Page 60 from: Recycling Technology 2016

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2016

Application: ALUMINIUM SORTING AND ANALYSIS

scrap stream and subsequently treated appro-
priately.

As with all techniques, LIBS has its limi-
tations. Owing to the technology, LIBS in-
struments are calibrated empirically using
certified reference samples. This sets cer-
tain limitations as compared to HHXRF in-
struments that use fundamental parameter
calibrations and can have up to 35 elements
analysed simultaneously with a full 0-100%
analysis range. This limitation does not typi-
cally affect most applications but can become
an issue when analysing very low concentra-
tions of below 0.05%, and when spotting ex-

otic and unexpected elements is important. In
these cases, HHXRF technology is the recom-
mended option.

The requirements
For elemental analysis in scrap yards,

HHXRF, OES and latest addition LIBS each
have their strengths and limitations; no tech-
nology alone can meet all the requirements set
by the aluminium recycling industry. HHXRF
and OES are both very mature technologies,
and their performance and capabilities are
well known and accepted. Handheld LIBS on
the other hand is a new, very promising tech-

nique that can potentially replace HHXRF in-
struments in large part and even expand into
markets that are out of reach for HHXRF and
OES today.

When choosing the right tool for the job,
it is important to carefully consider the re-
quirements. Which elements are required for
analysis and at what levels? How large are the
volumes? How critical is analysis speed? And
are X-rays an issue? When the strengths of
the HHXRF, OES and LIBS technologies are
combined, even the most demanding require-
ments for the aluminium industry can be met
– from trace-level contaminant analysis to fast
and accurate identification of the alloys, and
just about everything in between.

Oxford Instruments offers a full range of
instruments capable of addressing the highly
demanding needs of the aluminium recycling
industry.

Mikko Järvikivi is LIBS
product manager at
Oxford Instruments, Finland.
www.oxford-instruments.com/
scrap-analysis

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY

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