AI and Spectroscopic Aluminum Alloy Sorting for Zorba Scrap

The patent combines multiple sensing technologies (XRF, LIBS, and vision systems) into a single integrated sorting system. The XRF sensor detects chemical composition, the LIBS sensor analyzes alloy composition through laser ablation, and vision systems track material position and characteristics. This merging of multiple sensing principles enables high-precision classification of aluminum alloys while maintaining a unified system architecture that processes all inputs through a central controller to determine sort commands.

The sorting system performs automated self-service by using sensors and controllers to independently identify, classify, and sort aluminum alloys without human intervention. The system automatically processes each piece of scrap aluminum through multiple sensors, makes real-time classification decisions based on detected composition and characteristics, and executes sort commands to divert materials to appropriate receptacles. This eliminates the need for manual sorting operations overseas while maintaining high purity standards through precise automated detection and classification.

The sorting system maintains continuous operation by processing scrap aluminum pieces in a steady stream without interruption. Multiple sensors operate simultaneously and continuously to detect composition, characteristics, and position of each piece. The controller continuously makes classification decisions and executes sort commands as materials pass through the system. This continuous operation ensures both high purity through consistent accurate detection and high productivity through uninterrupted processing, eliminating the trade-off between speed and quality.