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You are here: Home » News » News » Metal Detector for PET Flakes Recycling-Case Study

Metal Detector for PET Flakes Recycling-Case Study

Publish Time: 2026-02-05     Origin: Site

Background


In the plastic recycling industry, ensuring materials are free from metal contaminants is crucial for protecting downstream granulators, preventing screw damage, and improving final product quality. Recently, we provided a customized, extra-long conveyor metal detection solution for a client in the recycling industry. This metal detection system was specifically designed to handle high material throughput and efficiently detect metal contaminants, ensuring smooth and reliable operation throughout the production line.



Challenges:Addressing Key Challenges in Customizing a Metal Detection Solution for a Complex Production Line

To overcome the challenges posed by the long conveyor length, motor power requirements, and downstream equipment integration, we designed a customized metal detection solution specifically for this client's needs. Here's how we addressed each challenge:


Integration with Production Line

The first challenge was integrating a metal detector into an existing PET plastic production line. PET plastic flakes from upstream processes often contain metal contaminants that must be accurately detected and removed. After rejection by the metal detection system, the cleaned material is conveyed to downstream pelletizing equipment for further processing. To ensure smooth mid-line integration and uninterrupted material flow, a custom extended-length metal detector was required. The detector length was designed to match the interface spacing between upstream and downstream equipment, enabling seamless integration and stable production performance.


Motor Power and Drive Requirements

The significant lengthening of the equipment directly results in a systematic increase in operational load and drive requirements. To ensure smooth start-up and shutdown, stable operation, and long-term reliability, the drive system mustbe upgraded accordingly. The core of this upgrade lies in selecting a higher-power motor and matching it with a higher operating voltage.


Seamless Integration with Downstream Equipment

The metal detection equipment is positioned in the middle section of the production line, with an integrated flap rejection mechanism at the end. To ensure the rejection action does not disrupt material flow and to achieve seamless integration and continuous feeding with downstream equipment, the installation height of this machine must be higher than that of the downstream equipment.








Solution: The COSO Customized Metal Detection Solution


Customized Extra-Long Machines for Seamless Production Line Integration

To ensure a smooth and efficient integration with the production line, we have redefined the standard by designing a extra-long machine measuring up to 4500 mm in length. Our machine are typically available in standard lengths of 1200 mm, 1400 mm, 1600 mm, 1800 mm, and 2000 mm. Now, we offer a flexible solution tailored to meet the unique needs of production line. Our extra-long machine is engineered to enhance workflow efficiency, maximize space utilization, and improve overall productivity.


Power Requirements for Extra-Long Machines (400 W Motor, 380 V Power Supply)

Our standard machines are designed to operate with conventional motors, powered by either 110 V or 220 V, providing the ideal power supply for typical operations. However, for the extra-long machine, which is engineered for different applications, a higher power motor is required to ensure optimal performance. To support this, we offer a 400 W motor and a 380 V power supply, guaranteeing stable and efficient operation for the machine.


Seamless Integration with Downstream Equipment (Conveyor Height & Flap rejection)

To ensure a smooth and efficient, automated workflow, the metal detector in the middle of the production line is designed to seamlessly transfer materials to the downstream granulator without requiring manual intervention. The height of the metal detector is set to be higher than the downstream equipment, ensuring that the conveyor belt is positioned correctly for an efficient transition to the next process. To optimize metal detection and rejection, we utilize a flap rejection mechanism, which is particularly suited for handling bulk materials like PET plastic flakes. In addition to its use in plastic recycling industry, this flap rejection mechanism is widely applied in the food industry, offering unparalleled efficiency in detecting and rejecting unwanted materials. From peanuts and cashews to cookies and biscuits, the flap rejection mechanism plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of food products throughout the production process.

on-site picture


Specification
Material Type Bulk materials: PET plastic flakes

Machine Length

4,500 mm
Motor Power 400 W
Voltage

380 V

Rejection Mechanism Flap rejection




Applications in the Food Industry: Nuts, Bread, Biscuits, and More

The versatility of the flap rejection mechanism extends across various food products, where food safety and contamination detection are paramount. In the production of nuts like cashews, almonds, walnuts, and peanuts, this system ensures that any foreign materials, such as iron, stainless steel, copper, are effectively removed. This helps protect both product quality and consumer safety, ensuring compliance with stringent food safety standards.


Similarly, in the production of biscuits, cookies, and other baked goods, where consistency and purity are critical. It ensures that unwanted materials are swiftly ejected without disrupting the production flow, avoiding contamination and maintaining the integrity of the final product. By automating this process, manufacturers can improve quality control, reduce human error, and enhance overall food safety throughout their operations. We have metal detector for bulk materials and bakery industry.




FAQ


Q: How can plastics be recycled?

A: Plastics are recycled through several steps. First, plastic waste is collected and sorted by type. After sorting, the plastic is cleaned to remove contaminants and then shredded into small pieces called flakes. These flakes are then melted and reformed into pellets, which manufacturers use to produce new plastic products, completing the recycling loop.


Q: What is a PET flake?

A: A PET flake is a small, cleaned, and crushed piece of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic, usually made from recycled PET bottles. PET flakes are widely used as a raw material in the circular economy to produce new plastic products, fibers, and containers, supporting sustainable plastic recycling.



Q: How to detect metal contaminants in bulk plastic flakes?

A: To detect metal contaminants in bulk plastic flakes, advanced metal detection technologies, such as metal detectors and metal separators, are used. These flakes, typically made from crushed and cleaned Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles, may contain metal contaminants. The metal detection systems help separate any metallic impurities, ensuring only clean and safe materials are used in further processing.


Q: How to customize a metal detector for complex, high-capacity production lines?

A: To customize a metal detector for complex, high-capacity production lines, we offer tailored solutions, such as 4.5m extra-long conveyors with reinforced machine for stability in intricate factory layouts. Our systems are designed to handle high-volume material flow using 400 W heavy-duty motors. The equipment is configured to operate at 380 V to ensure optimal performance, based on the system's length and capacity, and seamlessly integrates into different industrial environments.


Q: What is safety in the food industry? 

A: In the food industry, safety refers to the rigorous processes and standards used to ensure that products are free from contaminants that could harm consumers or damage brand reputation. By integrating advanced inspection systems, companies can effectively avoid costly product recalls and significantly reduce operational expenses.


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