Starting point:
Metal recycling offers a multitude of benefits, including significant energy savings, while preserving valuable resources. For metal recyclers, fully automated sorting with X-ray fluorescence technology has proven to be extremely economical and efficient for years.
In the past, sorting machines have faced a significant challenge in achieving loss-free sorting of fine material within the 4-25 mm size range. While common sorting machines typically use a chute system that works well for coarse material, it has several limitations when it comes to fine material:
- The slipping behavior of fine material differs from that of coarse material, and controlling it can be difficult depending on the surface condition and shape.
- Fine material tends to stick to slides due to dirt and moisture, making it challenging to sort effectively.
- Additionally, the trajectory of small pieces in a slide system can be unpredictable, making it difficult to achieve accurate separation of the material.
These limitations can result in quality deterioration in the sorted material as well as a reduction in the output.
REDWAVE XRF fine – The new generation of XRF sorting technology for fine metals:
REDWAVE has introduced an innovative solution for sorting fine metals with the launch of the trailblazing REDWAVE XRF fine.
Developed specifically for materials measuring from 4 mm, the machine employs a unique belt system instead of a chute system, drawing on the company’s extensive experience and cross-application know-how. This approach offers several key advantages, including:
- The speed of the material remains consistent, ensuring uniform conveyance of the material on the belt system.
- The trajectory of the material is predictable and remains constant.
- The innovative belt system makes it well-suited for small, round, and rolling parts.
Designed with ease of maintenance and accessibility in mind, the new sorter has been optimised for rapid service and maintenance work. The belt change can now be carried out very quickly.
The REDWAVE XRF fine machine is loaded with a significant increase in the number of energy-saving valves optimally arranged and spaced to maximizes sorting accuracy. The machine also boasts an innovative and highly developed sensor technology that offers fast scan rates, a higher resolution, and precise material detection. Additionally, REDWAVE is independent of supply chains.
Thanks to these developments, the REDWAVE XRF fine sorting machine can efficiently sort fine material ranging from approximately 4 to 25 mm in size, setting new standards in performance and precision for metal recycling.
Is it profitable to sort fine metal using XRF sorting technology?
Currently, mixed fractions of fine scrap metal are typically shipped to Asian countries. Metal recyclers could achieve significant economic benefits by separating both common metals and precious metals from the mixed fraction and selling them individually at a much higher price. By using sensor-based sorting machines that rely on X-ray fluorescence (XRF), pure metal can be automatically and efficiently sorted on a large scale.
Sorting materials with XRF sorting machines and recovering metals from industrial waste incineration (IBA slag), scrap cars, or other non-ferrous metals efficiently increases the value of metals and pays off. The high-tech XRF sorting system can achieve a return on investment (ROI) within a short period of time.
REDWAVE XRF fine – Feedback from the market
The REDWAVE XRF fine has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the market. This XRF conveyor belt machine has already demonstrated its immense potential and impressive sorting capabilities during tests at the REDWAVE test center and has now been used with great success. Customers have confirmed the machine’s exceptional performance.
Trends and outlook:
The current high demand for metals on a global scale, coupled with continually increasing metal prices, has resulted in a positive impact on the profitability of metal recycling. As a result, interest in XRF sorting technology has surged, further boosting the attractiveness of metal recycling and bolstering the profits of metal recyclers. Overall, XRF sorting technology provides a highly effective and precise method for analysing and sorting metal waste and scrap metals within the recycling industry. Companies that utilize this technology can enhance the efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness of their recycling processes, while making a valuable contribution to environmental protection.
“This innovation represents a significant breakthrough for the recycling industry. The technology promises to unlock new opportunities for metal recyclers across the globe to more effectively conserve and recover valuable resources, ultimately benefiting both their business and the environment”, says REDWAVE CEO Silvia Schweiger-Fuchs.
By introducing this new sorting technology, REDWAVE has elevated metal recycling to a new level, optimizing the profitability of the entire process. Through the efficient sorting of fine materials, the technology ensures that the end products are of a higher quality, with fewer impurities. This leads to a more effective recycling of metals and results in higher prices for metal recyclers.
REDWAVE is proud to be at the forefront of this groundbreaking advancement in XRF sorting technology. This innovation not only maximises the potential of metal recycling, but also makes a significant contribution towards creating a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly world.
