Sensor-based sorting has been introduced as an umbrella term for all applications where particles are singularly detected by a sensor technique
and then ejected by an amplified mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic process. The separation is based on features measured with a detection technology that are used to derive a yes/no decision for actuation of usually pneumatic impulses. Other terminologies used in the industry include ore sorting
, automated sorting
, electronic sorting
, optical sorting
and sensor-based particle sorting
The history of sensor technology is not short. Sensor-based ore sorting was invented for the mineral processing almost a century ago. The first patents found originate from 1928 for optical-based sorting, in 1949 for radiometric-based sorting and for induction-based sorting in 1950. The method is applied mainly in the Mining, Recycling and Food industry
with 11.300 TOMRA systems being installed globally across the three industries over the past five decades.
Sensor-based ore sorting systems deliver dry material separation
of various ores and minerals, including diamonds and coal, in addition to enabling metal recovery from slag. In short: It is universally applicable for all commodities. Numerous TOMRA Sorting Mining systems have been installed worldwide, each contributing to extending the lifetime of mining operations
, increasing the value derived from deposits
and increasing productivity.