Sensor-based processing systems are common, but this is a new speedsorter. The challenge for recyclers is to process light materials, especially aluminum and magnesium, and identify aluminum alloys. Ocean Insight has developed a modular solution that can be easily configured.
Called the SpeedSorter, the solution uses laser-induced fracture spectroscopy (LIBS) to quickly determine the composition of the alloy as the pieces pass through the sensor’s inspection zone. With commodity prices hitting record highs recently and much of the world’s aluminum production declining and coming from unstable regions, the recycling of metals in the market The second smelter has a strong tailwind, supporting future investment. Since the secondary smelting of recycled aluminum consumes only 5% of the energy of primary aluminum, this part can be sold and sold as “low carbon” aluminum. Many aluminum producers have low carbon lines such as Alcoa’s Sustaina products, including EcoLum and EcoDura, and Hydro’s Circal and Reduxa. These and other products make aluminum highly sought after by consumers, which must be properly processed in order to be properly recycled.
SpeedSorter solves two main problems of current LIBS sorting systems:
- Process in a very high way and reach 5 tons per hour or more*.
- Reliable detection through small dirt or coating.
For the first time, a LIBS processing system can handle, for example, Zorba or small parts converting to high bitrates.
* Based on size distribution, input and output, Speedsorter number of sensors
“Every situation is different,” says Matt Kremens, chief engineer at Ocean Applied Systems. “Our team can perform an analysis based on the on-site application of the sheet and advise on the economics and whether the SpeedSorter makes sense for the customer. We work closely with the customer during installation, design and process planning. of each service, and service offerings to keep the process going long into the future.
SpeedSorter System
A sealed, dust-proof and robust module, the SpeedSorter is designed to be integrated into existing lines, or to be easily manufactured on-site by subcontractors. System assembly is simple as only power and communication lines are routed in each unit. The SpeedSorter sends control signals to the downstream hardware to direct the conversion.
One of the characteristics of the system is the simplicity of the design and only a few moving parts. This is a big long-term benefit, because the moving parts are the obvious things that can cause failure in the world. Simple design compared to competing systems allows the SpeedSorter to easily fit into a variety of environments. Also, the modular design makes the entire setup process less efficient. For example, if one of the processing lines fails, other lines can continue to process in the multi-sensor system. One of the characteristics of the system is the simplicity of the design and only a few moving parts. This is a big long-term benefit, because the moving parts are the obvious things that can cause failure in the world. Simple design compared to competing systems allows the SpeedSorter to easily fit into a variety of environments.
Also, the modular design makes the entire setup process less efficient. For example, if one of the processing lines fails, other lines can continue to process in the multi-sensor system.
How does it work?
The SpeedSorter uses a powerful laser to create a pattern of light on passing metal parts. The laser removes the material from the sheet, and the heated material is consumed in the plasma, which we see as light (also called “discharge”). The light from the fire is analyzed by a high-precision spectrometer, detecting the emission of all the alloy elements.
Piece by piece, the elemental composition is identified and this is turned one by one into the appropriate stream, leaving another benefit from the aluminum scrap. LIBS is on Nasa’s Mars rovers, which have a Los Alamos-developed system using spectrometer technology from Ocean Insight. On the Curiosity rover, LIBS was integrated into the ChemCam instrument to study the geology of Mars, moving rock samples up to seven meters from the rover. Therefore, waste sorting using the SpeedSorter Ocean system can rightly be said to use “out of this world” technology.
Source: International Recycling
Data: October 25th 2022
Titile: New Speedsorter
