Recycling Machines Devolatilize and Decontaminate

Gneuss will highlight its new series of Omni recycling systems at NPE 2024. Gneuss will show a complete Omni Recycling Machine, featuring a Multi Rotation System MRS 130 extruder, a water ring pump vacuum system, a fully automatic melt filtration system RSF Genius 150 and an online viscometer VIS. This machine is designed for the processing of up to 2,200 lbs/hr of undried and uncrystallized polyester (PET) reclaim.

Gneuss Omni Max Recycling Machine with MRS extruder and RSF Genius filtration system. Source: Gneuss.

The line on display in Orlando will be delivered to a customer in Peru after the show to process R-PET into a thermoforming sheet.

The Omni offers flexibility and a compact design. The fully automated control of vacuum, extruder, dosing, degassing dwell time and filter exchange ensures quality of the end product while enabling the operator to use lower cost input materials. Energy used in the extrusion process is designed to be used in the next process step, reducing gas and electricity consumption.

MRS Extruder

The MRS extruder is based on conventional single screw technology, but is equipped with a multiple screw section for devolatilization. It enables efficient decontamination of the polymer melt, while achieving the requirements for direct food contact standards. In addition, the MRS extruder’s vacuum system enables the processing of R-PET directly into end products without pre-drying.

The Multi Rotation Section is a drum containing multiple satellite single screws, driven by a ring gear and pinion transmission. The satellite screws rotate in the opposite direction to the main screw. This increases the surface exchange of the polymer melt. A large opening for venting, exposing the full length of the satellite screws, is completely under vacuum. This provides access to the polymer melt, the surface of which is constantly replaced by the action of the satellite screws in the multiple screws section.

The MRS 130 on display at NPE is designed for the processing of 2,200 lbs/hr of R-PET or 1,700 lbs/hr of polystyrene or polypropylene reclaim.

RSF Filter

The RSF Genius operates with an integrated back-flushing system offering self-cleaning for demanding applications. Screens can be automatically reused up to 400 times and filtration below 10 microns/1,200 mesh are available. The RSF Genius 150 has an active screen area of 450 cm²/70 in² with a filtration fineness of 75 microns (200 mesh).