Systems and methods for analysis and sortation of end-of-life scrap

Abstract

Systems and methods for sorting metal scrap such as but not limited to aluminum scrap includes a transport system for transporting the metal scrap to a prompt gamma neutron activation analysis device and / or with a prompt gamma neutron activation analysis device integrated into the transport system. A method of sorting metal scrap may include receiving metal scrap of an aluminum alloy and determining composition information of the metal scrap based on gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap as a result of neutron irradiation. The method includes assigning the metal scrap to a class of a plurality of predetermined classes of the aluminum alloy based on the determined composition information and sorting the metal scrap based on the assigned class.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYSIS AND SORTATION OF END-OF-LIFESCRAPREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 648,756, filed on May 17, 2024, and entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYSIS AND SORTATION OF END-OF-LIFE SCRAP, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This application generally relates to systems and methods for analyzing and / or sorting end-of-life scrap, particularly but not limited to end-of-life scrap aluminum.BACKGROUND

[0003] Aluminum material and other metal in products that reach the end of their life, such as but not limited to aluminum products from the automotive industry, may be a source of scrap that can be recycled and reused to make new products. However, existing techniques for sorting and analyzing scrap aluminum are limited, inefficient, costly, and time-consuming, and as a result the scrap metal may be difficult to reuse for its original purpose and / or may require a large quantity of primary aluminum.SUMMARY

[0004] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various embodiments of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

[0005] According to certain embodiments, a method for sorting metal scrap includes receiving metal scrap of an aluminum alloy and determining composition information of the metal scrap based on gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap as a result of neutron irradiation. The method includes assigning the metal scrap to a class of a plurality of predetermined classes of the aluminum alloy based on the determined composition information. In some embodiments, the method includes sorting the metal scrap based on the assigned class.

[0006] According to various embodiments, a system for sorting metal scrap includes a measuring device to irradiate metal scrap of an aluminum alloy and detect gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap due to the irradiation. The system includes a control system operatively coupled to the measuring device. In various embodiments, the control system may determine composition information of the metal scrap based on the detected gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap as a result of irradiation and assign the metal scrap one class of a plurality of predetermined classes of the aluminum alloy based on the determined composition information. Optionally, the control system may sort the metal scrap based on the assigned class.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a system for sorting metal scrap includes a measuring device configured to irradiate metal scrap of an aluminum alloy and detect gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap due to the irradiation. The system also includes a transport system to transport the metal scrap to the measuring device. In various embodiments, the transport system is at least one of an automated guided vehicle (AGV), a robotic arm, a conveyor, a crane, or a fork truck.

[0008] According to certain embodiments, a system for sorting metal scrap includes a transport system to transport metal scrap. The transport system includes a measuring device integrated into the transport system to irradiate metal scrap of an aluminum alloy and detect gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap due to the irradiation during transport of the metal scrap by the transport system.

[0009] According to some embodiments, a method includes transporting loose metal scrap of an aluminum alloy and irradiating the metal scrap and detecting gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap due to the irradiation while the metal scrap is being transported.

[0010] According to certain embodiments, a method for sorting metal scrap includes receiving metal scrap of an aluminum alloy series, determining composition information of the metal scrap based on gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap as a result of neutron irradiation,and assigning the metal scrap to a quality class of a plurality of predetermined quality classes of the aluminum alloy series based on the determined composition information.

