XRF-T Model
X-RAY FLUORESCENCE COMBINED WITH TRANSMISSION
High-Performance X-Ray Fluorescence & Transmission Sorting for Heavy and Light Metals
Patent N° 102022000005012
The SGM XRF-T Model is the most efficient and cost-effective solution for sorting both heavy and light metals. By combining X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-Ray Transmission (XRT) technologies into a single system, it eliminates the need for separate sorting machines, reducing operational costs while maximizing metal recovery and purity.
- Patent No. 102022000005012
- Achieves over 90% recovery rates with purity exceeding 98%
How the SGM XRF-T Works
Unlike conventional sorting methods that rely solely on imaging technologies, the SGM XRF-T enhances sorting precision by adding detailed composition analysis of each material.
- XRT (X-Ray Transmission) Analysis: Measures material density and thickness, identifying metal types regardless of shape.
- XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) Analysis: Detects the chemical composition of metals, distinguishing between different alloys and contaminants.
- Combined Sorting Process: The SGM XRF-T uses one X-ray source with both XRT and XRF sensors, allowing for seamless integration of density-based and composition-based sorting.
How It Separates Materials
- Light Metal Separation with XRT – The system first performs a density-based XRT separation, distinguishing aluminum from heavier metals.
- Heavy Metal Sorting with XRF-T – Once light metals are removed, the combined XRF and XRT sensors separate heavy metals such as copper, zinc, chromium, and lead, including metal alloys like brass, bronze, and stainless steel grades (316, 304, etc.).
This dual-layer analysis ensures maximum sorting precision, eliminating common inaccuracies caused by paint coatings, dust, or mixed materials.
Key Features & Benefits
- Identifies both external composition and internal density, ensuring unmatched precision.
- Replaces the need for separate XRT and XRF systems, reducing capital investment and operational costs.
- Continuously improves sorting efficiency based on material flow.
- Rugged construction ensures long-term performance in high-volume recycling environments.
Exclusive Advantages of the SGM XRF-T
- Aluminum Breakage Identification – The system detects fragmented aluminum and prevents it from being misclassified as non-metallic material.
- High-Power X-Ray Source – Enhances accuracy even for painted or dust-covered materials.
More Efficient Light Metal Separation – XRT technology offers higher resolution than XRF, improving light metal recovery rates.
Who Benefits from the SGM XRF-T?
The SGM XRF-T Model is ideal for:
- Recycling facilities processing small to medium material volumes
- Scrap metal yards seeking high-purity aluminum separation
- Auto Shredder Residue (ASR) processors
- Aluminum foundries and refining facilities
By combining two advanced sorting technologies into one system, operators maximize efficiency while minimizing costs, making it the best choice for modern recycling operations.
The functioning
TRANSMISSION
The X-Ray’s primary source emits radiation that can be totally, partially or very little absorbed by the single elements they bomb. The level of absorption depends on the density and thickness of each chemical element. By measuring the residual radiation that passes through a single piece with a dual bank of XRT sensors of different energies, it is possible to identify the density of a piece regardless of its shape.
THE SGM XRF-T combines in one sorter, two technologies using one X-Ray source and both XRF and XRT sensors.
FLUORESCENCE
An X-Ray source emits high energy photons called ionizing radiations that move electrons of the atoms pieces they bomb from one energy orbit level to another. The atoms are called excited which lasts a short time as nature turns them back to their original lower energy, stable configuration. The photons emitted from the source are called the “primary X-Ray beam”.
In the passage between the two energy levels, atoms emit a photon with energy equal to the difference in the energies of the two levels, excited and stable. The process of the emission of this photon is called fluorescence and the energy level given by the difference of the two energies is specific to each chemical element. Heavy metals are characterized by fluorescence photons with such energies that they can be sensed by specific XRF sensors (SDD) which identify their chemical nature and concentration.
