An MZM & MZF Multi-Plex zigzag classifier from Hosokawa Alpine has been commissioned at the Chair of Resource and Chemical Engineering within the Institute for Material Resource Management at the University of Augsburg. The system opens up a wide range of applications in academic education as well as in forward-looking research projects.

The new zigzag classifier is being used in various fields of application at the University of Augsburg. A key focus is on teaching. Plans are in place to integrate the system into practical exercises in environmental process engineering as well as into courses on the recycling of composite materials. This gives students the opportunity to gain practical experience of classification processes and material flow treatment and to understand how they work directly on an industrial plant.

Furthermore, the classifier will play a central role in various research projects run by the Chair of Resource and Chemical Engineering. The researchers are investigating a wide range of recycling material streams – from slag, ash and soil to complex composite materials.

Potential research applications include, amongst others:

• the separation of gypsum from construction and demolition waste,
• the separation of paper and cardboard fractions from gypsum waste,
• the separation of different abrasives,
• the recovery of fibres from fibre-reinforced composites,
• and the separation of plastic films from photovoltaic modules.

The researchers see great potential for the use of the zigzag classifier, particularly in the field of composite materials. Efficient classification processes are essential here for recovering valuable raw materials and making recycling processes more cost-effective.

The operating principle is based on a so-called zigzag classifier tube. A further separation takes place at each bend in the tube, resulting in a particularly high and flexibly adjustable separation efficiency. Even at high material throughput rates, the system ensures reliable classification of fine or lightweight materials.  

With the acquisition of the MZM & MZF Multi-Plex, the University of Augsburg is strengthening its expertise in the fields of resource management and the circular economy. The facility offers ideal conditions for developing innovative separation and recycling processes, whilst at the same time preparing students in a practical manner for future challenges in environmental and process engineering.

The combination of modern classification technology, application-oriented research and practical teaching makes the new classifier a valuable addition to the technical infrastructure at the Institute for Materials Resource Management.