AT501329A1 - SEPARATION METHOD AND DEVICE THEREFOR - Google Patents

Description

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The invention relates to a method for the separation of at least one metallic component from a mixture containing them in a liquid separation medium with the aid of a gaseous transport medium for enrichment of the metallic component in the separation medium, the use of the method for processing and recycling of metal waste, a separation device for the separation of at least one metallic component of a mixture containing them with a separating basin for receiving a liquid separating medium in or on which at least one discharge element for separating the separated metallic component is arranged, as well as the use of the separating device.

The recycling of waste is now playing a significant role in the entire industrial world not only for ecological but for economic reasons. For example, also in the engine industry, where due to the constant attempts to keep the weight of vehicles as low as possible and thus to save fuel, more light metals are used. However, light metals as such can not usually be used directly because of their low mechanical strength, so that alloys or composites are used. Today, engine blocks are usually made of a variety of light alloys, however, due to the reduction in production costs and because of the already mentioned need to achieve the mechanical strength of these engine blocks are made of several different alloys. Usually, these alloys are cast together, so that in a subsequent machining a mixture of different metal alloys is obtained, which can not be recycled without further treatment as a secondary raw material for further processing.

It is therefore necessary in advance to separate as pure as possible secondary raw materials. N2004 / 14600 -2-

DE 28 48 474 A describes a method and an apparatus for separating particulate materials, such as sand or Kupferkömer. For this purpose, the mixture of particulate materials of different density or different specific gravity is introduced into a fluidized bed whose flow particles have an average density which is between the densities of the mixed, particulate materials. The flow in the fluidized bed is generated by an introduced gas, in particular air. The apparatus used for this purpose comprises a device for discharging the separated, particulate materials, in particular a conveyor provided with projections, which dips into the fluidized bed and receives the separated particles by means of the projections.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for carrying out the method, with which at least one metallic component can be separated from a mixture. In particular, it is a partial object of the present invention to separate a mixture of chips of aluminum and magnesium or their alloys from each other.

This object is achieved independently that in the inventive method, the transport medium is formed by a chemical reaction of the metallic component or introduced into the separation medium impurities and / or the separation medium, as well as in the separation basin of the separation device according to the invention at least one distribution device for at least approximately uniform distribution of the particles of the mixture over the and / or the bottom of the separating basin is arranged. The advantage here is that the transport medium is made possible by the separation of the at least one metallic component from the rest of the mixture, within the separation medium only when needed, i. when a metallic component is introduced into the separation medium which initiates the chemical reaction, i. e. that no additional energy has to be expended in order to maintain a transport medium flow, as required by the prior art method in the form of the introduced air. According to the invention, the separation device is equipped with a distribution device for the uniform distribution of the particles in the separating basin for performing the method, whereby a sufficient wetting of the at least one metallic component with the separation medium N2004 / 14600 -3- • ············ So that an efficiency increase of the separation can be achieved. At the same time agglomeration can be held back by this distribution device, whereby the degree of separation can be further improved, namely by preventing that other than the desired at least one metallic component is entrained by their floating in the separation medium.

The gaseous transport medium can be hydrogen, which arises from the reaction of a base metal or metal alloy with an aqueous phase.

It is advantageous if the gaseous transport medium produced in the form of gas bubbles, with an average bubble diameter, selected from a range with a lower limit of 0.2 mm, in particular 0.3 mm, preferably 0.35 mm, and an upper limit of 0.75 mm, in particular 0.65 mm, preferably 0.5 mm, since this allows a controlled procedure without too vigorous "foaming" within the separation medium, so that a targeted separation of the at least one metallic component, ie a targeted floating of the same, is made possible on the separation medium.

It is advantageous if the speed of the gaseous transport medium is maximally so high that at least a majority of the developed gas bubbles adhere to the surface of the metallic component, which in turn achieves or improves the separation effect by making these gas bubbles exactly the desired metallic component discharge from the mixture and no "foreign phases" from the mixture are entrained by the gas bubbles. '

In addition, a short-term overcharge of the separation medium with metal ions from the reaction of the metallic component is avoided by the two preceding embodiments of the erfmdungsgemä- Shen method, so that only a long-term replacement of the separation medium is required.

Water can be used as separation medium, which on the one hand enables the already mentioned hydrogen evolution in the separation of base metals or metal alloys from the mixture and, on the other hand, an ecologically largely harmless separation medium is used. N2004 / 14600 -4- · * ·. . ··. . ··. ............: :: ::. · '·· ......... *!

To improve the separation effect, at least one additive can be added to the separation medium. It is advantageous if this additive adheres to the metallic component or the mixture lubricant, which in particular from the metalworking as there used cooling lubricant, so that these cooling lubricants can also be worked to a certain extent and beyond process costs are saved can be considered, as already in the metalworking on the subsequent separation process in the selection of the cooling lubricant is taken into account.

However, adjuvants can also be added as an additive, for example those which enhance the adhesion of the gaseous transport medium to the at least one metallic component, so that the gas bubbles produced by the reaction remain at the place of their formation and thus to a very high degree exclusively the floating of the desired , cause to be separated metallic component of the mixture. For example, surfactants or adhesion aids such as e.g. Alkanesulfonates, alkane sulfates, or collectors are used.

However, it is also possible to use as additive a foaming agent or foamer, such as e.g. Polyglycols and their ethers, terpene alcohols, organic surfactants, alkylsulfonic acids, alkylbenzylsulfonic acids, silicone compounds, on the one hand the separation efficiency can be improved and on the other hand can be achieved that the separated metallic component remains floating over a longer period on the surface of the separation medium, so that the Discharge of this metallic component can be carried out batchwise.

