PKR Polska
- Robotic detection system with an online infrared spectrometer for analyzing the specific foaming agent in each freezer
Project Data
Project Description
Polish Recycling Corporation is one of the key facilities for processing waste electrical and electronic equipment in Poland.
It operates an automated and robotized recycling process for waste refrigeration appliances. URT served as the turnkey equipment supplier and technology integrator.
The integrated plant layout enables the processing of household refrigeration appliances under continuous industrial operation with a maximum throughput of 3 tons per hour, while maintaining fire safety standards and ensuring a two-stage, efficient separation of polymer and metal fractions.
The process is based on selective VHC recycling with catalytic recovery of blowing agents. The line selectively processes appliances containing halogen-free blowing agents. A robotic analytical system detects the types of blowing agents and automatically sequences the appliances into autonomous process streams. The entire installation is complemented by a multi-stage process gas purification system and a closed-loop heat recovery system from the co-combustion of gases within the installation, which is effectively used for pre-processing heating of the fractions.
The functional layout of the processing plant was adapted to the requirements of the building’s compact design and volume, which necessitated the precise integration of all process units within the limited available space. The line has been operating continuously on a 24/7 basis (except for scheduled maintenance) since 2020 and has already effectively processed over 1,000,000 devices.
In 2022, the facility was expanded, also by URT, to include a process- and functionally-integrated line for the production of an effective polyurethane sorbent for the neutralization of petroleum-based contaminants from the thermal insulation foam of recycled refrigerators. This integrated and automated plant system meets both the high requirements for the performance and cost-effectiveness of subsequent fraction recycling processes and the fullrange of emission, environmental, and fire safety standards, effectively closing the recycling loop for refrigeration appliances.
