The machine processes film rejects with high levels of fluctuating moisture from sorting systems on a large scale to produce agglomerates with a high bulk density that are an ideal feedstock for chemical recycling, among other applications.
Agglorema processes heavily contaminated waste streams with a low bulk density (from 30 kg/m³) and moisture contents of up to 12 per cent. This is made possible by combining the Erema Preconditioning Unit (PCU) with patented Counter Current technology and a specially designed extruder screw. Even when the composition of the feed material varies greatly, for example in terms of polymer, geometry and moisture, this combination ensures stable process control. The material is homogenised, degassed, preheated, and continuously fed into a short extruder without upstream drying. The machine handles up to 2.3 tonnes per hour.
From the extruder, the partially melted material strand is fed directly through a melt pipe into the water-cooled melt mill. Here, it is formed into agglomerates with bulk densities of 280 to 380 kg/m³ and a defined particle size. Depending on the configuration, downstream drying can reduce the residual moisture up to less than one percent. The process layout is deliberately kept straightforward and robust. The system capitalises on the advantages of extrusion, but significantly reduces process temperature and energy consumption.
The Agglorema can be used to prepare feedstock materials for chemical recycling as well as for mechanical recycling. Agglomerates produced from mixed polyolefin fractions can be used in the manufacture of simple components, for example.
In addition to the new Agglorema system, Erema also offers the Chemarema series, a solution for chemical recycling in which the melt is fed directly into the reactor.
