Construction waste processing facilities currently handle steel-laden debris at rates of 100-300 tons per hour, with steel content typically ranging from 2-15% by weight. The challenge of extracting this steel efficiently while maintaining material quality has become critical as global construction waste volumes approach 3 billion tonnes annually.

The fundamental challenge lies in balancing the force required to separate steel from concrete aggregates while minimizing damage to both materials and maintaining throughput rates that make recycling economically viable.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including vibration-based separation systems, integrated crushing mechanisms with magnetic separation, automated steel bar recovery using multi-conveyor systems, and pulsed grinding technologies. These and other approaches focus on increasing recovery rates while reducing energy consumption and maintaining end-product quality for construction reuse.

1. Integrated Construction Waste Sorting and Crushing Device with Vibrating Feeder, Magnetic Separator, and Conveyor-Positioned Crusher

LIAOCHENG CHENGJI CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CO LTD, 2025

A construction waste sorting and crushing device that enables efficient classification, screening, and processing of construction waste. The device comprises a vibrating feeder with a feed conveyor belt, a material sorting belt with a magnet bar, and a crusher positioned on the sorting belt. The sorting belt is equipped with a magnetic separator, and the crusher is positioned on the sorting belt. The device integrates these components into a single system that enables the separation and processing of construction waste into its constituent materials.

CN119425926A-patent-drawing

2. Construction Waste Treatment Device with Integrated Steel Bar Recovery and Variable Vibration Mechanism

GUANGZHOU HONGJI MUNICIPAL ARCHITECTURE DESIGN INSTITUTE CO LTD, Guangzhou Hongji Municipal Architectural Design Institute Co., Ltd., 2024

Construction waste treatment device with steel bar recovery function, comprising a treatment bin and a steel bar collecting plate, sliding components are installed at both ends of the treatment bin, an L-shaped plate is slidably installed on the inner side of the sliding component, a vibration motor is installed on the top of the L-shaped plate, a steel bar collecting plate is installed on the top of the L-shaped plate, and a second electric pneumatic cylinder is installed on the top of the steel bar collecting plate, a material guide bin is installed at the middle position of the top of the treatment bin, and a discharge passage is provided at one end of the treatment bin, a first electric pneumatic cylinder is installed at one end of the treatment bin away from the discharge passage, and a control panel is installed at the top of the treatment bin away from one end of the first electric pneumatic cylinder, and the output end of the control panel is electrically connected to the input ends of the first electric pneumatic cylinder, the second electric pneumatic cylinder and the vibration motor through wires.

3. Construction Waste Separation Machine with Integrated Crushing Mechanism and Linear Guide Rail-Based Steel Bar Separation System

CHINA RAILWAY 10 BUREAU GROUP QINGDAO ENGINEERING CO LTD, China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group Qingdao Co., Ltd., 2024

A machine for efficient separation and collection of construction waste steel bars from building debris. The machine incorporates a crushing mechanism that replaces manual demolition processes, while a separation mechanism with a linear guide rail and telescopic cylinder system enables precise separation of steel bars from the debris. The system is mounted on a sturdy frame, with the separation mechanism positioned at the lower end of the crushing mechanism. The collection mechanism is positioned at the lower end of the separation mechanism, and both are surrounded by enclosure side plates.

4. Scrap Steel Recycling Device with Integrated Crushing and Dust Collection System

闽源钢铁集团有限公司, 2024

A scrap steel recycling device that improves the efficiency and quality of steel recycling by incorporating a dust collection system. The device features a crushing mechanism with integrated dust collection, including a vacuum cleaner, dust collection box, and at least two dust collection hoods. The vacuum cleaner's air inlet connects directly to the dust collection hood, while the air outlet connects to the dust collection box. This system enables the collection of dust generated during the crushing process, improving overall recycling efficiency and quality.

