Cable Recycling: 3 Ways to Separate Copper and Plastic, Which is the Best?

At present, there are three main separation ways for copper and plastic from waste cable wires: water separation, air separation, and electrostatic separation. In these ways, which is the best way in cable recycling? I will give you a detailed introduction.

Cable recycling

1. Water Separation

Water separation is an original separation way to separate copper and plastic. Although the equipment is comparatively inexpensive, the metal recovery rate is low, and the water pollution is very serious. The lost ratio of copper granules in cable recycling will be also a little high, that is to say, the metal recovery rate cannot be guaranteed.

2. Air Separation

Air separation

Air separation is the most commonly used separation way to separate copper and plastic in cable recycling industry. The principle of air separation is based on the difference of material gravity. You only need to adjust the air volume of the fan to separate the metal an non-metal, which is more environmentally friendly than water separation. However, the air volume needs to be adjusted based on different materials, so it is difficult to guarantee metal recovery for those very thin wires.

3. Electrostatic Separation

Electrostatic separation is an effective and environmentally friendly way to separate copper and plastic. If your air separator is equipped with an electrostatic separator, it can effectively separate the copper metal and a variety of mixed plastics. The separation rate is more than 99% in cable recycling, which is not only labor-saving, but will maximize your economic benefit. DOING copper wire recycling machine is equipped with both air separator and electrostatic separator and the separation rate is up to 99.9%.

Copper wire recycling machine

Through the above comparison and introduction, I believe you are very clear about the separation way for cable recycling. As for which separation way to choose, you can make a decision now!