5 questions about alloy sorting

    

1. Why should aluminum processors care about LIBS technology?

To meet the growing demand for aluminum products, the industry needs to upgrade mixed aluminum packages into segregated series/alloys. LIBS technology will be the primary enabler for this upgrade, allowing more recovered aluminum to reach its highest and best use while maximizing its value.

2. What does LIBS stand for and how is it deployed in the field?

LIBS stands for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, a technology that analyzes material according to its elemental composition. A high-energy laser beam evaporates matter and creates plasma, which subsequently breaks down into light emissions. The spectral analysis of those light emissions allows the elemental composition to be determined. These determinations allow aluminum series/alloys to be separated from one another.

The new STEINERT PLASMAX | LIBS is a high-production sorter that can separate aluminum series at 95-plus percent purity at the highest throughputs possible. This innovative sorting system is designed specifically for the separation of 5xxx/6xxx series aluminum in furnace-ready qualities. With three products produced in each sorting run and novel multispot analysis, the STEINERT PLASMAX | LIBS sets a benchmark for high level aluminum separation.

3. Are there special operating requirements?

As always, proper material preparation will result in premium products. Most often, LIBS technology is best utilized in conjunction with our STEINERT XSS T EVO 5.0 X-ray transmission (XRT). Specifically for postconsumer streams, XRT will be used to remove heavy metals, compounded materials and cast aluminum, leaving a clean wrought aluminum.

4. How can metal recyclers benefit from using the technology?

Instead of creating a mixed zorba or twitch package, processors can cost-effectively extract valuable wrought aluminum series/alloys from their streams. The segregated series/alloys packages can then be supplied to aluminum producers as a premium furnace ready package.

5. How do metal recyclers learn more about the STEINERT PLASMAX | LIBS?

STEINERT will be at the 2024 ISRI Convention & Exposition in Las Vegas from April 15-18. Please visit us at Booth 1243 to discuss your needs. You also can find information about STEINERT PLASMAX | LIBS on our website.