[0011] Various implementations described in the present disclosure can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for sorting and analyzing metal scrap according to embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the system of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the system of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of the system of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of the system of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of the system of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a system for sorting and analyzing metal scrap according to embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of the system of FIG. 7 according to embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of the system of FIG. 7 according to embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of the system of FIG. 7 according to embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a portion of the system of FIG. 7 according to embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates a portion of the system of FIG. 7 according to embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates a method of sorting and analyzing metal scrap according to embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Described herein are systems and methods for sorting and analyzing metal scrap, such as but not limited to aluminum scrap. In various embodiments, the systems and methodsdescribed herein may be utilized to sort and analyze end of life aluminum scrap. The metal scrap may come in various forms, such as but not limited to bales, briquettes, in tubs or containers, and / or as individual pieces and / or otherwise in loose form. In one non-limiting example, the systems and methods described herein may be utilized for sorting and analyzing end of life scrap from the automotive industry, although in other embodiments the scrap may originate from other sources and / or industries as desired. The systems and methods described herein utilize neutron activation analysis, such as but not limited to prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA), delayed gamma neutron activation analysis (DGNAA), or pulsed fast thermal neutron activation (PFTNA), to determine an elemental composition of the metal scrap by irradiating the metal scrap with neutrons and detecting gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap due to the neutron irradiation.

[0027] The systems and methods described herein may include a transport system for transporting the metal scrap to one or more measuring devices for neutron activation analysis. Additionally, or alternatively, the transport system may include one or more measuring devices integrated into the transport system, thereby allowing for analysis of the metal scrap during transport. Various transport systems may be utilized for transporting the metal scrap to a Measuring device and / or with an integrated measuring device. Non-limiting examples of transport systems include, but are not limited to, AGVs, robotic arms, cranes, fork trucks, conveyors, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may provide improved sorting of metal scrap of a particular aluminum alloy series based on the analysis by the measuring device. As non-limiting examples, the systems and methods described herein may assign a metal class of the particular aluminum alloy series based on the elemental analysis. The classes of the aluminum alloy series may correspond to various criteria as desired, such as but not limited to a quality, subsequent processing steps required, and / or other criteria or combinations of criteria as desired.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the classes of the aluminum alloy series may correspond to different ranges of an element by percent weight. As a non-limiting example, metal scrap of a 5xxx series aluminum alloy may be assigned a first class based on detected magnesium being within a first range (e.g., from 0 to 0.2 % weight), a second class based on magnesium being within a second range (e.g., from greater than 0.2% weight to 0.5% weight), a third class based on detected magnesium being within a third range (e.g., greater than 0.5% weight), or other class. Other non-limiting examples may include classes defined by ranges of silicon, copper, iron, combinations thereof, and / or other elements as desired. Similarly, the aluminum alloyseries with different classes defined by the systems and methods described herein may be various aluminum alloy series as desired, such as Ixxx series aluminum alloys, 2xxx series aluminum alloys, 3xxx series aluminum alloys, 4xxx series aluminum alloys, 5xxx series aluminum alloys 6xxx series aluminum alloys, 7xxx series aluminum alloys, and / or 8xxx series aluminum alloys. In one non-limiting example, the systems and methods described herein may assign classes to metal scrap for at least 3xxx series aluminum alloys, 5xxx series aluminum alloys, and / or 6xxx series aluminum alloys. Improved sorting achieved by the systems and methods described herein may provide improved recipe management for casting of new products from the recycled metal scrap. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems and methods described herein, and the aforementioned benefits and advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0030] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a system 100 for sorting and analyzing metal scrap 101 (see, e.g., FIG. 2) such as but not limited to aluminum alloy scrap according to embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, the system 100 generally includes a transport system 102 for transporting the metal scrap 101, one or more measuring devices 104 for performing neutron activation analysis, such as but not limited to PGNAA, on the metal scrap 101, and a sorting system 106 for sorting and / or receiving the metal scrap 101 based on the analysis by the measuring device 104.

[0031] The metal scrap 101 provided to the system 100 may be various types of metal as desired, and in certain embodiments the metal scrap may be aluminum scrap. As non-limiting examples, the metal scrap 101 may be aluminum scrap of Ixxx series aluminum alloys, 2xxx series aluminum alloys, 3xxx series aluminum alloys, 4xxx series aluminum alloys, 5xxx series aluminum alloys 6xxx series aluminum alloys, 7xxx series aluminum alloys, and / or 8xxx series aluminum alloys. In certain embodiments, the metal scrap 101 provided to the system 100 may be of a known series or type of aluminum alloy. As non-limiting examples, the metal scrap 101 provided to the system may be aluminum scrap of 3xxx series aluminum alloys, 5xxx series aluminum alloys, or 6xxx series aluminum alloys. In other embodiments, the metal scrap 101 provided to the system may be of unknown type or series and / or in mixed form. As a nonlimiting example, the metal scrap 101 may be provided as a mixture of aluminum scrap including 3xxx series aluminum alloys, 5xxx series aluminum alloys, and 6xxx series aluminum alloys.

