Latest Sesotec optical sorting system provides high level accuracy at throughputs to eight tons per hour

The newly introduced, highly efficient VARISORT+ optical sorting system for plastic bottles and trays, separates plastic types, colours and shapes, as well as metals and foreign objects. According to Germany-based manufacturer, Sesotec, this technology provides very high level accuracy and reliability, even when working at a material throughput of up to eight tons per hour.

"Plastic waste can no longer be treated as rubbish, but as a valuable resource," says Michael Perl, Group Director Sorting Recycling at Sesotec. "The solution is a circular economy. This means we need more and higher quality recycling. Sesotec supplies high-performance sorting equipment for this purpose, including the VARISORT+."

Recently redesigned, Perl says this new VARISORT+ has been optimized for reliable system availability, quick cleaning, and easy maintenance. A rejection accuracy of up to 99% ensures that sorting fractions achieve the highest degrees of purity.

Another advantage of the VARISORT+ system is its flexibility, allowing for the combination of up to three sensors (N = near infrared, C = color/form, M = metal). The optical sorting system can also be equipped with innovative new FLASH technology for optimal color recognition, which can even detect bottles made with additives. Retroactive sensor upgrades are available at any time and the optional tri-shaft construction enables simultaneous sorting into three material fractions.

VARISORT+ sorting systems are designed to accommodate conveyor belts supplied either by the equipment manufacturer or the customer (working widths of 1024 mm, 1536 mm, 1920 mm, or 2816 mm).

In addition, the flexible system configuration of VARISORT+ can be adjusted according to the quality of the input material or degree of contamination. Excellent sorting results with up to 99% purity can be achieved even with poor-quality input materials, according to Sesotec, which adds that the low maintenance and cleaning requirements for VARISORT+ also play a key role in increasing the system's overall efficiency.