trinamiX GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of BASF, has developed a new application for its mobile near-infrared spectroscopy solution. With the help of the combination of a handy measuring device, intelligent data analysis and mobile app, plastics can now be precisely determined and differentiated. This makes it easier to separate components and packaging materials by type of plastic, thereby facilitating recycling and reusability.
Near-infrared spectroscopy technology is tried and tested and used in laboratories all over the world; The portable format is new and innovative and the combination with data analysis in the cloud. Less than the size of a mobile phone, the measuring device can be used almost anywhere.
„We have packed an established testing and analysis method into a handy take-along format. The miniaturisation and connection to the cloud makes it possible to use NIR spectroscopy anywhere and at any time for extremely precise material determination.“ Adrian Vogel, Manager Sales and Business Development Spectroscopy Solutions at trinamiX.
With the help of the near-infrared spectroscopy solution from trinamiX, it is possible to Identify all common plastics in seconds. The spectrum ranges from classic polyolefins such as PE, PP and PVC to PET and engineering plastics such as ABS or PA, the differentiation of which is particularly important for recycling companies, especially in blends with other plastics. trinamiX integrates other materials according to customer requirements.
Combination of portable hardware, data analysis and material expertise
The trinamiX solution, which was first presented in March 2020, includes the portable NIR spectrometer data analysis (chemometrics) in the cloud and an app to display the results and recommendations for action. The individual spectra of the plastics are stored in the cloud. They can be compared with the measurement data from the spectrometer in a matter of seconds and the user receives information about the identified plastic directly in the app. The measurement result can be displayed not only on mobile devices, but also on a PC. This enables quick ad hoc analyses as well as further evaluations and downloads.
Thanks to the flexible system structure, trinamiX adapts its range of products and services to suit specific customers and applications. Purchasers of the trinamiX spectroscopy solution can easily update it, integrate new materials or completely new applications and utilise continuous improvements. without buying new hardware.
Near-infrared spectroscopy offers added value instead of additional costs
Wherever rapid identification promises an advantage, the trinamiX solution is a good decision-making aid. In recycling, for example, it is aimed at Companies that do not require a large, stationary sorting system, but rather a flexible and mobile solution. It is used at recycling centres, recycling companies and manufacturers of goods made from recycled materials. The solution is also of interest to dismantling companies and large retailers.
[infotext icon]trinamiX http://www.trinamiXsensing.com is a wholly owned subsidiary of BASF SE, the world's largest chemical company. Since the company was founded in 2015, the interdisciplinary team of more than 100 experts has developed a comprehensive portfolio of technologies and products in the fields of infrared detection, 3D imaging and distance measurement[/infotext].„If valuable plastic waste is classified and collected separately where it is generated, this reduces transport costs to central sorting plants and thus CO2-emissions. In addition, unmixed plastics can be sold as recyclable material.“ Adrian Vogel
Source: BASF SE
