CONTROLS AND MONITORING | TECHNOLOGY


K-Tron business which are suitable for companies processing recycled feedstock. The K3-ML-D5- V200 vibratory feeder was shown as part of a recirculating system, with automatic refill provided by a P-Series vacuum receiver and a compact vacuum pump. Vibratory feeders are ideal for feeding recycled material or flakes as well as for the addition of glass fibre in compounding processes, says Coperion. Also on display at K2019 was Coperion K-Tron’s SWB-300 weigh belt feeder, a simple gravimetric feeder which can reliably feed large volumes of bulk materials with various flow properties and as such are well suited for process- ing of recyclates. For all its feeder systems, Coperion K-Tron has


introduced a new generation of its KCM feeder controller. The KCM-III has new features that include a larger 5-inch LCD screen with an im- proved user interface, context-sensitive help, stainless steel enclosure, and built-in Ethernet capability with optional WiFi. All motor setup, diagnostics and operator interface functions are integrated into the KCM-III user interface. The controller uses a software package to support a wide variety of application types, both batch and continuous, from loss-in-weight feeders to weigh belt feeders to Smart Flow Meters. Franz Neuner, Director of Product Management, Equipment & Systems Division at Coperion, says: “With our newest controller generation we have built the foundation for the digital future of our Coperion K-Tron feeders. The improved graphical user interface and all-new programming make the KCM-III easier to use and the expanded connectiv- ity options give the user more options for control- ling their process. With this new technology we will be able to expand into future areas such as artificial intelligence and preventive maintenance, helping manufacturers make their processes more efficient.”


Optical sorting It’s not just technology in the extrusion section of a plastics recycling operation that is benefit- ing from new develop- ment in control systems. Optical sorting technology suppliers have also been innovating. Pellenc ST has developed Smart & Share to continu- ously analyse optical sorters and help optimise their performance. The application provides access to critical


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operational data (such as machine status, stream composition and throughput rate) to ensure operational continuity and improve the sorting quality. The operator can receive alerts to help with preventive maintenance and the availability rate of equipment. “Whether you are a sorting centre or a recycling


plant, Pellenc ST works with you to develop a tailor made business solution with dedicated dashboards utilising this digital service,” says the company. It has set up a dedicated organisation to support


operators. Experts provide remote monitoring, alerting and data analysis and they can recommend targeted actions. It says secure data is accessible in real time and remotely on all types of media. Sorting technology company Sesotec has launched its Flake Scan analysis system for monitor- ing recycled flakes on a sorting line. Depending on how the recyclate will be used, manual, visual, or thermal sample analyses are often necessary in order to assess the quality of a batch of materials. Sample analyses are also used as a means of evaluating the effectiveness of the recycling sorting process. But sample analyses are hardly representative, and furthermore


require additional resources, costs, and time, says Sesotec. The company says its Flake Scan was developed to help reduce the effort involved in various analysis techniques. “In just a few minutes, the device can reliably determine the precise quality of plastic flakes and regrind,” it says. “The Flake Scan analysis system delivers data that can be quickly leveraged to make decisions about whether plastic flakes and regrind are pure enough for


Above: Pellenc ST has developed Smart & Share to continuously analyse optical sorters ST


Left: Sesotec’s new Flake Scan analysis system for monitoring recycled flakes during sorting


November/December 2020 | PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD 37


IMAGE: PELLENC ST


IMAGE: SESOTEC


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