Patent ID: 6143139
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: B09B,H05K

Abstract:
A process of recovering metals from waste, said process comprising the steps of:supplying a waste material comprising a mixture of organic material and metal;applying microwave energy to said waste to raise the temperature of said waste at a controlled rate to a first temperature, said first temperature sufficient to combust organic materials in said waste;combusting said organic materials at said first temperature;applying microwave energy to said waste to raise the temperature of said waste to a second temperature, said second temperature higher than said first temperature and sufficient to melt a first metal in said waste;holding said waste at said second temperature until said first metal within said waste melts and separates from a residue of said waste;removing said first melted metal from said waste;further applying microwave energy to said waste to raise the temperature of said waste to a third temperature, said third temperature higher than said second temperature and sufficient to melt a second metal in said waste;holding said waste at said third temperature until said second metal contained in said waste melts and separates from said waste; andremoving said melted second metal from said waste.