EP1647337B1 - Apparatus and method for sorting articles - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for sorting articles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1647337B1
EP1647337B1 EP05022662A EP05022662A EP1647337B1 EP 1647337 B1 EP1647337 B1 EP 1647337B1 EP 05022662 A EP05022662 A EP 05022662A EP 05022662 A EP05022662 A EP 05022662A EP 1647337 B1 EP1647337 B1 EP 1647337B1
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European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
piece goods
sorting
characteristic
radiation
conveyor belt
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EP05022662A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1647337A1 (en
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Peter Gantze
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Mami Modern Allround Management International
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Mami Modern Allround Management International
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
    • B07C5/34—Sorting according to other particular properties
    • B07C5/346—Sorting according to other particular properties according to radioactive properties

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a sorting device and a sorting method for piece goods, which is introduced via a conveyor belt or the like, wherein the cargo is exposed to X-radiation and emitted from the cargo emission spectrum is measured, the measurement on one or a few characteristic X-ray emission lines of a predetermined chemical element in the cargo is limited and wherein a sorting process is controlled on the basis of the measurement signal.
  • a sorting system for various types of waste paper which supplies the paper pieces with a conveyor belt of an irradiation device.
  • This has two radiation sources, as well as a detector which detects the radiation emanating from the sample.
  • the radiation source both visible light, infrared radiation and X-rays can be used.
  • the detector may be a simple camera, but also a device with which the wavelength of the emitted measuring radiation can be detected.
  • an air nozzle is actuated with which the piece goods are conveyed into different containers.
  • a separator for waste including polyester and PVC
  • an electromagnetic radiation source such as an X-ray tube
  • absorption values and penetration depths of the radiation used in the different materials are known, which has an electromagnetic radiation source, such as an X-ray tube, and based on different absorption values and penetration depths of the radiation used in the different materials.
  • the object of the invention is, starting from known sorting and sorting devices to propose improvements that allow sorting material with very similar values for material density or similar penetration depth for the ionizing radiation used safely separated even at a rapid throughput, the analysis effort should be kept low ,
  • This object is achieved in accordance with the invention in that the radiation intensity of the characteristic X-ray emission lines is detected with a single-channel measurement and an analog measurement signal derived therefrom, that a reference measured value in the emission spectrum outside the energy range of the characteristic X-ray emission line is detected with a single-channel measurement and then an analog Reference signal is derived that the measurement signal is normalized by means of the reference signal, and that on the basis of a predetermined threshold value of the normalized measurement signal, the sorting process is initiated.
  • the advantage is that no X-ray fluorescence analysis and comparison with reference spectra has to be performed since the sorting process is based on the measurement of only a characteristic X-ray emission line and a reference signal whose intensities are each detected with a single-channel measurement.
  • the reference signal is obtained in the region of the anode radiation.
  • a sorting device is characterized in that the energy-dispersive detector is followed by a single-channel analyzer, which is set to a characteristic X-ray emission line of a predetermined chemical element in the piece goods, that the detector is followed by a further single-channel analyzer, which on an area outside Energy range of the characteristic X-ray emission line is set, the analog reference signal is used to normalize the measurement signal, wherein the normalized measurement signal optionally controls the sorting device via a control and evaluation.
  • a linear sequence of detectors and x-ray sources is provided, which is arranged transversely or obliquely with respect to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt.
  • sorting device for general cargo 1 has a conveyor not shown with a conveyor belt 2, with which the cargo 1 is moved in the direction of movement 3.
  • the conveyor belt 2 is an X-ray source 4 for exciting the piece goods 1 with X-rays, as well as a detection device 5 for detecting the emitted from the piece goods 1 measuring radiation assigned.
  • the detection device 5 has at least one energy-dispersive detector 5 ', which is followed by a single-channel analyzer 6 is set to a characteristic X-ray emission line of a predetermined chemical element in the piece goods 1.
  • the analogue output signal of the single-channel analyzer 6 is fed either directly or via a control and evaluation device 7 to a sorting device 8.
  • the sorting device 8 has a drive 9 for a pivotable flap 10, so that upon reaching a predetermined threshold in the analog measurement signal the sorting process can be triggered.
  • a drive 9 for a pivotable flap 10 so that upon reaching a predetermined threshold in the analog measurement signal the sorting process can be triggered.
  • other known sorting devices can be used, for example, air nozzles, which are controlled by the signal of the control and evaluation device 7.
  • the energy-dispersive detector 5 ' is followed by at least one further single-channel analyzer 11, which is set to a region outside the energy range of the characteristic X-ray emission line whose analog reference signal is used to normalize the measurement signal.
  • a ratio signal can be formed in the control and evaluation unit 7 from the measurement signal and the reference signal.
  • the output signal of the detector 5 ' is fed via a preamplifier 12 to a discriminator circuit, which in the example illustrated decomposes the fluorescence spectrum into six energy windows.
  • a discriminator circuit which in the example illustrated decomposes the fluorescence spectrum into six energy windows.
  • One of the single-channel measurements takes place in the area of the CI emission line, others in the area of the flanks or the top of the Fe line.
  • the single-channel measurements outside the Cl line are used to standardize the measurement signal.
  • Fig. 3 shows a section of the sorting device transverse to the width b of the conveyor belt 2, wherein in a linear sequence detectors 5 'and x-ray sources 4 are arranged so that the cargo 1 on the conveyor belt 2 with low radiation exposure to the environment as homogeneously as possible be exposed to X-rays.
  • Fig. 4 is shown as a measurement example, the measurement of a vinyl-plastic bottle containing chlorine.
  • the bottle In the field of view of the detector field, the bottle generates a Cl signal whose signal height depends on the distance between the measuring spot on the bottle and the detectors, as well as on the different thickness of the material in the neck and bottom area.
  • a PET plastic bottle would not generate a signal, so that a sorting process can be initiated due to the analog measurement signal from the detectors.
  • Fig. 5 is a fluorescence spectrum of a sample with chlorine, as well as a sample without chlorine, where on the x-axis, the energy is plotted in keV.
  • the chlorine K ⁇ line is clearly recognizable at 2.6 keV, which is absent in the sample without chlorine (solid line).
  • the peak to the right of the chlorine line comes from the Bremsstrahlung of the X-ray tube.

