Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Sensor Fusion for Contaminant Detection and Removal From Plastics Recycle Streams
EPA Contract Number: 68D00254Title: Sensor Fusion for Contaminant Detection and Removal From Plastics Recycle Streams
Investigators: Sommer, Edward J.
Small Business: National Recovery Technologies Inc.
EPA Contact:
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 2000 through March 1, 2001
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2000) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , SBIR - Waste , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
The objective of the Phase I research project was to use highly sensitive magnetic sensing technologies to develop a high-sensitivity metals detection technology that could be integrated into the National Recovery Technologies, Inc. (NRT) FlakeSort? channelized sorting system for purifying polymer flake.Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
The thrust of the Phase I research effort was directed toward evaluating sensor approaches that are capable of sensing small, nonferrous particles down to 1 mm in size and that can be integrated into the existing NRT FlakeSort? system. Feasibility was established for utilizing innovative magnetic sensor technology to sense small changes in an alternating magnetic field for identification of the presence of small nonferrous metals in the polymer stream. Feasibility also was established for implementing sorting routines with the newly developed NRT OPC Server platform and with individual analog electronic circuits, along with utilizing a shared mechanical platform and ejection apparatus with the NRT FlakeSort? system for removal of both contaminant nonferrous metal and contaminant polymer in the polymer flake stream.Conclusions:
The Phase I project has led to the determination that innovative magnetic sensing technologies can be developed for the identification and sorting of small nonferrous particles from a stream of recycled polymer flake. The technology is low cost and is expected to be effective for particle sizes down to 1 mm. Furthermore, the new metals sensing technology can be readily fused with the existing FlakeSort? system to simultaneously remove contaminant polymer and contaminant nonferrous metals from the stream of recycled plastic flake.Supplemental Keywords:
FlakeSort?, nonferrous metals, OPC Server, magnetic sensing., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Waste, Sustainable Industry/Business, Chemical Engineering, Municipal, Sustainable Environment, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Environmental Chemistry, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Chemistry and Materials Science, Environmental Engineering, municipal waste plastics, waste recycling, complex waste plastics particle mixtures, recycling, plastic, plasticsThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.