CN220371134U-patent-drawing

5. Production Line for Automated Recycling and Classification of Short Steel Bars with Integrated Screening and Mechanical Processing Systems

UNIV WUHAN SCIENCE & TECH, 2023

Intelligent steel bar recycling production line and method that enables direct recycling, classification, and reuse of short steel bars through automated processing. The line combines advanced screening and sorting capabilities with mechanical processing systems to convert waste steel into high-quality recycled steel. By integrating these functions into a production line, the system optimizes steel recycling efficiency while reducing labor and material requirements compared to traditional recycling methods.

CN117066118A-patent-drawing

6. Construction Waste Treatment Device with Jaw Crusher for Steel and Concrete Separation

ZHIJUN LI, 2023

A construction waste treatment device for the construction industry that optimizes the separation of steel bars and concrete from construction waste. The device employs a jaw crusher connection to process the waste materials, enabling the separation of steel bars and concrete through controlled crushing and separation mechanisms. This approach enables the recovery of valuable resources from construction waste, improving efficiency and reducing waste generation.

CN116571303A-patent-drawing

7. Construction Waste Recycling Device with Rotating Shaft Mesh Separation System

ZHONGQI JIAOJIAN GROUP CO LTD, Zhongqi Jiao Construction Group Co., Ltd., 2022

Construction waste recycling device that separates mesh wire and reinforcing bar from mixed waste streams through a unique mesh separation system. The device features a jaw crusher followed by a mesh separation unit with a rotating shaft that drives the separation action. The mesh separation unit has a rotating shaft with a fixed sleeve that holds the separation rods, allowing them to slide along the length of the shaft. The separation rods are positioned with relief holes to accommodate the mesh wire and reinforce bars, enabling precise separation of these materials. The device's mesh separation unit is connected to a separate reinforcing bar separation system, allowing for controlled separation of both mesh wire and reinforcing bar.

CN113996536B-patent-drawing

8. Construction Waste Screening Device with Automated Steel Bar Recovery Using Multi-Conveyor and Toggle Mechanism

SHANTUI JIANYOU MACHINERY CO LTD, 2022

A construction waste screening device that automates steel bar recovery from construction waste. The device comprises a crusher, a first conveyor belt for outputting crushed construction waste, and a steel bar recovery mechanism with two conveyor belts on either side of the crusher. The recovery mechanism includes a toggle mechanism that moves steel bars from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt, where they are then dialed onto a third conveyor belt with evenly spaced teeth. The system incorporates a scraper with a slot corresponding to the dialing teeth, allowing the steel bars to be lifted and lowered through the rotation of the third conveyor belt.

9. Steel Bar Classification and Recovery Device with Vibrating Inclined Plates and Eccentric Wheel Mechanism

新蒲建设集团有限公司, XINPU CONSTRUCTION GROUP CO LTD, 2022

Building steel bar classification and recovery device for recycling steel bars. The device comprises a main body with a feed plate at the top and a feed plate at the bottom. The device has vibrating inclined plates positioned between the feed plates and an eccentric wheel connected to the output shaft of a motor. The eccentric wheel moves back and forth while the vibrating inclined plates move in a synchronized motion. The device incorporates a buffer plate at the bottom of the feed chute, a push plate with telescopic arm, and a screening chute with multiple ports. The push plate moves in the screening chute, while the screening ports direct the steel bars to the storage box.

CN217478197U-patent-drawing

10. Cylindrical Housing Device with Rotating Shaft and Inclined Slide Plate Incorporating Magnetic Suction Cup System for Steel Bar Separation

CHINA NATIONAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SIXTH CONSTRUCTION CO LTD, China National Chemical Engineering No. 6 Construction Co., Ltd., 2022

A device for cleaning and processing steel bars in construction waste that automates the separation of steel from concrete debris. The device features a rotating shaft with an inclined slide plate that houses a magnetic suction cup system. The rotating shaft is mounted at the bottom of a cylindrical housing, with the slide plate having a hollow structure that accommodates the suction cup. The suction cup is connected to a conveying plate at the lower end of the slide plate, which is positioned at the bottom of the housing. The device enables efficient separation of steel bars from concrete fragments through automated collection and processing.