[0032] The metal scrap 101 provided to the system 100 furthermore may be provided to the system 100 and / or processed by the system 100 in various forms. As non-limiting examples, the metal scrap 101 may be in loose or uncompacted form (optionally within transport bins or containers), individual form, as briquettes, as bales, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwisedesired. As non-limiting examples, FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 illustrate the metal scrap 101 in loose or individual form and further provided within transport bins 103, and FIGS. 4 and 6 illustrate the metal scrap in loose or individual form without a transport bin. In one non-limiting example, the metal scrap 101 provided to and / or processed by the system 100 may be end of life aluminum alloy scrap provided in loose, uncompacted, or individual form.

[0033] The transport system 102 may be various systems and / or devices suitable for transporting the metal scrap 101 in various forms to the measuring device 104. In some embodiments, the transport system 102 may be manned and / or otherwise controlled by an operator 105. Additionally, or alternatively, the transport system 102 may be automated and / or need not require operator input.

[0034] FIGS. 2-6 illustrate non-limiting examples of transport system 102 for transporting the metal scrap 101 to the measuring device 104. In FIG. 2, the transport system 102 includes a fork truck 108 with one or more lifts 124. In FIG. 3, the transport system 102 includes a conveyor 110. In FIG. 4, the transport system 102 includes a crane 112 with an arm 126 and a loader 128. In FIG. 5, the transport system 102 includes an automated guided vehicle (AGV) 114. In FIG. 6, the transport system 102 includes a robotic arm 116 with one or more arm segments 130 and an end effector and / or engagement device 132. Other transport systems 102 may be utilized as desired. Moreover, a system may include a plurality of transport systems 102 and / or a combination of types of transport systems 102 for transporting the metal scrap 101 to the measuring device 104. As non-limiting examples, the system 100 may include both the fork truck 108 and the crane 112, a plurality of fork trucks 108, a plurality of robotic arms 116, a conveyor 110 and a plurality of AGVs 114, etc.

[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 2-6, the measuring device 104 includes at least one neutron generator 118 for irradiating the metal scrap 101 with neutrons and at least one detector 120 for measuring or detecting gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap 101 due to the neutron irradiation.

[0036] Optionally, and as illustrated in FIGS. 2-6, the system 100 includes a control system 122 operably coupled to at least the measuring device 104 and optionally operably coupled to the transport system 102 and / or the sorting system 106.

[0037] The control system 122 may include one or more processing units and / or one or more memory devices. The processing unit may be various suitable processing devices or combinations of devices including but not limited to one or more application specific integrated circuits, digital signal processors, digital signal processing devices, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays, processors, controllers, micro-controllers,microprocessors, other electronic units, and / or a combination thereof. The one or more memory devices may be any machine-readable medium that can be accessed by the processor, including but not limited to any type of long term, short term, volatile, nonvolatile, or other storage medium, and is not to be limited to any particular type of memory or number of memories, or type of media upon which memory is stored. Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term “storage medium,” “storage” or “memory” can represent one or more memories for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and / or other machine readable mediums for storing information. The term “machine-readable medium” includes, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels, and / or various other storage mediums capable of storing that contain or carry instruction(s) and / or data.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the control system 122 optionally includes an associated user interface, including but not limited to a graphical user interface or a human machine interface, such that the control system 122 may obtain information from a user and / or provide information to the user. In such embodiments, the user interface and / or human machine interface may be on the control system 122 itself or may be at a location remote from the control system 122.

