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About mixed plastic separator

Types of Mixed Plastic Separator

A mixed plastic separator is a recycling machine that sorts distinct kinds of plastics. Such separators have become indispensable because the world is increasingly recognizing the benefits of recycling, and businesses are looking for ways to recycle various products, especially plastics. The following models of separators are frequently sought for industrial use.

  • Airflow Separator

    An airflow separator uses a stream of air to classify increased types of plastics based on their density. The technology has an air blower system that talks room and induces airflow. Heavier plastics drop down while lighter ones are blown away and continue to the next station for further sorting. The benefit of an airflow separator is that it can rapidly separate a large number of plastic products. However, it is vital to know that not all plastics can be separated with this method, especially those that have comparable densities.

  • Optical Separator

    An optical separator utilizes camera systems and lasers to detect distinct types of plastics based on their color and resin type. The technology is able to recognize and classify plastics with different colors and chemical compositions by creating a bright light on the passing plastic materials. The advantage of using an optical separator is its high precision. It can distinguish between plastics that are visually similar but made of different materials. Nonetheless, optical separators require regular maintenance and calibration to perform accurately over time.

  • Friction-Driven Separator

    Friction-based mixed plastic separators exploit the frictional force between different plastic materials and the separator surface. They separate plastics by sliding resistance, which produces movements in various directions. The advantage of friction-driven separators is that they have no moving parts or motors driving them. No energy is used in the process, making it cost-efficient, but it can require manual sorting.

  • Wet Separation System

    This kind of mixed plastic separator uses water to separate plastics based on their density. The system consists of a water bath and pumping system that creates a turbulent movement. Plastics with different densities float or sink in the water. Once the process is done, the floating and sinking are further sorted out separately. The advantage of a wet separating system is that it is capable of precisely separating different types of plastics, particularly when air separation cannot be efficient due to similar densities.

  • Mechanical Separator

    A mechanical separator employs moving components such as belts, screens, and vibratory feeders to further sort mixed plastics. It is possible to separate plastics by size and shape through the mechanized motion, and the pros of the equipment are versatility and capability of handling large through puts. Nevertheless, mechanical separators require routine maintenance and the replacing of parts so as to sustain optimal functionality.

Specifications and Maintenance

Gravity separators for mixed plastics are available in several specifications according to varied recycling requirements. Key specifications include the separator's dimensions, voltage, air compressor, and the separator's capacity.

Dimensions:

The length, width, and height of the gravity separators vary according to model and manufacturer. Typical dimensions include a length of 2000 mm, a width of 1150 mm, and a height of 4500 mm.

Voltage:

The operating voltage for plastic gravity separators is available in different levels to match various processing plant requirements. A commonly used voltage is 380V.

Air compressor:

The function of the air compressor in a gravity separator is to blow the targeted plastic waste. The type of air compressor used with the gravity separator will depend on the capacity and requirements of the recycling plant.

Capacity:

The capacity of gravity separators differs according to model and manufacturer. A common model of the gravity separator may have a capacity of 300 kg/hr.

Maintenance:

To maintain efficient operation and prolong the lifespan of a mixed plastic separator, regular maintenance is needed. Some crucial maintenance tips are as follows:

  • Check the belt tension of the separator and the adjustment mechanism regularly. The belts are required to have correct tension for effective separation and smooth running. Adjust the belt tension as necessary, and ensure that the tension is within the recommended settings of the manufacturer.
  • To ensure efficient air flow and separation, always keep the separator clean. The air inlets, outlets, and filters should be free of dust and debris. Regularly remove the build-up of material and use suitable cleaning tools.
  • Operate the separator at the recommended capacity limit of the manufacturer. An over-filled separator can lead to separation inefficiency and motor overheating. A suitable feeder should be used for the material that is within the separator's capacity limit.
  • As per the manufacturer's instructions, lubricate the moving parts of the separator. This will reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. The motor, fan, bearings, and chains are some parts that require lubrication.

Uses of Mixed Plastic Separators

Mixed plastic separators are used in various industries to segregate and sort plastics of different kinds to enable recycling. They are important in the food production industry to ensure that food contaminants made of plastic are separated from the food. These include things like plastic pieces, caps, and fragments. They typically have inspection belts that allow operators to spot any plastic contaminants that might be found within the food products or processing lines and then separate them. This ensures that only quality food is processed and manufactured.

Mixed plastic separators are used in the retail industry during manual sorting of plastics. Retail stores might use separators when dealing with different types of plastic packaging that can’t be recycled together. This usually takes place when small amounts of certain types of plastics are used and cannot be economically separated by mechanical means. In this case, manual separation with the help of separators becomes a viable solution. Additionally, mixed plastic separators are used in waste management facilities. Waste management companies use automatic plastic separators to separate various types of plastics from the waste stream when recycling is involved. They usually have conveyor belts that feed waste into the separator, which uses sensors, air jets, and other mechanisms to separate the waste into categories.

Separators are also used in the manufacturing sector to segregate raw materials based on plastic types. Manufacturing companies may use these separators to ensure that only the right types of plastics are fed into their production lines. This ensures quality and consistency in the final product.

Mixed plastic separators are also used in educational institutions for training purposes. Some universities and colleges offer courses in waste management and recycling education. These institutions may use plastic separators for training purposes as a way of educating students on the importance of recycling and separating different types of materials.

How to choose mixed plastic separators

  • Scale of operation:

  • Material handling systems:

  • Indicator and control systems:

  • Options for separation methods:

FAQ

Q1: What types of materials can be processed using a mixed plastic separator?

A1: Mixed plastic separators are designed to work with various types of plastics, including PP, PVC, PS, PET, and many others. Nonetheless, the specific kinds of materials that each separator can handle will undoubtedly differ, so it's essential to check the separator's specifications closely.

Q2: How effective is a mixed plastic separator in terms of recovery rates?

A2: The efficiency of mixed plastic separators can be measured by their recovery rates, which vary depending on the model, technology used, and the types of plastics being processed. Generally speaking, well-designed separators can achieve high recovery rates, separating significant proportions of pure materials for further recycling.

Q3: What are the operational costs associated with mixed plastic separators?

A3: Operating costs may include energy consumption, maintenance expenses, and potential wear-and-tear costs of the separation equipment. Depending on these factors, it is crucial to analyze and evaluate the long-term economic impact of mixed plastic separators to determine whether they are an economically feasible recycling solution.

Q4: Can a mixed plastic separator be integrated into an existing recycling line?

A4: Many mixed plastic separators can be easily integrated into an already existing recycling line, thereby enhancing the whole separation and treatment capability of the materials. Yet, the suitability and compatibility between the separator and other pieces of equipment need to be carefully analyzed and assessed, so a smooth integration can be ensured.