Impact of Pyrometallurgical Treatment of Waste Lacquered Copper Wire on Working Quality and Environment

In accordance with the trend of the maximum utilization of waste and recyclable materials, simultaneously was investigated melting of waste lacquered wire by pyrometallurgical process in the medium-frequency induction furnace and in the electric arc furnace. Studies were conducted to determine ecologically justified ways of processing waste lacquered wire in the aim of maximizing utilization and obtaining a secondary feedstock for the production of lacquered wire of small and very small diameters. Subjects of this research are the type and quantity of waste emissions that occur during the pyrometallurgical treatment of waste copper lacquered wire and assessment of their impact on the quality of working space and environment. Emissions measurements of harmful substances were carried out on the ventilation system that emits waste emissions into the environment, and the concentrations of harmful substances were measured in the atmosphere of the working environment. The results obtained by comparing measurements of emissions and the emission limit values may indicate that both furnaces that are used for experimental research exceed the emission limit values. It is necessary to design an effective ventilation system that has the capability to capture, purify and store CO, gaseous organic substances, total C and particulate matter.