Metal material classification and recovery system and method

Abstract

A metal material classification and recovery system, comprising: a conveying unit (300) used for conveying a material to be classified (407) to a first chute (302) provided at the tail end of the conveying unit (300), the first chute (302) comprising at least one channel (3021), and the channel (3021) being used for guiding said material (407) to freely fall in a set direction; a sensor array (400) comprising sensors (401) in one-to-one correspondence to the channels (3021), each sensor (401) being distributed in the same horizontal direction below the first chute (302), and the sensor (401) being used for detecting whether said material (407) falling from the corresponding channel (3021) belongs to a target material type; and a classification unit (500) used for blowing said material (407) into a corresponding material frame when said material (407) is detected to belong to the target material type. Also provided is a metal material classification and recovery method.

Description

Metal material classification and recycling system and method CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 2024103836095 filed on April 1, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of metal material classification and recycling, and in particular to a metal material classification and recycling system and method. Background Art

[0003] The production of actual products often generates waste. However, this waste often contains a significant amount of materials with recycling value, such as aluminum. Aluminum is the second most consumed metal in the world, after steel. Global annual aluminum production exceeds that of all other non-ferrous metals combined. The processing and production of aluminum alloy profiles generates a significant amount of waste. Careful sorting and efficient separation of this waste is the most effective way to obtain recycled aluminum, thereby saving energy, reducing emissions, lowering production costs, and mitigating environmental pollution.

[0004] However, the current recycling process for metal scrap typically only allows for the recovery of two materials at most in a single sorting operation. If more than two materials are to be recovered from the scrap, a recycling process is necessary, which reduces the efficiency of material sorting and recycling. Therefore, improving the efficiency of material sorting and recycling is a pressing technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a metal material classification and recycling system and method. The technical solution provided by the present disclosure can improve the efficiency of material classification and recycling.

[0006] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part by practice of the present disclosure.

[0007] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a metal material classification and recycling system is provided, the system comprising: a conveying unit for conveying the material to be classified to a first chute arranged at the end of the conveying unit, the first chute comprising at least one channel, the channel being used to guide the material to be classified to fall freely along a set direction; a sensor array comprising sensors corresponding one to one to each of the channels, each of the sensors being distributed in the same horizontal direction below the first chute, the sensors being used to detect whether the material to be classified falling from the corresponding channel belongs to a target material category; a classification unit for blowing the material to be classified into a corresponding material frame when the material to be classified is detected to belong to the target material category.

[0008] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for sorting and recycling metal materials is provided, wherein the method adopts the system in any embodiment of the first aspect mentioned above to sort and recycle scrap aluminum, and the method comprises: pre-processing the original scrap aluminum material to obtain scrap aluminum material to be sorted; conveying the scrap aluminum material to be sorted to the conveying unit so that the scrap aluminum material to be sorted falls freely along the set direction of each of the channels; when the target sensor in the sensor array detects the falling scrap aluminum material to be sorted, determining whether the scrap aluminum material to be sorted belongs to the target aluminum alloy material; if it is determined that the scrap aluminum material to be sorted belongs to the target aluminum alloy material, sending a control instruction to the sorting unit so that the sorting unit blows the scrap aluminum material to be sorted into the corresponding material frame.

[0009] When the material to be classified is detected to belong to the target material type, the material to be classified is blown into the corresponding material frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, and together with the specification, are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art can derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort.

