SORTATION | TECHNOLOGY
Sorting technology firms aim to solve challenging tasks through advances in optical systems, robotics and AI. Mikell Knights reports on the latest advances
Separation anxiety: how to improve sorting accuracy
Recently introduced sortation technologies look to enhance recycling and purity of dirtier plastic waste materials having higher contamination. Advances in optical, sensor and robotic sorting, software and monitoring functions increase the recovery of bottles, containers, films, foils from commingled sources as well as regrind, flake and pellets. Sorting methods that blend artificial intelligence
(AI), computer vision technology and automation into systems capable of improving the accuracy and speed of material separation from waste is finding increasing use at Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs), plastics recycling plants and packaging maker plants. Sorting technology is benefiting from the connection of proprietary higher-performing cameras and sensors to computer software algorithms that can interpret information from the images of objects on a conveyor belt to quickly identify recyclable materials based on features such as shape, texture and colour or non-visual
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features such as size, weight and density. The software intelligence gained through
evaluating the captured data is used to separate recyclable materials from the waste into the desired fractions with a high degree of accuracy. Analysis of the data set is driving deep learning, where AI and machine learning algorithms teach neural networks that drive sorting equipment to better differentiate various recyclable materials, leading to more accurate and precise sorting for increased recycling rates with lower contamination. Tomra says its high throughput Innosort Flake unit launched last year offers simultaneous separa- tion of flakes by polymer type, colour or transpar- ency from highly contaminated mixed waste, giving access to recyclable materials that might otherwise be lost or downcycled for lower-grade applications. The Innosort Flake unit incorporates what the company calls a powerful sensor combination that allows for the sorting of a range of polymers, while the design of the unit delivers a level of machine
Main image: AMP One uses AI technology to sort mixed plastics waste
September 2024 | PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD 13
IMAGE: AMP
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