Description
The trommel separator is excellent for removing small contaminants such as glass, metals, wood, paper/cardboard, and others before the plastic bottles are granulated. On top of its applications in PET recycling, the trommel separator is often found being used in municipal waste separation.
How It Works
The trommel is a large cylindrical mesh screen tunnel that slowly rotates. To transmit the PET bottles forward, the trommel is set at a tilt and flaps are added on the interior to continuously flip and guide the PET bottles in a forward motion. As the PET bottles slowly moves through this large piece of separation equipment, small pieces of unwanted contamination such as broken glass falls through the mesh screen and is collected. The holes on the screen are small enough so PET bottles do not fall through.
Specifications
ASG offers a standard trommel that is 1500mm in diameter and 4500mm long with automatic brush units to keep the mesh filters clean. Depending on your requirements, ASG can also provide trommels made to your specifications.
| Diameter: | φ1500㎜ |
| Trommel Length: | 4500㎜ |
| Material: | Carbon Steel |
| Tilt Angle: | 5° |
| Motor Power: | 5.5 KW |
| Reduction Ratio: | 1:17 |
Additional Images
Place An Order
The general lead time for all single-piece, standard equipment orders is 30 days. For custom orders or complete washing lines, the lead time is between 60 – 90 days. The actual lead time will depend heavily on the complexity of the project as well as the amount of machinery we have in queue at the time of your order.
Contact us to discuss pricing and ordering details. Here is a brief summary of our ordering procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What contaminants does a trommel separator remove from PET bottles?
The trommel removes small contaminants such as broken glass, metals, wood, paper and cardboard before the bottles are granulated. As bottles tumble through the rotating mesh tunnel, these small unwanted pieces fall through the screen openings and are collected, while the mesh holes are sized so PET bottles themselves cannot pass through.
How does a trommel separator work?
The trommel is a large cylindrical mesh screen tunnel that rotates slowly. It is set at a 5° tilt, and flaps on the interior continuously flip the PET bottles and guide them forward. As the bottles move through the tunnel, small contaminants fall through the mesh and are collected underneath, leaving cleaner bottles to exit at the discharge end.
What are the standard specifications of the ASG trommel?
The standard model is 1500 mm in diameter and 4500 mm long, built from carbon steel, set at a 5° tilt angle, and driven by a 5.5 kW motor with a 1:17 reduction ratio. It includes automatic brush units that keep the mesh filters clean during operation. Trommels built to custom specifications are also available on request.
Can the trommel handle materials other than PET bottles?
Yes. Beyond PET recycling, the trommel separator is widely used in municipal waste separation and other applications where small contaminants must be screened out of a bulk stream. Because ASG can build trommels to custom specifications, the diameter, length, and mesh size can be adapted to different feedstocks.
Where is the trommel installed in a PET washing line?
It is typically installed upstream of the granulator, after debaling and initial sorting. By removing glass, metals, and other hard contaminants early, the trommel protects granulator blades from damage, reduces wear on downstream equipment, and improves the purity of the flakes produced later in the line.
What maintenance does a trommel separator require?
The automatic brush units keep the mesh filters clean during operation, which minimizes manual cleaning. Beyond that, periodically inspect the mesh screen for damage or stretched openings, check the tilt setting and drive components, and monitor the 5.5 kW motor for unusual temperature or noise. Carbon steel construction keeps the structure robust under continuous use.