Nir sorting machine

Market Dynamics of NIR Sorting Machines

Market Overview: The NIR sorting machine market has experienced robust growth, mirroring trends in the broader sorting machines sector. According to 360iResearch™, the global sorting machines market was valued at approximately USD 4.82 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.74%, reaching USD 7.58 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by increasing demand for efficiency in sorting processes across various industries, including agriculture, food processing, and recycling. Notably, the color sorting machine market, a subset of this category, grew from USD 2.54 billion in 2023 to USD 2.81 billion in 2024, underscoring the rising adoption of automated technologies that enhance sorting accuracy and speed. The growth trajectory of NIR sorting machines is expected to follow a similar path, fueled by advancements in near-infrared technology that improve material detection and sorting capabilities.

Industry Insights: Consumer behavior is shifting towards sustainable practices and higher quality standards, driving the need for more sophisticated sorting solutions. With increasing regulations on food quality and safety, industries are turning to NIR sorting machines for their ability to efficiently separate materials based on chemical composition, thus reducing waste and enhancing product quality. Major players in this market, such as Bühler AG and TOMRA, are innovating to maintain competitive edges, focusing on product development and strategic partnerships to capture emerging markets. Additionally, the distribution channels for these machines are evolving, with a noticeable shift towards e-commerce platforms like Alibaba.com, facilitating easier access for buyers seeking advanced sorting technologies. This shift reflects broader social trends towards digital procurement, making it essential for suppliers to adapt their strategies accordingly.

Types of NIR sorting machines

Called near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS), the NIR sorting machine sorts substances after shining an NIR light on them and analyzing the reflected light. An NIR sensor can identify the chemical bonds in different types of materials, such as grains, fruits, vegetables, biomass, stems, leaves, roots, weeds, and nitrocellulose. An NIR light source comprises lasers and LEDs that emit a wavelength ranging between 0.75 to 1.5 microns. A machine's camera captures the wavelengths reflected by an object and sends the data to a processor that makes a sorting decision in milliseconds. A color sorter machine usually has multiple NIR cameras installed so that it can analyze and sort items more quickly. Each material's NIR spectrum is fed into a machine's artificial intelligence software to train the device to recognize the item and make sorting decisions.

Usually, an NIR machine will have a queue system, a feeder, a conveyor belt, and a sorting system. When sorted material reaches the machine's sensor, the item is analyzed. A blast of air from a segmented nozzle then removes the item to a specified location. Nozzles are used in NIR machines to eject or separate undesired items. They can also be used to explain the desired item's origin on the conveyor belt.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has documented various NIR sorter devices and technologies, which have so far been successfully applied in the agro-food industry. Such manufacturers include:

• Satake Grain Sorting Machines: Using its patented NIR technology, Satake SIFT utilizes spectral image analysis to discriminate various grain products based on the chemical composition. By applying an optimal illumination pattern and high-resolution spectral imaging combined with deep learning, this machine can accurately identify and categorize grains with astounding precision.
• Hapman Biometric Sorting Devices: Hapman's biometric sieves are built to fulfill the processing and distribution requirements of a multitude of distinct commodities by employing a near-infrared (NIR) sorting technique. This method of sorting is predicated on the distinct chemical compositions and physical traits of an extensive range of organic materials. Hapman offers a biometric sieve remedy for precisely isolating valuable organic commodities from undesired biological ones, as well as for optimizing the treatment of a wide variety of natural materials within the agricultural sector.
• Tomra Optical Sorting Machines: Tomra has distinct NIR technologies for different industries, including food, mining, and recycling. Tomra's NIR Food Technology is engineered specifically for food processing applications, enabling the removal of foreign food items and off-grade food items. Its detection accuracy ensures only items of high purity are achieved. In the mining and minerals sector, Tomra's NIR sorting solutions are designed to efficiently separate valuable mineral resources from undesired materials within the mining and minerals sector. The NIR sorter identifies and recovers crucial mineral resources, enhancing extraction productivity and lowering reliance on traditional processing techniques.

Specifications and maintenance of NIR sorting machines

Specifications

• Capacity: NIR sorters can handle various capacities, measured in tons or kilograms per hour, depending on their design and the materials being processed.
• Conveyor belt size and speed: This includes width and length to accommodate different materials. The sorting speed is adjustable to optimize sorting efficiency and accuracy.
• NIR sensor types and numbers: NIR sorting machines are equipped with various NIR sensors that can detect different material characteristics. Some sorters may have more sensors for more detailed sorting.
• Air nozzle system: The number and strength of air nozzles in a sorter determine its ability to separate sorted materials. Specifications may include nozzle pressure and distribution.

