Page 63 - Plastics News May 2024

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

technology, offers precision in identi-
fying and sorting non-ferrous metals
such as copper from ferrous waste
streams. Additionally, the system
provides real-time reports on sorting
operations, empowering users to op-
timise their processes and achieve de-
sired material purities through a user-
friendly intuitive interface.
By automating the sorting process, the
ZenRobotics solution enables scrap
processing companies, particularly
those that handle end-of-life vehicles
(ELVs) to reduce carbon emissions
and comply with stringent regulations
governing copper content in recycled
steel. It also enhances operational ef-
sorting technologies, such as multi- Recognising the need for advanced ficiency while promoting safer working
stage magnets and ballistic separators, sorting solutions to address the in- conditions by minimising the risks as-
struggle to effectively reduce copper creasing demand for copper-free re- sociated with manual sorting in haz-
contamination, intensified by the scar- cycled steel, the Zen Robotics Heavy ardous environments.
city of manual labour for hand sorting. Picker, equipped with cutting-edge AI Source – Recycling Magazine

Three-stage metal separator for plastics recycling

his new concept consists of It is particularly applied in plastics pro- terial. The high-gradient head pulley
an Eddy-Current separator cessing, but WEEE and ASR are also separator removes fine iron particles
equipped with overband mag- important applications where this mag- plus stainless steel, including trapped
net and high-gradient head netic technology can extract more val- steel and stainless-steel particles, after
roller magnet. In one run, the system uable metals from the product stream. which the 38 HI Eddy current separator
removes steel, very fine iron and stain- In this case, with recovery as the goal separates the non-ferrous metal parts,
less steel, as well as non-ferrous met- instead of removal of metal contamina- even if they are attached to rubber or
als such as copper, aluminium, brass, tion. The magnet producer opted for a plastic, for example. The thinner layer
precious metals and lead. Even metal- combination with an overband instead thickness as well as the pre-separation
contaminated particles are separated of a magnetic drum separator because by the overband magnet allow the
from the product stream. The result of the first separation step gives a cleaner separators to do their job better. The
this integrated module is a cleaner and final fraction, which is more market- combination of these three different
more marketable final fraction for plas- able. If required, this modular system separation techniques allows recyclers
tics processors. Lower contamination is also available without an overband to create more value by being left with
levels in the granules or flakes reduce magnet. a cleaner end product, which is more
costs in the downstream process; fil- The material is fed wide and in a thin efficient to process and therefore more
ters of melting screws and plastics layer via a vibratory feeder. This mon- profitable. Ultimately, this results in
chemical processing plants stay clean olayer facilitates further processing of more intensive metal separation and
and do not jam. therefore greater recovery of valuable
the product flow. Then the overband
This 3-in-1 metal separator is designed magnet takes effect. This separates metals.
for fine materials from 0 to 15-20 mm. coarser steel particles from the ma- Source – Recycling Magazine

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PLASTICS NEWSASTICS NEWS
MAY 2024Y 2024