Zigzag sifting
In the zigzag sifting step, our system separates materials based on their weight and shape in a special air-flow channel. Imagine mixed particles falling through a slanted chute while an air stream blows against them from below—heavy parts fall down against the air stream, while light parts are carried away upward. No Canary uses this physical principle at two points in the process: first, to separate the heavy battery components (metal pieces, etc.) from the lighter components after shredding, and second, to separate the light plastic films from the slightly heavier metal films at the end.
We use a simple but effective technology to isolate different material fractions. The zigzag separation in our plant ensures that recyclable materials are separated by type (e.g., metal foils separated from plastics) and that the plant runs efficiently and safely (heavy parts removed early on).
We supply zigzag separator modules that are integrated into the overall process. These modules consist of a vertical or inclined separation channel with impact plates arranged in a zigzag pattern. The material is guided through this channel in an air stream. We offer these separators in sizes suitable for the throughput, including adjustable fans/blowers, material feeding system, and discharge for the separated fractions. In practical terms, our first zigzag separator offers the following: The mixed, dried shredded material enters the separator at the top; an upward air stream flows in the opposite direction. This causes lighter particles (paper separators, pieces of film, black mass powder – although powder is usually already extracted beforehand) to be carried upwards, while heavier pieces (e.g., metal particles, pieces of graphite, coarse plastic parts) sink downwards.
The strength of the air flow can be freely selected to achieve a defined separation point. We call the lower fraction “heavy parts.” These are further sorted by magnet/eddy current. The upper fraction – the light fraction – continues on to fine screening. Our second zigzag separator is used later, after the powder has been separated: here, a mixture of
foil flakes
enters the separator. The air flow is set so that light plastic foil (separator scraps, possibly pieces of foil bags) is blown upwards, while the heavier metal foils (aluminum, copper) sink downwards. , we obtain a plastic fraction (separator films) at the top and a metal foil fraction (aluminum and copper foils) at the bottom. Both can be recycled separately.