A new sorting technology is expected to cut 800,000 tonnes of CO2

Scientists from SINTEF and Norsk Elektro Optikk are working with partners across Europe on a new sorting technology. The researchers are developing a sensor-based system for recycling refractories, with the aim of significantly reducing Europe’s carbon emissions. And the potential is there, as this technology could reduce CO₂-emissions by as much as 800,000 tonnes. “Different types of optical detection technologies can be used to sort components in refractories,” SINTEF explains in a press release.

Extractive industries, including the production of refractories, account for a significant proportion of global carbon emissions and have a major impact on biodiversity loss. Establishing a circular economy and developing an efficient recycling process for this industry is essential to reduce CO₂-emissions in Europe and preserve natural resources.

Inspection of tunnels, oil refineries and bridges will now be done by robots

Human inspection takes too much time. In the long run, this in turn leads to high costs. A solution to this has been found by scientists of SINTEF.

One unit with multiple sensors

The biggest challenge in recycling refractories is accurately sorting the different materials used, which consist of a mixture of different chemical components. Being able to segregate the components and sort them into different quality groups is crucial for the quality of future products.

SINTEF is working on a solution by realising a multisensor sorting unit. Different types of optical sensing technologies can be used to sort components in refractories. In this case, the unit combines laser-induced pass-through spectroscopy (LIBS) and hyperspectral imaging, allowing element and material classification.