Installation and method for processing shredder residues and use of a shred fraction so produced

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for sorting shredder residues of metal-containing wastes, in particular of vehicle bodies, where the shredder residues are separated into a light shredder fraction (SLF) and a non-ferromagnetic fraction (heavy shredder fraction (SSF); as well as to a system for implementing the method. The present invention provides for (a) a crude-lint fraction (Lintcrude) being generated during the processing of the light shredder fraction (SLF) and the heavy shredder fraction (SSF) in preliminary processes (VorL, VorS) and a main process (SRH), by extracting at least a ferromagnetic fraction (Fe/V2A), a fraction (NE) containing nonferrous metals, a granulate fraction (Granulate), and a sand fraction (Sand), and (b) the crude-lint fraction (Lintcrude) being separated into a metal-containing dust fraction (NEdust) , a lint fraction (Lintpure) lacking in metals, and a metallic fraction (NEV) in a refining process, using the successive process steps of metal-balling, dust removal, and density separation.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for sorting shredder residues of metal-containing wastes, in particular of vehicle bodies, having the features mentioned in the preamble of claim 1, as well as a system, which has the features mentioned in the preamble of claim 19, and by which the shredder residues can be sorted. In addition, the present invention relates to a use of a lint fraction according to claim 27, which is lacking in dust and metals and was separated according to the method of the present invention.

[0002] The shredding of scrapped vehicles in order to break down material has been known for a long time. In carrying out the shredding method, method controls have been established in which the material mixture produced is divided up into different fractions. Thus, a so-called light shredder fraction (SLF) is initially separated from the material mixture produced, using a suitable suction device. The remaining fraction is subsequently separated into a ferromagnetic fraction (shredder scrap (SS)) and a non-ferromagnetic fraction (heavy shredder fraction (SSF)), using a permanent-magnet separator. The portion of the shredder scrap-metal fraction that is metallurgically fully usable is often approximately 50 to 75 wt. %. Existing designs generally provide for the light shredder fraction being disposed of as waste or burned in waste incinerators. It is characterized by both a large fraction of organics and a large fraction of fine-grained material. The heavy fraction, which is not able to fly and is not ferromagnetic, i.e. the heavy shredder fraction, is distinguished by a large percentage of nonferrous (NE metals). Special sorting systems have been developed for recovering the various NE metals, where, however, the remaining residue of organic and inorganic, non-metallic components is generally disposed of as waste. In the following, shredder residues should be understood as all material streams from the shredding process, which cannot be directly removed at the shredder as products that are metallurgically directly utilizable (shredder scrap).

[0003] Known from DE 44 37 852 A1 is a method, in which the light shredder fraction is sorted, in particular to remove “unwanted components”, especially copper and glass. In this context, the shredder residues are homogenized and mixed in a compulsory mixer with a fine-grained to superfine-grained material containing a magnetizable component, and the resulting mixture is conveyed through a magnetic separator. In this context, it has been shown that the metallic components of the light shredder fraction, which impede metallurgical use, can be separated out in this manner.

[0004] EP 0 863 114 A1 provides for the production of a permanently plastic, backfilling material for mines, by adding an adhesive component, a filler, and a salt solution to the light shredder fraction. This is intended to provide a pressure-resistant, permanently plastic body.

[0005] It is known from DE 197 42 214 C2 that the light shredder fraction can be ground further and subjected to a thermal treatment. In this context, metallic components should be sorted out during or after shredding, and the remaining mixture of materials should be melted in a smelting reactor and converted to a “harmless” solid by cooling it.

[0006] In addition, EP 0 922 749 A1 describes a method for processing the light shredder fraction, where the light shredder fraction is calcined in a fluidized-bed gasifier amid the introduction of calcium carbonate.

[0007] In a further, thermal process, DE 197 31 874 C1 provides for the light shredder fraction being compressed again in a further step, and then shredded, homogenized, and reduced in water content, in order to be thermally utilized in a subsequent step.

[0008] EP 0 884 107 A2 provides for the light shredder fraction being converted into a metal-free fraction having a shredding size of ≦20 mm, by shredding, classifying, and sorting it. The sorting of the light shredder fraction should result in a thermally utilizable fraction.

