Case Study

PKR Polska

Key Facts:

Robotic detection system with an online infraredspectrometer for analyzing the specific foaming agent in each freezer

Project Data

Client:

PKR Polska

Location:

Lublin, Poland

Recycling Category:

Cooling Devices

Applications:

Household cooling devices

Plant Capacity:

3 t/h

Staff per shift:

approx. 4–6

Special engineering scope:

Robotic detection system with an online infrared spectrometer for analyzing the specific foaming agent in each freezer. Integrated system for the purification and catalytic combustion of process gases with heat recovery. The entire automated process system ensures optimization in the following areas: productivity and efficiency; compliance with EU regulations regarding the use of best available techniques; regulatory compliance regarding the achievement of effective recycling rates Leading subsequently to the loss of waste status for the resulting homogeneous raw material fractions (materially uniform scrap and circular polymer regranulates) as well as innovative recycled products derived 100% from recycling (re-absorbent-oil).

Shredding technology:

Four-shaft rotor shear

Project Description

Polish Recycling Corporation is oneof the key facilities for processing waste electrical and electronic equipmentin Poland.

It operates an automated androbotized recycling process for waste refrigeration appliances. URT served asthe turnkey equipment supplier and technology integrator.

The integrated plant layout enablesthe processing of household refrigeration appliances under continuousindustrial operation with a maximum throughput of 3 tons per hour, whilemaintaining fire safety standards and ensuring a two-stage, efficientseparation of polymer and metal fractions.

The process is based on selectiveVHC recycling with catalytic recovery of blowing agents. The line selectivelyprocesses appliances containing halogen-free blowing agents. A roboticanalytical system detects the types of blowing agents and automaticallysequences the appliances into autonomous process streams. The entireinstallation is complemented by a multi-stage process gas purification systemand a closed-loop heat recovery system from the co-combustion of gases withinthe installation, which is effectively used for pre-processing heating of thefractions.

The functional layout of theprocessing plant was adapted to the requirements of the building’s compactdesign and volume, which necessitated the precise integration of all processunits within the limited available space.

The line has been operatingcontinuously on a 24/7 basis (except for scheduled maintenance) since 2020 andhas 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 theproduction of an effective polyurethane sorbent for the neutralization ofpetroleum-based contaminants from the thermal insulation foam of recycledrefrigerators.

This integrated and automated plantsystem meets both the high requirements for the performance andcost-effectiveness of subsequent fraction recycling processes and the fullrange of emission, environmental, and fire safety standards, effectively closingthe recycling loop for refrigeration appliances.

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