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In the realm of plastic recycling, the pursuit of high-quality recycled materials is an ongoing challenge. A high-speed friction washer has emerged as a key player in this process, especially for the purification of plastic films and flakes. By leveraging the power of mechanical action and water, it effectively tackles a wide array of contaminants, ensuring that the recycled plastics meet the stringent quality requirements of modern manufacturing.
When strategically positioned prior to the floating washer, the high-speed friction washer serves as a crucial initial filter. Its primary objective is to significantly curtail the influx of impurities into the floating tank. By doing so, it not only conserves water but also lays a solid foundation for enhanced washing efficiency throughout the recycling process. By reducing the impurity load, the subsequent processes can operate with greater fluidity and precision, ultimately resulting in superior-quality cleaned plastics.
After the floating washer stage, the high-speed friction washer takes on the critical role of alleviating the workload of the dehydrator. In the context of film cleaning, where maintaining low humidity is of paramount importance, it ensures that the final moisture content of the film is less than 3%. This low moisture level is essential for seamless integration into further processing steps and for elevating the overall quality of the recycled product.
The journey of plastic films or flakes into the washer begins with their introduction, typically facilitated by a rotating floating washing tank or a screw conveyor. This initial step is carefully designed to ensure a smooth and continuous flow of materials, setting the stage for the subsequent cleaning operations.
Once inside the washer, the materials are set into a high-speed rotational motion at an impressive 1200RPM. This rapid rotation generates an intense friction force between the plastic and the inner screen, as well as with any cleaning elements present within the washer, such as rubber paddles or abrasive surfaces. The friction force is the driving force behind the loosening and removal of contaminants like dirt, adhesives, and coatings from the plastic surface. Additionally, the heat generated during this friction process can play a beneficial role in softening stubborn sticky substances, thereby facilitating their removal and enhancing the overall cleaning effectiveness.
The washer is equipped with a sophisticated water injection system, comprising water jets or a spray pipe network. As the contaminants are dislodged by the friction, the water jets come into play, rinsing away the loosened impurities. The water also serves a dual purpose of dissolving and separating organic impurities, further augmenting the cleaning effect. Moreover, the continuous flow of water helps in maintaining the cleanliness of the mesh screen, ensuring its unobstructed functionality in discharging dirt and preventing clogging.
After the thorough washing process, the impurities are removed in the form of a slurry, which is a mixture of water and waste materials. This slurry is then efficiently separated from the clean plastic film through a filtration system or a decanter. This separation step is a critical juncture in the recycling process, as it determines the purity of the final recycled product.
Once the impurities have been successfully removed, the clean plastic film or flakes undergo a drying process. This step is essential to ensure that the moisture content is within the acceptable range for further processing or recycling. Proper drying not only enhances the physical properties of the plastic but also guarantees its compatibility with downstream manufacturing processes.
The high-speed friction washer's unique combination of mechanical friction and water-based cleaning represents an efficient and indispensable solution in the plastic recycling industry. Its ability to effectively remove even the most stubborn contaminants from plastic films paves the way for the production of high-quality recycled plastics. These recycled materials can then be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of applications, contributing to the sustainable development of the plastics industry and reducing the environmental footprint associated with plastic waste. As technology continues to evolve, the high-speed friction washer is expected to play an even more prominent role in the pursuit of a circular economy for plastics.
RETECH is a creative company focusing on the technology R&D of Plastic recycling machinery solutions.