[0009] In addition to the utilization methods shown, it is known that the light shredder fraction can be subjected to a pretreatment, in which residual ferromagnetic fractions of iron, V2A steel, and aluminum are separated. Similar methods have also been used for sorting the heavy shredder fraction. Furthermore, it is known that polyolefins can be separated from this fraction.

[0010] What the shown methods have in common is, that they are each only designed for processing the light shredder fraction or the heavy shredder fraction. What is not provided is common processing with the objective of separating the shredder residues as much as possible into at least partially utilizable fractions, in particular a lint fraction utilizable as raw materials or energy, according to current, legal boundary conditions. Against the background of increasing legal requirements (EU Guideline for Scrapped Cars, EU Incineration Guideline, and others), as well as increasing landfill costs and requirements for the material to be landfilled, a higher utilization rate is, however, desirable. Thus, the Scrapped Car Regulation of Apr. 1, 1998 provides for over 95 wt. % of a scrapped car having to be utilized as of the year 2015. In addition, increased requirements from the EU Scrapped Car Guideline passed in September, 2000 specify that the fraction of material streams utilizable as materials and raw materials should be increased to at least 85 wt. %. Thus, utilization excludes the use as energy only, e.g. in waste incinerators. In order to have the possibility of using the produced lint fraction as a raw material or for energy in blast furnaces, cement factories, or clarifier-sludge incineration plants, it must especially be ensured that disruptive heavy metals occurring in adherent dusts and interlocking wires and strands are removed to the greatest extent possible.

[0011] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method and the system necessary for it, by which shredder residues can be processed, and by which, in particular, at least one high-quality lint fraction usable as a raw material or for energy may be produced in a mechanical sorting process.

[0012] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a method for sorting shredder residues of metal-containing wastes, in particular of vehicle bodies, having the features specified in claim 1; by a system for sorting shredder residues having the features specified in claim 19; and by the use of a lint fraction, which is produced according to the method of the present invention and has the features specified in claim 27. The method particularly distinguishes itself in that

[0013] (a) during the sorting of the light shredder fraction and the heavy shredder fraction in preliminary processes and a main process, a crude lint fraction is produced by separating out at least a ferromagnetic fraction, a fraction containing nonferrous metals, a granulate fraction, and a sand fraction; and

[0014] (b) in a refining process, the crude-lint fraction is separated into a metal-containing dust fraction, a lint fraction lacking in dust and metals, and a metallic fraction, using the successive process steps of metal balling, dust removal, and density separation.

[0015] The prepared end products may either be utilized directly or, if desired, subsequently processed in further refining steps to form utilizable products of higher quality. The lint fraction may then be used in blast furnaces, cement factories or clarifier-sludge incineration plants. The lint fraction to be provided for such an application preferably has at least the following additional characteristic properties:

[0016] a fuel value of >20 MJ/kg

[0017] a Cl content of <3.0 wt. %

[0018] a Zn content of <1.0 wt. %

[0019] a Cu content of <0.2 wt. %

[0020] a Pb content of <0.1 wt. %

[0021] It is only possible to render lint fractions from shredder residues available for utilization as a raw material or for energy in an economically practical manner, and on a large scale, by removing disruptive metal particles and adherent dusts to the greatest extent possible. Lacking in chlorine or lacking in metals means that either the upper limits are complied with and/or the amount of chlorine and metal in this granulate is at least 50 wt. %, in particular 70 wt. % less than the raw granulate.

[0022] Consequently, at least one high-quality lint fraction, a ferromagnetic fraction, a fraction containing nonferrous metals, a granulate fraction, and a sand fraction are produced as end products.

[0023] Fe, V2A, and A1 portions broken down in a preliminary treatment are preferably separated from the light shredder fraction. This light shredder fraction is preferably

[0024] broken down in a first shredding unit, and

[0025] subsequently separated into at least a ferromagnetic fraction and a non-ferromagnetic fraction, using at least one magnetic separator;

[0026] the non-ferromagnetic fraction is broken down in a second shredding unit,

[0027] a fine-grained sand fraction is separated from this fraction, using at least one classifier, and

[0028] the remaining fraction is separated into a crude-lint fraction and a course-grained, heavy-material fraction in at least one density-separation device.

[0029] The procedure shown, which includes the step-by-step breakdown of the light shredder fraction and the interposed method steps for separating out the particularly abrasive ferromagnetic components, allows the operating costs to be kept low, in particular in the case of the second shredding unit. A further, preferred design provides for a cellular-plastic fraction essentially made up of polyurethane being additionally separated out in the preliminary process, using a suction device.

