Particle size distribution
Flake size and size distribution are assessed to define the process configuration.
Technology
Technology applied to plastics sorting
Advanced sorting combines detection, information processing and high-speed separation systems to obtain separate fractions from shredded plastics.
FROM MATERIAL TO SORTED FRACTIONS
How it works
- 01Input material
Shredded · clean · dry
- 02Detection
Analysis of material characteristics
- 03Identification
Identification of target particles
- 04Separation
Selective ejection
- 05Fractions
Production of separate sorted streams
01 / VISION
Colour sorting
High-resolution industrial cameras, controlled lighting and image processing systems enable the visual characteristics of particles to be analysed.
When the system identifies a particle that needs to be separated, high-speed pneumatic valves or ejection systems may be used to direct it into the appropriate fraction.
02 / SPECTRUM
Polymer sorting
Certain types of plastic can be identified using near-infrared — NIR — spectroscopy and other spectral detection technologies.
Many polymers exhibit characteristic spectral responses that can be used to support their identification and subsequent separation.
Visual detectionColour · shade · appearance
Spectral detectionPolymer identification
Processing
Selective ejection
Sorted fractions
INPUT CONDITIONS
The material matters
Geometry
Particle shape forms part of the characterisation of the input material.
Cleanliness
Dirt and foreign matter must be considered during the assessment.
Dust
The presence of dust is reviewed before sorting conditions are proposed.
Moisture
The condition of the material is checked. Input material must arrive clean and dry.
Composition
Knowing the components of the mixture helps define the target fractions and feasibility assessment.
Homogeneity
Variations within the batch are considered when assessing a sorting strategy.
BEFORE DEFINING THE PROCESS
Preliminary assessment
Before confirming certain work, SORTPLAST may request:
- Material information
- Photographs
- Known composition
- Quantities
- Size
- Separation objective
- Physical sample where necessary
SORTPLAST has its own photographic template to help customers take comparable photographs of shredded materials.
A photograph can provide preliminary information, but cannot on its own chemically identify polymers or determine percentage composition by weight, purity or industrial yield.
Do you have plastic flakes that need to be sorted?
Tell us what material you have and what you need to separate.