37 PRODUCTS PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 01+02/23 www.petpla.net Novapet rPET production plant features Erema’s Vacunite system Novapet is closing the loop into the PET value chain, with its REnovaPET division, with a sustainable project based on a rPET production plant based in Barbastro (Huesca), where Novapet has its resins and preforms production facilities. This project, which started its construction in the summer 2022, is reaching its final stretch on the next incoming weeks. Thanks to Erema’s recycling systems, which are intended to make PET recycling efficient and profitable, Novapet will complete the rPET production process by incorporating it into its injection processes itself. The Erema model that REnovaPET has installed in Barbastro is the Vacunite 2318 T, 1500 bottle-to-bottle system. The hourly production will be 1,500 kg/h of 100% recycled pellets from bottle flakes. The destination will initially be for Novapet’s self-consumption, in the adjacent preform injection plant, which is marketed by Noven, not ruling out the sale to third parties, in tanks or in big-bags, if so decided. Regarding the process, the key components of the system include a vacuum reactor with integrated nitrogen flushing which is connected directly to a single-screw extruder. Thanks to the ingenious function of the mixers in the vacuum reactor they feature three ultra-efficient function zones which interact with each other to decontaminate and predry the PET material before extrusion. As a result, no additional degassing ports are required on the extruder itself. This means that the technology drastically reduces the length of the extruder, reduces its energy consumption, improves the colour values of the processed material and keeps AA values at a low level. In addition to decontamination and drying, the bulk density increase inside the reactor is up to 100% and the flakes are crystallised. This allows the extruder to be fed in a constant flow – an essential prerequisite for consistent throughput rates. www.novapet.com New PET bottle-to-bottle recycling line reduces production costs To design the recycling process as efficient and energy-saving as possible has been one of the focal points in the technical development at Starlinger recycling technology for many years. The latest result in this respect is the newly conceived PET bottle-tobottle recycling system RecoStar PET art scores with 25% less energy consumption compared to the previous model, and it also requires 46% less maintenance time, has a 21% smaller machine footprint, and a production output increase of 15%, as Starlinger states. In total, according to the company, bottleto-bottle recyclers can save about 21% in production cost with the new system. Streamlined production process Instead of the former two drying units the new RecoStar PET art now features one large drying unit. Together with changes at the extrusion unit and SSP, this reduces energy consumption, the machine footprint, and maintenance requirements. The expanded SSP capacity helps to achieve the production output increase stated above. “For the new machine concept, we analysed the PET recycling process and our technical solutions for it from top to bottom, searching for ways to make them better”, explained Paul Niedl, Commercial Head of Starlinger recycling technology. “We especially improved energy consumption, but also succeeded in shortening some of the process steps – such as material preparation and extrusion – and in making machine maintenance a lot easier and shorter. At the same time we increased the output capacity. All this with the goal not to compromise the high regranulate quality Starlinger is known for. To achieve this, we analysed, combined and implemented know-how from various areas, creating a synthesis of arts, so to say. Hence the name of the new system: recoStar PET art.” www.recycling.starlinger.com The right tools and expertise to help with your rPET goals! Agr is uniquely positioned to support your venture into rPET bottle manufacturing with a powerful combination of Process Control tools, Process Consultants, and decades of industry experience. AGRINTL.COM • +1.724.482.2163
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