[0030] In the preliminary process, the heavy shredder fraction is also separated into at least an enriched fraction containing nonferrous metals, a heavy-material fraction, and a fine-grained sand fraction lacking in metals, preferably using at least one metal separator and at least one classifier. In addition, it is conceivable for a high-density, residual fraction to be separated from the heavy-material fraction in at least one density-separation device. The heavy shredder fraction is separated into different material streams from the standpoint of possible, joint processing with the material streams previously produced in the preliminary process for processing the light shredder fraction.

[0031] In the main process, the material streams from the preliminary processes are preferably brought together in such a manner, that

[0032] the sand fractions are combined into a common sand fraction, and

[0033] the heavy-material fractions are combined into a common heavy-material fraction, broken down by a shredding unit, and separated by a density-separation device into the granulate fraction and an enriched fraction containing nonferrous metals.

[0034] Therefore, the desired end products of sand, granulate, and the fraction containing nonferrous metals are produced in this partial process step. The fractions containing nonferrous metals may then be subjected to for separating out light-metal fractions, nonferrous-metal fractions, and other metal fractions, preferably in a common sorting step, using suitable process steps such as sand flotation and optical sorting. The nonmetallic, residual fractions produced during the separation may be resupplied to the main process and/or the preliminary processes at suitable points, as a function of amount and composition.

[0035] Among other things, the crude-lint fraction supplied by the above-mentioned sorting processes is already a homogeneous product, i.e. certain components able to fly (PU), metals, granulate, and sand have already been separated out. However, the crude-lint fraction may only be freed of metal particles and adherent metallic dusts still present by refining it. In this context, the metal wires and strands are preferably balled up. Dust removal occurs after the metals are balled up. The balled metals are separated from the de-dusted lint fraction in a density-separation device.

[0036] Further, preferred refinements of the method are derived from the remaining subclaims dependent from the method.

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the system according to the present invention are derived from dependent claims 20 through 26. Regarding the advantages of the system according to the present invention, reference is made, in particular, to the above-mentioned explanations relating to the method of the present invention.

[0038] The present invention is explained below in detail in an exemplary embodiment, using the corresponding drawings. The figures show:

[0039] FIG. 1 a flow diagram giving an overall view of the end products formed at specific times in the process of sorting the shredder residues; and

[0040] FIG. 2 a schematic flow diagram for the process control in the preliminary sorting processes and the main sorting process.

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of the times at which end products are produced according to the method of the present invention, during the sorting of the shredder residues. In an upstream shredding process known per se, metal-containing wastes, in particular those of vehicle bodies, are initially broken down by a shredder in a shredding process. A light fraction capable of flying is subsequently separated off by a suction device (light shredder fraction SLF). The heavy material stream, which remains after the suction and is not capable of flying, is separated on a permanent-magnet separator, into a ferromagnetic and a non-ferromagnetic fraction. The ferromagnetic fraction is designated as shredder scrap SS and represents the primary shredder product, which may be used directly in metallurgy. The heavy, non-ferromagnetic fraction not capable of flying is referred to as heavy shredder fraction SSF. In a further pretreatment step not shown here, ferromagnetic components still present may be separated from light shredder fraction SLF by a magnetic separator. The remaining material stream of light shredder fraction SLF and heavy shredder fraction SSF are now jointly separated as shredder residues into the desired end products.

[0042] To this end, the process control provides a preliminary process VorL for light shredder fraction SLF, a preliminary process VorS for heavy shredder fraction SSF, a joint, main process SRH, and a refining process V for final processing of at least a part of the primary material streams produced in preliminary processes VorL, VorS. According to the exemplary embodiment, fractions, which are predominantly made up of highly pure iron Fe, steel V2A, sand, granulate, lint lacking in dust and metals Lintpure, cellular plastic PU, and a residue to remove, are formed as end products. In addition, a nonferrous-metal fraction NE may be separated out, which, in turn, appropriate process control allows to be divided up into fractions having nonferrous metals Cu/brass, light metals Al/Mg, and other metals. Except for the residual fraction, the end products formed may be used metallurgically, as materials, as raw materials, and for energy. In particular, refining process V may be designed under the aspect of providing a lint fraction Lintpure lacking in dust and metals, which may be utilized as a raw material, or for energy in blast furnaces, cement factories, or similar installations. To this end, lint fraction Lintpure must have at least the following characteristics:

[0043] a fuel value of >20 MJ/kg

[0044] a Cl content of <3.0 wt. %

[0045] a Zn content of <1.0 wt. %

[0046] a Cu content of <0.2 wt. %

[0047] a Pb content of <0.1 wt. %

[0048] The process steps described below allow, in particular, the separation of a lint fraction Lintpure from the heterogeneous shredder residues, which meets the above-mentioned specification.