[0039] In various embodiments, the control system 122 may receive gamma radiation data from the at least one detector 120 of the measuring device 104 and analyze the gamma radiation data to determine composition information of the metal scrap 101, such as but not limited to a presence and / or amount of one or more elements in the metal scrap 101. In some examples, the control system 122 may determine composition information of a plurality of elements. Elements detected and analyzed by the control system 122 may include, but are not limited to, aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), combinations thereof, and / or other elements as desired.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as but not limited to embodiments where the metal scrap 101 is a mixture of aluminum scrap from different series (e.g., the metal scrap 101 includes 3xxx series aluminum alloys and 5xxx series aluminum alloys), the control system 122 may sort the metal scrap based on aluminum alloy series. In such embodiments, the control system 122 may determine that the metal scrap is within a particular series based on one or more elements being within thresholds or content limits for the series. As non-limiting examples, the control system 122 may determine that metal scrap is a 3xxx series aluminum alloy based ondetected Mn content, a 5xxx series aluminum alloy based on detected Mg content, or a 6xxx series aluminum alloy based on detected Mg and Si content.

[0041] In various embodiments, the control system 122 may assign the metal scrap a class of a plurality of predetermined classes of a particular aluminum alloy series based on the determined composition information. In some embodiments, the control system 122 may assign the metal scrap a class in embodiments where the metal scrap 101 is of a known series and / or after assigning the metal scrap 101 a series. In these embodiments, each class may correspond to a range content or amount (e.g., by percent weight) of one or more elements. The different classes optionally may correspond with a quality of the metal scrap 101 and / or suitable recycling uses as defined by the content or amount of one or more elements. As a nonlimiting example, metal scrap 101 of a particular aluminum alloy series may have a “low” or “poor” quality when an amount of a particular element is within a first range or a “high” or “best” quality when the amount of the particular element is within a second range.

[0042] As a non-limiting example, the plurality of predetermined classes may include a first class, a second class, and a third class, and the first class is metal scrap of a particular series having a range from 0 to 0.2 % weight of the element, the second class is metal scrap of a particular series having a range from greater than 0.2% weight to 0.5% weight of the element, and the third class is metal scrap of a particular series having greater than 0.5% weight of the element. These ranges should not be considered limiting, and various other ranges may be utilized by the control system 122 to define different classes, including less than or more than three classes..

[0043] As a further specific (but non-limiting) example of assigning metal scrap 101 a class, the control system 122 may receive an indication and / or determine that the metal scrap 101 is a 5xxx series aluminum alloy (e.g., by detecting Mg, optionally within general content limits). The control system 122 may further assign the metal scrap 101 to be a first class of 5xxx series aluminum alloys based on the detected Mg being present in the range from greater than 0% weight to 0.2% weight, a second class of 5xxx series aluminum alloys based on the detected Mg being present in the range from greater than 0.2% weight to 0.5% weight, or a third class of 5xxx series aluminum alloys based on the detected Mg being present in an amount greater than 0.5% weight. In other embodiments, the control system 122 may similarly assign metal scrap 101 various classes of 3xxx series aluminum alloys, 6xxx series aluminum alloys, and / or other series aluminum alloys as desired.

[0044] Referring back to FIG. 1, after the metal scrap 101 is assigned a series and / or a class within a series, the sorting system 106 may sort and / or receive the metal scrap 101 based onthe analysis by the measuring device 104 and direct the metal scrap 101 to desired locations, systems, etc. As non-limiting examples, the sorting system 106 may sort and / or transport the metal scrap 101 to a supply or storage of similar series aluminum alloys and / or similar class of series of aluminum alloy. The sorting system 106 may be various suitable devices and / or systems for transporting the metal scrap 101, including but not limited to devices and / or systems similar to the transport system 102.

