Cables and accessories: how to maximize metal recovery per batch?

Importance of recovering metals in cables and accessories

Maximizing the recovery of metals present in cables and accessories is key to making the recycling process efficient, sustainable and profitable. Metals such as copper, aluminum and other valuable minerals are precious resources that can be reused over and over again, reducing the need for mineral extraction and the environmental impact.

Correct separation and sorting of the material

Before starting the metal recovery process, it is crucial to carry out a detailed separation of the cables and accessories. Worn insulation and the mixing of different types of cable make extraction difficult, so efficient sorting can significantly increase yields. Organizing the materials by type and size makes it easier to apply the most suitable methods for each batch.

Use of suitable equipment

The use of specific devices for stripping and shredding cables is essential to ensure greater metal recovery. Machines such as mechanical peelers, shredders and magnetic particle separators allow the metal to be separated more precisely from the non-metallic material, reducing losses and optimizing the purity of the metals recovered.

Efficient separation processes

After shredding and peeling, the metals can be separated using techniques such as gravity separation, electrostatic separation and magnetic separation. Each method is suitable for different types of metals and impurities, and combining these techniques results in more efficient recovery and batches of high-quality metal material.

Importance of cleaning and removing impurities

Metals recovered with contamination have a lower value and can compromise subsequent processes. This is why proper cleaning, using chemical or physical methods to remove insulators, dirt and other residues, is fundamental to maximizing the value of the final batch.

Quality control and periodic analysis

Periodic analysis of the composition of recovered batches ensures that the recovery process is working optimally and allows for quick adjustments to improve efficiency. Techniques such as spectrometry and chemical testing help to identify the purity of the metals and possible contamination.

Environmental and economic benefits

Maximizing the recovery of metals in cables and accessories not only reduces the environmental impact, but also contributes to the circular economy, reducing the consumption of natural resources and the generation of waste. Economically, an efficient process guarantees better use of the metals, increasing the profitability of the recovered batch.