[0049] FIG. 2 represents a schematic flow diagram of the essential components of the system for sorting the shredder residues, as well as the respective intermediate or end products produced at these components during the process control. In order to retain an overall view, the end products produced during the process are arranged in the center. Preliminary process VorL for sorting light shredder fraction SLF is schematically represented in the upper left portion, preliminary process VorS for sorting heavy shredder fraction SSF is represented in the upper right portion, main process SRH is displayed in the center of the lower portion, and refining process V is represented in the lower left portion of the drawing.

[0050] Heavy shredder fraction SSF is initially subjected to two-stage Fe and V2A separation by permanent-magnet separator PMS1. After Fe and V2A separation, the residual stream is classified, and fractions NEs containing nonferrous metals are separated out. This may be accomplished, for example, by initial classification into different fractions, e.g. greater than and less than 20 mm, and by separate feeding of each fraction to metal separator MAS1. It is of course conceivable to have additional classification steps. In this context, it is important to achieve as clean a material separation as possible into fractions NEs containing nonferrous metals, and remaining fractions NMS lacking in metals. Classifier KS1 also provides for fractions NMS, which are lacking in metals and have a particle diameter preferably <6 mm, being separated out as a sand fraction SandS.

[0051] Remaining coarse-grained fraction NMS lacking in metals is subsequently separated by a density-separation device DS1 into a heavy-material fraction SGS and a high-density residual fraction Residue. This should prevent materials, which are still highly abrasive and have sharp edges, such as balls of high-grade steel, from being present in the shredding chamber during the further treatment of heavy-material fraction SGS in downstream shredding units. In addition, a metal separator may be installed again at this position, in order to separate out the last solid, wear-promoting, metal contaminants. In summary, preliminary process VorS accordingly yields an iron fraction Fe, a steel fraction V2A, a fraction NES containing nonferrous metals, a sand fraction SandS, and a heavy-material fraction SGS.

[0052] In preliminary process VorL, a cellular-plastic fraction PU, which is predominantly made up of the polyurethane that is highly capable of flying, is initially separated from light shredder fraction SLF in suction device ABL1. The separated pieces of cellular plastic are pneumatically transported into a press container, where they are automatically compressed. This fraction may be directly utilized or optionally undergo a further refining step not explained here in further detail.

[0053] The remaining fraction is now broken down in a first shredding unit ZL1, and indeed in such a manner, that a discharge of unit ZL1 contains particles having a diameter <50 mm. In order to keep the load on shredding unit ZL1 as small as possible, a classifier not represented here may be positioned upstream from it, in order to separate out and supply a fraction having a diameter >50 mm. An iron fraction Fe and a steel fraction V2A are separated from the shredded fraction by a permanent-magnet separator PML1. Remaining non-ferromagnetic fraction NFL is now supplied to a second shredding unit ZL2, in which the material is broken down further. In this context, a discharge of shredding unit ZL2 is designed to be <10 mm. In this case, the infeed of shredding unit ZL2 may also be limited to a fraction having a diameter >10 mm, using a classifier not shown.

[0054] In an additional classifier KL1, a fine-grained sand fraction SandL is separated from the now effectively broken-down, non-ferromagnetic fraction NFL. The particle size of sand fraction SandL is preferably set to <4 mm. The remaining fraction is subjected to air sifting and density separation in a suitable device DL1. In device DL1, a light fraction made up of lint (crude-lint fraction Lintcrude) is blown over a heavy-material trap by a cross-current sifter. Due to being previously transported on a vibrating conveyor, the heavier material has already settled to the bottom, so that the underlying heavy fraction automatically falls down into a heavy-material discharge (heavy-material fraction SGL) . In summary, the end products and intermediate products of cellular-plastic pieces PU, iron Fe, steel V2A, SandL, lint Lintcrude, and heavy material SGL may be provided in preliminary process VorL. The dust and sludges, which contain heavy metals and organic substances and are produced during the processing in shredding units ZL1 and ZL2, are fed to residual fraction Residue.

