Applications in the Recycling Industry
The recycling industry is facing a continuously growing challenge. Applications are becoming more demanding, and dealing with impurities and complex material compositions proves to be a particularly cost-intensive problem.
Recycling is crucial for a sustainable future, and at EVK, we are proud to contribute to a positive change together with our customers. Our goal is to provide advanced sensor-based imaging technologies and data-driven decision-making processes to further advance the circular economy and shape a sustainable and resource-efficient future. We are here to support you in efficiently driving this positive transformation.
EVK - Your Competitive Advantage
At EVK, we know what matters in the industry, based on many years of working closely with our industrial customers and decades of experience in the recycling industry. Each material flow and application is different and must be carefully assessed and planned. Whether it’s plastic, wood, paper, general waste, textiles, or construction and demolition waste (C&D), EVK provides comprehensive expertise and premium problem-solving capabilities. We put these skills to good use ensuring our customers receive the best support from conception to market launch.
All Benefits at a Glance
Smart Sorting Solutions
Using hyperspectral cameras and inductive metal sensors, we offer smart sensor-based sorting solutions for the recycling industry. Our technologies make it possible to classify materials based on their chemical composition and detect metal particles. Advanced algorithms extract key data for smart sorting decisions.
Sensor Fusion
Combining EVK HELIOS hyperspectral cameras and EVK ABAS inductive metal sensors or third-party color cameras, EVK gives you a mix of different technologies to enhance your sorting results. When matching color and hyperspectral cameras, for example, it is possible to sort by fractions (color and chemical composition). Furthermore, our intelligent inductive sensor EVK ABAS, detects metals and ejects them from the product stream, for subsequent recycling.
Quantitative Real-Time Analysis
EVK systems enable the quantitative analysis of materials and make it possible to analyze, for example, moisture content of wood or refuse-derived fuels (RDF) directly in the production line. Thanks to the quantitative analysis results obtained, our customers know exactly how to precisely control and manage their processes.
Rugged, Industrial Design
EVK cameras and sensors are designed in such a way that they withstand rough and demanding environments. The compact and robust design is ideal for industrial applications.
Feasibility Study and Material Testing
If required, we conduct feasibility studies for our customers to ensure cost control and smooth project execution. After defining the necessary parameters, the materials are tested at EVK technical center or directly on site. Experienced application engineers analyze the data, and you receive a comprehensive report. If desired, we also offer our customers the opportunity to test their own material in our technical center.
Application Development
EVK stands out as one of the few providers in the hyperspectral field, offering other companies an environment where they can develop and successfully market their own application using sensor-based technology.
The Challenge: Impurities and Complex Material Compositions in the Recycling Process
At a time when environmental awareness is increasing, and resource scarcity plays an ever-greater role, the efficient and precise separation of valuable materials becomes all the more urgent. However, foreign objects such as contaminants, impurities, or non-recyclable materials are often present in recycling streams, making the recycling process more challenging and less effective. Additionally, increasingly complex material compositions are emerging, with different material types mixed together. This requires advanced technologies and solutions to accurately identify, classify, and segregate the various components.
The Solution: Hyperspectral and Inductive Sensor Technologies for Automated Sorting Decisions
Innovative approaches and technologies are needed to address these challenges. EVK offers engineering companies and operators in the recycling industry, sensor-based analysis and sorting solutions. Specializing in hyperspectral and inductive sensor technologies, EVK’s systems allow for the classification and analysis of objects based on their chemical composition and the detection of ferrous and non-ferrous metal particles, triggering sorting decisions in actuators or effectors.
Combined with proprietary algorithms, key data can be extracted for optimal process control. Thanks to the combination of high-precision sensors, powerful hardware, and intelligent software solutions, EVK enables you to sort and analyze recycling materials efficiently and reliably.
Use Cases in the Recycling Industry
Discover various examples and learn more about the versatile applications of our technology. From the classification of different types of plastic that cannot be differentiated with conventional color cameras to the quantitative analysis of moisture in refuse-derived fuels, our technologies offer efficient solutions for increasing material purity and optimizing processes.
From Continuous Process Monitoring to SensorBased Sorting:
Versatile Applications of Our Technology
EVK technologies can be used across various industries.
Thanks to quantitative analyses it is possible to monitor important parameters in the recycling process. Ensuring that the temperature remains constant in a kiln, by monitoring the calorific value of RDF and SRF, is one such example.
From inspection & monitoring to industrial image data analysis – discover the possibilities.
Explore the Extensive Product Portfolio of EVK
for Your Recycling Application
From hardware and software to integration services provided by our EVK Professional Service Team. With EVK, you get a comprehensive package from a single source for your project. Whether it’s a sorting or analysis application, our team is ready to assist you for a seamless implementation.
Hyperspectral Imaging
in the Recycling Industry
EVK HELIOS hyperspectral cameras are available as flexible core cameras or with integrated classification systems. The contactless and non-destructive system can identify the chemical properties of various objects and different material types.
Analyzing
in the Recycling Industry
The EVK SQALAR software analyzes the chemical properties of individual objects qualitatively and quantitatively and helps to develop chemometric models for industrial applications. EVK STREAM Supervisor is used for multi-point monitoring of industrial material flows. Key data provides information about material distribution, belt occupancy, and material composition.
Real-Time Image Processing
in the Recycling Industry
The real-time date processing platform EVK ALPHA for spectral image data with innovative classification and sorting functions provides sorting decisions based on the chemical characteristics of an object.
Inductive Sensors
in the Recycling Industry
The spatially resolved, inductive metal sensor is mounted under a conveyor belt and is used to detect ferrous and non-ferrous metals in the material stream.
Professional Service
in the Recycling Industry
Our EVK professional service team puts their extensive knowledge at your disposal right from the development phase and supports you throughout your project during conception, integration and commercialization.
Industrial Data Analytics
System Integration
Professional support for Sorting solutions
Feasibility Studies
Commissioning
Product Training
Maintenance and Service
Application Development
EVK product accessories to integrate our sensor-based solutions
- Hyperspectral Camera Lenses
The selection of the right camera lens depends on various factors, such as the distance to the conveyor belt, incident light, material size, or required resolution. Our team supports you in choosing the right lens for your specific application. - EVK IRIL
EVK IRIL is a lighting unit specifically designed for EVK HELIOS hyperspectral cameras, providing a perfectly balanced light intensity for optimal image quality. - SIO Subsystem
For sorting tasks, the actuation of valves is carried out using the 48k SIO Subsystem. - EVK FusioSort
For sorting applications, the software EVK FusioSort allows for adjusting sorting-relevant parameters, such as ejection time or material weighting.
- EVK Libraries
To integrate our products into existing systems, we offer various software libraries.