S+S to display PET recycling technology at PETpoint

The FLAKE PURIFIER was for the first time presented to trade visitors at the PETpoint 2009, and since that time the system has found widespread use by many PET recyclers all over the world. Based on a modular concept, up to three sensors for contaminant detection can be combined in this system.

Apart from sensors for metal and colour separation, the FLAKE PURIFIER system also features a high-performance module for the detection of contaminant materials, including different types of plastics. For example, PVC contents or bioplastics such as PLA, which otherwise would mean a considerably reduced quality of the recycled material or even would render high-quality recycling impossible, can be removed from PET flakes.

The intelligent combination with camera sensors makes it possible to identify incorrect colours even with slightest colour shade differences. Metal particles are detected by inductive sensors. An air-blast unit that is matched to the application ensures the reliable and efficient (little loss of good material, reduced compressed-air requirements) separation of unwanted particles.

The FLAKE PURIFIER features a compact modular design and high energy efficiency, because it for example does not require separate cooling. When the sorting tasks change, systems with only one sensor at any time can be upgraded to higher-performance systems. Altogether the sorting system is a cost-efficient solution that guarantees high-quality, food-grade recycling raw materials.

Says Michael Perl, manager of the sorting business unit at S+S, on the product portfolio that S+S presents at the PETpoint 2013: "Apart from the main focus of PET recycling we also present systems for quality assurance in PET production. It is the strong point of S+S that we can provide comprehensive and technically sophisticated inspection and separation solutions both for customers in the fields of plastics production and processing, as well as for plastics recyclers."

S+S - an overview

S+S Separation and Sorting Technology GmbH of Schonberg, Bavaria, manufactures machines and systems for the detection/separation of contaminants, for product inspection, and for the sorting of material flows. Product sales primarily focus on the food, plastics, chemical, pharmaceutical, wood, textile, and recycling industries.

S+S is one of the world's leading suppliers with subsidiaries in Great Britain, France, Italy, India, China, Singapore, and in the USA, a representative office in Turkey, and more than 40 agencies all over the world. The S+S group presently has 350 employees, about 300 are working at the main factory in Schonberg. The consolidated turnover in 2012 amounted to approx. Euro 43 million.

S+S Separation and Sorting Technology