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  • Analysing Materials By The Use Of Radiation (AREA)
  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Discharge Of Articles From Conveyors (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A loose goods (1) sorting unit has an energy dispersive detector (5) unit (5) with single channel analyser (6) set to the characteristic X ray (4) emission line of a chemical element in the part and producing an analogue signal to control (7) the sorter (8) by comparison with a reference channel (11).

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Sortiervorrichtung und ein Sortierverfahren für Stückgut, welches über ein Förderband oder dergleichen herangeführt wird, wobei das Stückgut mit Röntgenstrahlung beaufschlagt und das vom Stückgut ausgehende Emissionsspektrum gemessen wird, wobei die Messung auf eine oder wenige charakteristische Röntgenemissionslinien eines vorbestimmten chemischen Elementes im Stückgut beschränkt wird und wobei auf der Basis des Messsignals ein Sortiervorgang gesteuert wird.The invention relates to a sorting device and a sorting method for piece goods, which is introduced via a conveyor belt or the like, wherein the cargo is exposed to X-radiation and emitted from the cargo emission spectrum is measured, the measurement on one or a few characteristic X-ray emission lines of a predetermined chemical element in the cargo is limited and wherein a sorting process is controlled on the basis of the measurement signal.

Aus der US 6,506,991 B1 ist beispielsweise eine Sortieranlage für verschiedene Arten von Altpapier bekannt, welche die Papierstücke mit einem Förderband einer Bestrahlungseinrichtung zuführt. Diese weist zwei Strahlungsquellen, sowie einen Detektor auf, welcher die von der Probe ausgehende Strahlung detektiert. Für die Strahlungsquelle kann sowohl sichtbares Licht, Infrarotstrahlung als auch Röntgenstrahlung verwendet werden kann. Abgestimmt auf die Strahlungsquelle kann der Detektor eine einfache Kamera sein, jedoch auch eine Einrichtung, mit welcher die Wellenlänge der emittierten Messstrahlung erfasst werden kann. In Abhängigkeit des von der Analyseeinrichtung erfassten Messsignals wird beispielsweise eine Luftdüse angesteuert, mit welcher das Stückgut in unterschiedliche Behälter befördert wird.From the US Pat. No. 6,506,991 B1 For example, a sorting system for various types of waste paper is known, which supplies the paper pieces with a conveyor belt of an irradiation device. This has two radiation sources, as well as a detector which detects the radiation emanating from the sample. For the radiation source both visible light, infrared radiation and X-rays can be used. Tuned to the radiation source, the detector may be a simple camera, but also a device with which the wavelength of the emitted measuring radiation can be detected. Depending on the measurement signal detected by the analysis device, for example, an air nozzle is actuated with which the piece goods are conveyed into different containers.

