Looking for Adventure (and XRF Technology) at ISRI

A vital tool of scrap metal operations is a handheld XRF analyzer.

ISRI, (Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries), is expecting over 5,000 attendees at their convention this week, and will be showcasing the latest technologies from handheld instruments to huge pieces of sorting and separating equipment. Our previous article addressed how radiation measurement and security instruments improve both profitability and safety to the scrap metal recycling industry, and how ISRI is an important source of information for metal recyclers.

Another vital tool of scrap metal operations is a handheld X-ray fluorescence analyzer. XRF analyzers enable scrap dealers to quickly and accurately sort and grade material. Without them, recyclers cannot confirm what kind of scrap is taken in, what the customer is getting, or even be sure how much to charge. In fact, at a previous ISRI show, scrap customers shared on video how their businesses have benefited from having lab-quality analysis in the field. They talked about not having to guess anymore about the different types of aluminum and not having a reason to get a rejection or downgrade of material.

If you are at ISRI, please stop by our booth and let us demonstrate how these XRF analyzers work. Recyclers are always impressed by how quickly metals and alloys can be identified right on the spot. One customer said he was amazed that he was able to identify a piece of metal in under two seconds.

After stopping by our booth, make sure you attend some of the diverse technical programs and take the opportunity to network with industry professionals. During my time at ISRI, I am going to focus on some emerging technologies (LIBS) and also try to better understand how technology, specifically data management, is transforming the scrap industry. If you have any insight on trends as they releate to these two topics, let’s talk at our booth or leave a comment below.

As excited as I am to participate at ISRI this year for the networking and learning opportunities, I am also looking forward to spending an extra day in Las Vegas, renting a motorcycle, and doing some rides with a colleague. There are many great motorcycle adventures just a short ride away from the convention. The Las Vegas Harley Davidson website has a great list of destinations and directions to get you there. And my ISRI trip won’t be complete without a visit to the Smith and Wollensky Steakhouse. I usually dine there the night before any motorcycle trip that leaves out of Las Vegas.

I hope I see you at the show but if you can’t be there, get your motor running, and follow the #ISRI2014 twitter stream, or visit our Advancing Recycling page to see what you missed.

Show Details

ISRI 2014
Booth 211
April 8-10, 2014
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
Las Vegas, NV