Abstract: Systems and methods for separating materials and recovery of valuable copper from shredded end-of-life vehicles and appliances are disclosed. The system utilizes a pair of conveyor belts; one for de-watering and removing most of the plastic and glass particles and a second below the first for separating the copper wire bits. The second conveyor belt has a belt with a particular tooth pattern and material softness, and is set at a slight uphill incline angle. Water is delivered from the top down the slope and the belt successfully transports mostly just copper up and over a top edge to a collection bin. A cascading series of pairs of conveyors may be used to ensure nearly complete recovery of the copper. A secondary copper recovery conveyor having a field of nails or spikes may be added subsequent to the last primary conveyor for enhanced yield of copper wire.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating materials and recovery of valuable copper from shredded end-of-life vehicles and appliances are disclosed. The system utilizes a pair of conveyor belts; one for de-watering and removing most of the plastic and glass particles and a second below the first for separating the copper wire bits. The second conveyor belt has a belt with a particular tooth pattern and material softness, and is set at a slight uphill incline angle. Water is delivered from the top down the slope and the belt successfully transports mostly just copper up and over a top edge to a collection bin. A cascading series of pairs of conveyors may be used to ensure nearly complete recovery of the copper. A secondary copper recovery conveyor having a field of nails or spikes may be added subsequent to the last primary conveyor for enhanced yield of copper wire.