Single vs. Double Drum Windshifters: A Professional Comparison & Selection Guide
In solid waste management and resource recovery, Windshifters (Air Separators) are essential for ensuring end-product purity. Utilizing aerodynamic principles, these machines separate shredded waste into fractions based on density and particle size.
They are critical in processing MSW, C&D, and C&I waste to produce RDF/SRF and recover recyclables by separating light combustibles (plastic, paper) from heavy inert materials (stones, glass).
The market features two main types: Single Drum and Double Drum windshifters. Drawing on the technology of Harden Machinery Ltd., this guide outlines the core differences to help operators make the right choice.
1. Core Differences: Structure & Function
· Single Drum (Two-Fraction Separation): Features a single rotating drum. It splits waste into just two streams: "Lights" and "Heavies." This design is ideal for basic removal tasks, such as "de-stoning" fuel or removing light plastics from aggregates.
· Double Drum (Three-Fraction Separation): Utilizes a dual-drum configuration in series. Material undergoes initial separation to remove heavy inerts, followed immediately by a second stage that refines the remaining stream. This achieves a precise "Light, Mid-Heavy, and Heavy" split in a single pass.
2. Output Value: Removal vs. Recovery
· Single Drum: Focuses on Removal. Valuable intermediate materials often get lost in the heavy fraction.
· Double Drum: Focuses on Recovery. Its key advantage is isolating the Mid-Heavy Fraction—such as wood in C&D waste or rigid plastics in MSW—turning potential waste into an additional revenue stream.
3. Harden Product Spotlight
Harden Machinery combines European technical standards with robust adaptability.
· Harden SFX Series (Single Drum): The cost-effective "de-trashing" solution. Features closed-loop airflow and modular design, perfect for projects requiring simple binary separation with low energy consumption.
· Harden DDW Series (Double Drum): The high-end solution for precision and capacity (e.g., DDW2000 handles up to 200 m³/h).
o High Precision: Delivers cleaner RDF/SRF by effectively removing impurities that single drums miss.
o Negative-Pressure Aerodynamics: Fully sealed design prevents dust leakage, ensuring a clean workspace.
o Sustainability: Closed-loop air recirculation reduces fresh air demand and lowers fan energy consumption.
o Smart Operation: Equipped with intelligent fan monitoring and automatic lubrication for high reliability.
4. Selection Guide: Which do you need?
· Material Complexity: Choose a single drum for simple binary separation. Choose Double Drum for complex streams (e.g., C&D with wood/brick/plastic) where recovering the mid-heavy fraction is profitable.
· Purity Requirements: For high-spec RDF (stable calorific value) or clean aggregates, the Double Drum’s adjustable precision is required.
· Processing Scale: Single Drum suits small-to-medium lines. Double Drum suits large-scale centralized processing.
· ROI: While Double Drum units have higher initial costs, the premium market value of their three-way output (clean aggregates, pure wood, high-calorific fuel) typically yields a faster return on investment.
The Single Drum Windshifter is an efficient entry-level choice for basic impurity removal. The Double Drum Windshifter is the premier solution for operators pursuing maximum precision and comprehensive resource recovery.
For optimal results, consult with Harden Machinery Ltd. to configure the aerodynamic solution that best fits your specific waste stream.