System sorts granular bulk materials faster and more accurately

Bulk materials are processed in nearly all industries,

including building construction, logistics, chemistry and agriculture. Given the large number of plants, any improvement of the sorting steps necessary everywhere could save billions. "The economic benefit of this project can hardly be overestimated; enormous resources could be saved," explains Professor Uwe Hanebeck at the KIT in describing the new technology. Because of the patterns of movement of objects to be sorted, much more precise classification is possible than in conventional sorting systems. Industry had already shown interest in the new technology, says Professor Thomas Längle, responsible for the project at the Fraunhofer IOSB.

"Classical belt-type sorting systems scan the material to be sorted by means of a camera; parts not to be treated are blown out by means of pressurized air nozzles," explains Georg Maier of the IOSB. There is a problem: The cameras now in use scan the objects only on a short belt section, which allows only rough classification. As a consequence, several runs are necessary to achieve a satisfactory result.

The team led by Längle and Hanebeck developed a sorting system in which cameras operating from different perspectives capture a more precise view of the bulk material. In this way, objects of different categories can be distinguished more effectively. In addition, algorithms based on the images predict how objects are going to move on the belt. In this way, it is possible to sort out foreign bodies much more precisely.

Read more at: https://phys.org/news/2017-04-granular-bulk-materials-faster-accurately.html#jCp