[0011] FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of a metal material classification and recycling system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG2 shows a detailed schematic diagram of a metal material classification and recycling system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG3 shows a detailed schematic diagram of a first chute of a metal material classification and recovery system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG4 shows a detailed schematic diagram of the U-shaped opening of the metal material classification and recovery system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with A in the upper direction in FIG1 ;

[0015] FIG5 shows a detailed schematic diagram of a LIBS sensor of a metal material classification and recycling system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG6 shows a detailed schematic diagram of the gas integrated nozzle of the metal material classification and recovery system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the B direction in FIG1 ; and

[0017] FIG7 shows a schematic flow chart of a method for metal material classification and recycling according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] The correspondence between the reference numerals and component names in the accompanying drawings is as follows: 100, pretreatment unit; 200, feeding unit; 201, lower hopper; 202, vibrating feeder; 203, second chute; 300, transmission unit; 301, belt conveyor; 302, first chute; 3021, channel; 3022, U-shaped mouth; 400, sensor array; 401, sensor; 402, laser emission port; 403, laser generator; 404, reflector; 405, lens; 406, plasma; 407, material to be classified; 408, focusing lens; 409, spectrometer; 410, detection array; 500, classification unit; 501, air compressor; 502, air filter; 503, pressure gauge; 504, air duct; 505, solenoid valve; 506, gas integrated nozzle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Typical embodiments that embody the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the present disclosure can have various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and the descriptions and illustrations therein are essentially for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the present disclosure.

[0020] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the terms "vertical", "up", "down", "horizontal", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the system or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0021] It should also be noted that, in the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this disclosure based on specific circumstances.

[0022] The following will describe some embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features therein may be combined with each other.

[0023] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a metal material classification and recycling system is provided.

[0024] 1 , which shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of a metal material classification and recycling system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] In some embodiments, the metal material sorting and recycling system of the present disclosure includes a conveying unit 300 , a sensor array 400 , and a sorting unit 500 .

[0026] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present disclosure, the details of the metal material classification and recycling system of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with Figure 2.

[0027] In the present disclosure, the conveying unit 300 is used to convey the to-be-classified material 407 to the first chute 302 disposed at the end of the conveying unit 300. The first chute 302 includes at least one channel 3021. The channel 3021 is used to guide the to-be-classified material 407 to freely fall along a set direction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the conveying unit 300 includes a belt conveyor 301. The belt conveyor 301 is used to convey the material to be sorted 407 to the first chute 302. The belt conveyor 301 can convey the material to be sorted 407 to the first chute 302 at a certain speed, for example, 0.1 m / s.

[0029] It should be noted that the number of channels 3021 provided in the first chute 302 can be set based on the actual sorting and recycling capacity. If it is necessary to improve the sorting efficiency of the materials 407 to be sorted per unit time, the number of channels 3021 included in the first chute 302 can be appropriately increased, thereby increasing the amount of materials 407 to be sorted that freely fall from the first chute 302 per unit time, thereby improving the sorting and recycling efficiency of the materials 407 to be sorted.

[0030] In some embodiments, the number of channels 3021 in the first chute 302 can be set to 3. As shown in FIG3 , the materials 407 to be sorted are lined up in sequence in the three channels 3021 and fall freely.

[0031] It should be noted that the first chute 302 is arranged to be tilted downward relative to the horizontal plane. The tilt angle can be 15° or other tilt angles, which are not limited in this disclosure.

[0032] In some embodiments, a U-shaped opening 3022 may be opened at the end of each channel 3021 included in the first chute 302 .

[0033] In some embodiments, the U-shaped opening 3022 may be disposed at an end position of the channel 3021 , where the end position refers to a position where the material to be classified 407 leaves the channel 3021 .

[0034] In some embodiments, FIG4 shows a U-shaped opening 3022 at the end of a channel 3021. The diameter of the U-shaped opening can be 10 mm, so that the material 407 to be classified can accurately pass through the laser beam when it falls freely, thereby improving the material recognition rate.

[0035] In FIG4 , the width of the corresponding channel 3021 at the starting end is 260 mm, and the width at the end is 190 mm. The length of the channel 3021 is 480 mm, and the thickness of the channel 3021 is 25 mm.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in order to ensure that the materials to be sorted 407 conveyed by the conveying unit 300 can be evenly lined up for conveyance, a feeding unit 200 may be further provided in the metal material sorting and recycling system.

