TOMRA launches AUTOSORT PULSE with dynamic LIBS technology
As the
metals industry strives to increase recycling rates to reduce both energy
consumption and the use of new materials, the use of best-in-class sorting
technology is indispensable. They recover pure mono materials from mixed scrap that
can be further processed and turned into virgin-like material with high recycled
content. Frank van de Winkel, Market Strategy Segment Manager Metals at TOMRA
Recycling Sorting, explains: “Aluminum scrap consists of multiple alloys.
Depending on the application, they contain a mix of different alloying metals
that define the material’s properties. To recycle a specific alloy without downgrading
quality, it must be separated into specific alloy classes – a task that can
only be done with the most sophisticated technologies, such as LIBS.
Next-level alloy sorting
AUTOSORT™ PULSE combines leading-edge technology in one machine, enabling high-throughput production of green aluminum. Featuring the patented, dynamic LIBS technology, it delivers outstanding performance in the separation of for example 5xxx and 6xxx aluminum alloys. The machine’s 3D object scanning detects each object regardless of its size and surface while multiple single-point scans enable sharper detection of materials in any condition. Thanks to its AI-based object singulation feature, even overlapping and adjacent objects can be accurately separated to maximize yield.Conventional sorting machines like x-ray fluorescence (XRF) or standard LIBS technologies are limited in maintaining industry-level throughputs when sorting aluminum alloys. AUTOSORT™ PULSE has a combination of the most innovative technologies, leading to peak precision and high-purity sorting results. Multiple material tests have demonstrated that purity levels of more than 95% can be achieved.
High volume processing
With a bulk infeed system and a processing capacity between 3-7 tons/hour, operators can create high volumes of recycled content and thereby meet industrial standards across a wide range of applications.Matthias Winkler, Product Manager at TOMRA Recycling Sorting, states: ”We have a long-standing legacy in the metals segment and our finger is on the pulse of the market. Based on our extensive in-house knowledge, we started developing the dynamic LIBS technology when we sensed alloy separation could help businesses reduce downgrading material. After an extensive innovation phase, we have now extended our product portfolio with AUTOSORT™ PULSE to complement the new generation X-TRACT™.
Customers testing the machine are impressed by its results and the operational benefits it brings. They can run high throughputs and create high-quality products, which gives them access to new material streams and makes them benefit from operational flexibility and a quick return on investment. I strongly believe that AUTOSORT™ PULSE will solve the sorting challenges of tomorrow.”
Data-driven results
The insights generated from sorting operation data play a critical role in facilitating plant operators' quest to run a profitable business with little to no downtime and maximum output. Available as an additional service for AUTOSORT™ PULSE, the cloud-based data platform TOMRA Insight allows for a data-driven optimization of sorting processes through near-live monitoring. As critical sorting data is available anywhere and anytime, operators can anticipate operational issues and future maintenance requirements and be in control of the entire sorting line.Supporting net-zero
Aluminum is a very versatile material that is a highly demanded commodity for the transportation, building and construction and packaging industries, all of which contribute to an unprecedented demand for aluminum. In Europe alone, demand is expected to grow by 40% from 2018-2050 with no signs of a trend reversal.1 At the same time, the aluminum industry is undertaking considerable decarbonization efforts to reach worldwide climate goals, such as those set in the EU and US for 2050.To bridge the gap between supply and demand and support the transition to a climate-neutral society, the industry resorts to recycled aluminum which comes with a two-fold benefit: on the one hand, recycling aluminum is 95% less energy-intense compared to primary production. On the other hand, it prolongs the lifecycle of already produced materials and gives new value to an abundance of scrap.