Steinert LSS line sorting system enables the separation of multiple aluminum alloys

Steinert, a Germany-based supplier of magnetic and sensor-based sorting technology, says the its LSS line sorting system enables the separation of multiple aluminum alloys from presorted aluminum scrap with a single detection using a LIBS (laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy) sensor.

LIBS is a technology used for elemental analysis. By default, the calibration methods stored in the measuring device analyze the concentrations of the alloy elements copper, ferrous, magnesium, manganese, silicon, zinc and chromium, Steinert says.

The sorting of alloys involves first separating the shredded material mixture in such a way that the material is fed past the laser so that the laser pulses hit the surface of the material. This causes tiny particles of material to evaporate. The emitted energy spectrum is recorded and analyzed simultaneously to detect the alloy and the specific alloy components of each individual object, according to the company.

Different materials are detected in the first part of the machine; compressed air valves then shoot these materials into different containers in the second part of the machine, depending on their elemental composition.

“The demand for this sorting method, which is up to 99.9 percent accurate, is increasing—our order books are filling up already,” says Uwe Habich, the company’s technical director. “The separation of the material and the multiple outputs are of primary importance for our customers.”

Steinert will display its LSS technology at Aluminium 2018 in Dusseldorf, Germany, Oct. 9-11 in Hall 11 at Stand 11H60.