[0037] In some embodiments, the feeding unit 200 includes a lower hopper 201, a vibrating feeder 202, and a second chute 203. The vibrating feeder 202 is used to disperse the to-be-classified material 407 in the lower hopper 201. The second chute 203 is used to guide the dispersed to-be-classified material 407 to be evenly distributed and fed into the conveying unit 300.

[0038] As can be seen from Figure 2, the material to be classified 407 can be placed into the lower hopper 201, so that the material to be classified 407 enters the vibrating feeder 202 from the outlet of the lower hopper 201 and is vibrated and dispersed evenly, and then the material to be classified 407 is fed into the conveying unit 300 in sequence through the second chute 203.

[0039] It should be noted that the second chute 203 also includes channels 3021 . The number of channels 3021 included in the second chute 203 should be the same as the number of channels 3021 included in the first chute 302 .

[0040] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a pre-processing unit 100 may also be provided. The pre-processing unit 100 is used to pre-process the raw material to obtain the material to be classified 407. It is understood that after the material to be classified 407 is processed by the pre-processing unit 100, the material to be classified 407 is fed into the lower hopper 201 to achieve further classification and recycling.

[0041] It should be noted that the pretreatment unit 100 can be specifically set up according to the materials that actually need to be recycled. In some embodiments, if it is necessary to recycle scrap aluminum materials, a crushing unit, a magnetic separation unit, an eddy current separation unit, and a re-selection unit can be sequentially set up in the pretreatment unit 100. The crushing unit is used to crush the original scrap aluminum materials. The magnetic separation unit is used to remove iron-containing materials from the original scrap aluminum materials. The eddy current separation is used to remove non-metallic materials from the original scrap aluminum materials. The re-selection unit is used to remove non-aluminum metal materials from the original scrap aluminum materials.

[0042] Continuing with FIG1 , the present disclosure provides a metal material sorting and recycling system including a sensor array 400. The sensor array 400 includes sensors 401 corresponding to each channel 3021. Each sensor 401 is distributed in the same horizontal direction below the first chute 302. Each sensor 401 is configured to detect whether a material to be sorted 407 falling from the corresponding channel 3021 belongs to a target material category.

[0043] In some embodiments, the types of materials detected by the sensors 401 are different from each other.

[0044] In some embodiments, the number of sensors 401 included in the sensor array 400 is the same as the number of channels 3021 included in the first chute 302, and each sensor 401 can detect one type of material. The number of sensors 401 arranged in the sensor array 400 determines the number of types of materials that can be detected.

[0045] Therefore, each sensor 401 included in the sensor array 400 can detect different types of target materials.

[0046] In some embodiments, assume that material type A, material type B, and material type C need to be sorted from to-be-sorted material 407. First chute 302 includes a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel. Sensor array 400 includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor. The first sensor is used to detect to-be-sorted material falling from the first channel, the second sensor is used to detect to-be-sorted material falling from the second channel, and the third sensor is used to detect to-be-sorted material falling from channel 3.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first sensor is configured to detect whether the material to be classified belongs to material type A, the second sensor is configured to detect whether the material to be classified belongs to material type B, and the third sensor is configured to detect whether the material to be classified belongs to material type C.

[0048] It is understandable that the target material type corresponding to the first sensor is material type A. The target material type corresponding to the second sensor is material type B. The target material type corresponding to the third sensor is material type C.

[0049] In other embodiments, each sensor 401 detects the same type of material.

[0050] In some embodiments, each sensor 401 is configured to detect the same target material type, so that different sensors 401 can simultaneously sort the same material, thereby improving the processing capacity of the device.

