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| Pellet temperature after exit from the rotary drum ips-DR/K |
PET is an ideal polymer for the production of packaging foils, bottles, fibres and packaging tapes. However, before it can be processed, the material has to be dried and crystallised. ips has now launched the rotary drum ips-DR/K as a system option for its underwater pelletizing system specifically for the inline crystallisation of PET recycling material.
The ips-DR/K with its compact, horizontal design and dedicated process guidance is particularly suitable for continual production operation and the efficient crystallisation of amorphous PET pellets and grinding stock. Permanent movement – without external power supply – prevents the amorphous PET pellets clumping and sticking together during the crystallisation process.
Thanks to optimum regulation of the speed and/or holding time in the thermally insulated rotary drum, the amorphous PET crystallises quickly and effectively. Throughputs of up to 2,500 kg/h can be achieved in continuous operation.
The amorphous PET pellets progress directly from the pellet dryer ips-GT into the rotary drum with the pellet temperature above the necessary crystallisation start temperature. Use of the PET pellets’ own thermal energy makes them crystallise. External energy application by infrared heaters, for example, is not necessary. Thanks to the special layout of the conveyor elements, the PET pellets are transported gently and separated at the same time. The optimum speed range prevents breakage, abrasion and damage to the product.
Control of the rotary drum is simple and convenient, by means of the control panel of the ips-UWG S or a local control panel directly at the rotary drum ips-DR/K. The rotary drum is driven by a 3-phase AC motor which has a continuously variable speed.
The rotary drum ips-DR/K makes the gentle and energy-efficient crystallisation of PET pellets possible with degrees of crystallisation bigger than 30 percent, depending on product and application. The simple and sturdy structure offers very good access to the conveyor elements on the inside, so that the rotary drum can be cleaned and serviced quickly and easily.
