Technology Zone
Instrumentation and Control
Sensors, analyzers and software turn a recycling line into a measured process. This zone covers material identification, mass-flow and moisture measurement, radiation detection and the control software that ties them together.
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Instrumentation and Control in the Equipment Guide
4 topics explained in the questions at the bottom of this page. Read them
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Xu XifengJiangsu Keson Environment Technology Co., Ltd.
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- Discover How Technology is Transforming Recycling Today April 30, 2026
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- Technology Focus: Instrumentation & Control – April 23, 2020 April 23, 2020
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What this zone covers
Frequently asked about instrumentation and control
Instrumentation for the recycling industry
Instrumentation in the recycling industry refers to the use of various instruments and equipment to monitor and control the recycling processes. The recycling industry involves the processing of waste materials to recover useful materials, reduce waste, and protect the environment.
Instrumentation in the recycling industry can include a wide range of devices, such as sensors, analyzers, controllers, and monitoring systems. These instruments can be used to measure various parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, pH, conductivity, and other properties of the materials being processed.
Software for recycling operations
Software for recycling operations refers to computer programs designed to help manage and optimize recycling processes. This type of software can be used by companies involved in the collection, sorting, processing, automation and distribution of recyclable materials.
There are many different types of software available for recycling operations, including:
- Recycling management software: This type of software is designed to help manage the logistics of collecting, sorting, and processing recyclable materials.
- Material recovery facility (MRF) software: MRFs are facilities where recyclable materials are sorted and processed.
- Weighing and tracking software: This type of software is used to track the weight and volume of recyclable materials as they move through the recycling process.
Analyzers for recycling applications
Analyzers for recycling applications are specialized instruments that are used in recycling processes to analyze the composition of materials, detect impurities or contaminants, and monitor process conditions. These analyzers play a crucial role in ensuring that the materials being recycled are of the desired quality and can be used in downstream applications.
Some of the most common types of analyzers used in recycling applications include:
- X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers: XRF analyzers use X-ray technology to determine the elemental composition of a material.
- Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy analyzers: NIR spectroscopy analyzers use light to analyze the chemical composition of materials. They are often used to analyze plastics, paper, and textiles in recycling applications.
- Raman spectroscopy analyzers: Raman spectroscopy analyzers use laser light to analyze the chemical composition of materials. They are often used to analyze the composition of plastics, rubber, and other materials in recycling applications.
- Gas chromatography (GC) analyzers: GC analyzers are used to separate and analyze the different components of a gas mixture.
- Mass spectrometry (MS) analyzers: MS analyzers are used to determine the molecular composition of a material. They are often used to analyze the composition of plastics, rubber, and other materials in recycling applications.
- Load volume scanning (LVS) technology: Load volume scanning (LVS) technology utilizes laser technology combined with software to measure the exact volume of the recyclable material loaded in a truck or trailer bin.
Radiation detection systems
When radioactive materials are found in waste handling, scrap metal recycling, or incinerators, the concern becomes that undetected radioactive material in considerable amounts may cause unnecessary risk to members of the facility workers, the public, and the environment.
Radiation detection systems are specialized equipment used in the recycling industry to detect and monitor the presence of radioactive materials in scrap metal, electronic waste, and other recyclable materials. These systems use various technologies to detect and identify radioactive isotopes, which can be harmful to human health and the environment if not handled properly.
Some common types of radiation detection systems used in the recycling industry include:
- Portable handheld radiation detectors
- Fixed radiation monitoring systems
- Gamma spectroscopy systems
- Neutron activation analysis systems
What is the difference between this Technology Zone and the Equipment Guide?
The zone is the editorial side: news, case studies, videos, newsletter editions and field experts. The Equipment Guide is the directory side: equipment types and the manufacturers that build them. This page links to its Equipment Guide category and back.
How do I find a manufacturer of instrumentation and control equipment?
Open the Equipment Guide category for this zone, pick an equipment type and open a manufacturer profile. Partner profiles carry direct contact details; other listings link to the company website.
Can I ask a technical question before I buy?
Yes. Ask the Expert puts your question to a field expert in this zone. The answer comes back to you by e-mail; when we publish it, other readers benefit too.