Meeting the demands of plastic recyclers

As demand for recycled polymers grows, it is essential for reclaimers to produce exceptionally pure material that can meet manufacturers’ most exacting specifications. Achieving those specifications at high production rates is critical for cost-control and long-term viability.

The STEINERT UniSort family of sorters achieves these dual goals. The sorters benefit from Steinert’s more than 130 years of materials management and separation experience. The UniSorts leverage state-of-the-art hyperspectral imaging (HSI) sensor technology. This allows exacting materials identification based upon the smallest differences in chemical composition.

Sorting black plastics and everything else

UniSort offers unmatched ability to sort any color of plastic to create the needed fractions. Using near-infrared (NIR) sensors and a color camera, UniSort Finealyse can sort plastic flakes by type and color. The UniSort BlackEye is based on the same design and features a sensor in the middle-infrared (MIR) frequency range.

Sixteen UniSort sorting machines with hyperspectral imaging technology generate plastics fractions with the highest levels of purity.

Being able to sort black plastics adds tremendous value. A processor can, for example, sort black polyolefins (PO) into their constituent parts, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), but also polystyrene (PS) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymers.

“Our effective sorting of black plastic truly sets STEINERT apart,” says the company’s Nolan Lamb. “Our UniSort machines can sort all colors, which provides tremendous flexibility and value for processors.”

High production levels

The proprietary active object control (AOC) system developed by STEINERT stabilizes material as it rides on the UniSort’s accelerator conveyor toward the detection area. This highly effective system ensures that even the smallest objects remain in their calculated position, delivering accurate sorting at high speeds.

The speed and stability of this system ensure consistently high production coupled with unmatched productivity. While the material flows through the detection area, the corresponding sensors detect the type or color as necessary and the position on the conveyor belt. The controller then activates the correct nozzles at precisely the right time and position.

A range of solutions. Proven success.

Even the smallest differences in the chemical composition of plastics can be detected by the UniSort range of plastic sorters. From bulk material sorting to flake sorting, STEINERT ensures accuracy, productivity and reliability.

As one of the world’s leading experts in sensor sorting and magnetic separation for waste and metal recycling, STEINERT delivers proven solutions. With customers throughout the world, we have a demonstrated track record. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your operation.