Tomra uncovers its latest Autosort Pulse aluminium alloy sorting machine with LIBS technology

Tomra Recycling Sorting, a business unit of Norway-based TOMRA, recently launched Autosort Pulse, a new sensor-based sorting technology for the aluminium recycling industry. Using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology, Autosort Pulse offers high-precision aluminium scrap sorting by alloy types.

Tomra claims that the Autosort Pulse offers "outstanding performance in the separation of, for example, 5xxx and 6xxx aluminium alloys". With 3D object scanning, the machine detects each object regardless of its size and surface, while multiple single-point scans enable sharper detection of materials in any condition. Its artificial intelligence-based object singulation feature allows it to accurately separate overlapping and adjacent objects.

The market strategy segment manager of metals at Tomra Recycling Sorting, Frank van de Winkel, remarked: "Aluminum scrap consists of multiple alloys. Depending on the application, they contain a mix of different alloying metals that define the material's properties. To recycle a specific alloy without downgrading quality, it must be separated into specific alloy classes—a task that can only be done with the most sophisticated technologies, such as LIBS. Our team of in-house engineers has dedicated a significant time and effort in the development of this technology to make it excel in performance. Autosort Pulse gives recyclers the means to sort aluminium by alloy classes and produce furnace-ready products for demanding applications."

The company claims that conventional sorting machines such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or standard LIBS technologies face limitations in maintaining high throughputs when sorting aluminium alloys. Autosort Pulse is equipped with advanced technologies that combine to ensure high-purity sorting results. Multiple material tests have demonstrated that purity levels of more than 95 per cent can be achieved using Tomra's new LIBS machine.

Autosort Pulse comes with a bulk infeed system and has a processing capacity between three to seven tonnes per hour, which enables operators to create high volumes of recycled content that meet industry standards across a wide range of applications. The relatively compact footprint of the machine integrates an extensive set of advanced technologies and a conveyor belt, making it easy to install without the need for additional, complicated material handling equipment.

One of the key features of Autosort Pulse is its ability to protect workers from any potentially harmful or penetrating light emissions, making it a safer choice for industrial settings. With its high efficiency and ease of use, Autosort Pulse is an ideal choice for businesses looking to streamline their waste-sorting processes.

The product manager at Tomra Recycling Sorting, Matthias Winkler, announced: "We have a long-standing legacy in the metals segment, and our finger is on the pulse of the market. Based on our extensive in-house knowledge, we started developing the dynamic LIBS technology when we sensed alloy separation could help businesses reduce downgrading material. After an extensive innovation phase, we have now extended our product portfolio with Autosort Pulse to complement the new generation X-Tract. Customers testing the machine are impressed by its results and the operational benefits it offers."

The importance of sorting operation data cannot be overstated in helping plant operators achieve their goal of running a profitable business with minimal downtime and maximum output. As an optional service for Autosort Pulse, Tomra Insight is a cloud-based data platform that enables data-driven optimization of sorting processes through near-live monitoring. With Tomra Insight, operators can proactively address operational issues and anticipate future maintenance requirements, augmenting efficiency and productivity.