Weiters ist aus der US 3,872,306 eine Sortieranlage für Feldfrüchte bekannt, mit welcher beispielsweise Kartoffeln von Steinen und andere Verunreinigungen separiert werden können. Die Mischung aus Steinen, Feldfrüchten und Erde wird einem Schacht zugeführt, in welchem diese das Strahlungsfeld einer Strahlungsquelle (z.B. Röntgenstrahlung) durchsetz. Die unterschiedliche Abschwächung der Ausgangsstrahlung aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Materialdichten wird gemessen und als Steuersignal für Ablenkelemente verwendet, die die Steine und Verunreinigungen aussortieren. Das Sortierverfahren eignet sich nur für Stückgut mit genügend unterschiedlicher Materialdichte bzw. für Materialien mit unterscheidbaren Absorptionskoeffizienten für die verwendete Strahlung.Furthermore, is from the US 3,872,306 a sorting plant for crops known, with which, for example, potatoes from stones and other impurities can be separated. The mixture of stones, crops and soil is fed to a shaft in which it passes through the radiation field of a radiation source (eg X-radiation). The different attenuation of the output radiation due to the different material densities is measured and used as a control signal for deflecting elements, which sort out the stones and impurities. The sorting method is suitable only for piece goods with sufficiently different material density or for materials with distinguishable absorption coefficients for the radiation used.

Aus der US 5,339,962 ist ein Separator für Abfälle (u.a. Polyester und PVC) bekannt, welcher eine elektromagnetische Strahlungsquelle, beispielsweise eine Röntgenröhre, aufweist und auf unterschiedlichen Absorptionswerten und Eindringtiefen der verwendeten Strahlung in den unterschiedlichen Materialien basiert.From the US 5,339,962 a separator for waste (including polyester and PVC) is known, which has an electromagnetic radiation source, such as an X-ray tube, and based on different absorption values and penetration depths of the radiation used in the different materials.

Aus der US 6,266,390 B1 ist ein Sortierverfahren für Stückgut bekannt, welches über ein Förderband herangeführt wird, wobei das Stückgut mit Röntgenstrahlung beaufschlagt und das vom Stückgut ausgehende Emissionsspektrum gemessen wird. Basierend auf dem Messsignal eines Detektors, der das Emissionsspektrum erfasst, werden über eine Prozessoreinheit Luftdüsen, die längs des Förderbandes angeordnet sind, aktiviert und ein Sortiervorgang in einzelne Auffangbehälter eingeleitet. Wie insbesondere anhand der Fig. 7a und 7b dargelegt, werden die Emissionslinien eines definierten Energiebereiches mit abgespeicherten Referenzspektren verglichen. Der Aufwand bei der Signalauswertung ist dadurch relativ groß, da jeweils ein Vergleich des aktuell gemessenen Spektrums mit abgespeicherten Referenzspektren durchgeführt werden muss, was den Materialdurchsatz der Anlage verlangsamt.From the US 6,266,390 B1 is a sorting method for general cargo is known, which is introduced via a conveyor belt, wherein the piece goods are exposed to X-rays and the emanating from the cargo emission spectrum is measured. Based on the measuring signal of a detector which detects the emission spectrum, air nozzles, which are arranged along the conveyor belt, are activated via a processor unit and a sorting process is introduced into individual collecting containers. As explained in particular with reference to FIGS. 7a and 7b, the emission lines of a defined energy range are compared with stored reference spectra. The effort in the signal evaluation is therefore relatively large, since in each case a comparison of the currently measured spectrum with stored reference spectra must be performed, which slows down the material throughput of the system.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ausgehend von bekannten Sortierverfahren und Sortiervorrichtungen Verbesserungen vorzuschlagen, die es erlauben Sortiergut mit sehr ähnlichen Werten für die Materialdichte bzw. ähnlicher Eindringtiefe für die verwendete ionisierende Strahlung auch bei raschem Durchsatz sicher zu trennen, wobei der Analysenaufwand gering gehalten werden soll.The object of the invention is, starting from known sorting and sorting devices to propose improvements that allow sorting material with very similar values for material density or similar penetration depth for the ionizing radiation used safely separated even at a rapid throughput, the analysis effort should be kept low ,