[0055] In refining process V, crude-lint fraction Lintcrude is cleaned to the extent that it is available for utilization as a raw material or energy. The requirement forming the basis of present refining process V is to produce a material depleted of heavy metals for use in clarifier-sludge incineration plants, cement factories, or in blast furnaces. Processing is done with regard to the established requirements for such processes, such as capability of being conveyed and blown in, as well as halogen content. However, the level of copper, zinc, and lead should especially be lowered.

[0056] To this end, crude-lint fraction Lintcrude is mechanically transported by a conveyor belt, directly from the cross-current sifter of main process SRH, into an impact-disk mill MV. In the mill, the copper strands that are stripped from cable sheathings but are interlocked, as well as other metal wires, are balled up, and the dust that has settled in the fiber braiding is rubbed off. The organic-fiber fraction is not shredded here. The material treated in this manner is subsequently removed by a suction device ABV. A dust separator is integrated into suction device ABV, so that the rubbed-off dust fraction enriched with heavy metals may be separated from the rest of the material stream and concentrated by filtering equipment into a dust fraction NEduSt.

[0057] The de-dusted material is transported onto air-settling tables (density-separation device DV). The balled-up copper strands and other metal wires are separated out here. Copper-rich, nonferrous-metal fraction NEV of this refining step may be united with copper-rich fractions from main process SRH or alternatively passed over into the nonferrous-metal sorting. The remaining light fraction forms lint fraction Lintpure, which is pneumatically sucked into a press container. Downstream briquetting or pelletizing is possible for use in a blast furnace.

[0058] In main process SRH, sand fractions SandL, SandS are initially combined into a common sand fraction Sand. This fraction may optionally undergo a further refining step not represented here.

[0059] Heavy-material fractions SGL and SGS are also combined into a common heavy-material fraction SG. They are subsequently broken down again in a further shredding unit ZH1. A discharge of shredding unit ZH1 is designed to be <8 mm. Shredding unit ZH1 l usually takes the form of an impeller breaker, in order that the material is optimally broken down at this position. After the shredding, density separation takes place on air-settling tables (density-separation device DH1). The light fraction separated off is predominantly made up of plastic in granular form. If desired, the granulate may be processed further in an independent refining process. Remaining, heavy fraction NEH is mostly made up of nonferrous metals, mainly copper strands. Therefore, fraction NEH may already be removed from the process at this point, or it may also be combined with nonferrous-metal fraction NEs into a common fraction NE, and be jointly sorted.

[0060] Fraction NE containing nonferrous metals may essentially be sorted by a sand flotation system SF1 and an optical sorter OS1. Sand flotation allows a light-metal fraction predominantly made up of aluminum and magnesium to be separated from a heavy-metal fraction in a dry mechanical manner. It should be noted that the sand used here as a separation medium has nothing to do with fraction Sand separated from the shredder residues. The heavy metals sink into the sand bed, while the light metals float on the sand bed. An upper stream containing light metals and the lower screen enriched with the heavy metals are separated by a separating partition. The metal concentrates are separated again from separating medium Sand in a process step belonging to sand flotation. Separated aluminum and magnesium fraction Al/Mg may optionally be separated to a further extent.

[0061] The separated heavy fraction (in particular zinc Zn, copper Cu, brass, lead Pb, and possibly V4A steel) is separated into the nonferrous metals copper/brass and other metals, using optical sorter OS1. Depending on the amount and composition, any nonmetallic residues produced here may be fed in at a suitable position, such as, in this case, into preliminary process VorL. In summary, an Al/Mg fraction, a Cu/brass fraction, a fraction having other metals, a sand friction Sand, and a granulate fraction Granulate are provided in main process SRH having subsequent nonferrous-metal separation.