As an additive, at least one viscosity regulator may also be used, e.g. Polyethylene glycols, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, whereby the residence time of the at least one component within the separation medium before floating can be determined in advance, so that thus the duration of the reaction time available can be adjusted and thus the quality of the separation can be influenced.

It is advantageous if the separation is carried out at a temperature of the separation medium which is selected from a range with a lower limit of 4 ° C, in particular 40 ° C, preferably 55 ° C, and an upper limit of 180 ° C, in particular N2004 / 14600 -5- ···· ···· ····· 155 ° C, preferably 135 ° C and / or if the separation is carried out under a pressure selected from a lower limit range of 1 mbar, in particular 2 bar, preferably 3.25 bar, and an upper limit of 10 bar, in particular 7.5 bar, preferably 5.75 bar and / or the separation is carried out at a pH of the separation medium selected from a range with a lower limit of 0, in particular 3, preferably 4.2 and an upper limit of 14, in particular 11.35, preferably 7.1, whereby a direct influence on the separation behavior is made possible, for example, on the concentration Reaction rate and the Fo rm of gas bubbles. It may be advantageous if the separation medium is buffered, e.g. with citric acid to level the pH to a certain level.

To increase the buoyancy of the separation medium, its density may be increased, e.g. by the addition of an aqueous sodium polytungstate solution and / or a zinc bromide solution. It can thus be achieved a greater security against the demolition of the gas bubbles.

The mixture may be comminuted prior to introduction into the separation medium to an average particle size with a length selected from a range with a lower limit of 6 mm, in particular 7 mm, preferably 8 mm, and an upper limit of 15 mm, in particular 12 mm, preferably 10 mm, and a width selected from a range with a lower limit of 2 mm, in particular 2.5 mm, preferably 2 * 75 mm, and an upper limit of 5 mm, in particular 4 mm, preferably 3 mm , and an average height which is selected from a range with a lower limit of 0.1 mm, in particular 0.15 mm, preferably 0.2 mm, and an upper limit of 0.5 mm, in particular 0.4 mm, preferably 0.3 mm, whereby a larger surface area for the reaction and thus a higher separation speed can be achieved.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the reaction is carried out with a controlled gas bubble formation, whereby a gas volume is generated, which is selected from a range with a lower limit of 0.2 1 / kg mixture, in particular 0.25 1 / kg mixture, preferably 0.3 l / kg mixture, and an upper limit of 0.91 / kg mixture, especially • • · • 75 75 75 75, 75 / / kg mixture, preferably 3 0.43. / kg mixture, so that preferably again only that amount of gas is generated, which is required for the separation of the at least one metallic component from the mixture and thus can be prevented that further components are separated from the mixture unintentionally.

As a mixture, in particular one of the metalworking, for example in the form of metal shavings, can be used, these shavings preferably of aluminum and magnesium or their alloys, i. Alloys of aluminum or alloys of magnesium, are used, or according to another Ausführungsvari-ante used as a mixture of one of metallic composite materials, it is particularly advantageous if at least one of the metals or metal alloys with a liquid medium, in particular the separation medium , reacts such that a gas bubble formation is formed and thus the at least one metallic component is separated.

Under certain circumstances, it is advantageous if the at least one metallic component of the mixture is cleaned before use, in particular degreased, so that in the event that these surface impurities, in particular fats, can not be used as an additive, a sufficient surface for the To provide reaction.

It is also advantageous if the supply of the mixture in the separation medium is carried out continuously with a conveyor, so that there is always sufficient formation of the transport medium.

It is further possible to fluidize the mixture in a fluidized bed to prevent again agglomeration within the mixture and to provide a sufficiently large surface area for the reaction.

In the separating basin, a vertical flow, in particular with the separating medium, can be generated with a predeterminable flow velocity, wherein, according to one embodiment variant, the flow velocity is just so great that the components of the mixture, in particular the metallic component, are held in suspension at least approximately completely as well as agglomeration by means of equal distribution of the mixture in the separation basin and prevented in.. further consequence a sufficiently large surface can be provided for the reaction.

The flow rate is advantageously adjusted as a function of the density of the separation medium and / or the mean diameter of the particles, so that at best a floating state of the particles is achieved.

According to one embodiment variant, the gaseous transport medium, in particular hydrogen, may be collected and utilized for recovery, e.g. a thermal utilization, are supplied, whereby, for example, the required for the temperature of the separation medium under certain circumstances, heat energy from the process is at least partially recovered.

It is also possible that at least a volume of the separation medium is withdrawn continuously or discontinuously from the separating basin and fed to a treatment plant for the separation of metal ions contained in the separation medium, in order to be able to feed the separation medium to the renewed use and thus to a cycle within the process, and on the other hand, in some circumstances, in turn, raw materials, such as magnesium salts, such as Magnesium sulfate or magnesium chloride for further use.

According to one embodiment variant of the separating device according to the invention it is provided that the distribution device is designed as a stirrer, thereby allowing a sufficient distribution of the mixture in particular circular or oval-shaped separating basin.

However, it can also be provided that this distribution device is designed as a screw conveyor, so that the use of angular, e.g. square separating basin is just as effective as the use of round separating basins.

It is advantageous if at least two screw conveyors are arranged, each having a different conveying length in order to be able to distribute the mixture more uniformly in the separating basin. N2004 / 14600 8 8

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It may also be advantageous if at least one of the screw conveyors is designed to be horizontally pivotable in order in turn to allow a more even distribution of the mixture in the separating basin.