CN113751111B-patent-drawing

11. Rotating Drum Apparatus for Separation of Steel Bars from Concrete in Recycling Operations

瑞丽市浩源建筑有限公司, RUILI HAOYUAN CONSTRUCTION CO LTD, 2022

A waste steel bar recycling device for building construction projects that efficiently and effectively recycles steel bars bonded with concrete. The device utilizes a rotating drum to crush and separate the steel bars from the concrete, allowing for precise separation of the steel components. This approach enables the collection of valuable steel bars for reuse in construction projects, while also recovering valuable concrete components.

CN217016739U-patent-drawing

12. Concrete Recycling Device with U-Frame Base and Electromagnetic Chuck for Steel Bar Separation

Yang Yuanjiang, YANG YUAN-JIANG, 2022

A concrete recycling device for steel bar recovery from demolished structures. The device features a U-frame base with an electromagnetic chuck positioned below it, a crushing plate directly under the chuck, and a dust collection system above. The plate is mounted on a vacuum system that operates to separate steel from concrete debris, while the dust collection mechanism automatically removes the generated dust. The device includes a steel bar receiving mechanism positioned on the left side of the plate.

CN216778900U-patent-drawing

13. Construction Waste Steel Recycling Device with Integrated Screening, Pulverizing, and Material Distribution Mechanisms

Guangxi Lanhong Technology Co., Ltd., 2022

A recycling and processing device for construction waste steel that optimizes steel recovery through advanced screening and processing technologies. The device comprises a screening box with pulverizing capabilities, a rotating material distribution plate, and a system of driving belts and gears for efficient material handling. The system incorporates a filter steel structure, steel recovery box, and scraper to separate and recover valuable steel components from the waste material. The device enables precise control over the steel recovery process, ensuring maximum material quality and minimizing waste.

14. Steel Bar Recycling System with Sequential Crushing, Shearing, and Material Processing Components

JIANGSU HUAMACRO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022

A steel bar recycling system for concrete beams that optimizes steel bar recycling by combining crushing, shearing, and material processing. The system comprises a feeding table, crusher, rolling crusher, and main steel bar shearing machine, which work in a sequential arrangement to crush concrete beams, then roll and crush the steel bars to the desired length. The system incorporates a waste collection system to manage the processed materials, with the steel bars being cut to the required length using a gantry-type shearing machine. The crushed concrete is then processed through a rolling crusher to further refine the material.

15. Multi-Step Steel Bar Recovery System from Concrete Beams with Integrated Crushing, Rolling, and Shearing Mechanisms

JIANGSU HUAHONG TECHNOLOGY STOCK CO LTD, Jiangsu Huahong Technology Co., Ltd., 2022

Method and equipment for recycling steel bars from concrete beams through a multi-step process that maximizes steel bar recovery. The method involves crushing the beam to remove concrete, followed by a rolling crusher to further process the steel bars. The steel bars are then sheared using a specialized machine that can cut off the steel sections while simultaneously removing concrete fragments. The resulting steel sections are then collected and processed for further recycling, with the steel bar shearing machine capable of cutting off specific lengths while preserving the original beam structure.

CN112547752B-patent-drawing

16. Industrial Waste Regeneration Device with Segregated Crushing and Magnetic Separation Chambers Featuring Screening Mechanism and Quantitative Disk

SHANGHAI CHANAN RENEWABLE RESOURCES CO LTD, 2022

Industrial waste regeneration device that improves steel regeneration resource recovery through magnetic separation. The device comprises crushing and magnetic separation chambers with strategically positioned screening elements. The crushing chamber is designed with a unique screening mechanism that prevents large particles from entering the magnetic separation chamber during separation, ensuring efficient screening of material. The magnetic separation chamber features a quantitative disk for precise steel particle collection, and a sloping plate at the bottom to prevent material accumulation. The device's output features a separate bagging system for collecting steel particles.

