Identifying Polymers in the PET Bottle Sorting Process

Automatic identification of recyclable plastics using optical spectrum analysis. The device has a light source, condenser lens, multi-channel optical sensor, and control unit. The light source illuminates the plastic. The condenser lens focuses reflected light onto the sensor. The sensor has channels with different wavelength filters. The control unit analyzes the channel spectra to determine if the object is plastic. By averaging and comparing spectra against references, it identifies recyclable plastics like PP, PMMA, PET, PE, ABS.

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Rapid and accurate method to identify recycled plastic particles as solid waste using near-infrared spectroscopy. The method involves obtaining spectral data from recycled plastic samples, preprocessing it, and training a multi-category solid waste identification model using pattern recognition algorithms. The model can quickly and accurately distinguish if recycled plastic particles are solid waste based on their near-infrared spectrum. This enables faster, more efficient identification of solid waste plastic particles during customs inspections.

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Efficient and accurate method and apparatus for sorting plastic objects using near infrared spectroscopy. The method involves illuminating the plastic objects with a light source, obtaining near infrared spectra from the objects, comparing the spectra to a database of known plastic types, and sorting the objects based on the comparison. The apparatus has two optical chambers with sorting exits, one for each sorted plastic type. The chambers are connected in series so sorted objects fall into the correct exit. This allows high throughput sorting with accurate sorting accuracy above 95%.

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Mechanical separation of polymers from waste plastics to obtain highly pure fractions of separated material for recycling. The method uses spectroscopy to identify and separate different types of polymers from mixed waste plastics. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is used to sort colored and white plastics from black plastics. Then MIR spectroscopy further separates specific polymers from the colored/white fraction. This allows selective isolation of pure polymer fractions even from black plastics that are difficult to distinguish visually. The purified polymer fractions can be recycled directly without degradation.

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A process to selectively isolate and recover high purity polymers from plastic waste for recycling. The process involves using spectroscopy techniques like NIR, MIR, and UV/VIS to sort and separate different types of polymers from a mixed waste stream. The sorted polymers can then be further refined by color to obtain highly pure, specific polymer fractions for use in manufacturing applications. The continuous process involves flake size reduction, spectroscopic sorting, and washing steps to isolate and purify the targeted polymers.

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Extensive sorting method and apparatus for efficiently separating and recovering different types of plastic packaging waste from mixed waste streams. The method involves using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to analyze the mixed waste and identify the different plastic types. Then, physical separation is performed based on the NIR analysis to remove and sort the identified plastic types. This allows separating hard-to-sort plastics like black PP, black PE, and opaque PET bottles using NIR analysis. The sorted plastics can then be recycled separately. The apparatus has NIR sensing, sorting, and recycling equipment integrated.

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Sorting plastic objects based on their type, color, and intended use using a low-cost and practical method. It involves detecting the type of plastic by measuring the reflected or transmitted intensities in specific wavelength ranges (optical windows) instead of using expensive infrared cameras. This allows sorting of individual plastic objects without requiring a line scanner. The method also enables controlling the proportion of recycled material in a new plastic product by adding a marker to the recycled material and detecting its concentration. The marker concentration is then adjusted based on the detected level.

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Recycling waste plastics that can be used for rapidly and efficiently identifying, classifying, screening and automatically collecting the screened mixed plastics (PP, PET, PE, PA and PVC) according to different types of plastics through near-infrared sensor spectrum identification so as to meet the requirements of waste plastics recycling on scale and low cost. The recycling includes receiving mixed waste plastics from mixed waste plastics, identifying plastic fragments through a near infrared sensor, selecting and recycling the plastic fragments by the infrared screening mechanical arm, and storing the mixed waste plastics in a storage box.

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A method to separately collect and recover biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) bottles from mixed plastic waste. The method involves using near-infrared spectroscopy to identify and sort PLA bottles from other plastic bottles. The near-infrared absorption spectrum of plastic waste is analyzed in the wavelength range of 1600-1800 nm. PLA bottles are identified by having two absorption peaks, one near 1680 nm and another near 1718 nm. The intensity of the shorter wavelength peak is lower than the longer wavelength peak. This allows separating PLA bottles from other plastics like PET, PS, PP, PVC, and PE by their distinct near-infrared absorption spectra.

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Efficient recovery and recycling of waste plastics using NIR spectroscopy for automated sorting and processing. The method involves using near infrared (NIR) technology to identify and sort waste plastics. It involves steps like automatic crushing, cleaning, drying, granulation, and dicing of plastics using NIR sorting. This improves recycling efficiency by automating processing and sorting compared to manual visual sorting.

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Recycling system for sorting and recycling waste plastic containers based on the type of plastic they are made of, even if the containers have similar physical characteristics. The system uses a light source to illuminate the containers and an optical spectrum analyzer to detect the reflected light. The spectrum is analyzed to identify the specific plastic material. This allows precise categorization of containers made of similar plastics like PET, PP, PE, PVC. The containers are tilted and cleaned to exclude liquid residue and improve spectrum accuracy.

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Boosting the detection of thin-walled PET containers in waste streams containing liquids, like water bottles, to improve recycling rates. The method involves analyzing near-infrared (NIR) radiation from the waste stream at specific wavelength regions. By comparing the ratios of NIR radiation at 1660 nm and 1730 nm or 1660 nm and 1690 nm, it determines if the PET signals are weak due to liquid contents. If below a threshold, it boosts the 1660 nm signal to overcome interference and better identify PET. This allows sorting of thin-walled, partially filled PET containers with liquids inside.

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High-accuracy rapid system for sorting waste plastics by polymer type using Raman spectroscopy. The system uses a laser to irradiate plastic samples and collects the scattered Raman light to identify the polymer type. The Raman spectra contain unique molecular fingerprints that can distinguish different polymers. By comparing the spectra of unknown samples to a database of known plastics, the system accurately identifies the polymer type. The system can sort plastics at commercial throughput rates largely independent of factors like color, contamination, and positioning.

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Plastic sorting apparatus that can efficiently separate PET (polyethylene terephthalate) from other plastics, regardless of the shape of the plastic, at low cost. The sorting process involves irradiating the plastics with ultraviolet light to make PET fluoresce. A detector senses the fluorescence to identify PET. A sorting mechanism removes the PET. By uniformly charging and transporting the plastics in parallel, it allows efficient sorting of flaky plastics like PET flakes. This avoids complex and expensive substance sensors used in conventional sorting.

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