AI Intelligence Summary
A PET sorter uses NIR spectroscopy to separate PET from other plastics by purity, with prices in 2024 ranging from $65,000 to $145,000 for new machines and $32,000 to $78,000 for used, depending on belt width and throughput. Hidden costs like maintenance and utilities should account for 10% of the investment. Real-world data shows payback periods between 7 and 11 months based on clear PET premiums and removal rates. Key purchase factors include sensor quality, valve reliability, and machine accuracy. AI upgrades and cloud monitoring are emerging in 2024. A live trial with actual flake is recommended before purchase. Installation may take 2-3 days, with added costs for multilingual support. Trusting certified machines and verifying parts stock can improve ROI.
— This abstract is generated by AI analysis of the article content and is for reference only.
1. What a PET Sorter Really Does
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Separates PET from PVC, PP, and colored bottles
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Identifies clear vs green vs blue flakes
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Outputs ≥98 % purity at 2–6 t/h
The core tech is near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy operating between 1,100–2,400 nm, where PET, PVC, and PP absorb light differently. A 256-pixel InGaAs camera reads the signature in 2.8 ms; high-speed ejector valves fire at 350 Hz to keep pace.
2. 2024 Price Snapshot (invoice-verified)
| Belt Width | Throughput | New USD | Used USD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800 mm | 2 t/h | $65,000 | $32,000 | 2021 refurb, 2,200 hrs |
| 1,200 mm | 4 t/h | $98,000 | $49,000 | CE & UL certified |
| 1,600 mm | 6 t/h | $145,000 | $78,000 | AI camera upgrade |
Prices include PLC starter, one spare valve kit, and remote commissioning. Freight adds 6–8 %.
3. Hidden Costs Nobody Prints
| Item | USD | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Oil-free compressor 7.5 kW | $3,800 | one-off |
| Calibration disks (set of 2) | $160 | every 6 months |
| Lamp replacement kit | $220 | every 18 months |
| Operator training (2 days) | $2,100 | one-off |
Budget 10 % of capex per year for wear parts and utilities.
4. ROI Data from Real Plants
| Site | Machine | Cost | Premium Earned | Tonnage/yr | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany film recycler | 1.6 m NIR | $132 k | €175/t clear PET | 3,500 t | 9 months |
| Texas bottle plant | 1.2 m NIR | $95 k | $0.08/lb clear vs mixed | 4,200 t | 7 months |
| Thailand sheet line | 800 mm NIR | $68 k | $110/t green removal | 2,100 t | 11 months |
Sources: audited P&L sheets, 2023–2024.
5. Spec Checklist Before Purchase
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Sensor pixels: ≥256 for belts ≥1 m
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Valve MTBF: ≥30 million cycles (ask for log)
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Gap adjustment: ±0.1 mm servo or hand wheel
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Safety interlock: door opens, HV drops to zero in <50 ms
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Local service: <200 km radius for next-day parts
Demand a 300 kg live trial on your actual flake; anything less is rolling dice.
6. Used vs New—Hard Numbers
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NIR sensors degrade slowly; 5-year units still hit 97 % accuracy if lamps replaced every 18 months.
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Color cameras lose 2–3 % accuracy per year after year 3.
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Belts and bearings are wear items—budget $4 k every 24 months.
Red flag: seller who won’t power the machine during a live video call.
7. Upcoming Tech in 2024
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AI retrofits: $6 k GPU plug-in boosts older sorters from 95 % to 99 % PET purity.
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Cloud dashboards: remote purity logs beat clipboard audits.
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Lease-to-own: 0 % interest for 24 months on machines >$100 k—treat as OpEx.
8. Quick Buy vs Walk-Away Matrix
| Criteria | Buy | Walk Away |
|---|---|---|
| Missing screen test data | ❌ | ✅ |
| Proprietary software lock | ❌ | ✅ |
| Local spares stock <48 h | ✅ | ❌ |
| Valve log <20 M cycles | ❌ | ✅ |
9. Last Mile: Installation & Commissioning
Most plants need two days for mechanical install and one more for tuning. Budget $3 k for a bilingual tech if the OEM is overseas. Belt tracking and camera calibration are done with a reference disk—takes 45 minutes once, saves weeks later.
The Takeaway
A PET sorter runs $65 k–$145 k new and $32 k–$78 k used, depending on belt width and camera spec. Match the sensor to your flake size, budget 10 % for hidden costs, and insist on a live trial. Do that and the rainbow pile turns into food-grade PET flake—paying for itself faster than most buyers expect.
Comments(5)
Wow, this breakdown on PET sorters is insanely detailed! Never realized calibration disks needed replacing that often. 👍
The ROI examples really put things into perspective. 7-month payback in Texas? That’s crazy good.
Seriously considering used equipment now – didn’t know 5-year-old NIR sensors could maintain 97% accuracy with proper maintenance
That ‘hidden costs’ section is gold. Every equipment buyer needs to see this – the real price is never just the sticker cost.
The live trial advice is spot on. We got burned buying a sorter without testing it with our actual flake material 😤