Heavy metal recovery from the fine fraction of solid waste incineration bottom ash by wet density separation

Abstract This work is aimed at exploring the recovery of heavy metals from fine fraction solid waste incineration bottom ash. For this study, wet-discharged ash fine-fraction samples full-scale treatment plants in Germany and Sweden were analyzed. The potential for metal compounds was investigated through wet density-separation with a shaking table. feed materials processed without any pre-treatment optimum processing conditions determined by means design experiments. Tilt angle stroke frequency identified as most relevant parameters, settings − 7.5° 266 rpm, respectively. obtained balanced copper enrichments (and yields) 4.4 (41%), 6.2 (28%) 2.4 (23%). A maximum enrichment 14.5 2% yield achieved, providing concentrate containing 35.9 wt.% elements. included 26.3 iron, 4.3 zinc 3.8 copper. In conclusion, density separation tables can recover fractions. Medium levels (e.g., Cu 2.7–4.4) (Cu: 26–41%) be reached simultaneously. However, performance also depends on individual sample.