Continuous mixer for mechanical and chemical recycling

(Picture Farrel Pomini)

At NPE 2024, Farrel Pomini displayed a new recycling solution for both mechanical and chemical recycling applications, featuring the versatility and flexibility of the Farrel Continuous Mixer. The mechanical recycling system features include a large feed hopper for ingestion of irregularly shaped material, crammer options for low bulk density feeding, proprietary hard surface coatings for maximum wear, a patent-pending grooved mixer feed section and a vent capture system. Mechanical recycling on the Farrel Continuous Mixer is achieved with similar exceptional energy efficiencies of other applications and at nominal production rates.

As a complete recycling solution, the Farrel Continuous Mixer also excels as the primary stage of the chemical recycling process of pyrolysis to heat and melt plastic or rubber. Farrel Pomini is a partner with WF Recycle Tech (United Kingdom) that has a patented pyrolysis system for recycling end-of-life tires. In addition, a presentation was featured on the stand showcasing Farrel Pomini’s role in a patented pyrolysis process for plastics developed by Lummus Technology. The process takes streams of different post-industrial and post-consumer waste to sort, shred, clean, and prepare for a downstream conversion reactor for pyrolysis. The Farrel Continuous Mixer is utilized to melt the feedstock resins and homogenize it under specific temperature and pressure parameters. The application creates a circular economy by delivering waste plastics from landfills and closes the loop on plastics production. Farrel Pomini also demonstrated its expertise in biodegradable plastics and recycled compounding at NPE. The Farrel Continuous Mixer’s low process temperature, short residence time and efficient rotor shear make it an ideal system for processing temperature sensitive or prior heat history applications. Successful experience processing PLA, PHA, PBS as well as recycled PVC and film scrap was featured.