CN113976590A-patent-drawing

17. Waste Steel Rebar Sorting System with Magnetic and Optical Separation Components

XIAN JUSHI WASTE METAL REGENERATION UTILIZATION CO LTD, 2021

A waste steel rebar sorting system that enables efficient separation of broken rebar pieces from concrete fragments. The system uses a combination of magnetic separation and optical inspection to separate the rebar from concrete debris. The magnetic separation component uses permanent magnets to attract and separate the rebar from the concrete fragments, while the optical inspection component uses high-resolution cameras to visually inspect the rebar for any remaining concrete particles. This dual-stream approach enables the efficient separation of rebar from concrete fragments, making it possible to directly use the separated rebar in concrete applications.

CN113751156A-patent-drawing

18. Steel Bar Recovery Apparatus with Integrated High-Temperature Furnace and Magnetic Separation System

YI XIN-MIN, Yi Xinmin, 2021

A steel bar recovery device for building concrete crushing that eliminates the need for manual screening and cleaning operations. The device uses a high-temperature furnace to melt the steel bars, which are then separated from the concrete through a magnetic separation process. The furnace can be controlled to achieve precise temperature and time settings, allowing for efficient separation of steel from concrete. The furnace can also be equipped with a continuous conveyor system to handle the molten steel, eliminating the need for manual handling.

19. Metal Separation Equipment with Crushing Chamber and Transmission Belt-Driven Roller System

LIU QI, Liu Qi, 2021

Metal separation equipment for construction waste that achieves higher processing efficiency and environmental sustainability through innovative mechanical design. The system comprises a crushing bin with a fixed crushing chamber, a hopper extending into the crushing chamber, a fixed plate holding the crushing chamber, and a fixed frame with transmission spokes. The frame incorporates a transmission belt connecting the frame's spokes to drive the crushing rollers, while the frame's left side is connected to a discharge plate. The system integrates a fan for airflow management, and the crushing chamber has three moving rollers that pass through the hopper. The system features a drive system connecting the crushing chamber's drive to the input end of the transmission belt. The frame's fixed frame and transmission belt configuration enable high-speed, low-energy metal separation while minimizing manual labor.

20. Steel Bar Recycling System with Integrated Crusher and Rolling Crusher for Controlled Shearing

JIANGSU HUAHONG TECHNOLOGY STOCK CO LTD, Jiangsu Huahong Technology Co., Ltd., 2021

A system for recycling steel bars in concrete beams through controlled shearing of the main steel bars. The system comprises a conveying table, a crusher, a rolling crusher, and a main steel bar shearing machine. The system enables precise control over the shearing process by integrating the crusher and rolling crusher stages, allowing for the precise cutting of steel bars in concrete beams.

21. Screening Device with Movable Crushing Elements and Electromagnetic Steel Bar Retention

HUBEI QINGRUIHE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Hubei Qingruihe Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd., 2021

Screening device for crushing and pulverizing steel reinforcement bars from reinforced concrete. The device comprises a main body with movable crushing and pulverizing elements, including active and driven rollers, connected to the main body's inner wall. The main body also includes a steel reinforcement channel with electromagnets that hold the steel bars in place. The device's main body is designed to be opened for easy access to the steel bars. The electromagnets on the main body and steel reinforcement channel maintain the steel bars in position during the screening process.

22. Construction Waste Recycling Device with Steel Bar Separation and Material Crushing Mechanism

云南辰达建设工程有限公司, YUNNAN CHENDA CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CO LTD, 2021

A device for recycling construction waste by separating and crushing steel bars from mixed materials, while simultaneously recovering the crushed building materials. The device separates the steel bars from the waste, removes them, and converts the mixed materials into a recyclable form. This approach enables efficient recycling of construction waste while preserving valuable building materials.

CN213824992U-patent-drawing

23. Construction Waste Sorting Device with Integrated Crushing Box and Magnetic Suction Conveyor System

深圳市诚石环保科技有限公司, SHENZHEN CHENGSHI ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021

A construction waste sorting and recycling device for efficient steel and concrete separation. The device comprises a frame, crushing box, guide plate, and magnetic suction conveyor system. The crushing box houses a reinforced concrete crusher and features a feed port and discharge port. The frame supports the guide plate, which is positioned above the higher end of the guide plate. The magnetic conveyor belt is integrated into the frame and operates above the guide plate to collect steel bars while transporting concrete. The device's unique design allows for simultaneous steel and concrete separation through controlled magnetic suction, significantly enhancing sorting efficiency compared to traditional manual methods.

