X-ray technology used to sort glass
Varicon-X machinery uses X-ray technology to sort glass reclaimed from cathode ray tubes (CRTs), such as those used in televisions and computer monitors. Varicon-X technology has never before been used to separate CRT funnel glass, containing lead, from screen glass with a fluo-rescent coating, according to this manufacturer. These machines are able to process CRT glass at more than 30,000 tonnes per year, using normal shift patterns.
End-of-life televisions and computer monitors are initially dismantled manually to remove the CRT and other recyclable materials, enabling a recovery rate of up to more than 90 percent by weight. After the electron gun and other metal components have been removed, the CRTs are fed into an imploder to reduce the glass to consistent grain size before passing through the Varicon-X. Its software identifies the two types of glass by monitoring the degree of X-ray absorption and instructing the separation system to direct the glass types into the appropriate hoppers.
End-of-life televisions and computer monitors are initially dismantled manually to remove the CRT and other recyclable materials, enabling a recovery rate of up to more than 90 percent by weight. After the electron gun and other metal components have been removed, the CRTs are fed into an imploder to reduce the glass to consistent grain size before passing through the Varicon-X. Its software identifies the two types of glass by monitoring the degree of X-ray absorption and instructing the separation system to direct the glass types into the appropriate hoppers.