According to a further embodiment, the distribution device may be formed as a fluidized bed in order to achieve as well as a uniform distribution of the mixture in the separating basin.

The distribution device may have a feed pipe for the vertical supply of a fluid into the separation tank in order to achieve a turbulence of the individual particles of the mixture.

Furthermore, the at least one discharge element may be a paddle roller in order to enable efficient discharge of the floated, at least one metallic component.

A shredding device can be arranged in front of the separating basin, wherein according to an embodiment variant of the shredding device at least one sieve, in particular a grading curve, can be arranged in order to have a particle size of the mixture, in particular of the at least one metallic component, with a sufficiently large surface area for rapid reaction to provide.

The at least one sieve may have an overflow, which is preferably connected to the comminution device in order to feed the oversized particles of the mixture again to the comminution device, so that the separation device can be operated at least in this area as far as possible without manual intervention.

In front of the separating basin, a cleaning step for the mixture may be arranged to remove, for example, impurities adhering to the mixture, e.g. Lubricating oils, etc., at least partially remove.

This cleaning stage may comprise at least one device for supplying a cleaning fluid, in particular a spray nozzle, whereby the cleaning itself can be designed more efficiently with little use of cleaning fluid. N2004 / 14600 • ··· «·····

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It is also advantageous if a conveyor is arranged in the separating basin, with which the discharge of the other components of the mixture is made possible from the separating basin.

But it is also possible that the bottom of the separating basin at least partially bevelled in relation to a footprint of the separating basin, in particular conical, so that non-floating mixture components fall due to gravity in the lower regions of the separating basin, which it is advantageous for a further embodiment is, if in this area at least one discharge device, such as a slide, is arranged, with or with which these other components can be removed from the separating basin.

Furthermore, the separating basin in the upper region, in particular above the separating basin, may have a gas collecting device, in particular an exhaust, in order to remove and collect the gaseous transport medium which has formed during the chemical reaction, in order for example to recover it, e.g. a thermal utilization to supply.

Finally, it is also possible for the separating basin to have at least one inlet and outlet for the separation medium in order to produce a continuous flow in the separating basin or to renew the separating medium or to bring about regeneration.

The invention further relates to the use of the method and of the separating device for recycling metal waste, in particular of a mixture of shavings, of aluminum and magnesium or of chips of aluminum alloys and / or magnesium alloys.

For a better understanding of the invention, this will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

Each shows in a schematically simplified representation:

1 shows an inventive separation basin.

Fig. 2 shows a variant of the separation basin as part of an overall system. N2004 / 14600 ···· ···· • · «· · · · ··········

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By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, wherein the disclosures contained in the entire description can be mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals or component names. Also, the location information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and are to be transferred to the new situation mutatis mutandis when a change in position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

1 shows a first output variant of a separating device 1 for separating at least one metallic component 2 from a mixture 3 containing same.

The separation device 1 comprises in its simplest embodiment, a separation tank 4 by a separation medium 5 is presented. The separation medium 5 is formed by a liquid, preferably water or an aqueous solution or a solvent mixture, or the like .. Instead of water but all other suitable liquids, such as organic solvents, alcohols, etc., can be used.

The inventive method for separating the at least one metallic component 2 from the mixture 3 is guided such that a transport medium 6 is formed by a chemical reaction of the metallic component 2 or with this introduced into the separation medium 5 impurities, preferably with the separation medium 5 ,

In its preferred embodiment, the process according to the invention serves to separate magnesium turnings or chips from magnesium alloys of aluminum turnings or chips from aluminum alloys. It is therefore possible, by reaction of the magnesium with water, to produce hydrogen as the transport medium 6, this transport medium 6 preferably being produced in the form of gas bubbles or bubbles, which promote the floating of the magnesium turnings, i. the at least one metallic component 2 in the direction of a surface 7 of the separation medium 5, as shown in Fig. 1, causes. Of course, the method according to the invention is also applicable to other N2004 / 14600 φφ ···· ····

-11 -re metallic components 2, in particular base metals or alloys suitable which show a reaction with corresponding separation media 5, wherein this reaction leads to the formation of gas bubbles. There is thus achieved the advantage that due to the in-situ formation of the transport medium 6 on its additional introduction into the separation medium 5, as is done for example in known flotation, can be omitted.

The separating basin 4 is executed in its embodiment of FIG. 1 as a round separating basin. However, other cross-sections, such as oval, polygonal, e.g. square, quadrangular, etc., can be used. In the latter case, it is advantageous that, for the uniform distribution of the particles of the mixture 3 in the separating basin 4, a distribution device 8, in the case of the embodiment variant of FIG. 1 in the form of an agitator, is arranged correspondingly shaped distribution devices, as will be described further below Detail is explained to use, and thus to effect the even distribution.

By the distribution device 8, it is possible to largely avoid agglomeration within the mixture 3 and thus also a sufficient wetting of the at least one metallic component with the separation medium or a reactant contained therein, by reaction with the at least one metallic component 2, the corresponding gas formation causes to provide.

By the agitator, i. the distribution device 8, it is possible to simply pour the mixture 3 into the separating basin 4. However, it is advantageous if, during the introduction of the mixture 3 into the separating basin 4, an even distribution thereof within the separating basin 4 is taken into account, as will be explained in more detail below.

Preferably, the process is carried out such that the gas bubbles have a certain average bubble diameter selected from a range having a lower limit of 0.2 mm, in particular 0.3 mm, preferably 0.35 mm, and an upper limit of 0.75 mm , in particular 0.65 mm, preferably 0.5 mm. If large gas bubbles are formed, it is possible that larger particles of the mixture 3, in particular of different parts different from the intended component to be separated off, could possibly be entrained or could also contain mixture constituents in itself, which have not yet been separated, with swim, so that the efficiency of the separator 1 would be degraded. Too small gas bubbles or gas bubbles, however, would cause insufficient buoyancy. Optionally, the gas bubbles may also have an average diameter selected from a range having a lower limit of 0.5 mm and an upper limit of 5 mm.