Maintenance

• Regular cleaning: Sorters should be cleaned at regular intervals to prevent material buildup and maintain sorting accuracy. Cleaning the conveyor belt, sensors, and air nozzles is part of this.
• Lubrication: Sorters require regular lubrication on moving parts, such as bearings and chains, to ensure smooth operation and reduce wear and tear.
• Sensor calibration: The sensors in the sorter, including NIR sensors and optical sensors, should be regularly checked and calibrated to ensure precise sorting. This may involve adjusting the sensor's parameters and performing standard material tests.
• Air nozzle adjustment: The air nozzles' position and intensity in the sorter should be adjusted periodically to ensure that the sorted materials are correctly separated. This may involve changing the air pressure and the nozzles' spatial distribution.
• Regular maintenance and repair: The power system, sorting mechanism, etc., should be inspected periodically to ensure they function correctly. Fix any issues, such as replacing damaged parts or repairing faults.

Applications of NIR sorting machines

• Food industry

  NIR sorting machines are widely used in the food industry for numerous applications. They can be used to check the whole fruit and vegetable sorting process, not only identifying rotten, underdeveloped or diseased produce but also pathogen detection. One example is tomato NIR sorting machines that sort tomatoes according to size, color, quality, and ripeness.

• Recycling industry

  NIR sorting machines play a pivotal role in the recycling industry by identifying and separating a wide array of recyclable materials, such as plastics, paper, and textiles, from municipal waste and industrial byproducts. Equipped with advanced near-infrared sensors, these machines can discern recyclable materials from non-recyclable contaminants with remarkable precision and speed. This capability is instrumental in enhancing the purity of recycled streams, streamlining recycling processes, and contributing to environmentally sustainable waste management practices.

• Material quality control

  NIR sorting machines are practical for companies to control the quality of various materials such as metals, plastics, textiles, cement, and others. The NIR sensor draws attention to the material's composition, helping to sort materials with contamination, defects, or undesirable substances. By integrating NIR sorting machines into production lines, businesses can maintain better product standards, increase client satisfaction, and reduce the chance of placing inferior products on the market.

• Mining and mineral industries

  In mineral and mining industries, NIR sorting machines are essential for accurately sorting various types of ores and minerals. Such precision sorting improves separation efficiency, thereby boosting resource recovery.

• Chemical industry

  In the chemical industry, NIR sorting machines are indispensable tools for enhancing production efficiency and maintaining product quality. These intelligent sorting systems are employed to separate chemical substances, polymers, and additives with distinct chemical compositions, thereby optimizing the chemical production chain. By integrating NIR sorting technology into production processes, chemical manufacturers can achieve precise sorting, reduce contamination, and ensure the uniformity and excellence of final products. This not only streamlines processing but also contributes to the establishment of high-standard chemical production lines that meet stringent industry regulations and customer demands.

How to choose an NIR sorting machine

When choosing an NIR sorter, consider the following:

• Assess material types and requirements:

  Determine the specific materials and components the sorter needs to identify and separate. Evaluate the sort quality and purity requirements the sorter's maximum capacity must meet.

• Consider the detection technology:

  Choose a sorter with appropriate sensor technology for the materials to be sorted, considering the advantages and limitations of each type (e.g., NIR, visible-NIR fusion).

• Evaluate sorting speed and capacity:

  Select a sorter with a suitable sorting speed and capacity for the operational demands, ensuring it can handle the anticipated material flow rate without causing bottlenecks in the process.

• Consider the level of system integration:

  Assess the degree of integration required between the sorter and other systems (e.g., conveyors, data management platforms) and choose a sorter that can easily connect and work in harmony with the existing infrastructure.

• Assess user-friendliness:

  Choose a sorter with an intuitive, easy-to-use interface foroperating staff. Consider the availability of comprehensive documentation and training resources for proper system operation and maintenance.

Nir sorting machine FAQ

Q1: What is the future of the sorting machine industry?

A1: The future of the diamond sorting machines industry is very bright. Industry analysts expect many innovations in the sector because the demand for quality goods is increasing worldwide.

Q2: What are some recent trends in the sorting machine industry?

A2: Soil sensing technology continues to trend. This technology has improved the accuracy and efficiency of food sorting. Further, Artificial intelligence-driven sorters have gained popularity as more people realize their benefits.

Q3: What is the size of the sorting machine market?

A3: The global market is valued at about 2.06 billion U.S. dollars and is expected to reach 2.7 billion U.S. dollars by 2030.

Q4: What are the challenges faced by the sorting machine industry?

A4: The sorting machine industry has several challenges. One of them is the great volatility of global raw material prices. Further, the machines suffer frequent breakdowns and need constant maintenance.