KORN Recycling Implements WeSort.AI’s AI System to Prevent Fires Caused by Lithium-Ion Batteries

The introduction of this system in sorting plants reduces minor fire damages, which cause costs of approximately 200,000 euros per year and per facility.

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): KORN Recycling, a leading mid-sized recycling company, has recently implemented an advanced technology from WeSort.AI to further enhance safety and sustainability in the sorting of commercial waste. The investment in the BatterySort system stems from the company’s deep commitment to safe production processes and an active effort to minimize fire risks caused by improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries. For KORN Recycling, the protection of people, the environment, and resources is a top priority, and this innovative solution elevates fire prevention to a completely new level.

BatterySort utilizes state-of-the-art X-ray transmission technology and specially developed deep-learning algorithms to precisely identify and sort out contaminants hidden up to a depth of 50 cm in waste layers. “Our facility has experienced several fires in the past, most often triggered by improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries. With BatterySort from WeSort.AI, we can now identify potential hazards early and sort them out before they lead to a fire,” explains Alexander Korn, Managing Director of KORN Recycling. The system not only provides enhanced protection against fires but also enables the recovery of valuable materials such as lithium, precious metals, and rare earths from the sorted batteries and electronic devices.

“Our deep learning algorithms have already achieved a high level of detection accuracy and continue to improve through ongoing enhancements. Our AI and datasets are also constantly evolving,” explains Nathanael Laier, CEO of WeSort.AI. The identified batteries and other contaminants are blown out of the waste layer by special air pressure nozzles and conveyed onto a conveyor belt that transports them to fireproof containers, and from there back into the WEEE system (WEEE stands for “waste of electrical and electronic equipment”).

Given the fact that insurance premiums for sorting plants have increased eightfold since 2004, there is a clear need to modernize older sorting facilities. The innovative technology from WeSort.AI provides a genuine, preventive solution for fire prevention and addresses a multitude of other financial and operational challenges.

The introduction of this system in sorting plants reduces minor fire damages, which cause costs of approximately 200,000 euros per year and per facility. Moreover, it protects against the potential total loss of entire sorting plants, which could result in damages up to 30 million euros. Another significant advantage is the substantial reduction in insurance premiums, with WeSort.AI working in partnership with insurers such as Hübner Insurance.

Additionally, downtime can be greatly reduced, allowing staff to be more efficiently deployed for re-sorting and operation. This also leads to lower costs for contractual obligations, which may require waste to be diverted to competitors during longer downtimes. Furthermore, continuously increasing provisions that need to be set aside for plant fires can be reduced. As a result, the return on investment (ROI) can be achieved within a few months.

By implementing the BatterySort system, KORN Recycling secures a leadership position in the field of safe and environmentally friendly recycling. Together with WeSort.AI, which was recently awarded the German Founders Award, the company is setting new standards in waste management and demonstrating how the use of cutting-edge technology enables a safe and efficient recycling process.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com

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