Considering a magnesium chip with the dimensions 1 = 12mm, b = 3.5mm and h = 0.3mm, the volume is increased by more than 77% with a bubble diameter of around 200pm, provided that bubbles adhere everywhere, so with the inventive method a sufficient separation performance is achieved.

Further experiments with magnesium turnings of the following dimensions showed the following results: Length [mm] 6 15 6 15 6 15 Width [mm] 2 2 5 5 2 5 Mean height [mm] 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0, 5 0,5 Bubble diameter [pm] 66 67 69 69 265 313 Volume Span [mm3] 1,2 3 3 7,5 6 37,5 Volume H2 [mm3] 0,9 2,2 2,3 5,6 4, 5 27.9

About 0.047% by weight of Mg is reacted to give Mg 2+, whereby about 0.43 1H 2 per kg of Mg N2004 / 14600 -13- • • ······ • · • ·· · • · • · • ·· · arise, so that it also a certain security in terms of It / Mg is achieved. Another advantage is that the amount of magnesium reacted is relatively low, so that a possible environmental impact or necessary landfill of the magnesium ionized separation medium can be kept within limits.

It was also found that the larger the bubbles are, the greater is the buoyancy with a simple occupancy of the chip surface with bubbles.

In the case of "bent" chips, it is advantageous if the method is controlled in such a way that larger and more stable bubbles form in the middle area of the chip.

It is also advantageous if the method is carried out in such a way that the gas bubbles or gas bubbles continue to grow on the particle or metal chip after their formation, so that the particle or the metal chip experiences an acceleration with regard to its or its buoyancy. If the particles have arrived at least in the region of the surface of the separation medium 5, it no longer interferes if the gas bubbles at least partially tear off the particle.

It should be mentioned at this point that the diameter of the gas bubbles can be adapted to the respective particle size, i. the adaptation is carried out by the appropriate Reaktionsfuhrung, however, the expert on his expertise without inventive step on the basis of representational doctrine for technical action readily choose himself accordingly.

The gas bubbles remain after their formation in an advantageous manner to those particles of the metallic component 2, where they are formed. For this purpose, it is again advantageous that these gas bubbles have a mean bubble diameter corresponding to the range described above, since too large gas bubbles tear off from the metallic particles under certain circumstances and thus do not bring about the desired buoyancy of the same.

In order to improve the adhesion of the gas bubbles to the particles of the metallic component 2, appropriate additives may be added to the separation medium 5, such as e.g. Alkanesulfonates, alkanesulfates. N2004 / 14600 14- ···· ····

In the area of the surface 7 of the separating medium 5, in the embodiment of the separating device 1 according to FIG. 1, a discharge element 9, which has the shape of a rake, is arranged. This rake is horizontally displaceable according to double arrow 10, in the direction of a discharge device 11, e.g. a chute. During this horizontal movement of the discharge element 9 already floated particles of the metallic component 2 are moved in the direction of the discharge device 11 and from the separating basin 4 subsequently via this e.g. by gravity or by appropriate conveyors, e.g. Conveyor belts, etc., removed from the system and stored in the collection in a collection, not shown, for its further use, for example, melt metallurgical use.

The residual component (s) of the mixture 3 remaining on a bottom 12 of the separating basin 4 can likewise be transported via a corresponding discharge element 9, for example once again a rake by horizontal displacement, to a further discharge device 11 and in this way removed from the system.

Instead of simple rakes, it is also possible to use all known from the prior art in this context discharge 9. It has also proved particularly advantageous to use so-called paddle rollers, as indicated schematically in FIG. 2, since this makes possible a continuous discharge of the separated metallic component 2 from the separating basin 4 by generating a corresponding flow in the direction of the discharge device 11.

As already mentioned, at least one additional additive may be added to the separation medium 5. So it is e.g. it is possible to use as an additive the lubricant optionally adhering to the metallic component 2 or the mixture 3, in particular a cooling lubricant conventionally used in metal working, such as e.g. an emulsion of a synthetic and / or mineral and / or vegetable oil, in particular esterbasierend, is used. Such an addition is particularly advantageous if the transport medium 6 by reaction of this additive alternatively or additionally formed, and if this adheres to a sufficient extent to the metallic component 2 and the mixture 3 of metal cutting machining, so that an unsatisfactory separation result would be achieved , N2004 / 14600 -15- ♦ ·············································

It therefore proves to be advantageous to pay attention to the subsequent recycling of the resulting chips already in the metalworking, in particular in the selection of the cooling lubricant used. This is particularly advantageous when the waste chips are subjected to recycling in their own production, i. that the separating device 1 according to the invention is integrated into the production line of the respective manufacturing operation, for example engine blocks. It may therefore be possible to dispense with complex processes for the disposal of these cooling lubricants, since these are subjected to a chemical degradation process for the production of the transport medium 6 in the recycling process for recovering the metallic component 2.

As another additive, it is possible to add adjuvants to the separation medium 5 which, as already mentioned, enhance the adhesion of the gaseous transport medium 6 to the at least one metallic component 2, e.g. Alkanesulfonates, alkanesulfates.

In support of the floating, i. of buoyancy, if generation of the transport medium 6 alone is not sufficient for complete separation, optionally a so-called foaming agent can be added to the separation medium, e.g. Polyglycols and their ethers, terpene alcohols, organic surfactants, alkylsulfonic acids, alkylbenzylsulfonic acids, silicone compounds.

