Plastic Separation Using Delayed Luminescence for High-Purity Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic recycling methods are inefficient, costly, and time-consuming due to the inability to accurately separate different types and colors of plastics, leading to significant residual waste and environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing delayed luminescence sensors and a predictive algorithm to identify and separate plastics by type and color, combined with a Smart Multi-sensor technology, enabling rapid and accurate sorting of up to 99% of plastic elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If NIR separation technology is used to separate plastics, then separation accuracy is improved to 90%, but 10% of plastic cannot be detected and is disposed of as residual waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from near-infrared radiation to delayed luminescence emission. By measuring the delayed luminescence response of plastic particles after UV irradiation, the system achieves detection of plastic types that NIR cannot detect, reducing residual waste to minimal levels while maintaining high separation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/compressive air system (compressed air to shoot particles out) with an optical detection system based on delayed luminescence measurement. This substitution enables more comprehensive detection of plastic types and colors, improving both separation accuracy and reducing undetected residual waste.
2Reliability
If multiple separation steps are applied to separate different types of plastic, then separation completeness is improved, but process complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into distinct measurement phases: UV irradiation, delayed luminescence measurement, and spectral analysis. By dividing the separation process into these segmented steps with specific measurement windows, the system achieves complete separation of different plastic types and colors while managing process complexity through structured measurement sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection system that can identify multiple plastic types and colors simultaneously using delayed luminescence measurement. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple separate separation steps with a single integrated measurement process, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining separation completeness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic recycling is increased to reduce CO2 emissions, then environmental impact is improved, but current recycling processes are far from optimal and cause pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables plastic materials to serve themselves by measuring their own delayed luminescence response to UV irradiation. This self-characterization capability allows accurate identification of plastic types and colors without requiring complex external analysis systems, thereby improving recycling efficiency while reducing the pollution associated with suboptimal recycling processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and chemical separation methods with optical measurement based on delayed luminescence. This substitution reduces the pollution generated by conventional recycling processes while enabling more effective plastic recycling to reduce CO2 emissions, as the system can accurately sort plastics for optimal recycling applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves high-accuracy plastic separation, reducing waste volume, energy consumption, and labor costs while producing a purer end product, capable of processing large quantities of plastic per hour and contributing to reduced CO2 emissions.
Implementation Method 1
identifying a delayed luminescence response of an individual polymer element
Implementation Method 2
The method comprises irradiating a polymer material with UV light
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is in the field of a method of separating various types of polymers as well as colour separating said polymers. The method can also be used for separating various types of metal, for separating various types of textile, for separating various types of brick, or for separating various types of stone.