[0062] List of Reference Symbols 1 ABL1, ABV suction devices Al/Mg light-metal fraction Cu/brass nonferrous metal fraction DH1, DL1, DS1, DV density-separation devices Fe iron fraction Lintpure granulate fraction lacking in chlorine and metals Lintcrude lint fraction Granulate granulate fraction KL1, KS1 classifiers MAS1 metal separator/all-metal separator Mv impact-disk mill NE, NEH, NEL, NES, NEdust, NEV fractions containing nonferrous metals NFL non-ferromagnetic fraction NMS fraction lacking in metals OS1 optical sorter PML1, PMS1 permanent-magnet separator PU cellular-plastic fraction Residue residual fraction Sand, SandL, SandS sand fractions SF1 sand flotation system SG, SGL, SGS heavy-material fractions SLF light shredder fraction other metals fraction having other metals SRH main process SS shredder scrap SSF heavy shredder fraction V refining process for the crude- lint fraction V2A steel fraction VorL preliminary process for the light shredder fraction VorS preliminary process for the heavy shredder fraction ZL1, ZL2, ZH1 shredding units

Claims

1. A method for sorting shredder residues of metal-containing wastes of, in particular, vehicle body shells, especially those of scrap cars or crashed cars, where the shredder residues are separated into a light shredder fraction (SLF) and a non-ferromagnetic fraction (heavy shredder fraction (SSF)), wherein

(a) during the sorting of the light shredder fraction (SLF) and/or the heavy shredder fraction (SSF), a crude-lint fraction (Lintcrude) is produced in at least one preliminary process (VorL, VorS) and/or a main process (SRH), by separating out at least one, advantageously at least two, and especially at least three of the fractions, iron-containing and ferromagnetic fraction (Fe, V2A), fraction (NE) containing nonferrous metals, granulate fraction (Granulate), and sand fraction (Sand); and

(b) the crude-lint fraction (Lintcrude) is separated out in a refining process (V).

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the crude-lint fraction (Lintcrude) is separated into a least one, in particular at least two of the fractions, metal-containing dust fraction (NEdust), lint fraction (Lintpure) lacking in metals, and metallic fraction (NEV).

3. The method as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the crude-lint fraction (Lintcrude) is separated into a least one, in particular at least two of the process steps, metal balling, dust removal, and/or density separation, these process steps advantageously being carried out in the order indicated.

4. The method as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the crude-lint fraction (Lintcrude) is separated from at least the light shredder fraction (SLF) and, in particular, from only this.

5. The method as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the light shredder fraction (SLF) is subjected to a further pretreatment by a magnetic separator, in order to separate out residual, ferromagnetic fractions.

6. The method as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, advantageously at least two, and especially at least three of the fractions, iron-containing or ferromagnetic fractions (Fe, V2A), fine-grained sand fraction (SandL), crude-lint fraction (Lintcrude), and/or granular (coarse-grained), heavy-material fraction (SGL) are separated from the light shredder fraction (SLF) in the preliminary process (VorL), using at least one, in particular at least two of the process steps of shredding, metal separation, classification, and density separation, advantageously in the order indicated; at least the last-mentioned fraction preferably being obtained.

7. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein, in the preliminary process (VorL), a cellular-plastic fraction (PU) is additionally separated from the light shredder fraction (SLF), in particular using a suction device (ABL).

8. The method as recited in claim 6 or 7, wherein, with the aid of shredding and/or classification, at least 60 wt. %, in particular at least 80 wt. % of the heavy-material fraction (SGL) attains a diameter of 4 to 10 mm.

9. The method as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the preliminary process (VorS), at least a fraction (NES) containing nonferrous metals, a fine-grained sand fraction (SandS) lacking in metals, a high-density residual fraction (Residue), and/or a heavy-material fraction (SGS) is separated from the heavy shredder fraction (SSF), using at least one of the processes of metal separation, classification, and/or density separation; preferably at least two and in particular at least three of these fractions, and, especially advantageously, at least the last-mentioned fraction being obtained.

10. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein, with the aid of classification, at least 60 wt. %, in particular at least 80 wt. % of the heavy-material fraction (SGS) attains a diameter of >6 mm.

11. The method as recited in one of claims 6 through 10, wherein, in the main process (SRH), the heavy-material fraction/s (SGL, SGS) is/are broken down by a shredding unit (ZH1) and separated by a density-separation device (DH1) into the granulate fraction (Granulate H) and/or into an enriched fraction (NEH) containing nonferrous metals.

12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein a discharge of the shredding unit (ZH1) is selected to be <8 mm.

13. The method as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal fractions (NEH, NES) are combined to form the common metal fraction (NE).

