Ettlinger's melt filter technology is based on the principle of self-cleaning with a continuous flow of melt from the outside to the inside of a rotating, perforated drum. A scraper removes the contaminants that are held back on the surface and feeds them to the discharge system. Just like the ERF filters, which are designed for higher contamination, the new ECO filters also have a modular structure, thereby providing a wide range of options for adjusting the filter properties to the respective task. A new innovative system facilitates an even higher concentration of contaminated discharge, which, in turn, further decreases the already typically low loss of PET melt associated with Ettlinger's melt filters. Better access to the scraper system reduces the amount of time needed by the operator for maintenance and replacement tasks. The discharge now exits via the front side of the ECO filters, which is generally easier for the user to access.
Uwe Kellner, Managing Director Ettlinger: "PET recyclers are reporting ever-increasing volume flows, resulting in a sharp increase in the capacity utilisation of many machines. At the same time, buyers have more stringent requirements regarding the purity of the recycled material. Consequently, many of the filter systems in operation today are reaching maximum capacity. Our further developments have been tailored to these changes in the market. With these in mind, we have achieved enhanced performance without compromising on filtration efficiency. The new designs combine screen sizes up to 60 µm with a minimum loss of PET through the discharge."
The ECO melt filters are designed to process very low viscosity polymer feedstock (mainly PET and PA) and to facilitate the efficient filtration of contaminants such as paper, wood, aluminium, silicone, etc. Moreover, the closed discharge system prevents the occurrence of black specks. For this reason, the classic application for ECO melt filters is extrusion systems where PET bottle flake is converted into food packaging films, packaging tape and fibres, as well as PET repelletising and compounding processes. ECO melt filters are suitable for single-screw or twin-screw extrusion lines, irrespective of the pelletising system or other downstream units, and can achieve throughputs from 150 kg/h up to 4,000 kg/h.
