EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT | JUNE 2024 Granulators

Transparency Market Research defines components of the plastics recycling market as: PET, PP, HDPE, LDPE, PS, PVC and others – as well as plastics from packaging; automotive, construction, textiles and others. Last year, the same source quantified the global industry value of those materials as $45.5 billion and, that value is expected to reach $129 billion by 2035.

Recyclers that require the tools to process this wide range of materials are responding to a variety of global factors, including: increased awareness of environmental issues, a rise in governmental focus on sustainability and evolving regulation geared toward plastic waste reduction. Entities that generate plastic are also being pressed to reduce output as much as possible. As closed loop product design should include optimal recyclability, it may also involve various recycling equipment types – and granulators may be part of that mix.

Amandus Kahl

The Amandus Kahl pan grinder mill, unique for processing up to 10 tons per hour, also features gravity-fed mechanisms, a horizontal flat-die configuration for size reduction and adaptability to various material types. “A notable example of engineering and innovation in the field of size reduction technology, these mills are renowned for their efficiency, durability, and versatility. Our products embody German engineering excellence and with over 100 years of expertise, Amandus Kahl specializes in providing solutions for size reduction of plastics, paper, and other materials,” commented Mike Curci, Amandus Kahl USA.

According to Curci, the efficient size reduction technology Amandus Kahl employs addresses several key industry challenges, including energy consumption and material handling. Unlike traditional methods, Amanadus Kahl’s size reduction in the pan grinder mill does not require additional air filtering or explosion protection systems (ATEX), making it a safer and more cost-efficient solution. This approach not only facilitates the handling of bulky and fibrous materials by increasing their bulk density but also enhances the overall energy efficiency of the size reduction process, a critical factor in the recycling industry. As the demand for renewable energy and sustainable recycling methods grow, Amandus Kahl’s innovations, particularly in size reduction and flat-die technology, position the company at the forefront of the industry.

“Our commitment to improving energy efficiency and refining the size reduction process mirrors the global trend toward more environmentally friendly and cost-effective size reduction solutions. Amandus Kahl’s developments in size reduction technology reflect a deep understanding of the industry’s future direction, focusing on flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. Our firm’s ambitions stretch far beyond technological advancements. We’re dedicated to playing a pivotal role in the global transition towards sustainable energy and recycling practices. With a particular focus on plastic recycling and through pushing the limits of size reduction technology and prioritizing environmental responsibility, Amandus Kahl is determined to lead the shift toward a more sustainable future,” Curci said.

As a production-oriented enterprise specializing in the manufacture of high-quality environment-friendly plastic recycling equipment, Avian Recycling System product lines encompass a variety of machines, including high-speed plastic granulators, shredders, pulverizers, agglomerators, and professional, complete PET plastic washing lines. Andy Gu, operations vice president, reported that the firm has been “a leading global recycling equipment manufacturer since 1962”. Avian provides recycling washing lines, PET bottle recycling washing from 3 to 12T/hr., HDPE bottle recycling washing from 3 to 9T/hr., film recycling washing from 1 to 2T/hr., granulators from 10 to 500 hp., shredders from 30 to 400hp, aglomerators (models PA400 and PA600) and pulverizers.

Avian Recycling System

The U.S. branch of Avian Recycling System operates a manufacturing, distribution, and service facility located in West Chicago. Serving as a trusted supplier to the plastics manufacturing and recycling industry, Avian’s clientele also includes companies in the automotive, packaging, construction, furniture, and textile industries,” Gu stated.

Managing partner George Dadiani of JV Explore is also the North American representative for granulator manufacturer, Bruno Folcieri. He stated that “for over 60 years, Bruno Folcieri machines have carried a flawless reputation for reliability. These machines are considered best in class due to their precise engineering, provided to meet the needs of their customers. The firm is a leader in building the most reliable equipment for the recycling of PET and polyolefins such as AMUT and technofer and this also includes Bruno Folcieri granulators as part of washing lines. Well known in the U.S., I am happy to help them in further expanding their presence in the North American market.”

Citing an example of a Canadian client, Dadiani noted that the firm’s Bruno Folcieri granulator has been operating there for over 37 years. “Operating alongside it is a 25 year old machine, also running flawlessly. About 75 percent of companies that bought their first granulator from Folcieri come back to Folcieri for their 2nd, 3rd – and more – as the advantages of these machines are crystal clear. They include: lowest operating cost, record breaking longevity, the fastest and easiest maintenance in the market, unbreakable rotors and cutting chambers and unique design solutions.

Bruno Folcieri Srl

“We are especially enthusiastic about the strength of Bruno Folcieri machines in the safe and reliable granulation of large diameter pipes, up to 2m in size. This product is typically made of the most tough to handle plastics, such as high impact PP, for example. No other granulator on the market offers this capability. These Bruno Folcieri machines typically run for decades without any issues for countless European clients. As we offer such solutions to North American companies, we are off and running as we respond to many who have contacted us.”