ABSTRACT
This project is a part of the larger effort undertaken to develop and demonstrate techniques to efficiently recover end-of-life (EOL) cathode ray tube (CRT) glass [1,2]. The primary objective of this study was to determine the technical feasibil ity of a fluidized-bed-based technique for cleaning CRT glass cullet. During the CRT production process, layers of phosphor and other coatings are applied to the interior surface of the CRT. These materials plus any dirt or other contaminants must be removed before the glass can be used as recycled cullet for the CRT glass industry. A recent survey of the major CRT glass manufacturers indicates that a significant market exists for disposed CRT glass cullet provided that it is accepta bly clean, sorted and attractively priced. Consequently, an efficient and effective CRT glass cleaning process is critical in achieving high rates of recovery and re cycle of computer monitors and televisions. The system developed should provide those involved in CRT recycling a practical means for glass decontamination.
