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Sorting Techniques

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3 views

Sorting Techniques

Uploaded by

K Sridhar Sridhar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Here’s a short explanation of each method:

Float-Sink Method (Wet Separation)

• Involves immersing mixed plastics in liquids with different densities.

• Plastics either float or sink based on their density, enabling separation.

• Example: HDPE (density < 1 g/cm³) floats, while PET (density > 1 g/cm³) sinks.

Dry Separation

• Uses techniques that do not require liquid media for sorting plastics.

1. Centrifugal Sorting

• Plastics are separated by density using centrifugal force.

• Lighter plastics move outward, and heavier plastics remain closer to the center.

2. Sorting with Near-Critical and Super-Critical Fluids

• Uses fluids like CO₂ in their near-critical or super-critical state, which have unique properties of gases and liquids.

• The interaction of plastics with these fluids (e.g., swelling or dissolution) helps in separation.

3. Float-Sink by Preferential Solvent Absorption

• Some plastics absorb specific solvents, altering their density or buoyancy.

• This change in properties is used for separation in a float-sink tank.

4. Float-Sink by Hydrophobicity

• Plastics are treated to modify surface hydrophobicity (water-repelling property).

• Hydrophobic plastics float, while hydrophilic ones sink in a water-based medium.

5. Froth Flotation

• Plastics are separated based on their ability to attach to air bubbles in a liquid.

• Hydrophobic plastics stick to bubbles and rise to the surface as froth, while others remain submerged.

These methods are commonly used in recycling to separate and recover different types of plastics effectively.
Here’s a short explanation for both systems:

XRF-Based PVC Bottle Sorting Systems:

• XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) technology is used to identify and separate PVC (polyvinyl chloride) bottles from other
plastics.

• The system works by emitting X-rays onto the bottles. The materials emit unique secondary X-rays (fluorescence)
based on their elemental composition.

• Since PVC contains chlorine, it emits a distinct signal that allows the system to detect and remove PVC bottles
efficiently.

XRF-Based PVC Flake Sorting Systems:

• This system focuses on sorting smaller PVC flakes rather than whole bottles.

• The flakes pass through the XRF scanner, where the system detects the presence of chlorine.

• The identified PVC flakes are separated using air jets or mechanical systems to ensure purity in the recycled
material stream.

Both systems are critical for ensuring high-quality recycling by preventing PVC contamination in other plastic streams.
Here’s a concise explanation of the mentioned sorting techniques:

1. Mid-Infra-Red (MIR) Spectroscopy

• Detects plastics based on their chemical bonds using the mid-infrared range (2.5–25 μm).

• Ideal for identifying polymers with distinct absorption features in this region.

2. Near-Infra-Red (NIR) Spectroscopy

• Works in the near-infrared range (0.7–2.5 μm).

• Commonly used for identifying plastics by their molecular vibrations.

• Quick and effective for sorting plastics like PET, HDPE, and PP.

3. Laser Acoustic Sensing

• Uses laser pulses to generate acoustic waves in plastics.

• The waves differ based on the material’s mechanical properties, enabling identification.

4. Raman Spectroscopy

• Analyzes the inelastic scattering of light (Raman effect) to identify molecular structures.

• Effective for distinguishing similar plastics, even through colored or opaque materials.

5. Sorting by Laser-Induced Emission Spectral Analysis

• A laser excites the plastic surface, causing it to emit light.

• The emitted spectrum is analyzed to determine the plastic type.

6. Sorting by Plasma Emission Spectroscopy

• High-energy plasma is used to excite the material, emitting light.

• The emission spectrum reveals the material composition, enabling sorting.

7. Miscellaneous Spectroscopic Techniques

• Combines various spectral methods (e.g., XRF or UV-VIS) for complex material identification.

8. Polarized Light (PET/PVC)

• Uses light polarization to differentiate between plastics like PET and PVC based on optical properties.

9. Phase Contrast Illumination

• A specialized membrane-like light source highlights phase contrasts in plastics.


• Useful for detecting thin films or layered structures.

10. UV Light

• Ultraviolet light causes some plastics to fluoresce or change color.

• Helps in identifying additives or coatings on plastics.

11. Fluorescent Tagging

• Plastics are marked with fluorescent dyes or pigments during production.

• UV light activates the tags, making the plastics easier to identify and sort.

These techniques are critical for enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of plastic sorting, especially in recycling
processes.

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