Sensor based sorting 2012

AuszugPreface Sensor based sorting represents the most modern innovation in processing of minerals and secondary raw materials. This single particle separation method is characterized by following main components: a vibrating conveyor for dosed feeding and dissemination of the input material a conveyance system (sliding ramp or belt type sorters) for singling of the feed material an emitter system for the transmission of electromagnetic radiation a sensor system for the detection of specific material attributes due to the modified radiation mainly caused by reflection or absorption a software controlled electronic device for the interpretation of data received from the sensor system and most frequently a pneumatically working discharge device for the separation of positively de-tected components Today newly developed machines often are equipped with a combination of different sensors in order to recognise multiple material properties in a single step whereas the sensor data are evaluated in real-time by a computer system. The rapid advancements of modern computers allow the pro-cessing and analysis of great data volumes arising in sensor based sorting devices. A special ad-vantage of modern machines is their learning aptitude which is based on software-controlled data handling. This feature allows an increased adaptability especially with regard to changes of the pro-cess flow sheet, the input material composition or the necessity of altered qualities of the final products. Great technical advances also can be recognized in the development of new sensors. With these detectors an electromagnetic spectrum ranging from visible light to X-rays is covered. Due to the spatial resolution of the sensors materials with a grain size of more than 1 mm can be detected. Thus, the continuous implementation of new sensor systems keeps opening up innovative fields of operation. The application of sensor-based sorters in mineral processing as well as in recycling procedures exhibits great advantages as new separating criteria are made accessible. Remarkable progress has been achieved in the past years. This was the reason to organize the fifth conference “Sensor Based Sorting 2012” which again aims to support the exchange of experiences between operators, machine suppliers and researchers. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Pretz Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hermann Wotruba