Reclamation of chromium@, PCB and plastics from discarded computers - by direct and indirect heating in a blast furnace with removal and, if necessary destruction of components at different temps.

摘要

Cadmium and other less toxic metals, e.g. aluminium, copper and iron, are recovered from discarded computers together with PCBs and plastic components, which are separated off and destroyed. The process takes place in a two-compartment blast furnace, initially with indirect heating, then with direct heating, and at varying temps. with vapour contg. PCBs being withdrawn at approx. 500 deg.C. and collected as condensate. Cadium and molten plastics are removed from the furnace at approx. 500 deg.C., molten aluminium at approx., 750 deg.C., molten copper at approx., 1150 deg.C., and molten iron at approx., 1600 deg.C.. At approx., 1600 deg.C. the PCB-contg. condensate is reintroduced into the furnace where it is broken down completely into smaller components, then removed. ADVANTAGE - A large-scale, cost-effective process for the reclamation of cadmium and PCBs from discarded computers