method [13,16,17]; electrical conductivity (Eddy currents) methods [18][19][20] and froth flotation [11,[21][22][23].…”

Recovery of Lead and Noble Metals After Processing Printed Circuit Boards From Cell Phones by Leaching With Mixtures Containing Hydrogen Fluoride

“…Consequently, it is not surprising to see a staggering increase of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipments (WEEE or ''e-waste'') over the past decades. [1][2][3][4] The current global production of WEEE is expected to increase rapidly at an alarming rate of 20-25 million tons per year, 4,5 with an estimated growth rate going from 3% up to 5% per year. [6][7][8] This fast obsolescence makes the linear 'extraction-productionusage-disposal' chain even more resource-intensive, increasing, therefore, their impacts on environment, human health and economy.…”

“…7 PCBs from cell phones contain copper, silver, gold and palladium in higher concentrations than their respective ores. 2,4,5,12 From an economic perspective, recycling mobile phones is very attractive. 7,8,14,15 About 30% of gold, 20% of palladium and 12% of silver come from secondary sources.…”