[0051] In some embodiments, each sensor 401 includes a laser generator 403 and a detection array 410. The laser generator 403 is configured to emit a laser beam toward the corresponding U-shaped opening 3022, so that the laser beam passes through the U-shaped opening 3022 and lands on the material to be classified 407 passing through the U-shaped opening 3022. The laser beam is configured to excite the material to be classified 407 passing through the U-shaped opening 3022 to generate plasma 406. The detection array 410 is configured to determine whether the material to be classified 407 belongs to a target material category based on a spectrum reflected by the plasma 406 generated by the material to be classified 407 passing through the U-shaped opening 3022.

[0052] In some embodiments, the sensor array 400 is arranged directly below the belt conveyor 301, and the angle between the horizontal direction of the sensor array 400 and the extension direction of the first chute 302 is 85°-90°; the distance from the laser emission port 402 of the laser generator 403 to the corresponding U-shaped port 3022 is 240-250 mm.

[0053] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, limiting the arrangement position of the sensor array 400 can improve the accuracy of the sensor array 400 in detecting the material type of the material to be classified 407.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2 , the angle between the horizontal direction of the sensor array 400 and the extension direction of the first chute 302 is 90°. The distance between the laser emission port 402 of the laser generator 403 and the corresponding U-shaped port 3022 is 245 mm.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sensor 401 includes a LIBS sensor 401 .

[0056] The specific structure of the LIBS sensor 401 may be shown in FIG5 .

[0057] 5 , which shows a detailed schematic diagram of a LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) sensor of a metal material classification and recycling system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] The LIBS sensor 401 includes a laser generator 403 , a reflector 404 , a lens 405 , a focusing lens 408 , a spectrometer 409 , and a detection array 410 .

[0059] In some embodiments, the detection process involves the laser generator 403 of the LIBS sensor 401 emitting a high-energy laser beam toward the corresponding U-shaped opening 3022. The laser beam then passes through the U-shaped opening 3022 via a reflector 404 and a lens 405, impinging on the surface of the material to be classified 407 passing through the opening 3022. The high-temperature laser beam excites atoms on the surface of the material to be classified 407 into plasma 406. The plasma 406 then passes through a focusing lens 408. A spectrometer 409 and a detection array 410 analyze the spectrum reflected by the plasma 406 to determine whether the material to be classified 407 belongs to the target material category.

[0060] In summary, by providing the U-shaped opening 3022 in the channel 3021, the laser generator 403 of the sensor 401 can emit a laser beam toward the corresponding U-shaped opening 3022 in real time during system operation, thereby enabling real-time detection of the unclassified material 407 falling through the corresponding channel 3021. This improves the recognition rate of the material, thereby accurately determining whether it belongs to the target material category.

[0061] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1 , the classification unit 500 is configured to blow the material to be classified 407 into a corresponding material frame when the material to be classified 407 is detected to belong to a target material type.

[0062] In the above example, if the first sensor detects that the material to be classified falling from the first channel belongs to material type A, then the material to be classified will be blown into material box 1, which holds material type A. If the second sensor detects that the material to be classified falling from the second channel belongs to material type B, then the material to be classified will be blown into material box 2, which holds material type B. If the third sensor detects that the material to be classified falling from channel 3 belongs to material type C, then the material to be classified will be blown into material box 3, which holds material type C.

[0063] In some embodiments, the classification unit 500 includes an air compressor 501, a gas integrated nozzle 506, multiple air ducts 504, an air filter 502, a solenoid valve 505 and a pressure gauge 503;.

[0064] The air inlet of each of the air ducts 504 is respectively connected to the air compressor 501. The air outlet of each of the air ducts 504 is connected to the air inlet of the gas integrated nozzle 506. The air filter element 502 is arranged on the air duct 504, and the air filter element 502 is used to filter the gas in the air duct 504. The solenoid valve 505 is arranged on the air duct 504, and the solenoid valve 505 is used to regulate the air supply flow of the air duct 504. The pressure gauge 503 is arranged on the air duct 504, and the pressure gauge 503 is used to collect the gas pressure data of the air duct 504. The gas integrated nozzle 506 is used to blow the to-be-classified material 407 belonging to the target material type into the corresponding material box.