It should be mentioned at this point that to be understood by complete separation, a degree of separation of 80% to 99%, with a complete separation to 100% is not excluded.

For conditioning the separation medium 5, it is further possible to add viscosity regulators, e.g. Polyethylene glycols, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, so as to adjust the residence time of the particles of the separated component 2 within a Aufschwimmstrecke 13, which essentially extends from the bottom 12 to the surface 7 of the separation medium 5, that is simplified about the filling level of the separation medium 5 in the separation tank 4 set. It is thus also an improved separation possible in the event that possibly unwanted components are entrained by the floating particles of the metallic component 2, since it is over this N2004 / 14600 ·· ·· ·· ·· ···· ···· · · · · · ·························································

-16-

Residence time, i. the duration of the floating, it is possible that these undesirable components fall off from the particles towards the bottom 12.

To improve the separation performance, it is further possible that the separation medium 5 is tempered, this temperature may be selected from a range with a lower limit of 4 ° C, in particular 40 ° C, preferably 55 ° C, and an upper limit of 180 ° C, in particular 155 ° C, preferably 135 ° C. In fact, the rate of reaction, i.e. the rate of reaction, can be determined by this temperature control. the emergence of the transport medium 6 are regulated in the form of the gas bubbles, in particular when the formation of the transport medium 6 is too low at room temperature.

For this purpose, a temperature sensor 14 may be arranged in the separating basin 4, wherein this may be connected via a line 15 to a control and / or regulating device 16 in order to achieve a higher degree of automation. This control and / or regulating device 16 can be embodied, for example, in the form of a PC or the like.

In addition to the temperature, it is also possible to control the separation process over certain pressure conditions within the separation tank 4. For this purpose, of course, the separating basin 4 with a cover (not shown in Fig. 1) must be provided in order to allow a corresponding pressure build-up. The overpressure may be selected from a range with a lower limit of 1 mbar, in particular 2 bar, preferably 3.25 bar, and an upper limit of 10 bar, in particular 7.5 bar, preferably 5.75 bar. By means of these pressure conditions, it is possible to influence the bubble diameter as well as the number of resulting bubbles of the transport medium 6. For automation, a corresponding sensor can also be arranged in the separating basin 4 for this purpose, which in turn is preferably conductively connected to the control and / or regulating device 16.

It may also be advantageous if the milieu of the separation medium 5 itself is regulated, i. in that a pH value selected from a range having a lower limit of 0, in particular 3, preferably 4.2 and an upper limit of 14, in particular 11.35, preferably 7.1, is set, for example, for the formation of the gaseous transport medium 6, whereby it is also possible to influence the kinetics of the reaction. For this purpose, it is also possible in the separating basin 4 for a N2004 / 14600.

• · • · 17

Probe 17 may be arranged, which in turn preferably via a line 18, is conductively connected to the control and regulating device 16. Optionally, it is advantageous if the separation medium 5 is buffered, e.g. with citric acid.

By choosing these measures, it is advantageously possible to align the formation of the gas bubbles of the transport medium 6 with the particular requirements of the separation process, i. that just as much gas bubbles arise in order to achieve the most complete possible floating of the component 2, for example the magnesium chips or the magnesium particles, but not so much that in addition other components of the mixture are entrained. Furthermore, these measures can also be used to influence the size of the resulting gas bubbles, which in turn allows the separation efficiency to be optimized accordingly.

It should be mentioned, however, that the specified ranges of values relate in particular to the separation example aluminum shavings / magnesium shavings and that, for the separation of other metallic components 2, two other parameters from a mixture 3 u.Uu. are more advantageous. However, the adaptation to it again lies within the ability of the skilled person, who will do so without inventive step on the basis of the present teaching.

To achieve the mentioned separation efficiency, it is advantageous if per kilogram of mixture, a gas volume is generated, selected from a range with a lower limit of 0.2 1, in particular 0.251, preferably 0.3 1, and an upper limit of 0.9 1, in particular 0, 75 1, preferably 0.43 1.

Fig. 2 shows a variant of the inventive separation device 1, wherein like parts are provided with the same reference numerals corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 1. Of course, individual parts of the embodiment of the separation device 1 of Fig. 1 can be transferred to this variant of the embodiment of Fig. 2, such as. the temperature sensor 14, the probe 17, etc., without this having to be referenced separately in FIG. In the event that the particles of the mixture 3 for the separation of the metallic component 2 are too large, this mixture 3, in particular the chip mixture, a feed device 19, e.g. For example, a hopper that has been conveyed by a conveyor 20 N2004 / 14600 t ······ is directly connected to a reduction device 21, abandoned. The arrangement of a conveyor belt 20 offers, for example, the advantage that the task of the mixture 3 can take place flore-side.

In the comminution device 21, for example a crusher, cutting or grinding mechanism, etc., the individual components of the mixture 3 are comminuted to the required particle size, wherein an average particle size can be selected from a range with a lower limit of 6 mm, in particular 7 mm, preferably 8 mm, and an upper limit of 15 mm, in particular 12 mm, preferably 10 mm, and a width which is selected from a range with a lower limit of 2 mm, in particular 2.5 mm, preferably 2.75 mm , and an upper limit of 5 mm, in particular 4 mm, preferably 3 mm, and an average height which is selected from a range with a lower limit of 0.1 mm, in particular 0.15 mm, preferably 0.2 mm, and an upper limit of 0.5 mm, in particular 0.4 mm, preferably 0.3 mm, so that in the separating basin 4, ie in the separation medium 5 sufficient wetting of the metallic component 2, i. to reach its particles for a sufficient separation performance. The average height of the particles in the case of chip-shaped particles refers to their, viewed in cross-section, at least approximately trapezoidal appearance. For the separation performance, it is also advantageous to use particles having a mean size between 0.1 mm and 12 mm - based on the mesh size of a screen - have.

