PETpla.net Insider 06+07 / 2014

MATERIAL / RECYCLING 23 PET planet insider Vol. 15 material can theoretically be recov- ered. Krones is the only manufacturer to offer both the washing module and the decontamination module, and thus a complete-system package, also including the entire peripherals if so required. In the first step, all flakes are gently and evenly heated up together in a first heating worm, and then in a second heating worm brought up to final decontamination temperature, which is significantly below the melting temperature of PET. The actual decontami- nation is performed in a vacuum reactor: in this semi-continuous pro- cess, the intrinsic viscos- ity is increased as heat is applied under a vacuum atmosphere, the polymer chains are stretched, and any remaining dirt removed in the vacuum. The pro- cess control concept and the reactor’s design gener- ate a constant temperature distribution over the entire contents of the reactor. The vacuum reactor’s specially developed discharge base ensures a uniform dwell time for the particles on the first-in-first-out princi- ple. This means the crucial quality parameters can be set to optimum advantage. After subsequent sepa- ration of fine particles, the decontamination process is concluded. A new operator interface is being used at Stute’s recycling system. It provides all the relevant data, such as fill levels and temperatures, in a single display, together with easy-to-understand icons, which show not only the actual value but also the pre-specified setpoint value and the upper/lower tolerance window. If a measured value moves outside this range, the icon will change colour. Opera- tor control does not require any in-depth technical knowledge. Recycling system on two levels The recycling system has been installed on two levels: on the ground- floor delivery level is the entire washing module, plus parts of the decontamination module. The final component of the decontamina- tion module, the vacuum reactor, is installed one floor lower down, in the basement, with a direct online link to the two preform injection-moulding machines accommodated in an adja- cent room. Stute is able to add up to 30% of recycled material to the A-PET granulate in the preform production process. The recycling system can be expanded at need; the capacity can in fact be doubled in the space available. www.krones.com SIPA S.p.A. - Via Caduti del Lavoro, 3 - 31029 Vittorio Veneto (TV) - Italy Tel. +39 0438 911511 - Fax +39 0438 912273 - e-mail: sipa@zoppas.com www.sipa-xform.com yesterday today Short cycle times, high shot-to-shot quality, low energy consumption and maximum flexibility. The new XFORM 300 with its unique 6-position post-mold cooling system boosts your output performance for the widest range of preforms. Cooling preforms faster and better, the 96-cavity platform is ideal for large runs and quick mold changes. And it lets you run any mold you want, old or new, OEM-built or not, in total freedom . From ultra-thin walled (with proprietary XMould™ technology) to wide mouth. XFORM 300 , low transformation cost, high value. Designed to adapt. Built to last. The new XFORM 300 IMAGINE THE LOWEST TRANSFORMATION COST. IN TOTAL FREEDOM.