A novel combination of genetic algorithms (GA) and
the charge simulation method (CSM) is proposed for enhancing
the computation precision of electric fields associated with plate-
type electrostatic separators; a new recycling technology of
electrical and electronics waste. An algorithm is developed to,
automatically, arrive at optimal arrangement of the simulating
charges and their locations in order to eliminate dependency on
the user judgment and experience. Accurate results for the
electric field computation, compared with earlier published
techniques, are realized for several design parameters of the
separator. Experiments carried out for determination of
detachment fields of small metallic particles (steel spheres of
radius, r p , 0.501 mm) confirmed the validity of the numerical
simulation. The present work shows that the coupled GA-CSM
algorithm can be an efficient and flexible design tool for accurate
field computations of the electrostatic separation equipment.