The Air Classifier, also known as a Zig Zag Separator or Air Separation Machine, is an important separation device used in PET bottle recycling lines. It is specially designed to separate lightweight PP/PE label films from heavier PET flakes through controlled airflow and air pressure technology.
At Chenxing Machinery, we manufacture industrial-grade air classifier systems engineered for high separation efficiency, stable operation, and reliable long-term performance. Our zig zag separators help recycling plants improve PET flake purity while reducing contamination in downstream processing.
An air classifier is a pneumatic separation machine that uses airflow to separate materials according to weight and aerodynamic characteristics.
In PET bottle recycling systems, crushed PET bottles usually produce a mixed material stream containing:
PET flakes
PP/PE label films
Lightweight plastic particles
Dust and small contaminants
The air classifier effectively separates the lighter PP/PE films from the heavier PET flakes, improving recycled PET quality before washing, drying, or pelletizing processes.
Because of its zig zag internal structure, the machine is commonly referred to as a zig zag separator.
During PET bottle crushing, bottle labels are shredded together with PET material. If these lightweight films are not removed effectively, they can:
Reduce PET flake purity
Affect washing efficiency
Cause contamination during extrusion
Lower recycled PET product quality
Increase downstream processing costs
An air classifier helps recycling plants achieve cleaner PET flakes by efficiently removing lightweight plastic labels before further processing.
The mixed material stream enters a sorting chamber where a controlled upward airflow is generated.
Inside the machine:
PET flakes and PP/PE films enter the separation chamber.
High-speed airflow pushes lighter materials upward.
Lightweight PP/PE label films are carried into the collection chamber.
Heavier PET flakes fall downward by gravity.
Clean PET flakes continue to the next stage of the recycling line.
This airflow-based separation process allows continuous automatic operation with high sorting efficiency.
Effectively separates lightweight films from PET flakes, improving final recycled material purity.
Optimized airflow design ensures consistent and reliable material separation.
Suitable for large-scale industrial PET bottle recycling systems.
The system can be customized according to customer capacity requirements and recycling line configurations.
Efficient blower systems reduce operating costs while maintaining high performance.
The machine is designed for convenient cleaning and maintenance, reducing downtime.
Widely used after crushing and before washing systems to separate label films from PET flakes.
Improves material purity before hot washing and drying stages.
Suitable for separating lightweight contaminants from heavier recyclable materials.
Ideal for industrial plastic recycling facilities requiring high-purity recycled PET flakes.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Blower Motor | 5.5 KW / 7.5 KW / 11 KW |
| Rotary Valve Motor | 1.5 KW |
| Rotary Valve Diameter | Ø270mm |
| Rotary Valve Rotating Speed | 50 RPM |
Installing an air classifier in a PET bottle recycling line provides several important advantages:
Higher PET flake purity
Better separation of label films
Improved washing efficiency
Reduced downstream contamination
Increased recycled PET value
Lower maintenance costs
Enhanced automation and productivity
For modern recycling facilities, air separation technology is an essential process for producing premium-quality recycled PET materials.
Chenxing Machinery has extensive experience manufacturing plastic recycling and extrusion machinery for global customers.
We provide complete recycling system solutions tailored to:
Material type
Production capacity
Plant layout
Automation requirements
Every machine undergoes detailed inspection and testing before delivery.
Our professional team provides:
Equipment consultation
Installation guidance
Commissioning assistance
After-sales technical support
The machine is mainly used to separate PET flakes from PP/PE label films and lightweight contaminants.
Air classification improves PET flake purity by removing lightweight label materials before washing and pelletizing.
Yes. Chenxing Machinery can customize air classifier systems according to customer production requirements.
Yes. The equipment is designed for stable continuous production in industrial recycling plants.
Absolutely. It is commonly integrated into complete PET bottle washing and recycling systems.
Looking for a reliable air classifier manufacturer for your PET bottle recycling project?
Chenxing Machinery provides advanced zig zag air separation systems designed for high-efficiency plastic recycling applications worldwide.
Visit Chenxing Machinery Official Website to learn more about our recycling equipment and complete PET recycling solutions.