courses

The course aims to provide an overview of techniques for solids treatment both raw materials, in other words earth resources with commercial value and intended for an industrial use, and secondary raw materials, resulting from waste recovery. The knowledge of materials properties will be the basis for the identification of the best techniques of physical-mechanical treatment in order to obtain a primary or secondary material. The operations considered in this course therefore include methods of separation and processing of solids based on physical and mechanical properties of the material. Some of the most important examples of mineral and solid waste processing for the production of primary and secondary raw materials will be examined and on the basis of acquired knowledge the student will design a treatment plant.

Expected learning outcomes
The objective of the course is to develop the ability to identify the best methodology applicable in order to get a free and usable substance as raw material, both originated from a natural resource or from waste. The student will have the opportunity to test in the laboratory the physical and mechanical properties of certain minerals/rocks and some recyclable waste. Therefore, through the knowledge of the materials properties, at the end of the course the student will be able to evaluate which one of the separation methodologies may be applied to achieve the free-grain, or to obtain the raw material free from additional components with it is linked in nature if it is mineral, or in the commercial product if it is waste. For this reason, a good analysis and observation capacity acquired in the first degree courses is needed.

Program

Concept of primary and secondary raw material.
Solid earth resources: Production and economic framework. Minerals for the glass, ceramics and refractory industry, mineral fillers, lime and cement, aggregates, natural stones.
Waste management: Evolution of the waste concept, recycling, consortia.
Physical and mechanical properties: in situ sampling and laboratory test methods for the determination of geometric properties, density, mechanical resistance, durability. The CE marking of natural stones and aggregates.
Constituents liberation: content, yield and recovery concepts. General informations on comminution reciprocating and rotary crushers; roller mills, impact crushers, grinding, concept and technology of sieving. Crushing and screening circuits, theory of industrial classification by means of fluids, fluid classifiers: fall, countercurrent, mechanical, centrifugal, pneumatic classifiers, sink-float separation, hydraulic and pneumatic sieves, separation by means of plates, separation by flotation, magnetic separation, the electrical separation. Other methodical separation.
Supply chains recycling: quality standards, technology, flow patterns, electrical and electronic waste recycling, inert waste from constructions and demolitions, aluminum and other metals, glass, paper, plastic, compost, tires. Preselection systems of solid waste.
Enrichment systems of industrial minerals.
Preliminary design of a treatment system.