Date: April 27, 2026
Location: Guoxin Group Heavy Machinery Workshop
Equipment: RS-Series Industrial Double-Shaft Shredder
Feedstock: Commingled PET plastic bottles and thin-walled aluminum beverage cans.
1. The Challenge of Mixed Light Fractions
Processing mixed streams of plastics and aluminum presents a unique mechanical challenge. Aluminum cans are ductile and prone to deformation rather than shearing, while PET bottles, if not handled with high-torque blades, tend to “bounce” in the hopper, reducing throughput.
This test run was designed to verify the shearing precision and volume reduction ratio of the RS-series when handling these diverse physical properties simultaneously.
2. Observation & Engineering Analysis
Feedstock Preparation
The input material consisted of post-consumer beverage packaging. This feedstock is characterized by high volume and low density, which typically requires a large hopper volume and a specific blade geometry to “grab” the material effectively.
Shredding Performance
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Torque vs. Speed: The RS-series utilized a low-speed, high-torque drive logic. This ensured that the aluminum cans were sheared into clean-edged fragments rather than being crushed into irregular lumps, which is critical for downstream magnetic and eddy current separation.
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Blade Engagement: The hardened alloy blades maintained a precise clearance, preventing thin plastic films and bottle labels from wrapping around the rotor—a common cause of downtime (MTTR) in lower-grade equipment.
Output Quality
The resulting material (as seen in our workshop analysis) was a uniform mix of shredded flakes.
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Target Size: Consistent 20mm–50mm range.
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Liberation Rate: High liberation of plastic caps and ring-pulls, facilitating secondary raw material purification.
3. Performance Data Summary
| Metric | Test Result |
| Material Composition | PET Bottles (~70%), Aluminum Cans (~30%) |
| Throughput Stability | Constant feed without rotor blockage |
| Output Uniformity | >92% within target 50mm specification |
| Machine Vibration | Minimal (Impact-absorbing frame confirmed) |
4. Strategic Value for Recycling & RDF Projects
For project owners and EPC contractors, this shredding performance translates directly into two operational advantages:
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Optimization for RDF/SRF: Uniform particle size is the foundation of high-quality Refuse-Derived Fuel. Consistent flakes ensure stable combustion in cement kilns and prevent clogging in pneumatic feeding systems.
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Enhanced Sorting Efficiency: By pre-shredding mixed recyclables, the surface area is increased, allowing Eddy Current Separators (ECS) to achieve higher recovery rates for aluminum, which significantly improves the project’s ROI.
FAQ
Q: How does the system handle residual liquids in the bottles?
A: The RS-series is designed with independent bearing seats and specialized seals to prevent liquid ingress into the gearbox, ensuring long-term reliability in “wet” processing conditions.
Q: What is the estimated blade life for this material mix?
A: Given the low abrasive nature of plastic and aluminum (compared to C&D waste), our hardened alloy blades typically offer an extended service life. During the test, thermal buildup was negligible, which further preserves the blade edge.
Q: Can the output size be adjusted for different off-takers?
A: Yes. By adjusting the blade thickness and the interchangeable screen (if configured), we can tailor the output to meet specific requirements for either baling or direct chemical recycling.
Expert Consultation
Evidence-based engineering is at the core of Henan Guoxin Machinery. We provide custom material testing for your specific waste streams to ensure the equipment configuration matches your operational goals.
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Request Full Test Video: [Eve@guoxinmachinery.com]
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Explore Solutions: [Industrial Shredder Series] | [Turnkey RDF Production Lines]
