Redwave QXR-G tackles glass contamination

Archiv – The glass industry is confronted by the challenge of rising and potentially damaging impurity levels in the recycled glass stream owing to the presence of leaded, heat-resistant and ceramic glass. Product News | The glass industry is confronted by the challenge of rising and potentially damaging impurity levels in the recycled glass stream owing to the presence of leaded, heat-resistant and ceramic glass.
To counter this problem, the new Redwave QXR-G sorting system employs X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to analyse glass on the basis of its specific chemical compositions. For example, elements such as lead and zirconium found in leaded and ceramic glass can be detected and automatically ejected from the glass stream. The system, which is said to function efficiently with dirty and contaminated glass, is capable of sorting both glass ceramic and leaded glass in a single-step process using a single machine. And according to the developer BT Wolfnang Binder, the Redwave QXR-G can be re-calibrated to meet ever-tougher regulations relating to glass purity.
The system was developed in collaboration with US company Innov-X Systems which specialises in XRF technologies. Testing has begun at German firm Bernhard Reiling Glas Recycling GmbH and, to date, ’large quantities of recycled glass have been processed with the successful removal of contaminants such as glass ceramic and leaded glass’, it is claimed.
The Redwave QXR-G can be delivered in different sorting widths and types. Cullet in the 8 mm to 60 mm size range can be sorted highly effectively at an output rate of 25 tonnes per hour, it is suggested. Rejection of good glass with the contaminants is said to fall in the range of 0.5% to 0.8% of the input.