Rotary tube for controlled PET inline crystallization
As of now, ips Intelligent Pelletizing Solutions GmbH & Co. KG is offering a newly developed, compact rotary tube for the inline crystallization of PET pellets as a supplement to its ips-UWG S underwater pelletizing systems and as a “stand-alone”.
PET is an ideal plastic for the production of packaging films, bottles, fibers and packaging tapes. However, before it can be processed, the material must be dried and crystallized. Ips has now launched the ips-DR / K rotary tube as a system option for its underwater pelletizing systems especially for the inline crystallization of PET recycled goods.
The ips-DR / K with its compact, horizontal design and targeted process control is particularly suitable for continuous production and the efficient crystallization of amorphous PET granulate and regrind. The permanent movement – without the supply of external energy – prevents the amorphous PET granulate from clumping and sticking during the crystallization process.
The amorphous PET crystallizes quickly and effectively by optimally regulating the speed or the dwell time in the thermally insulated rotary tube. Throughputs of up to 2,500 kg / h can be achieved in continuous operation.
The amorphous PET pellets come directly from the ips-GT pellet dryer with a pellet temperature above the necessary crystallization start temperature into the rotary kiln. The use of the PET granulates’ own thermal energy allows them to crystallize. An external energy input, for example by infrared heaters, is not necessary. Thanks to the special arrangement of the conveyor elements, the PET granules are gently transported and simultaneously separated. The optimal speed range prevents breakage, abrasion and damage to the product.
The rotary tube is controlled easily and conveniently via the control panel of the ips-UWG S or via a local control panel directly on the ips-DR / K rotary tube. The rotary kiln is driven by a three-phase motor, the speed of which is continuously adjustable.
The ips-DR / K rotary kiln enables gentle and energy-efficient crystallization of PET granulate with degrees of crystallization greater than 30 percent. The simple and robust structure offers very good access to the conveying elements inside, so that the rotary kiln can be cleaned and serviced quickly and easily.