Sensor Sorting
XRT and inductive sensor sorting that upgrade mixed metal into cleaner, higher-value products.
- XRT density sorting
- Inductive metal sorting
- AI optical sorting
From mixed metal to specification grades
Sensor-based sorters identify each piece on the belt and eject it with precise air jets. XRT measures atomic density to separate heavy metals from aluminium, while inductive sensors detect metal to pull it out of residues and non-metal streams.
MHP helps choose the right sensor, or combination, for your material and target product, and integrates the sorter with the screening and feed preparation it needs.
Equipment available through MHP
Each sorter is specified to your material, particle size and target product.
- 01
Inductive sensor sorters
Metal from non-metal: stainless steel, wire, e-waste and residues.
- 02
XRT sorters
X-ray transmission density sorting: heavy metals from aluminium, wrought from cast.
- 03
AI optical sorters
Colour and shape sorting with AI. See optical sorting.
- 04
Complete sorting lines
Feed, screening and sorting designed around the sorter.
Typical applications
- Aluminium scrap and Zorba
- Auto shredder residue (ASR)
- Stainless steel
- E-waste and cable
- Secondary aluminium feedstock
- Automotive plastics
Sorting by colour and shape? See AI optical sorting.
How each sensor works
Sensor sorting works best on a sized, single-layer feed. MHP designs the screening and feed preparation around the sorter.
X-ray transmission (XRT)
Material passes between an X-ray source and dual-energy detectors. Each piece is measured for atomic density and rejected by air jets, with a self-learning library that builds as the sorter runs.
- Separates heavy metals (copper, zinc, lead) from aluminium
- Splits wrought aluminium from cast
- Removes brominated and chlorinated plastics from automotive plastics
- Upgrades secondary aluminium feedstock
Inductive sensor sorting
High-sensitivity inductive sensors detect metal particles in the stream and compressed-air nozzles eject them, separating metal from non-metal or one metal product from another.
- Recovers stainless steel and wire from residues
- Cleans metal from mixed packaging, RDF and PET/PE streams
- Cable, e-waste and non-ferrous processing
- Real-time monitoring through the operator interface
Which sensor for which product
Each sensor reads a different property. The right choice, or combination, depends on what you need to take out and what you want to sell.
| Technology | What it sees | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| XRT | Atomic density | Heavy metals out of aluminium, wrought from cast, flame-retardant plastics out of automotive plastics |
| Inductive | Presence of metal | Stainless steel and wire from residues, metal out of packaging, RDF and plastics |
| AI optical | Colour, shape and texture | Copper, brass and mixed non-ferrous, see optical sorting |
More than a machine on a lorry
- Matched to your material
The machine is selected around your feed, throughput and target product, not a catalogue.
- Installed properly
Installation, integration and commissioning are carried out by our own engineering team.
- Supported afterwards
Spares, wear parts and site support are available through MHP.
Three steps to a quote
- 01Tell us the material
What it is, its size range and what you need to recover or remove.
- 02Share your site details
Throughput, available space and any existing equipment.
- 03Receive options
MHP recommends a suitable machine and sends a quote. Prices are given on request.
Ready to talk sensor sorting?
Tell us about the material, the opportunity or the challenge. No lengthy brief needed.