Hyperspectral imaging based recognition procedures in particulate solid waste recycling

The application of hyperspectral imaging technique to the characterisation of solid waste particles has been investigated. Different waste materials characteristics can be detected analysing their surface spectral response when properly energised by a suitable source. The proposed approach can be applied to develop specific sorting actions addressed to recognise and separate different materials or to develop innovative control strategies finalised to evaluate the performance of a separation equipment or of a processing stage. Selected case studies related to different solid waste recycling sectors, in which the application of hyperspectral imaging can be profitably utilised, are described: glass recycling, fluff from car dismantling and bottom ash from solid waste incinerator. Copyright © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.