Decomposition of E-Waste using an Innovative Combined Microwave/Infrared Process
PROJECT SUMMARY
The research project aims to mitigate the increasingly e-waste pollution via the innovative application of a combined microwave and infrared pyrolysis process in the form of an advanced integrated thermal reprocessing module to efficiently and economically decompose the e-waste and recover the precious metals.
Microwave-assisted pyrolysis has been limitedly used industrially to break down a number of materials such as e-waste into their valuable components. It presents several advantages compared to conventional pyrolysis for the recovery of the precious metals. it is less energy intensive, yet rapid; provides a more precise; it is a selective process with controlled heating; it boosts process efficiency by shortening the process time; and most importantly, it is associated with the reduction of hazardous emissions. To date, there has been little investigation on the application of microwave-assisted decomposition of e-waste nor on its industrial implications.
Our company has access to an existing and successfully operational pilot-scale tyre decomposition process unit using microwave/infra red technology with a working capacity of 300 kg/h. In this project, we will substantially re-design and/or retrofit the existing microwave/IR unit to enable the new module to accept E-Waste for reprocessing via our innovative ComMicroIR process. The decomposition process will be optimised to selectively produce desired components with specific and optimum physical and chemical properties.
E-WASTE
E-waste is a dangerous threat to the environment, hence human health, but at the same time is a valuable resource. The threat to human health may be from:
Leaching of hazardous substances such as Lead;
Improper recycling techniques, particularly in developing countries where most e-waste are exported to.
The precious metals such as gold, aluminium and copper can be recovered if the e-waste properly recycled.
The objectives of this project are:
To understand the effects of microwave and IR on the decomposition of e-waste via microwave/IR-assisted pyrolysis;
To identify the decomposition components of e-waste generated via the microwave/IR assisted pyrolysis;
To identify the optimum operating conditions for the selective production of specific decomposition products.
In order to achieve the aim set out above, the team with undertake the following tasks:
To re-design an existing microwave/IR pilot-scale process unit, currently used to process (End of Life Tyres) ELTs, to be capable of efficiently decomposing the e-waste;
To safely collect, isolate and characterise the decomposed components generated during the ComMicroIR process;
To carry out the techno-economic assessment of the corresponding large-scale ewaste-decomposing process in the UK with the help of the obtained data on the pilot plant.
The project will therefore, deliver, an operational pilot plant to efficiently and economically decompose e-waste into its constituents via an innovative ComMicroIR process.