Charge parameter optimization of friction barrel-type electrostatic separation equipment using response surface methodology

The charge parameter optimization of polymer electrostatic separation equipment developed by the research team was investigated in this study. The charge mechanism of polymer particles in the friction barrel tribocharger was preliminarily explored, and the contact model between particles and the friction barrel, including the particle charge model, were established. Factors that exert strong influences on particle charge were obtained from the charge model. Vehicle polymer particles polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE) were the research objects, and the optimal level range of influencing factors was obtained through the single factor experiment. Meanwhile, response surface methodology was used to design the experiment, determine the interaction among various influencing factors, and predict the optimal operating parameters of the equipment. The correctness of the prediction model was verified through experiments. Finally, polymer particles were charged under the optimal operation parameters of the equipment and then separated in a high-voltage electrostatic field. The separation purity of PA, PP, and PE mixture particles was 96.32 %, 77.98 %, and 91.73 %, respectively. Experimental results showed that the friction barrel-type electrostatic separation equipment can separate three kinds of polymer particles at once. The findings can provide a theoretical and experimental reference for the electrostatic separation of various polymer particles.