[0065] It should be noted that in some embodiments, there is no limit on the number of air filter cartridges 502 that can be installed. An air filter cartridge 502 can be installed at the air inlet of each air channel 504, or only one air filter cartridge 502 can be installed to filter the gas in each air channel 504 to prevent clogging of the gas integrated nozzle.

[0066] It should also be noted that in some embodiments, there is no limitation on the installation position and number of the pressure gauges 503 .

[0067] It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, a solenoid valve 505 may be provided on each air passage 504 .

[0068] In some embodiments, when the target sensor in the sensor array 400 detects that the material to be classified 407 belongs to the target material category, the target sensor will send a 24V electrical signal to each solenoid valve 505. Each solenoid valve 505 will then be activated, i.e., opened, causing each air channel 504 to begin supplying gas to the gas integration nozzle 506, so that the gas integration nozzle 506 can perform an air jet action to blow the material to be classified 407 into the corresponding material frame.

[0069] In some embodiments, the pressure of the air compressor 501 is adjustable, and the pressure adjustment range can be between 0.7-1 MPa.

[0070] It is understandable that because different types of materials in the to-be-classified materials 407 have different weights and are placed in different positions of the material frames, the classification unit 500 can determine the gas pressure that matches the to-be-classified materials 407 based on the type of the to-be-classified materials 407 to be blown and the position of the corresponding material frames, thereby enabling the gas integration nozzle 506 to accurately blow the to-be-classified materials 407 into the corresponding material frames.

[0071] In the present disclosure, in order to further improve the blowing accuracy of the gas integration nozzle 506, the structure and setting position of the gas integration nozzle 506 can be limited.

[0072] In some embodiments, the nozzle of the gas integration nozzle 506 is a fan-shaped nozzle, and the gas integration nozzle 506 is tilted downward at an angle of 45°-47° relative to the horizontal plane.

[0073] In some embodiments, the gas integration nozzle 506 is 3-5 mm away from the U-shaped opening 3022 .

[0074] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6 , the gas integrated showerhead 506 includes 16 showerheads. Each showerhead is fan-shaped, that is, the gas integrated showerhead 506 includes 16 fan-shaped showerheads. The fan-shaped showerheads have a curvature of 15°-20°.

[0075] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6 , the distance between the two nozzles is 20 mm; the length of the gas integration nozzle 506 is 180 mm; and the width of the gas integration nozzle 506 is 35 mm.

[0076] It is understandable that the nozzle of the gas integration nozzle 506 is set to be fan-shaped. Compared with the pinhole-shaped nozzle, the fan-shaped nozzle has a larger blowing area, which can improve the blowing accuracy of the gas integration nozzle 506.

[0077] From the above description of the metal material sorting and recycling system, it can be understood that, in the present disclosure, by providing at least one sensor 401 in the sensor array 400, multiple material types can be sorted in a single run. By providing at least one channel 3021 in the first chute 302, the capacity for sorting and recycling materials can be increased, thereby improving sorting and recycling efficiency. By using the LIBS sensor 401 to detect the material to be sorted 407, classification accuracy can be improved.

[0078] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for classifying and recycling metal materials is provided.

[0079] The method adopts the system of any embodiment of the first aspect mentioned above to carry out classified recycling of waste aluminum.

[0080] The metal material classification and recycling method disclosed in the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 7 .

[0081] 7 , which shows a schematic flow chart of a method for metal material classification and recycling according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including the following steps S110 to S140 .

[0082] In step S110, the original scrap aluminum material is pre-processed to obtain scrap aluminum material to be classified.

[0083] In some embodiments, step S110 includes steps S111 to S114.

[0084] In step S111, the original scrap aluminum material is crushed.

[0085] In some embodiments, a crusher may be used to crush the original scrap aluminum material so that the particle size of the scrap aluminum material after crushing is 150-200 mm.

