Consortium

The Chair for Laser Technology conducts research and teaching in the generation and application of radiation from the infrared to the X-ray range. European funded projects and public and industrial research and development projects provide the framework. Close collaborations exist in the Aachen region, with local academic and research institutes, companies, chamber of industry and commerce, the chamber of crafts and networks.

Main Role in consortium: Coordination

Laser material identification method, design of optical components, signal processing, calibration/recalibration procedures, correction algorithms, adjustment measures, spectroscopic data processing.

LSA – Laser Analytical Systems & Automation GmbH was founded in Aachen in 2004 as a spin-off of the Fraunhofer ILT. The company benefits from the local, closely meshed network of recognized experts in measurement and testing technology of ILT. LSA GmbH develops and markets systems for rapid and contactless chemical material analysis based on laser spectroscopic methods. By means of continual access to the local network, LSA GmbH has a technological overview of over fifteen years of know-how as well as access to special hardware components and patents developed for rapid optical on-line analysis. LSA GmbH successfully uses the advantages of laser emission spectrometry, particularly for application in highly automated production facilities.

Main Role in consortium:

Construction of laser and spectrometer module, construction of adjustment elements, monitoring devices.

TiTech is a manufacturer of sensor based sorting technology which is mainly applied to sorting recyclables. TiTech has pioneered the automation of waste sorting and is known as the world leader in this field. Founded in 1993, TiTech developed the world's first NIR (Near InfraRed) sensor for waste sorting applications. With a strong focus on R&D (Research & Development), TiTech continues to spearhead the development of this market by offering cutting edge technology for the sorting of recyclables. TiTech Group in total has approx. 150 employees. Today's product portfolio contains several different sorting devices based on NIR, MIR, colour, shape, metal induction and X-ray. More than 2000 units are in operation in 25 countries. Right from the start, TiTech has invested substantial resources in developing sorting technology geared to the needs of a changing world. Waste handling is one of the most severe environmental issues facing our society, and TiTech contributes to tackling this problem by fulfilling one of the most important steps in the recycling chain: providing pure fractions for material and energy recycling.

The relevant expertise of TiTech for the PARILAS project is: Design and integration of complete sorting machines, high resolution spectrometers, complex system SW architecture, real-time image processing, real-time pattern recognition, real-time systems control, professional test facilities, worldwide distribution channel, market access and knowledge.

Main Role in consortium:

Singularization unit, belt conveyor, 3D-camera, ejection unit, system integration, system control, data processing of 3D-camera, control of ejection unit, assessment of system performance.

The Voreppe Research Center, near Grenoble, France, opened in 1967 and since 2003 has been a part of Alcan Engineered Products, renamed Constellium in 2011. CRV is the largest R&D center in Western Europe working on aluminium and aluminium alloys.

Helping Constellium, develop its various businesses and projects has allowed the Center (known by its French acronym CRV) to consistently expand the capacities. CRV’s scientific and technical potential has been improved over recent years with the addition of new staff and new equipment. The CRV now includes 200 senior-level researchers (engineers and technicians) along with cutting-edge scientific hardware, prototype and pilot-project instruments and modelling technology.

Main Role in consortium:

Scrap supply, scrap characterization, assessment of sorted Al fractions, On-site test campaigns, assessment of economic impact with respect to the sorted Al fractions