The glass industry is highly challenged by the increase of impurities in the recycled glass stream due to leaded, heat resistant and ceramic glass. Heat-resistant glass, due to its high melt rate, can lead to serious damage if it passes into the processing of container glass. The particles cause stress within the container, resulting in failure of the container. Further, heat-resistant and ceramic glass can cause severe damage to the container glass production equipment and loss of production.
Leaded glass is also a challenge for the industry. Legal regulations limit the inclusion of lead in glass. These regulations are valid as an EU directive and must be implemented by the glass manufactures.
To address the problem, Redwave is introducing its QXR-G sorting system, which works with X-ray fluorescence techniques while analyzing glass on the basis of its specific chemical compositions. Certain elements, such as titan, zinc, zirconium or lead are minerals found in lead and ceramic glass, can be detected, identified and automatically ejected from the glass stream.
In comparison with other technologies the Redwave QXR-G functions efficiently with contaminated glass as it works through x-ray rather than optics to detect the chemical compounds.
This technology is capable of sorting both glass ceramic and leaded glass through one sorting machine in a single step process.
Redwave QXR-G was developed in close collaboration with the American company Innov-X-Systems, which specializes in x-ray fluorescence technologies.
To test the sort system, last year Redwave installed the Redwave QXR-G system at the German company Bernhard Reiling Glas Recycling GmbH.
Since its start, large quantities of recycled glass have been processed at the glass recycling facility, while successfully removing contaminants such as ceramic glass and leaded glass. The improved glass qualities have increased the production process at the glass factories.
For more information on Redwave’s system go to http://www.redwave.at.
Redwave QXR-G can be delivered in different sorting widths and types. Cullet with a size from 8 to 60 mm at a output of 25 to/hour can be sorted out by a very high effectiveness. The rejection of good glass along with the contamination is minimal.
Three Redwave QXR-G systems were delivered to Bernhard Reiling Glas Recycling GmbH last month, and two more will start by the first half of this year in Finland.
Redwave is a trademark of BT-Wolfgang Binder GmbH. For more information on Redwave’s system go to http://www.redwave.at.