Sorting system for recycled plastics

Ever thought of sorting plastics for recycling using magnets? A new system uses a small quantity of magnetic additive to make this possible. The PolyMag system uses Rare Earth roll separators to separate parts containing the magnetic additive, which is similar in color to the concentrate and doesn?t affect the physical properties of the plastic. When sorting more than two components, different amounts of the magnetic additive can be used for each.

The PolyMag separator consists of a head pulley connected by a thin belt to a Dynaloc self-cleaning tail pulley. The standard belting is Teflon-coated, graphite-filled Kevlar that conveys the feed material to the magnetic field or separation zone. When the feed enters the magnetic field, the magnetic particles are attracted to the roll while the non-magnetic material follows the natural discharge trajectory. A splitter arrangement is used to separate the two streams.

Other components in the system include a vibratory feeder with a mounted hopper, stainless steel product discharges, TEFC gear motor, and controls. The Rare Earth roll separators are available in single- and two-stage versions with either nonmagnetic or magnetic retreat options.

The magnetic separation process is said to be well-suited for granular material such as plastic regrind and provides an alternative for handling a wide variety of materials that do not respond well to traditional methods of processing on low-intensity drum separators or high-intensity electromagnetic roll separators. The process reportedly is ideal for applications that require a high level of product purity.?KH

Eriez Magnetics, Erie, PA
(814) 835-6000
www.eriez.com