AI improves battery recycling plant safety

Austrian plastics recycler TriPlast is launching smart safety technology to prevent battery fires at its EUR 65 million recycling plant in Enns, Upper Austria. The company, a joint venture between Altstoff Recycling Austria, Bernegger, and Der Grüne Punkt, will equip its state-of-the-art sorting plant with AI-supported X-ray technology from WeSort.AI.

The new system, called X.Sort, will be operational from September and will safeguard material flows weighing several tonnes, setting new standards in plant safety. This move is a response to the recycling industry’s worst-case scenario: fires caused by lithium-ion batteries that have been disposed of incorrectly.

TriPlast is expanding its safety measures to protect its investment and on-site staff. The X.Sort system will be positioned directly behind the input module, intercepting the risk before it becomes a hazard further down the line. According to Daniel Hayn, head of marketing and sales at WeSort.AI, the system scans the material flow using X-ray transmission and AI, immediately ejecting individual batteries or e-waste hidden in the rubbish using compressed air.

WeSort.AI has learned that, on average, 12.5 kg of hazardous contaminants are safely removed from the process per hour. For the Enns plant, the company is also integrating a new AI model that detects high-density contaminants to prevent mechanical damage to the machinery.

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The plant in Enns sorts around 100,000 tonnes of lightweight packaging from Germany and Austria into 24 high-purity fractions every year. Any plant shutdown would have a significant impact on downstream recyclers. TriPlast managing director Jürgen Secklehner says the company bears an enormous responsibility towards its employees and for ensuring the supply of secondary raw materials to the economy.

They are committed to maintaining sorting quality at a high level. The use of AI-supported X-ray technology is a significant step forward in preventing battery fires and ensuring the safety of the plant and its staff.

TriPlast’s decision to implement the X.Sort system demonstrates its commitment to safety and sustainability. By investing in new technologies and expanding its safety measures, the company is setting a high standard for the recycling industry.

According to TriPlast md Jürgen Secklehner, ‘WeSort.AI’s technology has thoroughly impressed us in live operation. The X.Sort helps to effectively address rising battery risks and maintain sorting quality at a high level.’