How to Separate Copper from Wires?

Copper is a high-value metal widely used in various industries due to its excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. One common source of copper is electrical wire, which contains a copper core surrounded by insulating material. Separating copper from wires is a key process in recovering and recycling this valuable resource. This article explores the technologies and equipment used to separate copper from wires, highlighting advances in this area.

Manual wire stripping

Hand stripping is the most basic method of separating copper from wires and is typically used in small-scale operations. In this technique, the insulation is manually stripped using a tool such as a wire stripper or utility knife. After the insulation is removed, the copper core is exposed and can be collected and recycled separately. While manual wire stripping is simple and cost-effective, it is laborious, time-consuming, and impractical for large amounts of wire.

Mechanical wire stripping machine

Mechanical wire strippers provide a more efficient and automated method of separating copper from wires. These machines use rotating blades or knives to remove insulation without damaging the copper core. Wire strippers come in a variety of sizes and capacities, from handheld tools to large industrial equipment. They can handle different wire thicknesses and insulation types, making them versatile. Mechanical wire strippers significantly increase productivity and reduce physical labor, making them suitable for medium to large-scale operations.

Mechanical crushing and separation

Waste wire recycling equipment

For wires with more complex structures or when copper is closely combined with other materials, mechanical crushing and separation technology can be used. In this process, the wire is first crushed or torn into smaller pieces using a crusher or granulator. The crushed material is then subjected to mechanical separation methods such as shaking tables, air classifiers or magnetic separators to separate the copper from other components. These separation techniques rely on differences in physical properties such as density, size, or magnetism to achieve effective separation. Mechanical crushing and separation methods are commonly used in large wire recycling facilities that handle large quantities of wire.

Electrostatic separation

Electrostatic separation is another advanced technology used to separate copper from wires. This method exploits the difference in conductivity between copper and insulating materials. In an electrostatic separator, wires are subjected to an electric field, which charges the particles. The charged copper particles are attracted to one electrode, while the charged insulating particles are attracted to the other electrode, thereby promoting their separation. The electrostatic separation efficiency is high and can handle various sizes of wires and insulation materials. However, it requires specialized equipment and precise control of parameters such as voltage and electrode configuration.

Separating copper from wires is critical to recovering and recycling this valuable metal. SUNY GROUP is committed to the recycling and reuse of copper in waste wires. Currently, it has wire stripping machines, waste wire recycling equipment, etc., which can help customers efficiently recycle and reuse copper in waste wires.