Technical FAQ
Answers to common engineering and operational questions regarding polymer recovery facility architecture.
What is the maximum throughput of a standard NIR sorting line?
High-capacity near-infrared lines utilizing belts up to 2.8 meters wide can process between 6 to 10 tons of mixed plastics per hour, assuming optimal material presentation and aggressive pre-screening via ballistic separators.
Why is wet granulation preferred over dry shredding for heavily soiled plastics?
Wet granulation aggressively removes surface organics and grit through abrasive water action, preventing premature blade wear. Crucially, the water actively cools the polymer, preventing frictional smearing and thermal degradation inside the cutting chamber.
How does carbon black affect optical sorting?
Standard NIR technology relies on light reflection. Carbon black pigment (commonly used in black food trays) absorbs near-infrared light entirely, rendering the plastic invisible to the sensor. Specialized mid-infrared or AI-driven camera systems are required to sort black plastics.
What is the difference between single and twin-screw extruders?
Single-screw systems convey and melt relatively clean, uniform flakes efficiently. Twin-screw systems intermesh to provide high shear and excellent distributive mixing, which is necessary when compounding recycled resins with virgin additives, colorants, or fillers to alter mechanical properties.
What is Pyrolysis Oil?
Pyrolysis oil is a synthetic crude derived from heating mixed plastics (primarily PE and PP) in an oxygen-deprived environment. This oil can be refined and fed back into a steam cracker to produce virgin-equivalent ethylene and propylene monomers.