Dry separation of materials having different melting points

摘要

Components having widely varying melting points compounded into containers (especially those for biological nutrients), are separated by dry separation. The surface of one material is warmed to a melting point so that it can separate as the materials are agitated. Heat is supplied by air that is circulated through a heater. The agitation is provided, by the air, but could also be supplied through a vibrating screen or a rotating drum sieve. Containers are broken up before the separation stage and the separated components are further reduced for subsequent recycling or composting. An air stream at an elevated temperature then deals both with disinfection and the evaporation of liquids. Also claimed is an apparatus for carrying out the process.