Advanced Technologies for Identifying Scrap Metals and Alloys

Advanced technologies for identifying metals and alloys in recycling operations

When the exact chemical composition of scrap—including the existence of contaminants or hazardous elements—is uncertain, it puts quality, safety, and regulatory compliance at risk. Analytical technologies can play a crucial role in making recycling more efficient, cost-effective, and safe. Scrap metal recyclers use XRF and LIBS technologies to verify elements of interest in virtually all types of metal alloys, from trace levels to commercially pure metals. LIBS analyzers are suited for low alloy steel and stainless steel sorting based on their carbon content, and support the increase in the value of stainless-steel sorting by helping to separate SS-316 from SS-316L. 

 

Additionally, XRF analyzers can help identify and separate potentially hazardous materials, such as lead and mercury, ensuring proper disposal and reducing environmental hazards. Radiation detection and monitoring technologies can help prevent contaminated scrap from entering the supply stream.

X-ray fluorescence (XRF)

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is a nondestructive analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. XRF analyzers work by measuring the fluorescent (or secondary) X-rays emitted from a sample getting irradiated by a primary X-ray source. Each of the elements present in a sample produces a set of characteristic fluorescent X-ray lines like a fingerprint.  These fingerprints are distinct for each element, making XRF spectroscopy an excellent tool not only for qualitative analysis but also for quantitative measurements when processing the intensity of the emitted lines. XRF allows users to rapidly identify and confidently grade aluminum and magnesium alloys, as well as high-value alloy families such as stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, and titanium.

Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer

Confidently perform elemental analysis with the Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer. It delivers best-in-class performance and accuracy where it matters most, all in a small, lightweight form factor.

 

The Niton XL5 Plus Analyzer's Light Metal Quick Sort mode allows users to grade aluminum alloys in under 2 seconds and grade magnesium alloys down to 0.5% in that time or analyze longer for lower detection levels.

Niton XL2 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer

For fast, reliable analysis when durability, performance and productivity are top of mind, rely on the Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer for fast results and low detection limits.

Niton XL2 100G General Metal Analyzer

Get immediate, nondestructive elemental analysis from titanium to bismuth with the Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 100G General Metal Analyzer. This analyzer is a practical, cost-effective solution that offers fast analysis for general alloy identification and scrap metal sorting. This high value analyzer is ruggedly built to withstand the harshest environments.

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an analytical technique that uses a laser to determine the chemical composition of materials.  Handheld LIBS analyzers work by using a high-focused laser to ablate the surface of a sample. A plasma is formed consisting of electronically excited atoms and ions. As these atoms decay back into their ground states, they emit characteristic wavelengths of light, or “unique fingerprints”. These “fingerprints” are distinct for each element, making handheld LIBS analysis an excellent tool for quantitative and qualitative measurements -- especially for low alloy/carbon steels and L and H grade steels. 

Niton Apollo Handheld LIBS Analyzer

This analyzer replaces a traditional cart-mounted optical emission spectroscopy (OES) system with a highly portable, easy-to-use handheld analyzer. When carbon detection, identification of low alloy/carbon steels and L and H grade steels, and mobility are top of mind, businesses rely on the Thermo Scientific Niton Apollo Handheld LIBS Analyzer for excellent performance and enhanced productivity.

Radiation monitoring and detection

Our radiation detection technology includes portal monitoring systems for incoming raw materials and portable devices to help keep contaminated scrap out of your operations.

 

Handheld radiation detection devices provide real time detection of gamma radiation with accurate dose rate measurements to verify the radioactive find, and assess whether radioactivity is of natural or artificial (man-made) origin. Portable devices with high sensitivity neutron response and alarm threshold can be worn to monitor gamma sensitivity and energy compensated dose rate measurement.

ASM IV Series Automatic Scrap Monitoring System

The Thermo Scientific ASM IV Series Automatic Scrap Monitoring System is a configurable platform to help prevent radioactive materials from entering scrap metal and metal processing workflows, resulting in expensive plant decontamination and shutdown. Offering high sensitivity and reliability, the ASM-IV system provides the perfect solution for portal monitoring applications that require the lowest possible alarm thresholds.

RadEye PRD4 and PRD-ER4 Personal Radiation Detector

The Thermo Scientific RadEye SPRD Personal Radiation Detector alerts workers to potential radiation exposure at greater distances without increasing false alarms. The unique combination of detector sensitivity and intelligent alarming helps ensure detection in the most challenging cases while eliminating nuisance alarms.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.