STEINERT sorts postconsumer packaging with AI-based sorting solutions

Watch how STEINERT technology sorts postconsumer packaging with AI-based sorting solutions in modern sorting facilities around the world.

 

 

The sorting of packaging from local household collections covers a wide spectrum. Various plastics, metals, paper, commingled, contaminated waste is collected and mixed together, then fed into a sorting plant designated specifically for the mix of materials.

Recycling demands are increasing, and the challenges of exports and off-take quality are on the rise, resulting in a requirement for higher yield purity.

In modern systems the film is pre-sorted using air separators (1 or 2-stage) or using ballistic separators. Since the film has a very low surface weight, sorting with sensors on acceleration belts is often inefficient. Here the UniSort Film sorting system can provide better separation of lightweight film (PE) and paper. Using a closed airflow, this sorting machine accelerates the flat film and paper components (2D fraction) at belt speeds of up to 4.5 m/s and sorts very accurately at these higher throughput rates. This improves the yield and purity of the products.

Alongside this are the typical tasks of separating drinks cartons (FKN/liquid cartons) using NIR detection upstream of the eddy current separator. The objective is to create commingled carton waste as a mono-fraction for the paper fibre industry.

Within the 3D sorting lines, defined plastic concentrates are subsequently separated – depending on the route to market and priority – to recover the PET bottle and tray, PO bottle, cups and shells in polystyrene and materials in polypropylene (PP) plastic types. Optionally, similarly mixed polyolefins (MPO) and mixed plastics can be sorted within the 3D sorting line. The sorting and recovery of these fractions is done using the NIR detection function of our UniSort PR.

 

 

Even special functions such as detecting or ‘suppression’ of biopolymers (e.g. PLA, PHB) in the film fraction or of silicone cartridges in the PE bottle items, can be performed effortlessly by the UniSort PR thanks to its high-resolution IR camera, thus reducing the contaminant content in the product significantly.

Special tasks, e.g. recovery of black, recoverable packaging (e.g. flowerpots in polyolefins PE/PP), are mastered easily with our UniSort Black at the end of the sorting line – which is where the previously undetectable valuable residues are found. You therefore increase your product yield while also reducing the proportion of residual sorting waste. Thanks to its clever design, the UniSort Black can detect either light or dark objects and sort them out from the waste flow. Post-sorting cleaning (manual or automatic) can be provided if required to further increase purity.

More and more sorting plants have fixed offtake structures into the recycling system and wish to monitor online the product quality of PO mix or polystyrene, eg., in order to reduce the complexity of quality control and to build trust with the purchaser. Our UniSort Analyser uses sensors to deliver the requisite data in order to determine the composition and purity of the material to be sorted. Using the same technique, refuse-derived fuels can be monitored for water content, calorific value and composition.

 

 

The recovery of magnetic iron parts from packaging is a standard task for the STEINERT self-cleaning overhead suspension magnet unit. And for automated sorting of packaging in aluminium and other non-Fe metals we can offer you powerful solutions: the STEINERT CanMaster® – or our STEINERT EddyC®eddy current separator with a powerful pole system specially designed for the <30 mm grain size range.

 

 

Having been around for over 130 years – tradition and innovation is an inseparable combination at STEINERT.

STEINERT is the sensible choice wherever the need arises for intelligent separation and sorting solutions for the primary and secondary resource sectors. Whether that is to improve profitability by raising yield, to reduce operating costs, or to improve product purity and even limit environmental impact from their operations – they understand the diverse needs and unique regional necessities which our customers have to deal with.

STEINERT provides Magnetic + Sensor Sorting Solutions for efficiently processing commodities – recyclable & valuable materials. 

You can explore STEINERT’s range of solutions at the upcoming AWRE 2022 event, or for information visit their website and contact them here.