Plastic film washing line

Types of plastic film washing lines

A plastic film washing line is a complete set of machines used to wash, clean, and recycle different types of plastic films. It usually consists of a bag opener, washer, dryer, granulator, and packing machine. There are numerous ways to classify plastic film washing lines.

• By the source of the plastic film: The plastic film recycling lines for botanicals, commercial shrink/stretch wraps, machine shop lubricants, food/product packaging, and agricultural films have different configurations.
• By the type of plastic material: This includes PVC, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, and multi-material films.
• By production capacity: The small capacity lines are available for 100 kg/h to 300 kg/h film waste. Medium capacity is between 500 kg/h and 800 kg/h, while the large capacity is between 1,000 kg/h and 2,000 kg/h or even more.

At Alibaba.com, buyers can find many types of plastic film washing lines according to their needs. The single washing lines usually include a primary washer and may include up-graders like flotation tanks or dry separators. Standalone washers are oftentimes integrated into a complete washing, cutting, and pelleting line into a cascade arrangement where material is sequentially introduced into each machine.

Complete integrated washing and recycling lines may include a pre-sorter or full-sorting conveyor line so that the entire machine can be operated from a single insert and a single output in a fully automated manner without any manual sorting. Many such complete lines also have a manual sorting area.

Besides, there are washer machines that only clean the plastic waste. Such machines are usually included in plastic film recycling lines. The washers remove stickers, residual dirt, and ink, making the plastic waste eligible for further recycling.

Another type of sorting mechanism that can be found on a plastic film recycling line is an air separator. An air separator works on a similar principle to a float tank and uses compressed air to push lighter plastic types out of the line, e.g., PS, PP, PET, PETE, etc. Heavier plastics go further down the conveyor belt and into the crusher.

The plastic film recycling lines use different mechanisms to separate out films, in particular mixed plastics films, that may include contaminants like dirt, sand, labels, etc. Such separation techniques may include washing tunnels, floating tanks, dry separators, air blowers, scrapers, and rotary drums.

The plastic film recycling lines also use different techniques to crush the plastic into pellets. Firstly, the plastic material is fed into a hopper, then it may go into a hot washer to scrub any remaining dirt. Next, the material is put into a crusher, where it is cut up into smaller pieces. After this, the crushed plastic is put into a sink, where it is washed further and sent to a dryer. After drying, it is sent to a pelletizer or granulator, where it is made into granules and sent for packing.

Specifications and Maintenance of Plastic Film Washing Lines

It's essential to understand the specifications of a plastic film washing line. This will help business buyers assess the capacity, efficiency, and suitability of the machinery for their waste management needs.

Typical configurations of plastic film washing lines include the following:

• Production Capacity: They usually have capacities that vary from 200 to 1,000 kg/hr. Some industrial-scale lines can even reach higher capacities.
• Space Requirement: The required floor area is usually about 10 m by 15 m. Space requirements will vary according to the production capacity of the plastic film washing line.
• Production Workflow: The workflow includes sorting, shredding, washing, and drying the plastic. The line also has a recycling machine to granulate the dried plastic film.
• Granule Recycling Rate: The recycling rate tells business buyers how much of the waste plastic will be turned into usable granules. The recycling rate ranges from 80% to 98%.
• Energy Efficiency: An energy-efficient plastic film washing line can save about 30% energy compared with older models. It may have a variable drive that changes motor speed according to the load.
• Water Consumption: A low-consumption line can wash plastic at an average of 500 kg per hour using only 5,000 liters of water.
• Operator Safety: The washing line should have CE certification. This means it complies with European safety standards. The machine will have safety guards, shields, and emergency stop buttons.
• Optional Features: Buyers can choose a washing line with an optical sorter or a dewatering machine. Other optional features include a vented extruder, a thermal dryer, a bagging system, and a pelletizer.

Machinery that handles waste material at this scale needs a maintenance program. An efficient maintenance program will reduce repair costs and unplanned downtime. It will also extend the lifespan of the equipment. Operating manuals give useful guidelines on maintenance procedures. Mainly, they recommend regular inspections and scheduled replacements of critical parts. Many manufacturers provide maintenance and support services during and after installation. The main service areas include:

• Pre-Installation Inspection: The electrical, mechanical, and structural parts of the washing line will be checked. Any adjustments needed will be made before the plastic film washing line arrives at the site for installation.
• Maintenance Services: Maintenance services offered cover routine inspections, analysis, and testing. Repairs to the equipment will be done in compliance with industry standards. Spare parts will be supplied as required. Technicians will ensure all repairs are in line with safety standards.
• Equipment Overhaul: An overhaul of the washing line may be required after some years of operation. This will make sure that all parts are in proper working condition. The overhaul process will include replacement of critical components, calibrations, and adjustments to enhance performance.

