PCR-PET processing is a K show focus for Kreyenborg

Speaking during the company's pre-K 2010 press event, David Bargery, project manager at Kreyenborg, said the company recently shipped what it believes is the world's largest infrared dryer for PET, to a processor of post-consumer recycled PET, to a facility in Europe. He wouldn't name the customer but said the unit has capacity for 3.5-tonnes/hr throughput of PCR-PET flake. "We've delivered about 50 IRDs (infrared dryers) so far but most are sized 500-1000 kg/hr," he added.

At the K show (Oct. 27 - Nov. 3), and on the other end of the throughput scale, the company plans to introduce a batch IRD for use on smaller amounts of material. The unit can handle input moisture of up to 25%, said Bargery, and could appeal to processors working with bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA).

For processing of PCR-PET or virgin material, Kreyenborg offers pelletizers, melt filters and the IRD systems. It has developed a special pelletizer, the CrystalCut, for processing of PCR-PET.

Also at the K, the company's BKG subsidiary intends to display four of its underwater pelletizing systems. Demand has been especially strong of late for systems designed to create micropellets, with these especially of interest to companies marketing pellets of expanded polystyrene. The company also will highlight a new pelletizing system for highly abrasive, highly filled materials. "We've made it easier to replace only those parts of the unit subject to wear," explained Bargery, so there is no need to replace an entire costly system.   

In all the company plans to exhibit about 25 different machines at its stand during the K, including a new generation of gear pumps designed for temperature-sensitive materials such as polycarbonate or bioplastics.  

According to Jan-Udo Kreyenborg, president of the company, early this summer the company's sales had rebounded to levels seen before the recession of 2008/09. The company stayed profitable during this period, he added, and even saw sales of its melt pumps reach double-digit increases, a jump he attributed to in-house seminars designed to educate processors about melt pumps and extrusion.