In the PET plastic recycling industry, quality is everything. Whether you're producing food-grade containers, fibers, or packaging materials, clean and contaminant-free PET flakes are essential. That’s where the PET flakes hot washing machine comes in—a critical component of any professional PET recycling line.
What is a PET Flakes Hot Washing Machine?
A PET flakes hot washing machine is a specialized piece of equipment used to clean shredded PET plastic using high-temperature water and detergent. It removes stubborn contaminants like:
- Glue and labels
- Oil and grease
- Food residues
- Inks and adhesives
This deep-cleaning process is vital to ensuring that the recycled flakes meet industry standards, especially for applications like food-grade rPET (recycled PET).
Hot Washing is Crucial in PET Recycling
Without hot washing, PET flakes may still carry impurities that affect:
- Color and clarity
- Melting behavior during reprocessing
- Chemical properties for reuse
- Compliance with FDA or EFSA food-grade standards
Hot water combined with detergent or caustic soda breaks down contaminants that cold water washing simply cannot remove. This ensures cleaner, more valuable end products.
How PET Flakes Hot Washing Machines Work
- Feeding: Shredded PET flakes are fed into the hot washer.
- Heating: Water is heated to 80–90°C (176–194°F), often using electric or steam heating systems.
- Detergent Mixing: A detergent or alkaline solution is mixed into the water to loosen labels, glue, and oil.
- Agitation: The machine uses high-speed paddles or blades to agitate the flakes, increasing contact and cleaning efficiency.
- Soaking & Rinsing: Flakes are soaked and then moved to the next stage for cold rinsing and drying.
How to Choose PET Flakes Hot Washing Machines
When choosing a hot washing machine for PET flakes, consider the following:
- Temperature control system for consistent heating
- Stainless steel construction for durability and corrosion resistance
- Insulated tanks to save energy
- Automatic chemical dosing
- Capacity in kg/h or tons/day based on your production scale
- Easy-to-clean design for hygiene and maintenance
Benefits of PET Flakes Hot Washing Machine
- Improved flake purity
- Higher market value of rPET
- Increased compatibility with downstream equipment (extruders, pelletizers)
- Compliance with food-grade regulations
- Better quality for textiles, bottles, and packaging applications
Applications of Hot-Washed PET Flakes
Hot-washed flakes are ideal for:
- Food and beverage bottles
- Blow molding and thermoforming
- Polyester fiber and yarn
- Sheet extrusion and strapping products
A PET flakes hot washing machine is a must-have for any serious PET recycling operation. It boosts the quality and value of your recycled plastic, ensures regulatory compliance, and makes your end product competitive in both domestic and international markets.