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102-0357-00L 3 Credits DR , MSC D-MATL , D-BAUG
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Waste Recycling Technologies

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Rainer Bunge
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:03

Abstract

Waste Recycling Technology (WRT) is a sub-discipline of Mechanical Process Engineering. WRT is employed in production plants processing contaminated soil, construction wastes, scrap metal, recovered paper and the like. While WRT is well established in Central Europe, it is only just now catching on in emerging markets as well.

Objective

At the core of this course is the separation of mixtures of solid bulk materials according to physical properties such as color, electrical conductivity, magnetism and so forth. After having taken this course, the students should have concept not only of the unit operations employed in WRT but also of how these unit operations are integrated into the flow sheets of production plants.

Content

Introduction Waste Recycling: Scope and objectives Waste recycling technologies in Switzerland Fundamentals Properties of particles: Liberation conditions, Particle size and shape, Porosity of bulk materials Fluid dynamics of particles: Stationary particle beds, Fluidized beds, Free settling particles Flow sheet basics: Balancing mass flows Standard processes: batch vs. continuous … Assessment of separation success: Separation function; grade vs. recovery Separation Processes Separation according to size and shape (Classification): Screening, Flow separation Separation according to material properties (Concentration): Manual Sorting, Gravity concentration; Magnetic separation, Eddy current separation, Electrostatic separation, Sensor technology, Froth flotation

Resources

Lecture Notes

The script consists of the slides shown during the lectures. Background material will be provided on the script-server.

Literature

A list of recommended books will be provided.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
pencil, eraser, rulera basic pocket calulator will be provided for the exam

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Waste Recycling Technologies
  • Tue 13:45-17:30 (HIL E 9)
2 h weekly

Offered In