CRP Processing Technologies & Equipment

Question 1

What is the primary function of an eddy current separator in a MRF?

Accepted Answer

To repel and separate non-ferrous metals (primarily aluminum) from the conveyor stream using a rapidly alternating magnetic field

Answer

To separate ferrous metals using a permanent magnet

Answer

To sort plastics by resin type using electrical conductivity

Answer

To remove glass fines from mixed recyclables

Question 2

Which MRF equipment uses near-infrared (NIR) technology to identify and sort materials?

Accepted Answer

Optical sorter

Answer

Trommel screen

Answer

Ballistic separator

Answer

Negative-sort air classifier

Question 3

What is a 'trommel screen' used for at the front end of a MRF sorting line?

Accepted Answer

Screening out small fines, broken glass, and contaminants that would interfere with downstream sorting equipment

Answer

Separating plastics from paper using rotation speed

Answer

Baling sorted commodity streams for shipment

Answer

Detecting ferrous metals before the magnetic separator

Question 4

What is the purpose of a 'ballistic separator' in a single-stream MRF?

Accepted Answer

To separate 2D flat materials (paper/cardboard) from 3D containers using spinning paddles that throw lighter flat items up and roll heavier containers down

Answer

To detect and remove metallic contaminants using ballistic impact sensors

Answer

To compact materials at high speed before baling

Answer

To screen out oversized items at the receiving tipping floor

Question 5

Which MRF processing problem is most directly caused by 'tanglers' such as plastic bags, hoses, and wire?

Accepted Answer

Wrapping around rotating equipment shafts and screens, causing jams and requiring costly manual cleaning downtime

Answer

Contaminating paper bales and reducing their market value

Answer

Blocking NIR sensors and reducing optical sorter accuracy

Answer

Increasing the weight of residue sent to disposal

Question 6

What is the 'residue rate' at a MRF, and why is it a key performance indicator?

Accepted Answer

The percentage of incoming material that cannot be recycled and is sent to disposal, indicating overall sorting efficiency

Answer

The percentage of sorted bales rejected by end-markets due to contamination

Answer

The proportion of recycling program revenue lost to market price drops

Answer

The fraction of truck loads that arrive over the weight limit