TBRC vs TBRH Furnace : Which is Better for E-Waste Processing?

The growing challenge of e-waste recycling has led industries to look for more efficient and sustainable metal recovery technologies. Among the most effective smelting systems are TBRC (Top-Blown Rotary Converter) and TBRH (Top-Blown Rotary Hearth) furnaces. Both play key roles in the recycling and metal recovery process, but their functions, efficiency, and applications differ significantly.

In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between TBRC and TBRH furnaces to help you choose the right technology for your e-waste processing needs.

What is a TBRC Furnace?

A Top-Blown Rotary Converter (TBRC) furnace is a cylindrical rotating vessel that uses a top oxygen lance to facilitate oxidation and reduction reactions. It operates at high temperatures (1200–1500°C), making it ideal for metal smelting and refining processes.

TBRC furnaces are widely used for recovering precious metals such as copper, gold, silver, and platinum group metals (PGMs) from electronic waste and metal-bearing scrap. They offer excellent heat transfer and precise control over oxidation, resulting in high metal recovery rates and cleaner separation of slag and metal phases.

Efficient gold recovery from e-waste using advanced refining technology for maximum purity and minimal environmental impact.

Key benefits of TBRC furnaces:

  • High-temperature smelting for complete metal recovery
  • Efficient oxidation and reduction control
  • Suitable for various e-waste materials including
  • PCBs Ideal for refining copper and precious metals

What is a TBRH Furnace?

The Top-Blown Rotary Hearth (TBRH) furnace is designed for roasting, pre-reduction, and partial smelting of waste materials. Unlike TBRC, the TBRH features a flat rotating hearth or stationary base, where materials are heated by top burners or oxy-fuel lances at moderate temperatures (800–1300°C).

TBRH furnaces are primarily used for pre-treating e-waste, removing plastics, organic compounds, and volatile impurities before the smelting process. This pre-treatment improves the efficiency and output quality of the subsequent smelting stage.

Key benefits of TBRH furnaces:

  • Effective pre-treatment of e-waste
  • Lower fuel consumption and operating costs
  • Continuous operation for better throughput
  • Suitable for removing volatile impurities and non-metallics

TBRC vs TBRH: Key Differences

Aspect TBRC Furnace TBRH Furnace
Purpose Final smelting and refining Pre-treatment and partial smelting
Temperature Range 1200–1500°C 800–1300°C
Process Type Batch or semi-continuous Continuous or semi-continuous
Metal Recovery High (precious & base metals) Moderate (requires secondary smelting)
Energy Efficiency High Moderate
Investment Cost Higher Lower
Best Used For Copper, gold, silver, PGMs Plastic removal, roasting, oxidation

Which Furnace Should You Choose for E-Waste Processing?

If your goal is complete metal recovery from electronic waste such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) and metallic scrap, a TBRC furnace is the better option. It delivers high metal yields and produces separate, clean slag and metal phases.

However, if you need an efficient pre-treatment stage to remove impurities and prepare waste for final smelting, a TBRH furnace is more economical and energy-efficient. Many advanced recycling setups use both technologies in a combined flow process (TBRH → TBRC → Refining) for maximum recovery and minimal waste.

Sustainable metal recovery from e-waste through advanced extraction and refining processes for high yield and eco-friendly recycling.

Conclusion

Both TBRC and TBRH furnaces play essential roles in the e-waste recycling and metal recovery industry. The choice between them depends on your processing objectives—whether you aim for pre-treatment or final metal extraction. By integrating both technologies, recyclers can achieve sustainable, efficient, and high-value metal recovery from electronic waste.

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