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, dass die Strahlungsintensität der charakteristischen Röntgenemissionslinien mit einer Einkanal-Messung erfasst und daraus ein analoges Messsignal abgeleitet wird, dass ein Referenzmesswert im Emissionsspektrum außerhalb des Energiebereiches der charakteristischen Röntgenemissionslinie mit einer Einkanal-Messung erfasst wird und daraus indest ein analoges Referenzsignal abgeleitet wird, dass das Messsignal mit Hilfe des Referenzsignals normiert wird, und dass auf der Basis eines vorgegebenen Schwellwertes des normierten Messsignals der Sortiervorgang eingeleitet wird. Der Vorteil besteht darin, dass keine Röntgenfluoreszenzanalyse und ein Vergleich mit Referenzspektren durchgeführt werden muss, da der Sortiervorgang auf der Messung nur einer charakteristische Röntgenemissionslinie und einem Referenzsignal basiert, deren Intensitäten jeweils mit einer Einkanal-Messung erfasst werden. Bei der Trennung von PET-Flaschen und Vinylflaschen genügt z.B. die Messung der Intensität der Cl Kα-Linie und eine Messung außerhalb dieses Energiebereichs um ein eindeutiges Sortiersignal gewinnen zu können.This object is achieved in accordance with the invention in that the radiation intensity of the characteristic X-ray emission lines is detected with a single-channel measurement and an analog measurement signal derived therefrom, that a reference measured value in the emission spectrum outside the energy range of the characteristic X-ray emission line is detected with a single-channel measurement and then an analog Reference signal is derived that the measurement signal is normalized by means of the reference signal, and that on the basis of a predetermined threshold value of the normalized measurement signal, the sorting process is initiated. The advantage is that no X-ray fluorescence analysis and comparison with reference spectra has to be performed since the sorting process is based on the measurement of only a characteristic X-ray emission line and a reference signal whose intensities are each detected with a single-channel measurement. When separating PET bottles and vinyl bottles, it is sufficient, for example, to measure the intensity of the Cl Kα line and to measure outside this energy range in order to obtain a clear sorting signal.

Von Vorteil ist es, wenn dass das Referenzsignal im Bereich der Anodenstrahlung gewonnen wird.It is advantageous if the reference signal is obtained in the region of the anode radiation.

Eine erfindungsgemäße Sortiervorrichtung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass dem energiedispersiven Detektor ein Einkanal-Analysator nachgeschaltet ist, welcher auf eine charakteristische Röntgenemissionslinie eines vorbestimmten chemischen Elementes im Stückgut eingestellt ist, dass dem Detektor ein weiterer Einkanal-Analysator nachgeschaltet ist, welcher auf einen Bereich außerhalb des Energiebereiches der charakteristischen Röntgenemissionslinie eingestellt ist, dessen analoges Referenzsignal zur Normierung des Messsignals dient, wobei das normierte Messsignal ggf. über eine Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung die Sortiereinrichtung ansteuert.A sorting device according to the invention is characterized in that the energy-dispersive detector is followed by a single-channel analyzer, which is set to a characteristic X-ray emission line of a predetermined chemical element in the piece goods, that the detector is followed by a further single-channel analyzer, which on an area outside Energy range of the characteristic X-ray emission line is set, the analog reference signal is used to normalize the measurement signal, wherein the normalized measurement signal optionally controls the sorting device via a control and evaluation.

Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der erfindungsgemäßen Sortiervorrichtung ist eine lineare Abfolge von Detektoren und Röntgenquellen vorgesehen, welche quer bzw. schräg in Bezug auf die Bewegungsrichtung des Förderbandes angeordnet ist.According to an advantageous development of the sorting device according to the invention, a linear sequence of detectors and x-ray sources is provided, which is arranged transversely or obliquely with respect to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand von schematischen Darstellungen und Diagrammen näher erläutert. Es zeigen