[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a system 700 for sorting and analyzing metal scrap 101. The system 700 is substantially similar to the system 100 except that the measuring device 104 (and / or the at least one neutron generator 118 and the at least one detector 120) is integrated with the transport system 102. The measuring device 104 and / or the neutron generator 118 and at least one detector 120 may be integrated into the transport system 102 using various methods or techniques as desired, including techniques where the measuring device 104 and / or the neutron generator 118 and at least one detector 120 are permanently integrated with the transport system 102 or removable from the transport system 102. Compared to the system 100, the system 700 may analyze the metal scrap 101 during transport of the metal scrap 101. Analyzing the metal scrap 101 during transport with the integrated measuring device 104 may facilitate processing and handling of the metal scrap 101.

[0046] FIGS. 8-12 illustrate non-limiting examples of the system 700 with the integrated neutron generator 118 and detector 120 for neutron activation analysis. FIG. 8 illustrates the neutron generator 118 and the detector 120 integrated into the fork truck 108. FIG. 9 illustrates the neutron generator 118 and the detector 120 integrated into the conveyor 110. FIG. 10 illustrates the neutron generator 118 and the detector 120 integrated into the crane 112. FIG.11 illustrates the neutron generator 118 and the detector 120 integrated into the AGV 114. FIG.12 illustrates the neutron generator 118 and the detector 120 integrated into the robotic arm 116. In other embodiments, the neutron generator 118 and detector 120 may be integrated into other transport systems 102 as desired. The number of neutron generators 118 and detectors 120 integrated with a particular transport system 102 should not be considered limiting. Similarly, the particular location at which the neutron generator 118 and / or the detector 120 is integrated into the transport system 102 should not be considered limiting, and the neutron generator 118 and / or the detector 120 may be provided at various locations on the transport system 102 as desired.

[0047] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary method of sorting and analyzing the metal scrap 101 using the systems 100, 700 described herein.

[0048] In a block 1302, the method includes receiving the metal scrap 101 of an aluminum alloy. As non-limiting examples, block 1302 may include receiving 3xxx series aluminum alloy metal scrap, 5xxx series aluminum alloy metal scrap, and / or 6xxx series aluminum scrap.

[0049] In a block 1304, the method includes analyzing the metal scrap 101 with the measuring device 104 and / or the neutron generator 118 and detector 120. In certain embodiments, block 1304 includes irradiating the metal scrap 101 with neutrons and detecting gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap 101 as a result of the neutron irradiation. Block 1304 may include determining composition information of the metal scrap based on the gamma radiation, such as but not limited to content or an amount of one or more elements. In some non-limiting examples, block 1304 may include detecting elements such as but not limited to Al, Si, Mn, Cu, Mg, Fe, and / or Zn. In some embodiments, block 1302 may include analyzing the metal scrap 101 separate from transport of the metal scrap 101, as illustrated in FIG. 1 with system100. In other embodiments, block 1302 may be performed during transport of the metal scrap101, as illustrated in FIG. 7 with system 700.

[0050] In a block 1306, the method includes assigning the metal scrap 101 a class of a plurality of predetermined classes for the aluminum alloy series based on the determined composition information. In some embodiments, each class of the plurality of predetermined classes includes a range of percent weights for one or more elements, and block 1306 includes assigning the class based on the determined composition falling within the range of a particular class. As a non-limiting example, block 1306 may include assigning metal scrap 101 of 6xxx series aluminum alloy to be a first class of 6xxx series aluminum alloys based on the detected Si being present in the range from greater than 0% weight to 0.2% weight, a second class of 6xxx series aluminum alloys based on the detected Si being present in the range from greater than 0.2% weight to 0.5% weight, or a third class of 6xxx series aluminum alloys based on the detected Si being present in an amount greater than 0.5% weight. As another example, block 1306 may include identifying the series aluminum alloy of the metal scrap 101 based on the determined composition information if the metal scrap was mixed or unknown before the analysis.

[0051] In a block 1308, the method includes sorting and / or directing the metal scrap 101 to a desired location or system based on the class assigned in block 1306. Block 1308 may include sorting the metal scrap 101 using the sorting system 106.

