Description
A brilliant cold washing machine, the high speed friction washer is a truly efficient piece of machinery for cleaning PET flakes via the use of friction. In the case of our standard PET bottle washing line, the friction washer used cold water to further scrub the dirt loose directly after the hot washing process. For the full cleaning sequence, see our guide on proven PET flakes washing and drying methods.
How It Works
At the center of ASG’s high speed friction washer lies a long, fast-spinning shaft with many tilted panels / paddles mounted. Surrounding the rotating shaft is a mesh screen tunnel used for dewatering and filtrating small contaminants such as dirt. A large retangular case surrounds the entire apparatus where water jets and nozzles are aimed at the mesh screen. The entire machine is set at an incline, around 15 degrees, where the dirty PET flakes are feed into a vertical feeder located on the lower end. The clean PET flakes exit through the higher end where they move onto the drying phase.
The rotating shaft within ASG’s friction washer spins at nearly 1,000 rotations per minute. As the PET flakes enter this machine, the material is mixed at high speeds within the washer where friction between each PET flake helps scrub off dirt and debris. Water is continuously added via water jets that spray at the mesh screen preventing potential clogging that may occur.
Models & Specifications
| Model #: | Motor Power: | Main Shaft Diameter: | Rotating Speed: | Capacity: |
| HXJ400 | 37KW | 400mm | 1400 RPM | 400 – 800 KG/H |
| HXJ550 | 45KW | 550mm | 1200 RPM | 600 – 1000 KG/H |
| HXJ750 | 55KW | 750mm | 1080 RPM | 1200 – 2000 KG/H |
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 does the friction washer do in a PET washing line?
The friction washer performs cold-water washing of PET flakes right after the hot washing process. It scrubs dirt and debris loose through friction between the flakes themselves, assisted by tilted paddles on a fast-spinning shaft. A mesh screen tunnel filters out small contaminants while water jets keep the screen clear, sending cleaner flakes onward to dewatering and drying.
How does the high speed friction washer work?
At its center is a long shaft spinning at nearly 1,000 RPM with many tilted paddles mounted. The machine sits at about a 15-degree incline: dirty flakes feed into a vertical feeder at the lower end, mix at high speed where flake-to-flake friction scrubs off dirt, and clean flakes exit through the higher end. Continuous water jets aimed at the mesh screen prevent clogging during operation.
Which models are available, and how do I choose one?
Three models are offered: the HXJ400 (37 kW, 400–800 kg/h), the HXJ550 (45 kW, 600–1000 kg/h), and the HXJ750 (55 kW, 1200–2000 kg/h). Main shaft diameter and rotating speed vary by model, from 400 mm at 1400 RPM to 750 mm at 1080 RPM. Choose the model whose capacity band matches your line’s throughput, so the washer never bottlenecks the upstream hot washer or downstream dryers.
Which contaminants does the friction washer remove?
The machine targets dirt, loose debris, and small particulate contaminants remaining after hot washing. The mesh screen surrounding the rotor filters out fines as flakes pass through, while the continuous cold-water spray washes loosened soil away and starts dewatering the flakes. It is especially effective on surface dirt and sand that hot washing alone may not fully release.
What utilities and installation space does it need?
The friction washer is motor-driven (37–55 kW depending on model) and needs standard industrial power, a clean water supply for the jets and nozzles, and drainage for the dirty wash water. Allow floor space for the inclined unit, the lower-end feeder, and conveyor connections to the preceding hot washer and the following drying equipment. Confirm exact voltage figures with our team for your region.
What maintenance does the friction washer require?
Routine maintenance focuses on the wear components: inspect the paddles and tilted panels for wear, check the mesh screen for damage or clogging, and keep the water jets and nozzles clear so spray coverage stays even. Because the shaft runs at high speed, bearing condition should be checked periodically. Our guide on how to maintain your PET recycling machines covers upkeep for the wider line as well.