Domestic rubbish separation process - moistens mixed paper and plastic shreds to increase paper weight

摘要

The process separates household rubbish into components in accordance with their physical characteristics and particle size, and paper is separated after shredding by using the difference in specific gravity. The mixture of paper shreds, in which plastic shreds are still present, is moistened with water, after which the two products are separated. Moistening can take place in a cyclone into which a water mist is sprayed. Alternatively a winnowing process can be used. Superfluous water can be recirculated and/or non-purified water used. As paper is more water-absorbent than plastic, the process increases its weight and thus makes separation from the plastic easier.