Abstract Scope |
UHV Technologies has developed a high speed, automated plastics sorting technology for non-recyclable plastics by merging vision camera, XRF spectroscopy, and NIR/MIR sensors through sensor fusion and artificial intelligence. This improves recycling by increasing fraction purity, eliminating contaminations, and reducing sorting costs for subsequent manufacturing of bio-products. Our sorting technology creates novel fractions from specific non-recyclable plastic bales, advancing plastic sorting capabilities. This involves deep learning algorithms, providing advanced and economically viable sorting methods for municipal solid waste (MSW), addressing its heterogeneity and producing high-purity feedstocks. We present the design of a multiple sensor, high speed sorter, and results from recent experiments, including measurements for various plastics with XRF, NIR, and MIR sensors for a novel classification system based on organic and inorganic content in multilayered and composite plastics. Furthermore, we show data for concentration of various plastics found in #3-7 plastic bottle bales, currently going the landfill. |