Simple sorting system for small metal parts - by examining their excitation spectra when exposed to radiation

摘要

The sorting system conveys the small metal parts on a belt past a radiation generator and detector (6) inside a protective hood (4). The generator produces X-rays, gamma rays or mixed radiation from an isotype and directs this radiation at the metal parts. The detector measures the resulting spectrum which depends on the type of metal part (eg X-ray fluorescence). The detector's electrical output is used to control transverse vanes (7) that shunt the metal parts off the conveyor belt into appropriate boxes.