New Capabilities for Self-Cleaning Screen Changer Increase Quality and Throughput in Recycling of Contaminated Plastics
Options Now Available for Continuous Screen Changer from ADG Solutions Include Finer-Size Screens for Enhanced Filtration and a Larger Machine for Increased Productivity
FAIRFIELD, CT, U.S.A.: New alternatives available for the Fimic self-cleaning continuous screen changer enable recyclers of plastics to increase product uniformity and cleanliness even when processing highly contaminated raw material, and do so without sacrificing productivity, it was announced today by ADG Solutions. The company is the exclusive North American importer of the patented Fimic system, built in Italy by Fimic Officine Meccaniche SAS.
ADG now offers filter screens with a size of only 200 microns (about 80 mesh) and expects to make a 150-micron (100-mesh) screen available later this year, according to company president Sandy Guthrie. "With the ultra-fine filtration provided by the new screens, users of the Fimic self-cleaning continuous screen changer can further enhance product quality, a critical requirement for film and other applications requiring a cosmetically desirable appearance and surface feel," said Guthrie. "At the same time, the large surface area of the screen compared to that of other screen changers facilitates polymer flow and ensures a high level of productivity for the processing line."
Another new option available from ADG is the model SCF-700 screen changer, which extends the applicability of the Fimic system to recycling operations requiring throughput rates from 6,000 to 10,000 lb. (2,720 to 4,535 kg) per hour. The maximum throughput for the next-largest model, the SCF-600, is 6,000 lb. (2,720 kg) per hour.
ADG now supplies five models of the Fimic continuous screen changer, with filter diameters from 325 to 700 mm (12.8 to 27.5 in.). Multiple screen sizes are available, the largest being 2,000 microns (about 10 mesh).
How the Fimic Plastics Recycling Equipment System Works
The Fimic screen changer can handle scrap with up to 3% loadings of contaminants without a slowdown or stoppage of the process, and even contaminants close to an inch in diameter do not pose a problem, according to ADG's Guthrie. "The self-cleaning action is very efficient, with purgings averaging less than 2.5 lb. (1.13 kg) per cleaning cycle and minimal discharge of good material along with contaminants."
The self-cleaning cycles are subject to automatic PLC control. In each cycle, as molten polymer enters the screen changer, contaminant accumulates on the screen plate, which is a stainless steel component. The buildup continues until back pressure reaches a preset level. This actuates a rotating blade which sweeps the screen and purges the contaminant through a central discharge port. Typically the screen does not need to be touched or changed more often than every week or two, depending on the material being processed.
ADG SOLUTIONS is headquartered at 3022 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT 06824. Tel: 1-203-255-9444. Fax: 1-203-256-9044. Email: sandy@adgs.net. Visit www.adgs.net.
Robert J. Martino
Martino Communications Inc.
8 Main Street / P.O. Box 379
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706 U.S.A.
Tel: 1-914-478-0754
Fax: 1-914-478-0959
Email: bob@martinocommunications.com
Visit www.martinocommunications.com
