PMG Engineering | Build World-Class Food Factories | Technology

Washing lines

Washing lines are machines used for cleaning and processing various types of materials, such as plastics, glass, metals, and textiles. They are typically used in recycling and waste management operations to remove contaminants from the materials before they are further processed or reused. The washing process typically involves several stages, including sorting, size reduction, washing, and drying. In some cases, additional stages such as separation and grading may also be included to remove impurities and ensure high-quality output. Washing lines are available in a variety of configurations and sizes, depending on the specific application and material being processed. They may be designed as standalone units or as part of a larger recycling or waste management system. Some common types of washing lines include: 1. PET bottle washing lines: These are used to clean and process post-consumer PET bottles, removing labels, caps, and other contaminants. 2. Plastic film washing lines: These are used to clean and process post-consumer plastic films, such as LDPE and HDPE. 3. Metal sorting and washing lines: These are used to sort and clean various types of metals, such as aluminum, copper, and steel. 4. Textile washing lines: These are used to clean and process post-consumer textiles, such as clothing and carpets. Washing lines are an important component of many recycling and waste management operations, helping to recover valuable materials and reduce waste and pollution. The working principle of washing lines can vary depending on the specific type of machine and the material being processed, but generally involves several stages of processing to clean and prepare the material for further use or recycling. The process typically starts with sorting, where the material is separated based on its type and quality. The material is then size reduced by shredding, cutting, or granulating to reduce the size of larger pieces. The washing process itself usually involves several stages, including: 1. Pre-washing: This involves rinsing the material with water to remove any loose dirt or debris. 2. Hot washing: This stage involves washing the material with hot water and detergents or cleaning agents to remove any remaining contaminants. 3. Friction washing: In this stage, the material is subjected to high-speed mechanical agitation to help remove any remaining dirt or contaminants. 4. Float-sink separation: This involves separating the material based on its specific gravity, with lighter materials floating to the surface and heavier materials sinking to the bottom. 5. Drying: Finally, the material is dried to remove any excess moisture before it is further processed or reused. Throughout the washing process, various types of equipment may be used, such as conveyor belts, vibrating screens, centrifuges, and air classifiers, depending on the specific requirements of the application. The goal of washing lines is to clean and prepare materials for reuse or recycling, helping to reduce waste and conserve valuable resources. The major components in washing lines can vary depending on the specific type of machine and the material being processed but generally include: 1. Hopper: This is the initial storage area for the material being processed. 2. Conveyor belt: This moves the material through the different stages of the washing process. 3. Shredder or granulator: This reduces the size of larger pieces of material, making it easier to wash and process. 4. Water tanks: These hold the water used in the washing process. 5. Heating system: This heats the water to the required temperature for washing. 6. Cleaning agents: These are used to help remove contaminants from the material being processed. 7. Mechanical scrubbers: These are used to scrub the material and remove any remaining dirt or contaminants. 8. Separation tanks: These separate the material based on specific gravity, with lighter materials floating to the top and heavier materials sinking to the bottom. 9. Drying system: This removes any excess moisture from the material before it is further processed or reused. 10. Control panel: This allows the operator to control and monitor the washing process. Additional components may be included depending on the specific requirements of the application, such as air classifiers, optical sorters, and magnetic separators. Washing lines are complex systems that require careful design and engineering to ensure efficient and effective processing of materials. The key manufacturers of Washing lines are as follows: 1. Sorema 2. Krones 3. Vecoplan 4. Herbold 5. S+S Separation and Sorting Technology GmbH 6. ECO Green Equipment 7. AMUT 8. STF Group