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.
Typical Applications
- Mixed dry recyclables
- Gypsum and paper
- Plastics and polymer recycling
- Paper and board recovery
- RDF and SRF fuel preparation
- Waste wood and biomass processing
- Commercial and Industrial material (C&I)
- Most lightweight mixed materials that consist of heavy and light particles
Comparing Our Zigzag Windsifter Options
At Impact Air Systems, we recognise that no two waste streams or facilities are the same. Different materials demand different separation conditions — from particle size and bulk density to line speed and plant layout.
That’s why we offer two purpose-designed windsifter solutions:
- Zigzag Air Classifier: For high-throughput, abrasive-rich materials. Retrofittable options available to suit your facility.
- Zigzag Separation System: For smaller, lighter fractions and facilities requiring flexible installation layouts.
This approach ensures that every client can achieve optimal separation efficiency, maximum ROI, and seamless system integration, whatever the application.
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
Images
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