Fig. 1
eine erfindungsgemäße Sortiervorrichtung für Stückgut,
Fig. 2
ein Detail aus Fig. 1 in schematischer Darstellung,
Fig. 3
eine Variante der erfindungsgemäßen Sortiervorrichtung in eine Ansicht quer zum Förderband,
Fig. 4
das Diagramm eines Messergebnisses, wobei der Chlorgehalt ei- ner Probe in Prozent über die Breite b des Förderbandes aufge- tragen ist,
Fig. 5
die Spektren von Proben mit und ohne Chlor, sowie
Fig. 6
ein Diagramm zur Ermittlung des Minimum Detection Levels (MDL) für Chlor.
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to schematic representations and diagrams. Show it
Fig. 1
an inventive sorting device for general cargo,
Fig. 2
a detail from Fig. 1 in a schematic representation,
Fig. 3
a variant of the sorting device according to the invention in a view transverse to the conveyor belt,
Fig. 4
the diagram of a measurement result, wherein the chlorine content of a sample is plotted as a percentage over the width b of the conveyor belt,
Fig. 5
the spectra of samples with and without chlorine, as well
Fig. 6
a diagram for determining the minimum detection level (MDL) for chlorine.

Die in Fig. 1 dargestellte Sortiervorrichtung für Stückgut 1 weist eine nicht weiter dargestellte Fördereinrichtung mit einem Förderband 2 auf, mit welchem das Stückgut 1 in Bewegungsrichtung 3 herangeführt wird. Dem Förderband 2 ist eine Röntgenquelle 4 zur Anregung des Stückgutes 1 mit Röntgenstrahlung, sowie eine Detektionseinrichtung 5 zur Erfassung der vom Stückgut 1 ausgehenden Messstrahlung zugeordnet. Die Detektionseinrichtung 5 weist zumindest einen energiedispersiven Detektor 5' auf, welchem ein Einkanalanalysator 6 nachgeschaltet ist, der auf eine charakteristische Röntgenemissionslinie eines vorbestimmten chemischen Elementes im Stückgut 1 eingestellt ist. Das analoge Ausgangssignal des Einkanalanalysators 6 wird entweder direkt oder über eine Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 7 einer Sortiereinrichtung 8 zugeführt. Die Sortiereinrichtung 8 weist einen Antrieb 9 für eine verschwenkbare Klappe 10 auf, so dass bei Erreichen eines vorgegebenen Schwellwertes im analogen Messsignal der Sortiervorgang ausgelöst werden kann. Natürlich sind auch andere bekannte Sortiereinrichtungen einsetzbar, beispielsweise Luftdüsen, welche vom Signal der Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 7 angesteuert werden.In the Fig. 1 shown sorting device for general cargo 1 has a conveyor not shown with a conveyor belt 2, with which the cargo 1 is moved in the direction of movement 3. The conveyor belt 2 is an X-ray source 4 for exciting the piece goods 1 with X-rays, as well as a detection device 5 for detecting the emitted from the piece goods 1 measuring radiation assigned. The detection device 5 has at least one energy-dispersive detector 5 ', which is followed by a single-channel analyzer 6 is set to a characteristic X-ray emission line of a predetermined chemical element in the piece goods 1. The analogue output signal of the single-channel analyzer 6 is fed either directly or via a control and evaluation device 7 to a sorting device 8. The sorting device 8 has a drive 9 for a pivotable flap 10, so that upon reaching a predetermined threshold in the analog measurement signal the sorting process can be triggered. Of course, other known sorting devices can be used, for example, air nozzles, which are controlled by the signal of the control and evaluation device 7.

Gemäß Fig. 1 ist dem energiedispersiven Detektor 5' zumindest ein weiterer Einkanalanalysator 11 nachgeschaltet, welcher auf einen Bereich außerhalb des Energiebereiches der charakteristischen Röntgenemissionslinie eingestellt ist, dessen analoges Referenzsignal zur Normierung des Messsignals dient. Beispielsweise kann in der Steuer- und Auswerteeinheit 7 ein Verhältnissignal aus dem Messsignal und dem Referenzsignal gebildet werden.According to Fig. 1 the energy-dispersive detector 5 'is followed by at least one further single-channel analyzer 11, which is set to a region outside the energy range of the characteristic X-ray emission line whose analog reference signal is used to normalize the measurement signal. For example, a ratio signal can be formed in the control and evaluation unit 7 from the measurement signal and the reference signal.