[0086] In step S112, the original scrap aluminum material after the crushing process is subjected to magnetic separation to remove the iron-containing material in the original scrap aluminum material.

[0087] In some embodiments, step S112 may include steps S1121 to S1122.

[0088] In step S1121, the original scrap aluminum material after the crushing process is subjected to a magnetic separation process to remove the pure iron material in the original scrap aluminum material.

[0089] In some embodiments, the original scrap aluminum material after the crushing process can be passed through a belt iron remover to perform a magnetic (magnetic field of 2000 GS) iron removal, thereby removing the pure iron material in the original scrap aluminum material after the crushing process.

[0090] In step S1122, the original scrap aluminum material after the primary magnetic separation treatment is subjected to a secondary magnetic separation treatment to remove the material containing iron in the original scrap aluminum material.

[0091] In some embodiments, the original scrap aluminum material after the first magnetic separation treatment can be subjected to a second stage of strong magnetic treatment (magnetic field of 4000 GS) to remove the entrained iron, thereby removing the entrained iron in the original scrap aluminum material.

[0092] In some embodiments, the iron-entrained material obtained after the secondary magnetic separation process may be returned to the crusher to continue crushing the iron-entrained material to remove the iron.

[0093] In step S113, eddy current separation is performed on the original scrap aluminum material after the magnetic separation process to remove non-metallic materials in the original scrap aluminum material.

[0094] In some embodiments, the obtained raw aluminum scrap material free of iron may be passed through an eddy current separator to remove non-metallic impurities contained therein.

[0095] In step S114, the original scrap aluminum material after eddy current separation is subjected to re-selection treatment to remove non-aluminum metal materials in the original scrap aluminum material to obtain the scrap aluminum material to be classified.

[0096] In some embodiments, non-aluminum metal materials (such as magnesium, copper, zinc and other non-ferrous metals) with a large density difference from aluminum alloy can be removed from the original scrap aluminum material, so that the scrap aluminum material to be classified is relatively pure.

[0097] Continuing to refer to FIG. 7 , in step S120 , the aluminum scrap materials to be sorted are transported to the conveying unit so that the aluminum scrap materials to be sorted fall freely along the set directions of the respective channels.

[0098] In some embodiments, the scrap aluminum material to be sorted can be transported to the conveying unit through the feeding unit in the first aspect described above.

[0099] Continuing to refer to FIG. 7 , in step S130 , when the target sensor in the sensor array detects the falling scrap aluminum material to be classified, it is determined whether the scrap aluminum material to be classified belongs to the target aluminum alloy material.

[0100] It can be understood that the target sensor is configured to detect the target aluminum alloy material, and the target sensor belongs to each sensor included in the sensor array.

[0101] In some embodiments, each sensor in the sensor array can be pre-configured, with each sensor configured to detect a specific aluminum alloy. That is, each sensor corresponds to a different type of target aluminum alloy material, thereby enabling the classification of multiple aluminum alloys in a single material selection.

[0102] In some embodiments, each sensor in the sensor array may be pre-configured, and each sensor may be configured to detect the same aluminum alloy, that is, each sensor corresponds to the same target aluminum alloy material, thereby improving the processing capacity of the equipment.

[0103] The settings of each sensor can be set according to the following Table 3.

[0104] Table 1 shows the raw data from the LIBS sensor array analysis of commonly used aluminum alloy grades. In Table 1, the Al data for various aluminum alloy grades is normalized to 100, and the data for other elements are normalized based on the raw Al data. Table 2 shows the maximum wavelengths of different characteristic elements. Table 1 shows that the signal intensities of the aluminum alloy composition and its control elements vary among different aluminum alloy grades. Table 1 also shows that the 2A12, 3104, 4005, and 7075 series aluminum alloys can be distinguished based on the signal intensities of their impurity control elements. For example, 2A12 aluminum alloys can be distinguished based on copper; 1 series aluminum alloys can be distinguished based on the signal intensities of copper and silicon; 5083 aluminum alloys can be distinguished based on iron and magnesium; and 6061 and 6063 aluminum alloys can be distinguished based on copper, silicon, and magnesium. Specific sorting methods are shown in Table 3.

