Recycling technology

Sorting systems for the recycling of used PET packaging, and inductive metal separators are used in the injection-moulding of PET preforms or caps. The Flake Purifier system is designed for the sorting of PET flakes.

Based on a modular concept, up to three sensors for contaminant detection can be combined in the system. Apart from sensors for metal and colour separation, the Flake Purifier system also features a high-performance module for the detection of contaminant materials, including different types of plastics. For example, PVC content or bioplastics such as PLA, which otherwise would mean considerably reduced quality of recycled material or can even render high-quality recycling impossible, can be removed from PET flakes. The intelligent combination with camera sensors makes it possible to identify incorrect colours even with very small colour shade differences. Metal particles are detected by inductive sensors. An air-blast unit matched to the application ensures the reliable and efficient (little loss of good material, reduced compressed-air requirements) separation of unwanted particles.
 
The Flake Purifier features a compact modular design and high energy efficiency, which does not require separate cooling. When the sorting tasks change, systems with only one sensor at any time can be upgraded to higher-performance systems. Altogether the Flake Purifier is a cost-efficient solution that guarantees high-quality, food-grade recycled raw materials.
 
Says Michael Perl, manager of the sorting business unit at S+S, on the PET product portfolio: "Apart from the primary focus on PET recycling we are also presenting systems for quality assurance in PET production. It is a particular strength of S+S that we can provide comprehensive and technically sophisticated inspection and separation solutions both for customers in the fields of plastics production and processing, as well as for plastics recyclers."