National Recovery Technologies (NRT) has launched the new SpydIR-HS optical sorter. The sorter utilizes a near-infrared (NIR) platform with multiple technological advancements including nearly 10x the detection resolution with the addition of a hyperspectral imaging (HSI) camera, double the air ejection precision, integration with Max-AI VIS (visual information system), and lifetime calibration. The optical unit also features an easy-access design for improved maintenance and safety.
"We're excited to bring this ground-breaking optical sorter to the industry," says Chris Ulum, NRT's managing director. "This is more than just an incremental update – the SpydIR-HS combines multiple advancements to boost recovery and reduce contamination. With the increased demand for recovered plastics to meet the recycled content goals of the consumer products industry, the launch of this new optical sorter couldn't be more timely in light of this urgent challenge."
"The SpydIR-HS is a culmination of years of research and development focused on improving detection while retaining NRT's unique technology including its proprietary In-Flight Sorting," says Thomas Brooks, chief technology officer for Bulk Handling Systems (BHS). "In addition, optimized software gives operators greater sorting flexibility, utilizing the full spectrum detection system to set custom thresholds to optimize recovery and for quick target profiling changes."
The broad spectral diversity of HSI combined with NRT's robust software algorithms creates an optical sorter calibrated at the factory that doesn't need routine or auto-calibration.
Brooks says that the new sorter can be integrated with Max-AI VIS, adding another layer of intelligence to the high-volume detection system for targeted recovery. The combined unit can eject or suppress PET trays from a PET material stream or eject HDPE-N containers from a mixed HDPE stream. In addition, the SpydIR-HS can be paired with NRT's MetalDirector for targeted recovery of metals.
"The SpydIR-HS is a fundamental building block for the future of autonomous processing," Brooks says. "The capabilities of this optical sorter, coupled with Max-AI VIS and BHS' Total Intelligence Platform, is a huge leap forward."
Numerous units of the new optical sorter have already been sold and will be installed in multiple systems. The SpydIR-HS with a Max-AI VIS unit will be on display at the BHS booth at WasteExpo 2023.
