Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Automated Removal of Brominated Flame Retardant Material From a Mixed E-Waste Plastics Recycling Stream

EPA Contract Number: EPD09045
Title: Automated Removal of Brominated Flame Retardant Material From a Mixed E-Waste Plastics Recycling Stream
Investigators: Sommer, Edward J.
Small Business: National Recovery Technologies Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: March 1, 2009 through December 31, 2012
Project Amount: $295,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (2009) Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Waste , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Description:

The objective of this Phase II research is the development of a high-speed sorting system to remove brominated flame retardant (BFR) contained in e-waste plastic streams using innovative differential x-ray transmission technology. Due to the potential health hazards associated with brominated polymers, the removal of these polymers will generate significant revenue for the e-waste recycler.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

Based upon market analysis, National Recovery Technologies, Inc. (NRT) identified plastic recycling as a significant problem in the overall process of e-waste recycling. Most e-waste recycling processes are focused on recovery of the precious metals contained in the e-waste stream while the large volume of plastics is generally considered to be a byproduct of the recycling process. Contained within the plastics stream are considerable amounts of BFR materials that decrease its recyclability. Removal of this BFR material from the e-waste plastics recycling stream will allow for efficient sorting into pure polymer streams for recycling.

NRT investigated the use of innovative differential x-ray transmission coupled with high speed pneumatic ejection technology for identification and sorting of BFR material in the e-waste plastics recycling stream. A prototype system has been designed and constructed, which is expected to have significant impact within the e-waste recycling industry.

Conclusions:

This Phase I and Phase II funding has led to the development of a technology suitable for identification and sorting of brominated flame retardant plastics within an e-waste plastics recycle stream. This technology is expected to have significant impact within the e-waste recycling industry as it will increase the value of the recycled resin.

Supplemental Keywords:

mass sortation, polymer sorting, x-ray, contaminant sorting, brominated, flame retardant

SBIR Phase I:

Automated Removal of Brominated Flame Retardant Material From a Mixed E-Waste Plastics Recycling Stream | Final Report

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.