Optimize LDPE Film Recycling with Energy-Efficient Drying
Efficient Drying Solutions for Plastic Film Recycling
Recycling LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) film is an important step towards a more sustainable plastic industry. These films, commonly found in packaging, agricultural covers, and industrial applications, often collect dirt, food residues, and other contaminants during use. Without proper cleaning, these impurities can lower the quality of recycled materials, making it harder to produce high-quality pellets.
LDPE film has a natural tendency to hold onto moisture after washing, and if this isn’t removed, it can cause problems during extrusion and pelletizing. Excess water can lead to issues like bubbles, weakened pellets, and inconsistent product quality. This makes drying of the PE-film crucial to the recycling process. Traditional methods like thermal drying and centrifugation also remove moisture but are highly energy-intensive and costly.
RUNI screw compactors offer an alternative, delivering highly efficient dewatering solutions that reduce energy consumption and enhance overall efficiency of the recycling facility. By pressing water out of the washed PE-film we can reach a dry matter content of up to 95 %. This significantly reduces the energy required for further drying, increases the capacity of the recycling line, and lowers overall operating costs. With RUNI’s technology, recycling facilities can achieve both cost savings and enhanced efficiency.
Challenges | RUNI's Solution |
High Residual Moisture: Excess water in the washed LDPE-flakes result in low-quality pellets | Improved Moisture Reduction: Achieve dry matter content of up to 95%. |
High Energy Costs: Traditional drying methods consume significant energy. |
Energy-Efficient Drying: Only uses 20 kW/ton of LDPE film. |
Operational Downtime: Maintenance and breakdowns can lead to costly interruptions. | Reliable Performance: Automated operation, long lifetime and quick delivery of spare parts minimize downtime. |
Maximize LDPE Film Recycling Efficiency with RUNI Screw Compactors
RUNI screw compactors are designed to optimize the drying process for LDPE film recycling. By pressing water out of shredded and washed LDPE film, our compactors reduce energy demands for the drying process while increasing throughput of the entire production line.
Placing the compactor immediately after the a centrifuge or friction washer accelerates the drying process, reduces moisture content, and boosts the capacity of the drying line.
Key Benefits of RUNI Screw Compactors:
Energy Efficiency: Only 20 kW per ton of LDPE film.
Increased Capacity: Processes up to 800 kg/hour per machine. Multiple compactors can easily be integrated for higher capacity needs.
Durability and Low Maintenance: Robustly built to ensure minimal wear and tear and reduced downtime.
Remote Access and BUS-Communication: All machines are equipped with remote access, which allows for quick troubleshooting and remote support, ensuring consistent operation. Additionally, they can be equipped with BUS modules for integration into existing SCADA systems.
Modular Architecture: Easily customizable to fit existing lines and easily upgradable if you need higher capacity on your production line in the future.
Proven Results in LDPE Film Recycling
Systec Plastics – Germany
In 2017, Systec Plastics Eisfeld GmbH replaced their old equipment with six RUNI compactors. This change resulted in a 50% reduction in moisture content and significantly lower energy costs, all while maintaining high throughput. Read more here.