Electrodynamic sorting (EDX) is a new form of eddy current separation developed at the University of Utah. Rather than rotate a cylindrical drum of permanent magnets, this technology excites a stationary electromagnet with an alternating electrical current. The resulting frequency of excitation is far greater than anything which can be achieved through mechanical rotation, allowing the separation of nonferrous metals from other nonferrous metals.

In its present embodiment, the assembly is capable of processing over 1 ton of industrial Zorba per hour. After passing through the magnetic field, lightweight aluminum particles are thrown up and over a mechanical divider, resulting in an enriched 97 % aluminum product. Recovery of the aluminum is also very high, with typical values ranging between 80—90 %.

James R. Nagel, PhD is a research associate in the Department of Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City. His technical expertise is in applied electromagnetics with an emphasis on numerical methods and field propagation.