Extrusion International 1-2024

35 Extrusion International 1/2024 and color, removing any impurities to create pure frac- tions. Thanks to its advanced near-infrared (NIR) spec- trometer, the machine precisely detects various poly- mers, allowing for the recovery of recyclable materials from highly contaminated infeed. With this technology, plastics recovered from mixed waste, for example, can be sorted for recycling, giving access to more recyclable materials that otherwise would be lost or downcycled for lower-grade applications. For instance, polyolefins (PO), such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), are often found comingled in the same waste stream. With the new INNOSORT™ FLAKE, mixed plastic frac- tions that have been shredded and washed can be sort- ed into clean fractions of PET, PP and PE and other ma- terials that meet the quality requirements for extrusion and the creation of high-quality post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. Moreover, plant operators profit from the machine’s unmatched color sorting performance. Its enhanced optics, with a changeable color background and dual- sided high-resolution cameras, detect millions of colors and create single-color fractions. Its high contrast imag- ing can even differentiate between white opaque and natural, transparent and translucent flakes, reducing material losses and maximizing yield. Piovesan adds: ”The new INNOSORT™ FLAKE is designed to sort any color, any polymer, at the same time. It levels the playing field for recyclers and gives them maximum flexibility to respond to the respective market demands. If an operator wants to purify PET this month and produce a clean blue PP next month, it is technically possible with the new machine. What’s more, it is cost-effective.” New design with multiple benefits William Zeng, Product Manager TOMRA Recycling Sorting, describes: “We developed the machine with the requirements of our customers in mind. With its in- tegrated cooling system and robustness, it delivers an even more stable performance in challenging environ- ments and delivers reliable results for maximum out- put and profitability. Furthermore, with the enhanced technologies, recyclers already achieve very high purity levels after the first sorting step. Depending on the con - tamination level of the input material and the target pu- rities, fewer sorting steps might be required.” The new INNOSORT™ FLAKE comes with up to four chutes and a changeable illumination background. This level of flexibility makes it possible to run multiple sort - ing and recovery steps in a single machine, leading to considerable time savings and less material handling. As a system only performs best when all components work seamlessly together, maintenance is crucial. The new design gives unrestricted access to the machine’s components enabling smooth maintenance with little downtime. Data-driven analysis In addition, TOMRA Insight can be installed as an add-on service. The cloud-based data monitoring platform contributes to improving sorting perfor- mance. On the one hand, it helps optimize processes through data analysis. Identified inefficiencies and predicted maintenance further support the reduction of machine downtime and productivity losses. On the other hand, its real-time monitoring gives plant op- erators access to data anywhere and anytime to main- tain process stability. Piovesan concludes: ”Thanks to the enhanced technol- ogies, the new INNOSORT™ FLAKE revolutionizes plastic recycling. Customers testing our system are convinced of its capabilities and ease of use. Now, they can mitigate higher levels of contamination and create the highest purity fractions by running multiple sorting steps simul- taneously. This adaptability combined with state-of-the- art technologies makes the new INNOSORT™ FLAKE a future-proof flake sorting solution for any recycler who aims to produce extrusion-ready flakes.” TOMRA Recycling Sorting Otto-Hahn-Str. 2-6, 56281 Mülheim-Kärlich, Germany www.tomra.com Polyolefin flake sorting User interface new INNOSORT™ FLAKE