Integrated solution from a single source
Our partner, the Swiss-based MAAG Group has been contracted by Belgian company Ravago to install a new line for the recycling of polyolefins. The decisive factor in the contract award was MAAG Group’s high-level system expertise as a global solutions provider supplying process technology for the polymer, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food industries.
MAAG Group is supplying the line as a complete plant system, all from a single source – including the control technology. The control system comes from XANTEC Steuerungs- und EDV-Technik GmbH, which MAAG Group acquired in 2020. The Ravago contract affirms the Group’s strategy of boosting its activities in the field of digitalization and Industry 4.0, offering customers intelligent, agile and competitive solutions.
Ravago
Founded in 1961, Belgian company Ravago is today a full-service provider to the petrochemical industry, committed to continuous advancement in plastics applications. The focus of the company’s diverse operations is on plastics production, especially recycling and compounding. Ravago produces 1,000,000 metric tons of plastics annually, at 30 locations.
When looking for a partner to build a new polyolefin recycling line at Arendonk in Belgium, Ravago chose MAAG Group. It was particularly attracted by the idea of a complete solution from a single source, which MAAG Group was able to deliver based on the consolidated expertise of its Group members.
Filtration and pelletizing
Various MAAG Group system components form part of the new line: The ERF 500 high-performance melt filter from filtration and recycling systems specialist ETTLINGER is suitable for processing materials with up to 16% impurity levels while guaranteeing long operating times with no filter changing. ERF melt filters can process a wide range of polymers, and effectively remove foreign matter such as paper, wood, aluminium, copper, rubber, silicones, and high-temperature plastics.
MAAG Group’s contribution to the line includes an FSC 300 hydraulic screen changer for filtration systems, as well as the PEARLO® underwater pelletizing system. The efficient system, designed for high throughput rates, not only produces highly uniform spherical pellets; its handling, cleaning, assembly and commissioning are also very easy.
MAAG FSC hydraulic screen changer
Control technology
The control technology for all line components comes from XANTEC. The new addition to the MAAG Group specializes in the planning, design and manufacture of control systems for the plastics and rubber industry. So, it was able to deploy all its expertise and experience in the automation of filtration and granulation systems on the project. For the customer that means optimally designed process control which improves both the cost-effectiveness and the quality of its production.
Integrated solution
“Our systems expertise, recently enhanced in relation to digitalization and Industry 4.0 through the acquisition of XANTEC, is a clear benefit for the customer. They have an integrated solution from a single source, safe in the knowledge that the individual components will interact perfectly from day one,” asserts MAAG Group President Ueli Thuerig.