24. Steel Bar Screening Device with Rotating Drum Crushing Mechanism and Integrated Magnetic Conveyor System

ZHEJIANG LISHENG NEW WALL MATERIAL CO LTD, 2021

A steel bar screening device for crushing construction waste that optimizes the separation of steel bars from concrete by incorporating a novel magnetic separation system. The device features a screening box with a fixedly attached support system, a crushing mechanism with two rotating drums, and a conveyor belt with integrated magnetic strips. The magnetic separation system enables efficient separation of steel bars from the concrete, while the conveyor belt's buffer and guide systems maintain consistent operation. The device's unique design ensures reliable separation of steel bars from the concrete, even in complex waste materials, and its compact footprint makes it ideal for large-scale construction waste processing applications.

CN112893390A-patent-drawing

25. Construction Waste Steel Rebar Recovery Device with Pulsed Crushing Mechanism and Sensor-Controlled Pressure Adjustment

FUZHOU DATAIMI INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021

A construction waste steel rebar recovery device that utilizes a novel pulsed crushing mechanism to efficiently process steel rebar from construction waste. The device comprises a machine housing, a transmission cavity, a transmission mechanism, and a driven mechanism. The machine housing contains a pulverizing cavity with primary and secondary pulverizing mechanisms, a separating mechanism, and a crushing chamber. The crushing chamber includes a fixed connection to a telescopic rod, a primary crushing shell, and a movable sliding rod. The primary crushing shell houses a working chamber and a trapezoidal pin. The device incorporates a pulsed crushing mechanism that employs a spring-loaded system to maintain consistent crushing pressure. The pulsed mechanism is controlled by a sensor system that monitors the crushing process and adjusts the pulsed action accordingly. The device's pulsed crushing action enables efficient steel rebar recovery from construction waste while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.

26. Steel Recycling Device with Integrated Screening, Straightening, and Collection Mechanisms

ZHU YINGLING, 2020

A steel recycling device for efficient processing of steel waste. The device comprises an operating table, a screening and straightening mechanism, an automatic collection mechanism, and a control screen. The operating table is connected to the screening and straightening mechanism, the automatic collection mechanism is connected, and the control screen is connected to the operating table. The sieving and straightening mechanism is integrated with the automatic collection mechanism, enabling the efficient collection and processing of steel waste through a single system.

CN111957724A-patent-drawing

27. Rebar Separation Device with Integrated Hydraulic Crushing Mechanism and Rotating Crushing System

WANG BAOLIN, 2020

A rebar separation device for recycled concrete that eliminates the labor-intensive process of manual separation and crushing. The device comprises a support frame with a lifting mechanism, a crushing mechanism integrated beneath the lifting mechanism, and a crushing box positioned below the crushing mechanism. The crushing mechanism features a hydraulic cylinder, connecting plate, and crushing rods that drive crushing action. The crushing box houses a rotating crushing system with rolling balls and a spring-loaded mechanism. The device incorporates a system of built-in grooves in the frame's outer walls to guide the crushing action, ensuring efficient separation of steel rebar from concrete.

CN111889178A-patent-drawing

28. Recycling Device with Rotating Drum and Integrated Crushing, Separation, and Screening Mechanisms for Steel and Concrete Aggregates

JINHUA KAISEN INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2020

A recycling device for waste steel bars in construction that enables efficient separation of steel from concrete aggregates. The device comprises a rotating drum with a fixed block, a separation chamber with a rotating separation plate, and a screening chamber with a screening mechanism. The drum features a crushing box with an inclined crushing chamber, a pulley system connecting the crushing chamber to the screening chamber, and a cam system to drive the screening mechanism. The separation plate in the drum rotates to separate steel from concrete, while the screening chamber captures the steel fragments. The crushing box and pulley system are integrated into the drum design, allowing the device to process steel bars and concrete aggregates simultaneously.