[0052] A collection of exemplary embodiments are provided below, including at least some explicitly enumerated as “Illustrations” providing additional description of a variety of example embodiments in accordance with the concepts described herein. These illustrations are notmeant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive; and the disclosure not limited to these example illustrations but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

[0053] Illustration 1. A method for sorting metal scrap, the method comprising: receiving metal scrap of an aluminum alloy; determining composition information of the metal scrap based on gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap as a result of neutron irradiation; assigning the metal scrap to a class of a plurality of predetermined classes of the aluminum alloy based on the determined composition information; and sorting the metal scrap based on the assigned class.

[0054] Illustration 2. The method of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the aluminum alloy of the metal scrap comprises a 3xxx series aluminum alloy, a 5xxx series aluminum alloy, or a 6xxx series aluminum alloy.

[0055] Illustration 3. The method of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the composition information comprises a percent weight of an element, and wherein each class of the plurality of predetermined classes comprises a range of percent weights of the element.

[0056] Illustration 4. The method of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the plurality of predetermined classes comprises a first class, a second class, and a third class, wherein the first class comprises a range from 0 to 0.2 % weight of the element, wherein the second class comprises a range from greater than 0.2% weight to 0.5% weight of the element, and wherein the third class comprises a greater than 0.5% weight of the element.

[0057] Illustration 5. The method of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the element comprises silicon, magnesium, copper, or iron.

[0058] Illustration 6. A system for sorting metal scrap, the system comprising: a measuring device configured to irradiate metal scrap of an aluminum alloy and detect gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap due to the irradiation; and a control system operatively coupled to the measuring device, wherein the control system is configured to: determine composition information of the metal scrap based on the detected gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap as a result of irradiation; and assign the metal scrap one class of a plurality of predetermined classes of the aluminum alloy based on the determined composition information.

[0059] Illustration 7. The system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the control system is further configured to sort the metal scrap based on the assigned class.

[0060] Illustration 8. A system for sorting metal scrap, the system comprising: a measuring device configured to irradiate metal scrap of an aluminum alloy and detect gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap due to the irradiation; and a transport system configured to transport the metal scrap to the measuring device, wherein the transport system comprises at least one of an automated guided vehicle (AGV), a robotic arm, a crane, or a fork truck.

[0061] Illustration 9. The system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the transport system comprises the AGV.

[0062] Illustration 10. The system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the transport system comprises the robotic arm.

[0063] Illustration 11. The system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the transport system comprises the crane.

[0064] Illustration 12. The system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the transport system comprises the fork truck.

[0065] Illustration 13. The system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, further comprising a control system operatively coupled to the measuring device, wherein the control system is configured to: determine composition information of the metal scrap based on the detected gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap as a result of irradiation; assign the metal scrap one class of a plurality of predetermined classes of the aluminum alloy based on the determined composition information; and sort the metal scrap based on the assigned class.

[0066] Illustration 14. A system for sorting metal scrap, the system comprising: a transport system configured to transport metal scrap, wherein the transport system comprises a measuring device integrated into the transport system and configured to irradiate metal scrap of an aluminum alloy and detect gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap due to the irradiation during transport of the metal scrap by the transport system.

[0067] Illustration 15. The system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the transport system comprises a robotic arm, and wherein the measuring device is integrated with the robotic arm.

[0068] Illustration 16. The system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the transport system comprises an automated guided vehicle (AGV), and wherein the measuring device is integrated with the AGV.

[0069] Illustration 17. The system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the transport system comprises a crane, and wherein the measuring device is integrated with the crane.

[0070] Illustration 18. The system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the transport system comprises a fork truck, and wherein the measuring device is integrated with the fork truck.

[0071] Illustration 19. The system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the transport system comprises a conveyor, and wherein the measuring device is integrated with the conveyor.

[0072] Illustration 20. A method comprising transporting loose metal scrap of an aluminum alloy and irradiating the metal scrap and detecting gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap due to the irradiation while the metal scrap is being transported.

[0073] Illustration 21. The method of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein transport the loose metal scrap comprises transport using an automated guided vehicle, a crane, a robotic arm, a fork truck, or a conveyor.