Apart from the safety features, it's important for business buyers to ask if the washing line has a maintenance-free design. Some parts, like the reduction gear and electric motor, may not need any maintenance for many years to come.

Usage scenarios of plastic film washing lines

A plastic film washing line can be used in various scenarios, all of which are beneficial to recycling waste of different types of plastic films. Below are some of the many scenarios in which a plastic film washing line is used:

• Recycling agricultural film: A lot of plastic film used in agriculture comes from the soil. This includes the agrarian greenhouse wrap as well as the crop cover and mulch. This leads to the undesirable situation of agricultural films polluting the land. Therefore, a plastic film washing line may be employed on farms to aid in cleaning the agricultural plastic film and recycling it.
• Cleaning plastic film from cities: Urban areas generate a significant amount of plastic film waste, including shrink wrap, packaging film, and single-use bags. A plastic film washing line can be used in urban settings to clean and recycle plastic film waste, reducing the environmental impact of landfill.
• Dealing with marine litter: Ocean plastic waste is a serious concern. Plastic film debris can harm marine life and ecosystems. Recycling plastic film waste can reduce marine pollution. The plastic film washing machine can help clean the ocean by treating and recycling plastic film waste.
• Restoring coastal regions: Many beaches along the coastline are littered with plastic wrap and film, which harms coastal ecosystems. Using a plastic film washing line can help reduce plastic waste along the coast and protect marine life and habitats.
• Manufacturing centers: Many locations are now being developed to produce plastic goods. Numerous plastic waste films will undoubtedly be produced during the production process. The film washing line can be used to treat plastic films, eliminating waste and lowering pollution.
• Community recycling initiatives: Community-based recycling programs aim to educate residents about proper waste disposal and encourage recycling. Plastic film recycling is an essential part of community sustainability efforts. A plastic film washing line can be used in community centers to process plastic film and produce recycled materials for local use.

How to Choose Plastic Film Washing Lines

• Feedstock Variety:

  Determine the types of plastic films the washing line will process, such as agricultural films, greenhouses, or stretch films. Different quality films require distinct pre-treatment and separation technologies.

• Production Capacity:

  Match the line's processing capacity to expected plastic waste volumes. Consider current and future needs. Substantial investments will require higher capacities to cope with film-washing lines for anticipated waste quantities.

• PET Recycling Technology:

  Since a significant portion of plastic films are made of PET, look for advanced technologies for washing and recycling PET films. Opt for effective separation, cleaning, and granulation systems designed explicitly for PET films.

• Granule Quality:

  Consider the quality of plastic granules produced by the washing line. Ensure the line can manufacture high-quality granules that meet market standards and specifications for recyclables.

• Quality of Washing and Decontamination:

  Prioritize the quality of washing and decontamination provided by the plastic film washing line. Effective cleaning is crucial for producing high-quality recycled plastic and minimizing contamination in the end product.

• Line Flexibility:

  Consider the flexibility of the plastic washing line. It should be able to process different types of plastic film with varying contamination levels without the requirement for additional equipment.

• Power Consumption:

  Evaluate the film-washing line's energy usage to balance recycling efficacy and operational costs. Explore energy-efficient models that reduce power consumption without compromising performance.

• Equipment Reliability:

  Choose a line manufactured by a company known for its reliable machinery. Equipment dependability influences maintenance needs, downtime, and operational efficiency, so opt for models built to last.

• General spare parts availability

  Ensure the availability of common spare parts for the washing line. This is because it guarantees fast repair times and lessens downtime, helping to maintain operating effectiveness and productivity.

Plastic film washing line FAQ

Q1: What types of materials can the plastic film washing line process?

A1: The plastic film washing line is primarily used to recycle various types of plastic films, including agricultural mulch films, packaging films, plastic bags, and more. Depending on the specific equipment configuration, it may also process composite films mixed with other materials and films containing some minor contaminants.

Q2: What is the typical throughput or capacity of a plastic film washing line?

A2: Plastic film washing lines come in different sizes and specifications, but most can process between 200 kg to 2,000 kg of plastic film per hour. Some high-capacity models may even handle up to 3,000 kg per hour or more.

Q3: How clean is the recycled plastic granule after using a plastic film washing line?

A3: Modern plastic film washing lines are equipped with advanced cleaning units that can effectively remove dirt, contaminants, and impurities from the plastic films. The recycled plastic granules produced can achieve a cleanliness level of over 99%, making them suitable for high-quality secondary use.

Q4: What are the final products that can be made from recycled plastic film washed by a plastic film washing line?

A4: The plastic film washing line typically produces recycled plastic granules as the final product. These granules can be made into products such as garbage cans, floor tiles, plastic hoses, and other non-load-bearing products.