Poster (EARTH)

[PE1-028] Study on Recovery of metals from Waste Printed Circuit Boards in Oxygen Top Blown Copper Smelting Process

○Miao Tian¹, Qin-Meng Wang¹, Xue-Yi Guo¹ (1. Central South University)

Keywords:waste printed circuit boards, oxygen top blown copper smelting process, metal recovery, behavior of the organics, dioxins

A substantial increase of Waste printed circuit boards(PCB) will be treated in China, as it contains a considerable metal resource with higher special and precious metal content than that are found in ores. Oxygen top blown copper smelting process has been adopted to recycle metals in PCB, in terms of fully utilizing its process capacity and excellent concentration ability for precious metals. The smelting conditions, distribution of precious metals, behavior of the organics and off-gas compositions of copper smelting process with 1 to 20 wt. PCB are investigated. The operating conditions such as slag compositions, flow rate of oxygen-enriched air and flux should be adjusted to optimize the smelting process and regulate the production.Precious metals almost totally resort to matte and will be recovered in copper refining process. The organics in the feed function as reducing agent and alternative energy source during smelting, providing a feasible approach for recovering energy from these plastics. The autogenous smelting process can almost be achieved when combining with oxidation heat liberation of sulfide copper concentrates. With a comprehensive emission control system installed to inhibit formation of toxic dioxins and minimize discharged off-gas, additional benefits and environmental recycle of metals can be derived from the large-scale operations.