[0074] Illustration 22. A method for sorting metal scrap, the method comprising: receiving metal scrap of an aluminum alloy series; determining composition information of the metal scrap based on gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap as a result of neutron irradiation; and assigning the metal scrap to a quality class of a plurality of predetermined quality classes of the aluminum alloy series based on the determined composition information.

[0075] Illustration 23. The method of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, further comprising sorting the metal scrap based on the assigned quality class.

[0076] As used herein, the terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention,” and “the present invention” are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent application and the claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below.

[0077] In this description, reference is made to alloys identified by AA numbers and other related designations, such as “series” or “5xxx.” For an understanding of the number designation system most commonly used in naming and identifying aluminum and its alloys, see “International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum Alloys” or “Registration Record of Aluminum AssociationAlloy Designations and Chemical Compositions Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot,” both published by The Aluminum Association.

[0078] As used herein, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0079] The subject matter of embodiments of the present disclosure is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “front,” and “back,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing.

[0080] The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention, and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0081] The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described embodiments, nor the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMSThat which is claimed:

1. A method for sorting metal scrap, the method comprising: receiving metal scrap of an aluminum alloy; determining composition information of the metal scrap based on gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap as a result of neutron irradiation; assigning the metal scrap to a class of a plurality of predetermined classes of the aluminum alloy based on the determined composition information; and sorting the metal scrap based on the assigned class.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy of the metal scrap comprises a 3xxx series aluminum alloy, a 5xxx series aluminum alloy, or a 6xxx series aluminum alloy.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition information comprises a percent weight of an element, and wherein each class of the plurality of predetermined classes comprises a range of percent weights of the element.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the plurality of predetermined classes comprises a first class, a second class, and a third class, wherein the first class comprises a range from 0 to 0.2 % weight of the element, wherein the second class comprises a range from greater than 0.2% weight to 0.5% weight of the element, and wherein the third class comprises a greater than 0.5% weight of the element.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the element comprises silicon, manganese, magnesium, copper, zinc, or iron.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the metal scrap and determining composition information comprises transporting the metal scrap of an aluminum alloy as loose metal scrap and irradiating the metal scrap and detecting gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap due to the irradiation while the metal scrap is being transported.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein transporting of the metal scrap comprises transporting using an automated guided vehicle, a crane, a robotic arm, a fork truck, or a conveyor.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of predetermined classes are a plurality of predetermined quality classes.

9. A system for sorting metal scrap, the system comprising: a measuring device configured to irradiate metal scrap of an aluminum alloy and detect gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap due to the irradiation; and a transport system configured to transport the metal scrap to the measuring device, wherein the transport system comprises at least one of an automated guided vehicle (AGV), a robotic arm, a conveyor, a crane, or a fork truck.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the transport system comprises the robotic arm.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the transport system comprises the crane.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the transport system comprises the fork truck.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the transport system comprises the AGV.

14. The system of claim 9, further comprising a control system operatively coupled to the measuring device, wherein the control system is configured to: determine composition information of the metal scrap based on the detected gamma radiation emitted by the metal scrap as a result of irradiation; assign the metal scrap one class of a plurality of predetermined classes of the aluminum alloy based on the determined composition information; and sort the metal scrap based on the assigned class.

15. A system for sorting metal scrap, the system comprising: a transport system configured to transport metal scrap, wherein the transport system comprises a measuring device integrated into the transport system and configured to irradiate metal scrap of an aluminum alloy and detect gammaradiation emitted by the metal scrap due to the irradiation during transport of the metal scrap by the transport system.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the transport system comprises a robotic arm, and wherein the measuring device is integrated with the robotic arm.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the transport system comprises an automated guided vehicle (AGV), and wherein the measuring device is integrated with the AGV.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the transport system comprises a crane, and wherein the measuring device is integrated with the crane.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the transport system comprises a fork truck, and wherein the measuring device is integrated with the fork truck.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the transport system comprises a conveyor, and wherein the measuring device is integrated with the conveyor.

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