At least one sieve (not shown in FIG. 2), in particular a sieving line, with which the desired or the desired sieve fractions are screened, can be arranged downstream of the comminuting device 21. A grading curve is always advantageous if, for the separation itself, a specific composition of different grain sizes of the mixture 3 is desired.

It is also advantageous if this at least one sieve or the uppermost wire of the grading curve is connected to the comminution device 21 via a corresponding return conveyor in the task area, for example with the feeder 19, again in this case the arrangement of the conveyor belt 20 and thus the hall level The advantage of mixture 2 is that it does not provide any additional energy for driving a conveyor to overcome the height of the backfraction of the grading curve or of the N2004 / 14600 ······ ·· ···· ···· ··· · ··················································

Sieve is required in the inlet region of the crusher 21, so that this backfraction is again fed to the crushing.

In the exemplary embodiments according to FIG. 2, the comminuting device 21 is alternatively arranged downstream of a cleaning stage 22. This cleaning stage 22 may, for example, have at least one spray nozzle 23, preferably several, with which a corresponding cleaning agent, e.g. a surfactant or the like. Is sprayed over the individual comminuted particles of the mixture 3 and these are thus cleaned of adhering impurities, for example by means of a solvent, so that a cleaned surface for the reaction in the separating basin 4 is available. It is advantageous if the particles of the mixture 3 are moved, for example on a perforated belt 24 or the like. Through the cleaning stage 22, so that the running cleaning agent, which is afflicted with the contaminants, run by gravity in a funnel-shaped outlet 25 and there appropriate collection, may be supplied for further processing if necessary.

At the end of the cleaning stage 22, the particles of the mixture 3 can in turn be transferred to a feed device 19, for example said hopper, to a further conveyor belt 20 or to a further conveyor device with which these are fed to the separating basin 4. In the separating basin 4 or on this, a first Verteilsein-direction 8, for example in the form of a stirrer, be arranged to the possibly wet particles of the mixture 3, if they were not previously subjected to drying, best possible to separate and thus agglomeration submissions.

Subsequently, these particles can be transferred to a further conveyor 26, with which the particles of the mixture 3 are finally introduced into the separation medium 5.

This conveyor 26 is in Fig. 2 in the form of two screw conveyors, preferably with different conveying length, carried out so as to bring about the most uniform distribution of the particles of the mixture 3 through the bottom 12 of the separation tank 4. Alternatively and / or additionally, it is possible (possibly even with only one screw conveyor) that this further conveyor 26 is formed horizontal pivoting N2004 / 14600 bar, so that wide areas of the bottom 12 of the separation tank 4 are swept by this conveyor 26 and thus a corresponding homogenization of the particles of the mixture 3 in the separation tank 4 is achieved, whereby the wetting of the particles of the mixture 3 by the separation medium 5 can be improved.

In Fig. 2 so-called paddle rollers are shown as discharge elements 9, which generate by their rotational movement a flow in the direction of the discharge device 11 so that floated metal particles, ie, for example, magnesium turnings, fed through this flow of the discharge device 11 and are withdrawn through this system.

The bottom 12 of the separating basin 4 is conical in the embodiment according to FIG. 2, so that the particles sinking downwards, not floating, can be fed by gravity to a slide-shaped discharge element 9 and can be withdrawn therefrom to the separating basin 4. Of course, other Ausfüh-rungsvarianten are possible here, for example, that instead of the conical design of the bottom 12 is bevelled only on one side.

In Fig. 2, a gas collecting means 27 is indicated by dashed lines, for example, a suction hood, with the ascending gas, so for example, the hydrogen, collected and fed to a corresponding collecting container. As already mentioned, the hydrogen may e.g. be used thermally in order to obtain at least proportionately the required energy for the possibly necessary temperature control of Trennme-dium 5.

According to another embodiment, not shown, it is possible to form the distribution device 8 for the particles of the mixture 3 in the form of a fluidized bed, so that these particles can be kept in suspension for a long time. Thus, a sufficient wetting and appropriate responsiveness are available.

It is further possible for the distribution device 8 to have at least one feed pipe for the vertical supply of a fluid into the separating basin 4, which in turn can generate a flow in the separating basin 4 with which the particles of the mixture 3 in N2004 / 14600 ···· · ···················

Levitation can be maintained. Corresponding devices for controlling and controlling the flow velocity and, in general, the flow conditions in the separating basin 4 can-as they are known from the prior art-be arranged in the latter and be conductively connected to, for example, already described control and / or regulating device 16.

Furthermore, it is possible that the separating basin 4 has at least one inlet and one outlet for the separating medium 5, as a result of which it can be exchanged discontinuously or preferably continuously and optionally recycled, so that a content of metal ions in this separating basin 4 or separating medium 5 is achieved predeterminable level or predeterminable concentration does not exceed. The recycling of the precipitated separating medium 5 can take place, for example, in the form of a precipitation of these metal ions, for example, magnesium salts, e.g. Magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, etc. are precipitated and used as a secondary raw material, wherein the separation medium 5 itself can be fed to the separation tank 4 again.

