PETpla.net Insider 11 / 2020

MATERIALS / RECYCLING PETplanet Insider Vol. 21 No. 11/20 www.petpla.net 16 Recycling systems and auxiliary equipment Making the most of recycling material As recycling post-consumer plastics has become more important, Eisbär has developed systems to handle these materials’ special requirements, including equipment for processing flakes and cleaning different materials, leading to a higher quality of regranulated plastics. Eisbär Trockentechnik GmbH, which is headquartered in Gotzis, western Austria, around 30 km north of Liechtenstein, manufactures sys- tems and auxiliary equipment that is designed to improve quality and productivity in the plastics industry. It has a particular focus on products intended to eliminate condensation on cooled moulds and during the drying phase of plastic resin manufacture. Its systems have high throughput capa- bility, of up to 5,000 kg/h. The recycling range includes: Crystalliser The use of a crystalliser is essen- tial in processing amorphous PET flakes. Eisbär’s crystalliser first puts flakes into a hopper, where they are subject to rotation mixing at tempera- tures of 130-140 °C for one to three hours, depending on the degree of crystallisation. The flakes are then ready for the next production step – usually, drying. Dryer GDS Drying of recycled flakes or granules is essential, in order to achieve a partic- ular level of residual moisture, to clean the material or to reach a dealdehydisa- tion. This process is an important step in meeting the requirements necessary to achieve food standards approval from FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Admin- istration) or EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). Eisbär dryers are also used to remove contaminations from recycled plastics. The dryer is equipped with a slowly rotating adsorption wheel with a multitude of honeycombed, axially aligned tunnels and uses a continu- ous drying process to achieve residual moisture of 30ppm. Mixing and dosing units Eisbär mixing and dosing units are available in gravimetric or volumetric versions and in different sizes. They are especially suitable for recycled mate- rials converters who often mix virgin and recycled materials to get the best results. Conveying systems Flakes and recycled granulates’ levels of bulk, density, flow proper- ties and dust content extend across a wide range. Whatever the content, concentration and quantity, Eisbär equipment can process any and all free-flowing materials at rates up to 5,000 kg/h. Test centre Eisbär’s test centre, located at its headquarters, enables customers to undertake a range of different tests, with granules or flakes. The plastics are processed in a material dryer for a pre- determined period of time and at pre- set temperatures. After completion the materials are ready to be analysed for any sort of contamination, in a chemical institute of their own choosing. Experience and knowledge Eisbär regards its experience, practical knowledge and clear focus on understanding customer needs as its core strength. The company presents itself as a flexible and reliable partner for new, competitive and energy-effi- cient tailor-made and bespoke system solutions. Digitalisation is one of its key competences; it employs clearly struc- tured visualisation as well as opera- tional data connectivity for efficient management, control and maintenance. www.eisbaer.at Eisbär crystalliser Mixing and dosing unit RECYCLING