VATIS UPDATE Article

Optical sorting equipment manufacturer, NRT (a part of Eugene), Oregon based Bulk Handling Systems (BHS), the United States, has developed a plastic film identification and removal system, utilising its FiberPure™ Optical Sorter. The system also has the option of a pneumatic extraction system from Dutch firm Nihot, also a part of BHS. The combination of the NRT FiberPure Optical Sorter and Nihot air extraction system is said to create a one-step approach, enabling operators to better capitalise on the evolving mix of fiber and film than with standalone air or optical equipment.

It is also claimed to significantly lower labour costs and maximise the purity and recovery of both fiber and plastic film. BHS explained that the combination of the NRT FiberPure Optical Sorter and Nihot air extraction system was designed to fill a gap in the market for a technology solution to separate plastic film from high volumes of fiber with high purity rates on both fiber and film. In this application a stand-alone NRT optical sorter is capable of detecting and ejecting on film or fiber and creates a high quality split between these materials.

However, when the integrated Nihot air extraction system is installed it will also upgrade the ejected materials with a density split creating an even more pure fiber and film fraction. The combination is said to allow operators to use their existing sorting process for two- or three-dimensional sorting as it is easy to retrofit, the Nihot air extraction system can also transport materials to any desired position in the process, making this automated solution an easy retrofit with a fast return on investment.