Gemäß einer konkreten Ausführungsvariante (Fig. 2) wird das Ausgangssignal des Detektors 5' über einen Vorverstärker 12 einer Diskriminatorschaltung zugeführt, welche im dargestellten Beispiel das Fluoreszenzspektrum in sechs Energiefenster zerlegt. Eine der Einkanalmessungen erfolgt im Bereich der CI-Emissionslinie, andere im Bereich der Flanken oder der Spitze der Fe-Linie. Die Einkanalmessungen außerhalb der Cl-Linie dienen zur Normierung des Messsignals.According to a specific embodiment ( Fig. 2 ), the output signal of the detector 5 'is fed via a preamplifier 12 to a discriminator circuit, which in the example illustrated decomposes the fluorescence spectrum into six energy windows. One of the single-channel measurements takes place in the area of the CI emission line, others in the area of the flanks or the top of the Fe line. The single-channel measurements outside the Cl line are used to standardize the measurement signal.

Fig. 3 zeigt einen Ausschnitt der Sortiervorrichtung quer zur Breite b des Förderbandes 2, wobei in einer linearen Abfolge Detektoren 5' und Röntgenquellen 4 angeordnet sind, so dass das Stückgut 1 am Förderband 2 bei geringer Strahlenbelastung für die Umwelt möglichst homogen mit Röntgenstrahlung beaufschlagt werden kann. Fig. 3 shows a section of the sorting device transverse to the width b of the conveyor belt 2, wherein in a linear sequence detectors 5 'and x-ray sources 4 are arranged so that the cargo 1 on the conveyor belt 2 with low radiation exposure to the environment as homogeneously as possible be exposed to X-rays.

In Fig. 4 ist als Messbeispiel die Messung an eine Vinyl-Plastikflasche dargestellt, welche Chlor enthält. Im Sichtbereich des Detektorfeldes erzeugt die Flasche ein Cl-Signal, dessen Signalhöhe vom Abstand zwischen dem Messfleck auf der Flasche und den Detektoren, sowie von der unterschiedlichen Dicke des Materials im Hals- und Bodenbereich abhängt. Im Vergleich dazu würde eine PET-Plastikflasche kein Signal erzeugen, so dass aufgrund des analogen Messsignals der Detektoren ein Sortiervorgang eingeleitet werden kann.In Fig. 4 is shown as a measurement example, the measurement of a vinyl-plastic bottle containing chlorine. In the field of view of the detector field, the bottle generates a Cl signal whose signal height depends on the distance between the measuring spot on the bottle and the detectors, as well as on the different thickness of the material in the neck and bottom area. In comparison, a PET plastic bottle would not generate a signal, so that a sorting process can be initiated due to the analog measurement signal from the detectors.

In Fig. 5 ist ein Fluoreszenzspektrum einer Probe mit Chlor, sowie einer Probe ohne Chlor dargestellt, wobei auf der x-Achse die Energie in keV aufgetragen ist. Deutlich ist die Chlor Kα-Linie bei 2,6 keV erkennbar, welche bei der Probe ohne Chlor (durchgezogene Linie) fehlt. Der Peak rechts neben der Chlor-Linie stammt von der Bremsstrahlung der Röntgenröhre.In Fig. 5 is a fluorescence spectrum of a sample with chlorine, as well as a sample without chlorine, where on the x-axis, the energy is plotted in keV. The chlorine Kα line is clearly recognizable at 2.6 keV, which is absent in the sample without chlorine (solid line). The peak to the right of the chlorine line comes from the Bremsstrahlung of the X-ray tube.

Schließlich zeigt Fig. 6 das erreichbare Detektionslimit (Minimum Detection Level) für Chlor, wobei ein MDL von unter 1% erreicht werden kann.Finally shows Fig. 6 the attainable minimum detection level for chlorine, where MDL below 1% can be achieved.

Claims (6)

