The new Spektrum G optical sorter from S+S solves the problems of feeding granular and pellet material by replacing the conventional feed chute or conveyor with a free-fall system that increases productivity and net yield by eliminating unreliable material separation.
Sorting systems using a chute to feed material through the inspection area can result in lateral movement causing poor separation, especially when the material is irregularly shaped. Chute systems are often ribbed to guide the material and suppress lateral movement after the detection stage, but these ribs are difficult to keep clean and are prone to clogging. In addition, because materials with different friction characteristics will slide at different speeds, the time interval between detection and separation will vary. To compensate, the duration of the blowout window can be increased but this will result a lower net yield as an unacceptable amount of good material will be rejected along with the contamination.
S+S Inspection has solved the problem by inspecting the material in free-fall, so eliminating material feed problems. In the new Spektrum G, using specifically matched vibratory feeders to deliver the material for sorting to a high-speed conveyor ensures homogeneous distribution across the full width of the belt. On leaving the conveyor, the material falls in a parabolic curve past the high-speed cameras that trigger fast air valves to deflect identified particles into a separate output chute with the bulk of the material falling onto the output conveyor. This system eliminates problems associated with feed chutes and variable friction and minimises the proportion of good material lost during separation.
Compared with a chute/conveyor system, the Spektrum G free fall sorting system is very compact and easy to clean. The high-resolution CCD cameras and sophisticated image processing software provide optimal detection and analysis at very high throughput rates of up to half a million particles per second. Depending on the application, a very large number of air-valves capable of switching at up to 500 cycles per second can be fitted to ensure precise and reliable material separation even at high reject rates.
The Spektrum G is based on the well-proven Spektrum modular design that allows economic changes in camera type, grey-scale or colour, and sensor technology, optical or metal detection, as needs change. In addition, the modular design minimises downtime and lost production by simplifying routine maintenance.