Industrial recycling and sorting of metals with LIBS

The LIBSorter 300 (LIBS Sorter) is a robust, sensor-based inline analyzer for the efficient online classification of high-quality secondary raw materials recycled from various material flows with up to 40 pieces/s in industrial recycling. By means of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), different chemical elements and alloys can reliably be classified in order to provide homogenous fractions out of mixed scrap metals.

Short pulse laser radiation of the LIBSorter 300 is focused on the surface of scattered scrap metal pieces transported on a conveyor belt and generates a light emitting plasma at high temperatures. The chemical elements contained in the material provide a characteristic emission line spectrum similar to a fingerprint, which is simultaneously detected with a single measurement by the applied high-resolution ARYELLE echelle spectrometer. Multi-elemental analysis is based on the implemented spectral data base and mathematical software algorithms that feature a precise classification of a wide range of customized metal fractions.

Equipped with efficient technical solutions for industrial applications, the LIBSorter 300 provides an industrial PC featuring script-based remote control and remote maintenance for a fully automated 24/7 operational mode. PLC, PROFINET and Ethernet are the major interfaces for a proper communication with existing industrial devices. The LIBSorter 300 is a low-maintenance analyzer that was developed especially for online analysis of materials being transported on industrial conveyor belts. The fixed optical setup with ± 15 mm depth of field, auto focus optional, provides accurate analysis of different piece sizes. For operation under harsh environmental conditions in industrial buildings, the IP 53 control cabinet is dust-tight and air-conditioned.