Plastic pollution has become a serious problem worldwide. In this context, the recycling of plastics becomes increasingly important. However, there are many challenges in the recycling process, one of which is sorting different kinds of plastic materials. Here is a new technology – optical sorting.
China Golden sorter has years of in-depth research around the plastic recycling processing and sorting section, and has continuously expanded the technical application scenarios, from conventional plastic bottles and plastic flake color sorting to full-form, color nuance, plastic bottle sorting of various materials, and light-color sorting , Sorting plastic sheets of various materials, opening a new value era of plastic sorting, accelerating green development, and undertaking social responsibilities.
Golden sorter has years of in-depth research around the plastic recycling processing and sorting section, and has continuously expanded its technical application scenarios.
1. Conventional plastic bottle material and color sorting
The plastic whole bottle sorting machine is a machine for automatic sorting and separation of mixed plastic bottles. It uses advanced sensor technology and an optical recognition system that can detect and distinguish characteristics such as color, shape, size and material of plastic bottles. These characteristics can be used to distinguish different types of plastic bottles, such as PET bottles, HDPE bottles, PP bottles, etc.
During the whole bottle sorting process, the plastic bottles are conveyed to the sorting area of the machine via a conveyor belt system. During this time, sensors and optical systems detect and sort the bottles. Once a specific type of bottle is identified, the machine uses a compressed air system to push it into the correct container for collection and sorting for recycling.
The plastic whole bottle sorting machine has the advantages of high efficiency, precision and reliability, which can greatly improve the efficiency and quality of plastic recycling, while reducing the dependence on labor and pollution. This makes it a very useful environmental protection device that is widely used.
2. Plastic flake material and color sorting
Color sorting of plastic flakes refers to the process of sorting bottle flakes with a color sorting machine, and sorting the scrap with different colors.
Sorting machines typically use photoelectric sensor technology to detect and sort bottle flakes. Sensors emit light and receive reflected light as the flakes pass through the conveyor belt, sorting the flakes into different groups based on the color and brightness of the reflected light. These groups can be adjusted and set according to specific needs to meet different recycling and processing needs.
Color sorting of bottle flakes can effectively increase recycling rate and reduce environmental pollution. Through color sorting of bottle flakes, bottle flakes of different colors can be recycled and reprocessed separately, so as to maximize the use of these resources.
Infrared optical sorter for polymer sorting
Infrared optical sorting is a technique that uses near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to identify and sort different types of polymers. The process involves the following steps:
- Feeding: the mixed plastic flake is fed into the optical sorting machine, usually through a conveyor belt ,elevators or screw lift
- Scanning: The NIR light is shone on the plastic flake mixed, and the reflected light is analyzed to identify the type of polymer. Different types of polymers have different absorption spectra, so the machine can distinguish between them based on the wavelengths of light that are absorbed.
- Identification: The machine uses software to identify the type of polymer based on the absorption spectra. This information is used to determine the sorting destination.
- Separation: The machine uses a variety of techniques to separate the different types of polymers. For example, air jets can be used to blow the desired polymer into a separate bin, while the unwanted polymers are diverted to a different location.
Overall, infrared optical sorting is a highly efficient way to sort polymers. It can be used to sort a variety of materials, including PET, PVC, PP, PE, PA, PMMA, PS, ABS , PC…, and it can handle large volumes of waste quickly and accurately. Additionally, it is an environmentally-friendly solution that reduces the amount of waste going to landfills and promotes recycling.
Ultraviolet fluorescence color sorting is a method of irradiating ultraviolet light on the surface of an object to make it emit fluorescence and detect its reflected light, thereby realizing the detection of surface defects on the object. During the color sorting process of plastic pellets, if plastic aging flakes are mixed into it, they may adversely affect the performance and quality of the finished product. Therefore, UV fluorescent color sorting can effectively detect plastic aging sheets and separate them from plastic particles to improve the quality of finished products.
Specifically, when ultraviolet fluorescent color sorting is used to detect aging plastic sheets, it can use the chemical changes on the surface of the plastic after aging to make it emit different fluorescent colors under the irradiation of ultraviolet light. By detecting the intensity of this fluorescent color and the change of reflected light, the aging plastic sheet can be detected and sorted. Due to the characteristics of high efficiency, accuracy and non-contact, ultraviolet fluorescent color sorting is widely used in the color sorting process of plastic particles, which can effectively improve the quality and market competitiveness of plastic products.
3. Color sorting of plastic granule
Plastic pellets color sorting is a process of separating plastic pellets of different colors based on their optical properties. This is usually done using color sorting machines, which use optical sensors and cameras to detect and separate plastic pellets based on their color.
Functions of color sorting of plastic granules include:
- Improve product quality: Plastic particles with impure colors can affect the appearance and quality of finished products. Color sorting can remove color impure particles and improve product color stability and quality.
- Enhance market competitiveness: There are various colors of products on the market. In order to meet the needs of customers, it is necessary to produce products of different colors. Color sorting can separate plastic particles of different colors, providing a basis for the production of products of different colors.
- Improve the recycling rate of plastics: Recycling waste plastics is an environmental protection measure. Color sorting can separate waste plastics of different colors to facilitate subsequent recycling.
- Reduce production costs: Color sorting can remove unqualified plastic particles and reduce the possibility of defective products in production, thereby reducing production costs.
To sum up, color sorting of plastic particles plays an important role in improving product quality, enhancing market competitiveness, improving plastic recycling rate and reducing production costs.