29. Device for Mechanical and Optical Separation of Concrete Reinforcement Bars from Waste Concrete

扬州惠民再生资源有限公司, YANGZHOU HUIMIN RENEWABLE RESOURCES CO LTD, 2020

A device for sorting and recycling broken concrete bars from waste concrete. The device separates the bars through a combination of mechanical and optical separation methods, allowing for efficient collection and processing of these valuable materials. The system enables the recovery of high-quality concrete reinforcement bars from large quantities of waste concrete, reducing the environmental impact of traditional disposal methods and increasing the availability of this critical material for construction projects.

CN210304100U-patent-drawing

30. Steel Recycling System with Descaling Drum and V-Shaped Cutting Groove

HUBEI QIANAO CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CO LTD, 2019

A construction site steel recycling system that efficiently removes rust and concrete from steel bars during the recycling process. The system comprises a cleaning device with a descaling drum and cleaning layer, a cutting device with a V-shaped steel bar cutting groove, and a receiving device with a receiving bracket, second baffle, and flap. The cleaning device uses a ring gear to remove rust and concrete from the steel bars while the cutting device processes the steel into standard lengths. The system achieves this through a sequential cleaning and cutting process, with the cleaning device cleaning the steel bars while the cutting device processes them into usable lengths.

CN110340102A-patent-drawing

31. Steel Bar Recycling Method via Controlled Cutting and Re-forging Process

XUZHOU HUAMAO FOUNDRY CO LTD, 2019

A method for recycling steel bars from concrete structures through a combination of cutting and forging process. The method involves removing the steel bars from the concrete through controlled cutting, followed by re-forging the steel bars to restore their original properties. This approach enables the recovery of high-strength steel bars while preserving their integrity and reducing the need for extensive mechanical damage during the recycling process.

CN109517942A-patent-drawing

32. Concrete Waste Dismantling System with Adjustable Feeding and Integrated Steel-Concrete Separation Mechanism

HUBEI ZHONGE ECOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CO LTD, 湖北中鄂生态环保股份有限公司, 2018

A novel dismantling system for concrete waste that optimizes separation between steel and concrete components. The system comprises a crusher, feeding device, and separating device connected to a control system. The feeding device features an adjustable feeding mechanism, while the separation device incorporates a steel bar separator and concrete separator below a baffle. The system includes detectors positioned at the feeding and separation points to monitor operational status. The control system dynamically regulates the crusher operation, feeding, and separation processes to achieve efficient separation of the waste materials.

33. Reinforced Concrete Separator with Integrated Crushing and Vibrating Mechanisms for Steel Bar Extraction

BEIJING BOXIN SHENGYI ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2018

A reinforced concrete separator that enables efficient separation of steel bars from concrete waste streams. The separator comprises a casing with an opening at one side, a discharge port, and a crushing and separation mechanism comprising punching, pressing, rolling, and vibrating components. The crushing mechanism sequentially breaks steel bars from the concrete, while the vibrating mechanism separates the concrete from the steel fragments. The separator is designed to process both concrete and steel waste streams, with the steel bars being separated and the concrete being conveyed to a collection point.

CN108283984A-patent-drawing

34. Modular Waste Concrete Beam and Reinforced Concrete Pile Separation System with Continuous Processing and Advanced Magnetic Separation Technologies

ZHANG YI, 2016

A waste concrete beam and reinforced concrete pile separation system that enables efficient recycling of high-strength concrete waste while minimizing construction site disruption. The system employs a continuous processing approach that temporarily stops the concrete processing cycle to extract valuable steel components. The system incorporates advanced separation technologies, including magnetic separation, magnetic separation, and magnetic separation, to separate steel from concrete. The system also incorporates a modular design with interchangeable steel components, allowing for continuous recycling while minimizing material waste.

CN105964377A-patent-drawing

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