| Copper Recovery Rate | Above 99% under suitable feed conditions | Maximizes copper yield and reduces valuable metal loss in the residue stream. | Clean, properly pre-shredded cable; stable air flow; correct separation settings. |
| Processing Capacity | 200–1,000 kg/h for many compact and medium-scale systems | Supports continuous processing for small recycling facilities and larger material-recovery operations. | Capacity varies with cable diameter, insulation type, feed density, and machine configuration. |
| Feed Material Size | Typically 0.1–30 mm after shredding and granulation | Creates a more uniform material stream for effective separation by density and airflow. | Oversized pieces should be returned for additional granulation before air separation. |
| Separation Principle | Air classification based on particle density, shape, and aerodynamic behavior | Separates heavier copper particles from lighter plastic insulation without chemical treatment. | Performance depends on particle-size distribution, moisture, air velocity, and feed uniformity. |
| Plastic Separation Efficiency | Commonly 95–99% for well-prepared cable granules | Produces a cleaner copper fraction and improves the potential value of recovered plastics. | Mixed polymers, dust, moisture, and incomplete granulation may reduce efficiency. |
| Copper Product Purity | Often 98–99.5%, depending on the feedstock | Higher-purity copper is more suitable for downstream metal processing and resale. | Actual purity is influenced by aluminum content, fines, brass, steel, and cable composition. |
| Water Consumption | Low to none during the air-separation stage | Reduces wastewater generation, water-treatment requirements, and wet-process operating costs. | Dry feedstock and effective dust collection are important for stable operation. |
| Energy Demand | Approximately 10–30 kWh per tonne for the air-separation stage | Can support efficient operation when the system is correctly matched to the feed rate. | Total plant energy use is higher when shredders, granulators, conveyors, and dust collectors are included. |
| Dust-Control Requirement | Integrated or connected cyclone, filter, or baghouse collection recommended | Helps maintain air quality, protect equipment, and reduce the release of fine plastic and copper particles. | System selection should comply with applicable workplace and environmental regulations. |
| Material Loss in Residue | Potentially below 1% for optimized, well-sorted feed | Improves resource efficiency and reduces the amount of copper sent to waste. | Losses increase when particles are too fine, feed is uneven, or air settings are not calibrated. |
| Maintenance Profile | Routine inspection of wear parts, screens, ducts, filters, and fans | Dry processing generally simplifies cleaning and avoids water-pump or slurry-management maintenance. | Maintenance intervals depend on dust loading, operating hours, and abrasive contaminants. |
| Environmental Advantages | Dry separation with reduced wastewater and chemical use | Offers a cleaner alternative for recovering copper from insulated wire and cable waste. | Noise, dust, electricity use, and end-of-life residue still require responsible management. |