[0105] Table 1

[0106] Table 2

[0107] Table 3

[0108] Continuing to refer to FIG. 7 , in step S140 , if it is determined that the aluminum scrap material to be classified belongs to the target aluminum alloy material, a control instruction is sent to the classification unit so that the classification unit blows the aluminum scrap material to be classified into the corresponding material frame.

[0109] In some embodiments, the classification unit includes a gas integrated nozzle. After receiving the control instruction, the classification unit can execute the following step S141 to blow the scrap aluminum material to be classified into the corresponding material frame.

[0110] In step S141, after receiving the control instruction for a first preset time, the classification unit controls the gas integrated nozzle to perform the jetting action for a second preset time, so that the scrap aluminum material to be classified is blown into the corresponding material frame.

[0111] In some embodiments, after the classification unit receives the control instruction for a first preset time, the classification unit controls the opening of the solenoid valves on each air channel so that the air compressor can deliver gas to the gas integrated nozzle, so that the gas integrated nozzle can perform the jet action.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first preset duration can be set to 5ms.

[0113] In some embodiments, the second preset duration can be set to 15ms.

[0114] Understandably, because the gas integrated nozzle is located below the first chute, it takes some time for the aluminum scrap to reach the corresponding gas integrated nozzle position after the scrap is determined to be the target aluminum alloy material and after the classification and delivery unit receives the control command. Therefore, the classification unit only controls the gas integrated nozzle to execute the jetting action after a first predetermined time has passed since receiving the control command, thereby accurately delivering the aluminum scrap to the corresponding material bin.

[0115] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a metal material classification and recycling system includes a conveying unit for conveying the material to be classified to a first chute arranged at the end of the conveying unit, the first chute includes at least one channel, and the channel is used to guide the material to be classified to fall freely along a set direction; a sensor array includes a sensor corresponding to each of the channels, and each of the sensors is distributed in the same horizontal direction below the first chute, and the sensor is used to detect whether the material to be classified falling from the corresponding channel belongs to the target material type; a classification unit is used to blow the material to be classified into the corresponding material frame when the material to be classified is detected to belong to the target material type.

[0116] Based on the technical solution disclosed in this disclosure, at least the following technical effects can be achieved:

[0117] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the metal material sorting and recycling system can improve the capacity for sorting and recycling materials by installing corresponding sensors below each channel, thereby improving the efficiency of material sorting and recycling. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sensor array includes at least one sensor, the number of which can be adjusted according to the actual type of material to be recycled, so that multiple types of materials to be recycled can be completed in a single run, thereby improving the efficiency of material sorting and recycling.

[0118] At present, most companies only obtain mixed streams through magnetic separation and eddy current separation, and then directly carry out circuit melting, which belongs to downgraded recycling. The present disclosure is based on LIBS analysis and detection technology, and transforms and upgrades the LIBS analyzer into a sorting equipment, that is, it has analysis and detection functions and classification and sorting functions, which can not only improve the recovery rate of scrap metals, but also can be recycled in a classified manner. Especially in the aluminum alloy resource recycling industry, it can achieve grade-preserving recycling of aluminum alloys according to different brands, reaching the domestic advanced level. The above is only an embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, the present disclosure can have various changes and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure should be included in the scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A metal material classification and recycling system, comprising: A conveying unit, configured to convey the material to be sorted to a first chute provided at the end of the conveying unit, wherein the first chute comprises at least one channel, wherein the channel is configured to guide the material to be sorted to freely fall in a set direction; a sensor array, comprising a sensor corresponding to each of the channels, each of the sensors being distributed in the same horizontal direction below the first chute, the sensors being used to detect whether the material to be classified falling from the corresponding channel belongs to the target material category; as well as The classification unit is used to blow the material to be classified into a corresponding material frame when the material to be classified is detected to belong to the target material type.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The end of each channel is provided with a U-shaped opening, and each sensor comprises: a laser generator, configured to emit a laser beam toward the corresponding U-shaped opening, so that the laser beam passes through the U-shaped opening and falls on the material to be classified passing through the U-shaped opening, and the laser beam is configured to excite the material to be classified passing through the U-shaped opening to generate plasma; and The detection array is used to determine whether the material to be classified belongs to the target material type based on the spectrum reflected by the plasma generated by the material to be classified passing through the U-shaped opening.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The sensor includes a LIBS sensor; the angle between the horizontal direction of the sensor array and the extension direction of the first chute is 85°-90°; the distance from the laser emission port of the laser generator to the corresponding U-shaped port is 240-250mm.

