PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 09/25 www.petpla.net 15 EDITOUR separate business unit (IR-Clean) specifically for PET. With different IRD sizes, throughputs of 20 kg/h to 2.5 t/h can be realised - with initial moisture levels of up to 10,000 ppm. The material leaves the IR-Clean unit with a residual moisture content of less than 500 ppm and a purity that complies with US FDA specifications. Recycled PET flakes can be processed directly inline in the extruder into films and sheet for food contact. Since the requirements in the European Union are higher, the decontamination efficiency must be increased again for EFSA: a further dryer (finisher) is used after the IRD, which extends the residence time under temperature to increase the decontamination efficiency. In this configuration a cleaning efficiency of more than 95% can be achieved, allowing the use of up to 100% rPET in food packaging with a shelf life of 365 days at 25 °C. As a side effect, the residual moisture is reduced below 50 ppm. Advantages over conventional methods CEO Udo Gielen explains the differences from classic hot air or vacuum technology: “You don’t need any pipework, cooling, vacuum or compressed air for the process - just a power connection. This saves a lot of effort and makes the technology safer and simpler. The direct thermal coupling of the IR heat with the PET eliminates the diversions via the heating coil and air, which significantly increases efficiency.” Vertical integration as a strength Kreyenborg also attaches great importance to the high level of vertical integration at the Senden site: from the laser cutting system to separate halls for stainless steel and black plate through to final assembly - everything takes place on site. Around 400 IRD for plastics are now in use worldwide, of which around 70% are for PET. www.kreyenborg.com
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