14. The method as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein metal wires and strands are balled up in the crude-lint fraction.

15. The method as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein dusts containing heavy metals are separated out.

16. The method as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein balled-up metal wires and strands are separated out.

17. The method as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the nonferrous-metal fraction (NEV) produced during the separation in the refining process (V) is integrated into a sorting process of the nonferrous-metal fraction (NE) as a function of amount and composition.

18. The method as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the lint fraction (Lintpure) is pelletized or formed into briquettes.

19. A system for sorting shredder residues of metal-containing wastes, in particular of vehicle bodies, the shredder residues including a light shredder fraction (SLF) and a non-ferromagnetic fraction (heavy shredder fraction (SSF)), wherein means are present, by which

(a) during the sorting of the light shredder fraction (SLF) and the heavy shredder fraction (SSF), a crude-lint fraction (Lintcrude) is produced in preliminary processes (VorL, VorS) and a main process (SRH) by extracting at least one ferromagnetic fraction (Fe/V2A), a fraction (NE) containing nonferrous metals, a granulate fraction (Granulate), and a sand fraction (Sand); and

(b) in a refining process (V), the crude-lint fraction (Lintcrude) is separated into a metal-containing dust fraction (NEdust), a lint fraction (Lintpure) lacking in metals, and a metallic fraction (NEV), by the successive process steps of metal-balling, dust removal, and density separation.

20. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein a magnetic separator is present for separating residual ferromagnetic fractions from the light shredder fraction (SLF).

21. The system as recited in claim 19 or 20, wherein, in order to process the pretreated, light shredder fraction (SLF) in the preliminary process (VorL), the following are provided in succession:

a first shredding unit (ZL1) for breaking down the light shredder fraction (SLF),

at least one magnetic separator (PML1) for separating at least one ferromagnetic fraction (Fe, V2A) from a non-ferromagnetic fraction (NFL),

a second shredding unit (ZL2) for breaking down the non-ferromagnetic fraction (NFL),

at least one classifier (KL1) for separating out a fine-grained sand fraction (SandL), and

at least one density-separation device (DL1) for separating the remaining fraction into the crude-lint fraction (Lintcrude) and a coarse-grained, heavy-material fraction (SGL).

22. The system as recited in claim 21, wherein a suction device (ABL) is additionally provided for separating out a cellular-plastic fraction (PU).

23. The system as recited in one of claims 19 through 22, wherein, in order to process the heavy shredder fraction (SSF) in the preliminary process (VorS), a metal separator (MAS1) and at least one classifier (KS1) are provided for separating out at least one enriched fraction (NES) containing nonferrous metals, a heavy-material fraction (SGS), and a fine-grained sand fraction (SandS) lacking in metals.

24. The system as recited in one of claims 19 through 23, wherein, in the main process (SRH), the following are provided for processing the material streams from the initial processes (VorL, VorS)

means for combining the heavy-material fractions (SGL, SGS) into a common, heavy-material fraction (SG),

a shredding unit (ZH1) for breaking down the heavy-material fraction (SG), and

a subsequent density-separation device (DH1) for separating the granulate fraction (Granulate) and an enriched fraction (NEH) containing nonferrous metals from the broken-down, heavy-material fraction (SG).

25. The system as recited in one of claims 19 through 24, wherein the means for treating the crude-lint fraction (Lintcrude) in the refining process (V) include at least an impact-disk mill (MV), a suction device (ABV), and a density-separation device (DV).

26. The system as recited in claim 25, wherein means are provided for feeding the nonferrous-metal fraction (NEV), which is produced during the separation in the refining process (V), into a sorting process of the fraction (NE) containing nonferrous metals.

27. Use of the method for separating plastics from shredder residues of metal-containing wastes, in particular of vehicle bodies, as recited in one of claims 1 through 18, wherein a lint fraction (Lintpure) lacking in dust and metals is separated for use as a raw material, or for energy, for example in clarifier-sludge incineration plants, cement factories, or blast furnaces.

28. The use as recited in claim 27, wherein the lint fraction (Lintpure) has at least the first two of the following characteristics:

a fuel value of >20 MJ/kg

a Cl content of <3.0 wt. %

a Zn content of <1.0 wt. %

a Cu content of <0.2 wt. %

a Pb content of <0.1 wt. %