Processing for
Processing for reprocessing. Its continuously expanding use in single- and reusable bottles, as well as its recovery via deposit systems, add to its value. Correspondingly, it can be lucrative for companies to focus on PET recycling. Before PET can be reprocessed, it must first be shredded to flakes and then cleaned. Ordinary technologies require pre-drying, crystallization or agglomeration of the PET flakes following washing. However, using the specialized technology from Coperion, the shredded PET can be fed directly into the ZSK twin screw extruder and compounded. The shredded flakes are reliably fed into the ZSK extruder using highaccuracy SWB (Smart Weigh Belt) feeders or gravimetric feeders from Coperion K-Tron. In addition, other regrind materials, new materials, or mixtures can be added. Melting, intensive devolatilization, and complete homogenization take place in the ZSK process section before the melt is transferred via a gear pump and filter with an automatic screen pack changer to a strand or underwater pelletizer for pellet production. Pellets are then condensed in an SSP reactor. The pellets’ quality meets the requirements of virgin material. They have received FDA Letter of Non Objection which certifies that they meet the standards for food-safe plastics and thus, can be processed into bottles once again. With this direct processing of PET into bottles, recyclers profit particularly from the very high end product quality. Product handling in the bottle-to-bottle process is very gentle. The residence time in the ZSK extruder is very short and dispersion is very good. The ZSK extruders’ high torque enables processing at low temperatures and with almost no viscosity loss. ZSK extruders’ selfcleaning enables rapid recipe and color changes. Thanks to the ZSK twin screw extruder’s very good devolatilization options, volatile components such as monomers, oligomers, and water are reliably removed and channeled away from the exhaust flow in suitable separators before discharging the process section. Alongside the high product quality, direct processing of PET flakes offers further advantages including reduced operating costs and energy consumption as well as lower logistic expense. Jochen Schofer, Business Segment Manager, Recycling & Direct Extrusion at Coperion added: “With FDA certification, we have officially confirmed the high product quality of the PET recyclates. With the Coperion solution, we make a technology available to recyclers that is economical and at the same time allows them to make a decisive contribution to the plastic industry’s path towards a circular economy.” 20
Rapid Authentication Test for Whisky Detection technology provider Eluceda has developed a rapid and easily portable method to authenticate genuine whisky by detecting the unique electrochemical ‘taste’ of specific batches of product. Spirits are particularly vulnerable to a variety of issues from counterfeiting to refilling and dilution, with whiskies of all types affected. According to an EU IPO report 1 , the industry loses ~€1.3 bn of revenue annually in Europe alone due to counterfeit wines and spirits, corresponding to 3.3% of the sectors’ sales. In this environment, the ability to authenticate bottles of whisky quickly and cost-effectively is increasingly important to ensure consumer confidence and brand reputation. Without the need for additives or other on-product security measures, Eluceda’s new authentication solution uses its established detection technology to identify the unique ‘taste’ of a specific whisky – formed as a result of each drink’s specific chemical makeup. Results are provided in a few minutes with minimal training needed for those carrying out the test. Samples and consultancy for the feasibility study were provided by the Scotch Whisky Research Institute (SWRI) and tests have been able to identify genuine whiskies from those that have been diluted with water, ethanol or other whiskies as well as from counterfeits. “Authentication is a key tool in combating counterfeiters in any industry but often methods for food and drink are slow and expensive, sometimes requiring central laboratory testing, making for long lead times” said Dr Ian Eastwood, Chief Technology Officer at Eluceda. “Our solution helps change this by giving distilleries, brands and enforcement officers a rapid and accurate way to prove that their whisky is genuine.” Eluceda’s E-Sens handheld detectors use customised electrodes containing specific catalysts which react with the unique groups of molecules in the whisky to produce a digital ‘fingerprint’. Each reading is analysed using algorithms which compare the sample being tested against a database of genuine whisky samples. Uncompromising Processing hygiene with NETZSCH pumps Gentle conveyance of sanitary products Pumps designed, manufactured and tested according to EHEDG, QHD, 3A and GOST-R standards FDA-certified elastomers Product and cleaning temperature up to 150° C Explosion protection according to ATEX CIP and SIP capable Decades of expertise in uncompromising hygiene NEMO® hygienic pump and T.Sano® pump with cavity free exterior drinkworld Technology + Marketing · September 2021 NETZSCH Pumpen & Systeme GmbH Business Field Food & Pharmaceutical Tel.: +49 8638 63-1030 info.nps@netzsch.com www.netzsch.com 21
