Project description
Advanced models for enabling efficient aluminium scrap sorting
Aluminium is one of the most widely used metals. Theoretically, it is also infinitely recyclable. Despite this, merely 70 % of its material value is retained after a single use cycle. While this results in huge economic losses and waste, current recycling technologies struggle to separate aluminium scrap by alloy composition. Hosted at the Delft University of Technology, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions-funded SimSort project is developing an innovative, simulation-driven digital twin framework for efficient alloy-level scrap sorting. To achieve this, it combines high-fidelity 3D-scanned geometries, computational particle mechanics, adaptive process control and real-time image analysis with advanced sensors, providing robust, accurate sorting techniques for advancing circular metals.
Objective
Aluminium is one of the most widely used metals and is theoretically infinitely recyclable, yet only about 70% of its material value is retained after a single use cycle, leading to an estimated annual economic loss of approximately €1 billion in Europe. Recycling aluminium scraps can reduce metal waste, promote circularity, and save up to 95% of the energy compared to primary production. However, current recycling technologies face significant challenges in accurately separating aluminium scraps according to alloy compositions in industrial conditions. This project aims to overcome these challenges by developing an advanced simulation-driven framework for enabling alloy-level aluminium scrap sorting. High-fidelity 3D scanned geometries will be employed to replicate scrap morphologies, while elastoplastic contact models will be implemented to capture realistic particle dynamics during handling. In parallel, real-time image analysis and adaptive process control will be integrated into a virtual-experiment model of the sorting line, enabling optimisation and validation at both laboratory and industrial scales. To enhance the alloy characterisation by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), robust algorithms will be designed to account for three major sources of variability: surface flatness, contamination, and particle size, thereby improving the consistency and reliability of alloy identification in industrial conditions. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with an innovative recycling company, ensuring industrial relevance and accelerating technology transfer. By enabling precise alloy-level aluminium recycling, the outcomes will contribute to substantial energy savings, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and Europe’s transition toward a more circular and sustainable economy.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry post-transition metals
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics geometry
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
2628 CN Delft
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.