Extrusion International 2-2024-USA

36 Extrusion International 2/2024 36 INDUSTRY NEWS New „Recycling is Real“ Video Released The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has unveiled a new vid- eo as part of the „Recycling is Real“ advocacy campaign, dedicated to promoting and defending plas- tic recycling in America. This video highlights the efforts taking place at Nexus Circular’s facility in Atlanta, Georgia, where advanced recycling technology is used to recycle plastics. PLASTICS’ „Recycling is Real“ cam- paign, which began in September of 2023, has featured Ultra-Poly, Placon, Novolex, MAAG, Niagara Bottling, Epsilyte, Amcor, Envision Plastics, PolyQuest and an advanced recycling partnership between TenCate, Cyclyx International and ExxonMobil. “Plastic recycling is very real, and advanced recycling technologies make it possible for even more plas- tic to be recycled,” said PLASTICS’ President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “The Recycling is Real campaign highlights the people of our indus- try across America who work to re- cycle valuable materials every single day. We will continue to show the public and lawmakers that recycling is undeniable, and a feasible and economical way to achieve a more circular economy.” “Plastics are a valuable asset to our society, and they should beman- aged appropriately,” said Nexus Circular’s Founder and CTO Jeff Gold. “Nexus demonstrates every day how plastic recycling is very real through our commercial produc- tion and circular economy develop- ment facility. We have an incredibly dedicated team that is committed to making a positive impact on our community and the environment.” To view „Recycling is Real“ featur- ing Nexus Circular https://recyclingisreal.com/ New Single-Inlet Plenum for Retrofitted Blown Film Lines at NPE 2024 Addex will introduce a single-inlet plenum (patent pending) as a retro- fit to existing blown film lines at the upcoming NPE 2024 exhibition. Historically, single-inlet plenums have featured only one blower hose which facilitates an easier installa- tion and creates space around the die. However, they have the repu- tation of being unable to deliver an even gauge profile. As a result, multi-inlet air rings have typically outperformed single-inlet plenums because they divide air flow into multiple, closely-spaced inlets with corresponding improvements in gauge control. In response to customer demand, Addex has designed a single-inlet plenum with the performance of a multi-inlet plenum. The company’s new aerodynamic design (patent pending) employs dual counterflow channels which direct air flow in two opposing directions inside the plenum. These two counterflows of air join inwardly together to cre- ate a combined uniform flow of air to the lip set. The measured overall profile performance is better than with a conventional multi-inlet air ring and inlet effects aren’t seen in the film which is a major step for - ward in single-inlet plenum design. Other advantages of a single-inlet plenum include a reduction in hos- es (which can total eight or more) down to a single hose. This saves space on the plant floor, provid - ing easier access around the die for maintenance and operation, and completely eliminates the common problem of multiple hoses having variable lengths and bends leading to negative effects on the finished thickness profile (even when used in combination with automatic profile controls). Addex also employs this new single-inlet plenum design in com- bination with its high-performance auto-profile External Gauge Con - trol (EGC) system, providing an im- proved starting point (before con- trol) and better end results. “Running the new single-inlet plenum together with our EGC was a big shock – normally on our pilot line, we have an expected starting point of profile variability (using a multi-inlet plenum), and we see a noticeable decrease with the new single-inlet plenum,” said Gautam Jagannathan, Addex’s Software Specialist and Senior Field Service Engineer. “This means the EGC has less work to do since there is less to correct. As an added bonus, we have hints that even bubble stabil- ity is improved, which we currently attribute to the removal of multiple mixing points found in conventional plenums.” With an improved single-inlet ple- num option, Addex foresees strong demand frommany producers look- ing to make the switch for retrofits. Overall, processors are attracted to the upgraded single-inlet design be- cause it outperforms the multi-inlet plenum in terms of profile control and the single blower hose allows for easier access to the die. Addex Inc. www.addexinc.com NPE2024: Booth W-5543