The inventive method and the device according to the invention is particularly suitable for the separation of mixtures 3 from metal processing, in particular from metal cutting, ie, for example, metal shavings, the described embodiment "separation of aluminum shavings and magnesium turnings or their alloys" is only an example and of course the method can also be used for similarly behaving metals or metal mixtures. For example, it is also possible in this way to prepare magnesium turnings of steel alloys, i. Separate steel chips.

It is thus also possible to separate mixtures of which one component 2 is mixed with a corresponding liquid such as water, gas formation, e.g. Hydrogen, wherein the other component, so for example aluminum, with water or water-containing liquids cause no or little gas formation.

The gas formation can - as already mentioned - also by possible, during the manufacturing, processing and recycling process used, adhesive cooling lubricants, but also by the solution deliberately added additives by a chemi- N2004 / 14600 V -22 - Be caused reaction. Due to the gas and bubble formation produced and, if appropriate, additional change in the density of the separation medium 5 with heavy solutions, such as Natriumpolywolframatlösungen, zinc bromide solutions, the separation of the at least one metallic component 2 takes place, of course, the density difference between the metallic components, e.g. of Al and Mg, plays a role.

For discharging the floated particles of the mixture 3, instead of the at least one discharge element 9, a flow, for example by supplying a corresponding fluid in the region of the surface 7 of the separating basin 4, can generally be generated.

The non-floating fraction can be withdrawn either continuously or discontinuously from the bottom 12 of the separating basin 4.

The described pretreatment in the form of the cleaning stage 22 can also be used, in addition to cleaning the chips, to neutralize the adhering cooling lubricants or, if appropriate, trigger a chemical reaction in order to accelerate the subsequent separation process, for example to destroy adhering oxide layers at least to the extent that that the corresponding gas formation can take place by chemical reaction. A pretreatment may further take place in this purification stage in such a way that a reduction in the surface tension of the separation medium 5, for example via optionally added additives, which adhere to the particles, in particular metal particles, of the mixture 3. of the water in the separating basin 4 can be achieved.

The embodiments show possible embodiments of the separation process or the separation device 1, it being noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments of the same, but also various combinations of the individual embodiments are mutually possible and this variation possibility due to the teaching to technical action by objective invention in the skill of those working in this technical field expert. So there are also all conceivable variants of the execution, which are possible by combinations of individual details of the illustrated and described embodiment variant of the scope of protection. N2004 / 14600

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the structure of the separating device 1, these or their components have been shown partially unevenly and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

The task underlying the independent inventive solutions can be taken from the description.

Above all, the individual in Figs. 1; 2 embodiments form the subject of independent solutions according to the invention. The relevant objects and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures. N2004 / 14600

Claims (15)

