Process for recycling fluorescent lamps (bulbs) and tubes with all their components being recovered and made inert

摘要

The disposal of fluorescent lamps and tubes is an ever growing problem since they contain, inside, mercury vapours which may be emitted to the atmosphere even if such tubes are just broken. If the breakage occurs inside a hermetically sealed cylinder, the mercury vapour emission is controlled and may be prevented by means of the adsorption of such vapour in an adsorption tower filled with metallic silver which amalgamates the mercury. Once saturated, this silver is processed in a mercury distiller, whereby 99% pure mercury is recovered and the silver may be reused indefinitely. Active carbon filters at the exit from the adsorption tower prevent the possible emission of mercury should the adsorbent fail to fulfil its function on account of saturation. The metallic residues, fluorescent powders and the glass forming the fluorescent tubes may be recovered by means of simultaneous grinding and screening operations. The process makes it possible recycle all the components of these tubes and lamps without generating other sub- products which could be regarded as waste.