Publikationsrepositorium - Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

This study presents a recycling initiative conducted at STENA Recycling GmbH, focusing on the systematic recycling of 100 refrigerators. The recycling process employed a combination of manual dismantling, depollution, and mechanical techniques. Manual dismantling followed a predefined protocol to extract various materials, while the mechanical process involved shredding, zigzag separation, magnetic separation, and eddy current separation to isolate different components. The recovered materials were analyzed and categorized, providing valuable insights into the composition of refrigerator elements. Simulations were then performed to recover metals from the ferrous and non-ferrous fractions using pyrometallurgical methods. An Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) was utilized for iron recovery, while a Re-smelter process was employed for aluminum recovery, and a reducing-oxidation process was used for copper recovery. HSC Sim software and FactSage were utilized for accurate thermodynamic calculations and simulations. Furthermore, the environmental impact of the recycling process was evaluated through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using Open LCA software. The LCA analysis provided insights into the environmental burdens associated with the recycling process and facilitated the identification of potential areas for improvement. The study highlights the effective utilization of resources, waste reduction, and sustainable practices in the recycling industry, considering both material recovery and environmental considerations.