1. A method for separating at least one metallic component (2) from a mixture containing these (3) in a liquid separation medium (5) with the aid of a gaseous transport medium (6) for enrichment of the metallic component (2) in at least a portion of Separation medium characterized in that the transport medium (6) by a reaction of the metallic component (2) or thus in the separation medium (5) introduced impurities, such as Lubricant, and / or the separation medium (5) is formed. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that as the gaseous transport medium (6) hydrogen is formed. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gaseous transport medium (6) is produced in the form of gas bubbles with a mean bubble diameter selected from a range with a lower limit of 0.2 mm, in particular 0.3 mm, preferably 0.35 mm, and an upper limit of 0.75 mm, in particular 0.65 mm, preferably 0.5 mm. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the speed of development of the gaseous transport medium (6) is maximally so high that at least a majority of the gas bubbles developed remain adhered to the surface of the metallic component (2) 7 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that water is used as separation medium (5). N2004 / 14600 ······················································································································································································································ · · · · ······ Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation medium (5) additionally at least one additive is added. K Sl. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the lubricant used is the additive which adheres to the metallic component (2) or the mixture (3), in particular at least one cooling lubricant used in metalworking. ≪ 1 A process according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the additive used is an adjuvant which enhances the adhesion of the gaseous transport medium (6) to the at least one metallic component (2), e.g. Alkanesulfonates, alkanesulfates. C " 7, -7 / / 9. Process according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a foaming agent is used as additive, e.g. Polyglycols and their ethers, terpene alcohols, organic surfactants, alkylsulfonic acids, alkylbenzylsulfonic acids, silicone compounds. u \ q. Process according to any one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the additive used is a viscosity regulator, e.g. Polyethylene glycols, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether. y7 YES. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation is carried out at a temperature of the separation medium (5) which is selected from a range having a lower limit of 4 ° C, in particular 40 ° C, preferably 55 ° C, and an upper limit of 180 ° C, especially 155 ° C, preferably 135 ° C. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation is carried out under overpressure selected from a N2004 / 14600 -3- Range with a lower limit of 1 mbar, in particular 2 bar, preferably 3.25 bar, and an upper limit of 10 bar, in particular 7.5 bar, preferably 5.75 bar. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation is carried out at a pH of the optionally buffered, e.g. with citric acid, separation medium (5), which is selected from a range with a lower limit of 0, in particular 3, preferably 4.2 and an upper limit of 14, in particular 11.35, preferably 7.1. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an aqueous Natriumpolywolframatlösung and / or a zinc bromide solution is added to the separation medium (5). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixture (3) before being introduced into the separation medium (5) is comminuted to an average particle size with a length which is selected from a range with a lower limit of 6 mm, in particular 7 mm, preferably 8 mm, and an upper limit of 15 mm, in particular 12 mm, preferably 10 mm, and a width which is selected from a range with a lower limit of 2 mm, in particular 2.5 mm, preferably 2.75 mm , and an upper limit of 5 mm, in particular 4 mm, preferably 3 mm, and an average height which is selected from a range with a lower limit of 0.1 mm, in particular 0.15 mm, preferably 0.2 mm, and an upper limit of 0.5 mm, in particular 0.4 mm, preferably 0.3 mm. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reaction is carried out with a controlled gas bubble formation, wherein a gas volume is generated, which is selected from a range with a lower limit of 0.2 1 / kg mixture, in particular 0.25 1 / kg mixture, preferably 0.3 1 / kg mixture, and an upper limit of 0.91 / kg mixture, in particular 0.751 / kg mixture, preferably 0.43 1 / kg mixture. N2004 / 14600. -4- // Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mixture (3) from the metalworking, in particular metal chips, is used. yf ^ method according to any one of claims ^ to ß, characterized in that a mixture (3) of chips made of aluminum and magnesium or alloys of aluminum and / or magnesium is used as a mixture. A method according to any one of claims ^ to χέ, characterized in that as a mixture (3) metallic composite material waste can be used. y \ ao. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the metallic component (2) of the mixture (3) is cleaned before use, in particular degreased. / cj Cf. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply of the mixture (3) into the separation medium (5) takes place continuously with a conveyor. / - Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixture (3) is fluidized in a fluidized bed. ψ / Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a separating basin (4), a vertical flow, in particular with the separation medium (5), is generated at a predeterminable flow rate. » A method according to claim jA, characterized in that the flow rate is just so great that the components of the mixture (3), in particular the metallic component (2), at least approximately completely levitated. N2004 / 14600 ι ψ • φ ······················································································································································································································································································· φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ • φ ·· ♦ · · ♦ ··· · -5- -ρ &. A method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the flow rate is determined depending on the density of the mixture (3) and / or on the average diameter of the particles. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gaseous transport medium (6), in particular the hydrogen, collected updating a utilization, e.g. a thermal utilization, is supplied. ΊΛ Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a portion of the separation medium (5) continuously or discontinuously withdrawn from the separation tank (4) and a treatment plant for the separation of metal contained in the separation medium (5) is supplied. Use of the method according to one of the preceding claims for the treatment and recycling of metal waste, in particular of a mixture (3) of chips of aluminum and magnesium or alloys of aluminum and / or magnesium. Separating device (1) for separating at least one metallic component (2) from a mixture (3) containing same, in particular for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 26, with a separating basin (4) for receiving a liquid separating medium (5). , in or on which at least one discharge element (9) for separating the separated metallic component (2) is arranged, characterized in that in the separating basin (4) at least one distribution device (8) for at least approximately uniform distribution of the particles of the mixture ( 3) above and / or the bottom (12) of the separating basin (4) is arranged. 30. Separating device (1) according to claim 29, characterized in that the distri ling device (8) is designed as a stirrer N2004 / 14600 ········· · d • · • · • · • · Separating device (1) according to claim 29, characterized in that the distribution device (8) is designed as a screw conveyor. Separating device (1) according to claim 31, characterized in that at least two screw conveyors are arranged, each having a different conveying length. Separating device (1) according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the or at least one of the screw conveyor is formed horizontally pivotable. Separating device (1) according to claim 29, characterized in that the distribution device (8) is designed as a fluidized bed. 35. Separating device (1) according to claim 29, characterized in that the distribution device (8) is at least one inlet pipe for vertical supply of a fluid into the separating basin (4). 36. Separating device (1) according to any one of claims 29 to 35, characterized in that the at least one discharge element (9) is a paddle roller. S [) 37. Separating device (1) according to one of claims 29 to 36, characterized marked J characterized in that a shredding device (21) is arranged in front of the separating basin (4). 38. Separating device (1) according to claim 37, characterized in that the comminuting device (21) is arranged downstream of at least one sieve, in particular a grading line. %? 39. separating device (1) according to claim 38, characterized in that the at least one sieve has an overflow, which preferably with the crushing N2004 / 14600 I ·· ♦ ····························································· ······· ··········································································· •····· # 7 direction (21) is connected, are supplied to the oversize particles of the mixture (3) back to the crushing device (21). Separating device (1) according to one of claims 29 to 39, characterized in that at least one cleaning stage (22) for the mixture is arranged in front of the separating basin (4). 41. Separating device (1) according to claim 40, characterized in that the cleaning stage (22) comprises at least one device for supplying a cleaning fluid, in particular a spray nozzle (23). 42. Separating device (1) according to one of claims 29 to 41, characterized in that in the separating basin (4) a conveyor (28) is arranged. 43. Separating device (1) according to any one of claims 29 to 42, characterized in that the bottom (12) of the separating basin (4) at least partially beveled with respect to a contact surface of the separating basin (4), in particular conically, is formed. 44. Separating device (1) according to claim 43, characterized in that at the contact surface adjacent the end of the chamfered bottom part a Austragein direction (11), in particular a slide, for a further from the mixture (3) abge-separated component is arranged. 45. Separating device (1) according to any one of claims 29 to 44, characterized in that in an upper region of the separating basin (4), in particular above the separating basin (4), a gas collecting device, in particular a suction, is arranged. N2004 / 14600 ······························································································ ······ ·· ♦ ♦ ·· ♦♦ ·· ··· · · · · 46. Separating device (1) according to any one of claims 29 to 45, characterized in that the separating basin (4) has at least one each inlet and outlet for the separation medium (5). 47. Use of the separating device (1) according to one of claims 29 to 46 for the recycling of metal waste. 48. Use of the separating device (1) according to one of claims 29 to 46 for the separation of chips made of aluminum and magnesium or alloys of aluminum and / or magnesium. PROFACTOR Produktionsforschungs GmbH by (Dr. Secklehner) N2004 / 14600