The Sink Float Separation Tank is a critical component in modern plastic recycling systems. It is designed to separate plastic materials and contaminants according to density differences using water as the separation medium. This equipment is widely used in PET bottle recycling lines and PP/PE film washing lines to improve material purity and downstream processing efficiency.
At Chenxing Machinery, we manufacture industrial-grade sink float tanks engineered for long-term durability, efficient material separation, and stable continuous operation. Our systems are widely trusted by plastic recyclers worldwide for improving recycled plastic quality while reducing contamination.
A sink float separation tank uses water density principles to separate plastics and impurities.
Water naturally has a density of approximately 1 g/cm³. Materials with a density lower than water will float, while heavier materials sink to the bottom. By utilizing this principle, the tank effectively separates different plastic materials and contaminants during the recycling process.
Depending on production requirements, additives can also be introduced to slightly adjust water density for more precise material separation.
The recycling material enters the water-filled separation tank through a feeding system. Inside the tank:
Rotating drums guide materials into the water.
Floating materials move across the surface.
Heavy contaminants sink to the bottom.
Screw conveyors automatically discharge sunk impurities.
Clean recyclable plastics continue to the next washing or drying stage.
The extended soaking time inside the tank allows:
Better contaminant removal
Improved washing performance
More accurate density separation
Higher recycled material purity
Chenxing Machinery provides standard tank lengths of 4 meters, with optional extensions up to 6 meters for larger processing capacities and longer cleaning time.
PP and PE films typically have densities around 0.93 g/cm³, allowing them to float on the water surface. Heavy contaminants such as:
Dirt
Sand
Stones
Metals
Glass
will sink to the bottom for automatic removal.
This significantly improves the cleanliness of recycled film materials before pelletizing.
In PET bottle recycling systems:
PET flakes sink due to their higher density
Bottle caps and labels float on the surface
This separation process is essential for producing high-purity PET flakes suitable for high-quality recycled PET applications.
Efficiently separates plastics and contaminants based on density differences, improving recycled material quality.
The tank interior and rotating drums are manufactured using Type 304 stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance and long service life.
Integrated screw conveyor systems automatically remove heavy contaminants, reducing manual labor.
Longer soaking and separation times improve cleaning effectiveness and density sorting accuracy.
Suitable for:
PP/PE film recycling
Hard plastic washing lines
Plastic flakes cleaning systems
Post-consumer plastic recycling plants
The robust structural design minimizes wear and ensures stable long-term operation.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Interior Width | 1500mm – 2000mm |
| Total Length | 4 – 6 meters |
| Interior Material | Type 304 Stainless Steel |
| Exterior Frame | Carbon Steel |
| Screw Conveyor Motors | 5.5KW + 3.7KW |
| Rotating Drum Motors | 37KW + 2.2KW |
Using a sink float tank in your plastic recycling line offers several operational advantages:
Higher recycled plastic purity
Reduced contamination levels
Improved washing performance
Lower downstream equipment wear
Better pelletizing quality
Increased recycling efficiency
Reduced manual sorting costs
For plastic recycling businesses aiming to produce high-quality recycled materials, sink float separation technology is an essential investment.
With more than 20 years of manufacturing experience, Chenxing Machinery specializes in advanced plastic recycling and extrusion equipment.
We provide complete recycling line solutions tailored to:
Raw material conditions
Production capacity
Factory layout
Automation requirements
Our engineering team provides:
Technical consultation
Installation guidance
Commissioning services
After-sales support
Every machine undergoes comprehensive inspection and testing before shipment to ensure reliable industrial performance.
The machine is mainly used for separating:
PET flakes
Bottle caps
Labels
Heavy contaminants
Density separation helps remove contaminants and mixed plastics, resulting in cleaner recycled materials and better end-product quality.
Yes. The interior and rotating drums use Type 304 stainless steel for excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance.
Yes. Tank dimensions and configurations can be customized according to production requirements.
Absolutely. The sink float separation tank is commonly integrated into complete PET bottle and PP/PE film recycling systems.
Looking for a reliable sink float separation tank manufacturer for your plastic recycling plant?
Chenxing Machinery provides high-performance plastic washing and separation systems designed for industrial recycling applications worldwide.
Visit Chenxing Machinery Official Website to learn more about our recycling equipment and complete plastic recycling solutions.