4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a feeding unit, the feeding unit comprising a lower hopper, a vibrating feeder, and a second chute; The vibrating feeder is used to disperse the materials to be classified in the lower hopper; and The second chute is used to guide the dispersed materials to be evenly distributed in sequence and sent to the conveying unit.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein The classification unit includes an air compressor, a gas integrated nozzle, multiple air passages, an air filter element, a solenoid valve and a pressure gauge; The air inlet of each of the air ducts is connected to the air compressor, and the air outlet of each of the air ducts is connected to the air inlet of the gas integrated nozzle; The air filter is arranged on the air duct, and is used to filter the gas in the air duct; The solenoid valve is arranged on the airway, and the solenoid valve is used to regulate the air flow of the airway; The pressure gauge is arranged on the airway, and is used to collect gas pressure data of the airway; The gas integrated nozzle is used to blow the materials to be classified belonging to the target material type into the corresponding material frame.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The nozzle of the gas integrated nozzle is a fan-shaped nozzle, and the downward inclination angle of the gas integrated nozzle relative to the horizontal plane is 45°-47°.

7. A method for recycling metal materials by classification, comprising: Pre-processing the original scrap aluminum material to obtain scrap aluminum material to be sorted; transporting the aluminum scrap to be sorted to the conveying unit so that the aluminum scrap to be sorted falls freely along the set direction of each channel; When the target sensor in the sensor array detects the falling scrap aluminum material to be classified, determining whether the scrap aluminum material to be classified belongs to the target aluminum alloy material; as well as If it is determined that the aluminum scrap material to be classified belongs to the target aluminum alloy material, a control instruction is sent to the classification unit so that the classification unit blows the aluminum scrap material to be classified into the corresponding material frame.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The pre-processing of the original scrap aluminum material to obtain the scrap aluminum material to be classified includes: Crushing the original scrap aluminum material; Performing magnetic separation on the original scrap aluminum material after the crushing process to remove iron-containing materials in the original scrap aluminum material; performing eddy current separation on the original scrap aluminum material after the magnetic separation process to remove non-metallic materials from the original scrap aluminum material; and The original scrap aluminum material after eddy current separation is subjected to reselection treatment to remove non-aluminum metal materials in the original scrap aluminum material to obtain the scrap aluminum material to be classified.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The magnetic separation treatment of the original scrap aluminum material after the crushing treatment to remove the iron-containing material in the original scrap aluminum material includes: Performing a magnetic separation process on the original scrap aluminum material after the crushing process to remove pure iron materials in the original scrap aluminum material; and The original scrap aluminum material after the primary magnetic separation treatment is subjected to a secondary magnetic separation treatment to remove the material containing iron in the original scrap aluminum material.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The classification unit includes a gas integrated nozzle, and the classification unit blows the scrap aluminum material to be classified into the corresponding material frame, including: After receiving the control instruction for a first preset time, the classification unit controls the gas integrated nozzle to perform the jetting action for a second preset time, so that the scrap aluminum material to be classified is blown into the corresponding material frame.

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