Client: UK-Based Waste Management Company
Sector: Waste & Recycling
Solution: Double ZAC800 Zigzag Air Classifier System
Focus: Separation of Glass from MRF Mixed Stream
The Challenge
A UK-based waste management company needed a robust solution to separate glass from a mixed recycling facility (MRF) glass stream. The material presented unique challenges:
- Material Description: MRF glass stream
- Particle Size Range: 0–10 mm and 10–50 mm
- Requested Throughput: 15 tonnes per hour
- Mixed Bulk Density: Approximately 750 kg/m³
- Heavy Material: Glass
- Light Material: Paper, fibre, plastic film
The company required a reliable system capable of handling varying particle sizes and densities at high throughput while ensuring effective separation of glass from lighter contaminants.
The Solution
Impact Air Systems designed and installed a double ZAC800 Zigzag Air Classifier system, tailored specifically to meet the throughput and material characteristics of the client’s MRF glass stream.
System Highlights:
- Double ZAC800 unit optimised for 15 tph throughput
- Designed to handle a bulk density of 750 kg/m³
- Equipped to separate glass particles from lighter materials such as paper, fibre, and plastic film
- Adjustable airflow settings to accommodate the mixed particle size range (0–50 mm)
- Compact footprint suitable for integration into existing plant infrastructure
How It Works
The mixed MRF glass stream is fed into the 2x ZAC800 to process two different material fraction sizes.
The zigzag classifier’s air stream separates heavier glass particles from lighter materials.
Glass (heavy fraction) is directed downward for collection and recycling.
Lighter materials such as paper, fibre, and plastic film are lifted and diverted for further processing or disposal.
The Results
The installation of the double ZAC800 delivered significant benefits:
- Efficient separation of glass from two material streams
- Consistent processing of up to 15 tonnes per hour
- Enhanced quality of recovered glass, improving its value and recycling potential
- Reduced contamination in the glass fraction, minimizing downstream processing issues
- Seamless integration with minimal disruption to existing operations
Environmental Impact
By improving glass recovery from MRF streams, the system supports sustainable recycling efforts, reduces landfill dependency, and promotes circular resource use.
Conclusion
With the ZAC800 Zigzag Air Classifier System, this waste management client achieved:
High-efficiency separation of glass from mixed MRF streams
Reliable throughput and operational consistency
Enhanced material quality for recycling markets
This case underscores Impact Air Systems’ commitment to delivering tailored, high-performance air classification solutions for the waste and recycling industry.
Looking to optimise your material separation?
Contact Impact Air Systems for expert guidance and bespoke solutions.
Live Demonstrations. Proven Performance.
Send or bring a sample to our Resource Recovery Demonstration Facility and watch as we run it through our systems, showing you exactly how we can improve your process. Join us in person or online for a live, results-driven demonstration.
Learn MoreNeed technical services or spare parts?
Our nationwide service packages cover urgent repairs and scheduled maintenance. Skilled engineers respond quickly, supported by extensive spare parts stocks, ensuring your systems run at peak performance with minimal downtime and maximum reliability.
Learn More
