TOMRA has developed X-TRACT units for magnesium removal, a ground-breaking x-ray-based solution which can separate magnesium from aluminium in products such as Zorba and Twitch.
With consistently high purity rates of 99% being achieved with in-field testing, the material can be treated and traded within the US as it meets the stringent quality requirements of domestic customers.
Until now the only way of treating Zorba for the removal of contaminants such as magnesium has been a two-stage sink-float operation whereby the majority of the heavy metals are separated from the shredder scrap, while the hollow aluminium scrap, magnesium and high-density plastics are floated out in an additional media stage. Sink-float processes have historically been difficult to manage, require a large footprint, can be relatively unstable and can be expensive because the operational cost per ton is relatively high.
Now, TOMRA’s upgraded X-TRACT for magnesium removal offers a reliable, robust and cost-effective alternative to sink-float separation. The system uses existing TOMRA XRT technology but in a new configuration so that it is capable of sorting material of different density levels and separates magnesium from aluminium to create furnace ready products, including low magnesium Twitch, across the Zorba size spectrum from 5-120mm.
Now, TOMRA’s upgraded X-TRACT for magnesium removal offers a reliable, robust and cost-effective alternative to sink-float separation. The system uses existing TOMRA XRT technology but in a new configuration so that it is capable of sorting material of different density levels and separates magnesium from aluminium to create furnace ready products, including low magnesium Twitch, across the Zorba size spectrum from 5-120mm."
The May/June issue of Aluminium International Today features an exclusive interview with Brian and what this technology means for the future of metal recovery.
