MACHINERY [ Extrusion ]
PET flakes
Andrea Burini , CEO of Gamma Meccanica
Tab . 1 - Tests carried out on materials from the main European suppliers
Supplier
Alimpet
STF
Dentis
Flake type
Blue flakes Clear flakes Clear flakes
quality end products are needed that can compete with virgin materials available on the market . By collecting a whole series of suggestions , information and requests from its customers , universities and partners , Gamma Meccanica is able to offer a solution with excellent value for money for the recovery of PET-based regrinds and also of polyester an polyamide . This solution is a modular system that can be adapted to the different needs of PET recyclers .
COMPAC DUV TECHNOLOGY FOR PET REGENERATION AND CRYSTALLISATION The Compac DUV technology offered by Gamma Meccanica makes it possible to carry
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Residual moisture content
PVC residues ppm
PE / PP ppm IV flake IV pellet DIV = IVp-
IVf
0.1 10 10 0.76 0.76 0.00 0
1 15 50 0.76 0.74 -0.02 -3
0.8 5 20 0.72 0.72 0.00 0
% DIV
out the first step of PET regeneration , using vacuum and heat , to ensure the least possible degradation of the material . Its main function is to prepare the material for immediate use or for downstream treatments it in the best possible way . Starting from bottle flakes delivered by a sorting and washing system , Compac DUV guarantees the production of pellets with an intrinsic viscosity ( IV ) value equal to or greater than 0.7 dl / g . In this way , the DUV prepares the material to be used for spinning , to create plates for food and non-food use and films . If , on the other hand , it is necessary to have IV values starting from 0-0.75dl / g up to 1 dl / g , a subsequent process step achieves polymer regrading
Figure 1 : The clean efficiency degree achieved by the DUV . The curve indicates the values required under the current standards .
thanks to two additional processes : LSP ( liquid state polycondensation ) or SSP ( solid state polycondensation ). The main features of the Compac DUV compared to other solutions are considerable savings on costs , a smaller footprint and higher energy efficiency . Gamma Meccanica is also studying an LSP system to be integrated into the DUV line , which would allow a rapid increase in the IV value , or alternatively an SSP system to produce pellets with an IV value fit for replacing virgin material .
THE AIM OF DUV The aim of the DUV is mainly twofold : 1 ) Drying as much as possible the materials that during the subsequent extrusion phase undergo deterioration processes due to hydrolysis reaction
2 ) Extracting as much pollutants as possible from the material to be recycled in order to reach the „ food approved “ grade Figure 1 shows the clean efficiency degree achieved with the DUV , while the curve indicates the values required under the current standards .
Italian technology plast / April 2024
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