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Rapid Scrap Sorting by alloy type using handheld XRF

In most recycling facilities, the alloys of interest are sorted by chemical composition.  In local scrap yards, it may be as simple as separating various types of metal.  At larger facilities, the sorting may be into specific grades, or even separations within a given grade.  In many cases, scrap metal is priced based upon the minimum concentration of the valuable elements.  For example, SS 304 may be purchased assuming that the Ni content is 8%.  Using an XRF analyzer for alloy sorting, it is possible to sort the scrap very rapidly so that high Ni 304 (>10%) is isolated and sold at a higher price.  Our experts can provide additional information on the use of XRF for scrap sorting.

An XRF alloy sorter equipped with a Silicon Drift Detector can rapidly sort steels, high temperature alloys and copper alloys.  These alloy analyzers are capable of making several thousand analyses of these classes of alloys within an 8-hour work day, enabling large volumes of metal to be quickly sorted.  In addition, the gun provides an identification of the alloy measured, making it very easy for even an unskilled operator to be very productive when sorting scrap.