Windsifters – ZigZag Separation Solutions
Advanced Air Separation Technology for Recycling and Material Recovery
Our Windsifters — incorporating both the Zigzag Air Classifier and Zigzag Separation System — deliver efficient, controlled air-based material separation for a wide range of industrial and recycling applications.
Designed and engineered by Impact Air Systems, these proven solutions use precision airflow control to separate light and heavy materials, improving product purity, enhancing recycling yields, and reducing waste to landfill.
How Zigzag Windsifters Work
1. Material Infeed
Mixed material enters the zigzag chamber.
2. Airflow Introduced
A controlled upward air stream is applied.
3. Light Fraction Lifts
Light materials are carried upward.
4. Heavy Fraction Falls
Dense materials drop downward.
5. Zigzag Separation
Zigzag channels enhance separation efficiency.
6. Clean Outputs
Two clearly separated material streams.
Benefits of Zigzag Windsifter Separation
High Separation Efficiency
Flexible Configuration
Energy Efficient
Reduced Landfill Waste
Improve recyclate recovery and revenue potential.
Reliable Performance
Save time and money
Streamline processes and reduce waste.
At Impact Air Systems, we understand that every recycling facility, MRF, waste processing plant, and material recovery operation handles unique waste streams. Factors such as particle size, bulk density, moisture content, material composition, and throughput requirements all influence separation performance.
That’s why we offer two specialist zigzag windsifter and air classification systems, each engineered to deliver high-efficiency density separation, improved material purity, and maximum recovery rates.
Zigzag Air Classifier (ZAC)
Our Zigzag Air Classifier is designed for high-capacity recycling operations processing abrasive and mixed material streams. Utilising controlled air separation technology, the ZAC effectively separates light and heavy fractions, improving material quality and reducing contamination. Retrofit options are available, allowing facilities to upgrade existing recycling lines without major plant modifications.
Ideal for:
- Low moisture, free flowing material up to 50mm/2.0” in size ▪ Abrasive materials such as glass & aggregates ▪ Trommel & Screen fines ▪ Fuel Preparation & refinement such as Solid Residue Fuel (SRF) or Residue Derived Fuel (RDF).
Zigzag Separation System
The Zigzag Separation System is designed for facilities handling lighter materials and lower throughputs where installation flexibility is critical. The compact design provides efficient air classification and lightweight material separation while accommodating space constraints and varying plant layouts.
Ideal for:
- Low moisture, free flowing material up to 50mm/2.0” in size ▪ WEEE (waste electronics and electrical equipment) ▪ Gypsum/Plasterboard ▪ Rigid plastic flake or granulated plastic material.
Whether you’re looking for a zigzag air classifier, windsifter, air density separator, or a complete material recovery solution, our team can help identify the most effective system for your waste stream, operational requirements, and recovery targets.
Specification Comparison
ZigZag Separation System
Our Zigzag Separation System delivers highly effective, air-based separation for a wide variety of material types. From lightweight plastic films and fibre to rigid plastic flake, WEEE components, and even specialist materials like rubber crumb from artificial turf, the Zigzag Separator helps operators turn mixed, contaminated input into clean, saleable fractions with impressive consistency and minimal maintenance requirements.
Available Sizes
Custom configured chamber sizes 400mm-1200mm
Material Suitability
Typical Material Size
Layout Configuration
Modular, bespoke design for all plant sizes
Throughput Capacity
Medium throughput optimised for precision separation
Integration
Ideal for standalone or inline installations
Maintenance
Easy access for unblocking and cleaning
Return on Investment (ROI)
Start recovering value from day one
Best For
Lightweight plastics, fibre, film, paper and foil separation
Zigzag Material Separation Images
Zigzag Material Separation Videos
ZigZag Air Classifier (ZAC)
The Zigzag Air Classification technology is ideally suited to low-moisture, free-flowing, consistently sized particles up to around 60mm, where there is a clear difference in material density or weight (e.g., separating lightweight paper, film, dust, and plastics from heavier stone, glass, or metal). Recent installations include WEEE and SRF recovery, C&I and SRF recovery, MRF fines and glass, MSW, DMR, and finished SRF.
Available Sizes
Material Suitability
Typical Material Size
Up to 100mm particle size
Layout Configuration
Compact, retrofittable, design with minimal footprint.
Throughput Capacity
High throughput for demanding applications
Integration
Ideal for standalone or inline installations
Maintenance
Low-maintenance, robust construction
Return on Investment (ROI)
Start recovering value from day one
Best For
Plastics, paper, RDF/SRF, and abrasives such as glass, aggregates, ceramics