  1. A sorting method for piece goods (1) which are moved up via a conveyor belt (2) or the like, with the piece goods (1) being subjected to X-radiation and the emission spectrum emitted by the piece goods (1) being measured, with the measurement being limited to one or a few characteristic X-ray emission lines of a predetermined chemical element in the piece goods (1), and with a sorting process being controlled on the basis of the measuring signal, characterised in that the radiation intensity of the characteristic X-ray emission lines are detected with a single-channel measurement and an analogue measuring signal is derived therefrom, a reference measuring value in the emission spectrum outside of the energy range of the characteristic X-ray emission line is detected with a single-channel measurement and an analogue reference signal is derived therefrom, the measuring signal is normalized with the help of the reference value, and the sorting process is initiated on the basis of a predetermined threshold value of the normalized measuring signal.
  2. A sorting method according to claim 1, characterised in that the reference signal is gained in the range of anode radiation.
  3. A sorting method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the intensity of the Cl-Kα line is measured for determining chlorine in the piece goods (1).
  4. A sorting apparatus for piece goods (1), comprising a conveying device with a conveyor belt (2) for the piece goods (1), an X-ray source (4) associated with the conveyor belt (2) for excitation of the piece goods (1) with X-radiation, a detection device (5) for detecting the measuring radiation emitted by the piece goods (1), and a sorting device (8) controlled by the measuring signals of the detection device (5), with the detection device (5) comprising at least one energy-dispersive detector (5'), characterised in that a single-channel analyzer (6) is connected in outgoing circuit with the energy-dispersive detector (5'), which analyzer is set to a characteristic X-ray emission line of a predetermined chemical element in the piece goods (1), a further single-channel analyzer (11) is connected in outgoing circuit with the detector (5'), which further analyzer is set to a range outside of the energy range of the characteristic X-ray emission line, whose analogue reference signal is used for normalizing the measuring signal, with the normalized measuring signal triggering the sorting device (8) optionally via a control and evaluation device (7).
  5. A sorting apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that a linear sequence of detectors (5') and X-ray sources (4) is provided which is arranged transversally or inclined with respect to the direction of movement (3) of the conveyor belt (2).
  6. A sorting apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the single-channel analyzer (6) set to a characteristic X-ray emission line is set to the the Cl-Kα line.
EP05022662A 2004-10-18 2005-10-18 Apparatus and method for sorting articles Not-in-force EP1647337B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT05022662T ATE432777T1 (en) 2004-10-18 2005-10-18 SORTING DEVICE AND SORTING METHOD FOR PIECE GOODS

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT0174404A AT501020B8 (en) 2004-10-18 2004-10-18 SORTING DEVICE AND SORTING METHOD FOR PIECE GOODS

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EP1647337A1 EP1647337A1 (en) 2006-04-19
EP1647337B1 true EP1647337B1 (en) 2009-06-03

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DE102009057119A1 (en) 2009-12-08 2011-06-09 Titech Gmbh Apparatus and method for the separation of heavy, with undesirable compositions accumulating chunks
CN112007877B (en) * 2020-09-21 2024-04-30 中国兵器装备集团自动化研究所有限公司 On-line detection and separation system and method for radioactive pollutants

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US3356211A (en) * 1964-12-07 1967-12-05 Ted C Mathews Separation of ore particles preferentially coated with liquid fluorescent material
GB1431905A (en) * 1972-04-19 1976-04-14 Nat Res Dev Separating apparatus
US4136778A (en) * 1975-08-12 1979-01-30 Burlington Industries, Inc. Linen sorter
CA1242260A (en) * 1986-04-24 1988-09-20 Leonard Kelly Multisorting method and apparatus
GB2219394B (en) * 1988-05-06 1992-09-16 Gersan Ets Sensing a narrow frequency band of radiation and examining objects or zones
US5260576A (en) * 1990-10-29 1993-11-09 National Recovery Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for the separation of materials using penetrating electromagnetic radiation
GB2280956B (en) * 1991-02-20 1995-08-30 Gersan Ets Classifying or sorting
US5314072A (en) * 1992-09-02 1994-05-24 Rutgers, The State University Sorting plastic bottles for recycling
DE4433937A1 (en) * 1994-09-23 1996-03-28 Martin Dipl Ing Huonker Marking and detection of plastics, for sorting purposes
US6266390B1 (en) * 1998-09-21 2001-07-24 Spectramet, Llc High speed materials sorting using x-ray fluorescence
AT3418U1 (en) * 1999-04-30 2000-03-27 Waagner Biro Binder Aktiengese METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SORTING WASTE PAPER
US6765986B2 (en) * 2001-02-08 2004-07-20 Niton Corporation X-ray fluorescence analyzer

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EP1647337A1 (en) 2006-04-19
DE502005007395D1 (en) 2009-07-16
AT501020B8 (en) 2007-02-15
DE202005003566U1 (en) 2005-05-19
AT501020B1 (en) 2006-09-15
ATE432777T1 (en) 2009-06-15
AT501020A1 (en) 2006-05-15

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