Centrifugal Dryer & Dewatering Machine for Plastic Recycling: US-Ready
Spinning water off mechanically costs a fraction of evaporating it thermally. This high-speed centrifugal dryer strips free water from washed PET flakes, PP/PE film, and rigid regrind — cutting the thermal drying load, stabilizing pelletizer feeding, and lowering energy bills. Three models from 400 to 2,000 kg/h for standalone retrofits or full ASG washing lines. Configured for North American plants: 480V 3-phase power, UL 508A panel option, US spare-parts support, and on-site commissioning.
A Centrifugal Dryer Configured for US Operating Reality
Buying recycling equipment from overseas raises the same five questions on every US project. We answer them in the proposal — not after the deposit.
480V 3-Phase Power
Motors and controls specified for 480V/60Hz 3-phase — the US industrial standard — instead of a generic "customer voltage" footnote.
UL 508A Panel Option
Control panels available built to UL 508A industrial control panel standards for straightforward inspection and insurance sign-off.
US Spare-Parts Support
Screens, bearings, belts, and seals defined per model, with stateside stocking so a worn screen doesn't idle your line for six weeks.
On-Site Commissioning
English-speaking engineers for installation supervision, commissioning, and operator training — plus remote diagnostics after handover.
Import & Duty Guidance
We walk through landed-cost planning with you — freight, Section 301 duty considerations, and documentation — before you commit.
Dual-Unit Documentation
Manuals and spec sheets in kg/h and lbs/hr, metric and imperial dimensions — written for the crew that will actually run the machine.
Mechanical Dewatering vs. Thermal Drying: the Energy Math
Every point of moisture you remove mechanically is moisture you don't pay to evaporate. That's the whole case for this machine.
Drying Everything Thermally
- Evaporating water is expensive — roughly 0.7 kWh per kg of water, before dryer inefficiency.
- Washed film carries ~30% moisture — at 1,000 kg/h output, that's ~430 kg of water per hour to boil off.
- Oversized dryers, gas bills, bottlenecks — thermal capacity becomes the line's most expensive constraint.
- Wet feed destabilizes extrusion — moisture surges cause surging, venting, and pellet quality swings.
What the Centrifugal Dryer Changes
- Mechanical removal first — the rotor spins free water through the screen at a fraction of thermal energy cost.
- Smaller thermal stage — the downstream dryer only finishes residual moisture; size and gas use drop.
- Stable pelletizer feed — consistent low moisture in, consistent extrusion out.
- Optional scrubbing effect — configured as a friction washer, it also strips fines and light residues while dewatering.
Working Principle
Also called a horizontal dewatering centrifuge: a high-speed rotor spins washed material inside a perforated screen. Centrifugal force throws free water through the screen while paddles keep the flakes moving — no clumping, no blinding.
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Vertical Feeding
Washed flakes or film enter through a vertical feeder for stable, continuous flow into the rotor chamber.
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High-Speed Centrifugal Dewatering
The rotor (1,080–1,400 rpm depending on model) throws material against the perforated screen; free water passes through and is collected for recirculation.
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Scrubbing Effect (Optional)
With paddle configuration, the unit doubles as a friction washer — stripping fines and light surface residues while it dewaters.
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Discharge to Next Stage
Dewatered material discharges continuously to the thermal dryer, squeezer, or storage — with free water removed and handling stabilized.
Models & Capacity Guide
Three models cover 400–2,000 kg/h. We confirm the final model against your material type, moisture target, and line layout — send your spec and we’ll size it.
| Model | Capacity | Motor Power | Rotor Speed | Shaft Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTMCD400 | 400–800 kg/h (880–1,760 lbs/hr) | 37 kW | 1,400 rpm | 400 mm |
| RTMCD550 | 600–1,000 kg/h (1,320–2,200 lbs/hr) | 45 kW | 1,200 rpm | 550 mm |
| RTMCD750 | 1,200–2,000 kg/h (2,650–4,400 lbs/hr) | 55 kW | 1,080 rpm | 750 mm |
ASG vs. Conventional Dewatering Setups
What we do differently — and where a basic setup is honestly enough.
| Item | Conventional Setup | ASG Centrifugal Dryer |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture reduction | Dewatering screw or basic spinner; inconsistent results on film | High-speed rotor with paddle options; tuned per material (flakes vs. film) |
| Dual function | Dewatering only — needs a separate friction washer for scrubbing | Optional scrubbing configuration combines dewatering and fines removal in one unit |
| Rotor balance & wear | Vibration issues at high speed; screens wear unevenly | Balanced rotor design; screens, bearings, and seals as defined wear-part kits |
| US plant readiness | "Customer voltage"; metric-only documentation | 480V/60Hz 3-phase specified; UL 508A panel option; dual-unit docs |
| Honest fit | Dewatering dry post-industrial regrind? A basic spinner is enough — we'll say so. Wet post-consumer film and flakes at real throughput are where the ASG unit earns its price. | |
Where This Machine Fits in Your Line
Installed after washing and separation, before thermal drying — in ASG lines or retrofitted into yours.
PET Bottle Washing Lines
Strips free water from PET flakes after hot washing — stabilizing the thermal drying stage.
PP/PE Film Washing Lines
The highest-moisture stream: dewatering before thermal drying is where the energy savings live.
Rigid Plastic Recycling Lines
Dewaters rigid regrind after washing and separation for stable conveying and storage.
Woven Bag Washing Lines
Handles sand-heavy woven streams; pairs with the squeezer stage for film-heavy output.
What It Costs to Run
A single machine with a short parts list — here's the full picture.
Power
37–55 kW depending on model — a fraction of what the thermal dryer it unloads would draw for the same water removal.
Wear Parts
Screens, bearings, belts, and seals. Sand-heavy streams wear screens faster — the upstream wash train decides their life. Kits stocked in the US.
Water
Expelled water returns to the recirculation loop — the machine consumes no process water itself.
Labor
Zero dedicated operators — it runs as part of the line crew's normal rounds. Screen inspection on a schedule, not a shift.
What We Need From You for a Real Number
Four things — the proposal comes back with the right model and integration plan.
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Material type
PET flakes, PP/PE film, rigid regrind — rotor and screen configuration differ by material.
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Target throughput
kg/h or lbs/hr through the dryer — we match the model to your line's actual rate, not its nameplate.
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Your existing line (if retrofit)
What's upstream (washer type) and downstream (thermal dryer?) — we plan the tie-in points and conveying.
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Moisture target
What the next stage needs — pelletizer feed, thermal dryer inlet, or storage spec.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions US buyers ask before requesting a proposal.
Is this the same as a friction washer?
What moisture level can it achieve?
Do I still need a thermal dryer?
What materials can it handle?
How do I pick the right model?
Can it retrofit into my existing washing line?
Can the machine run on US 480V 3-phase power?
Are the control panels UL-listed?
What are the wear parts, and do you stock them in the US?
What do you need from me for an accurate proposal?
Get a Dewatering Proposal for Your Line
Material type, target throughput, and your line layout (or a photo of the discharge point for retrofits). We respond with the right model and an integration plan.