Zig Zag Air Separator
The JOEST Zig Zag Air Separator is a high-performance cascade separator for the separation of light and heavy fractions from dry, free-flowing bulk materials. It is based on the principle of multi-pass cross-flow separation, in which air is introduced from below into a zig-zag shaped channel. This allows light particles to be carried upward, while heavier components fall downward.
Air routing can be configured as recirculation, partial recirculation, or suction mode. JOEST offers standard models, patented hybrid versions for fine particles, laboratory configurations, and custom solutions – ideal for applications in the recycling or food industries. The modular design enables tailored adjustments to various separation tasks.
FUNCTION
The JOEST Zig Zag Air Separator is based on the principle of multi-pass cross-flow separation in a cascade channel. Material is fed into the upper section and passes through a multi-stage, zig-zag shaped channel. Air is introduced evenly from below, counter to the direction of material flow.
As lighter particles (e.g. films, labels, paper, fibers) are captured by the air stream and discharged through the top outlet, heavier materials (e.g. glass, rubber, metal, heavy granules) fall downward through the cascade channel. Through multiple deflections within the channel, the material is repeatedly reclassified, resulting in high separation accuracy.
Air routing is configured depending on the application: as recirculation, partial recirculation or suction mode. This makes the Zig Zag Air Separator particularly flexible for various process requirements.
Optional features include patented hybrid channels for fine particle separation, ATEX-compliant versions for handling explosive materials, process visualization solutions, and laboratory-scale models – ideal for use in recycling plants.
Product Details
The JOEST Zig Zag Air Separator is a versatile air classification system designed for the separation of dry, free-flowing bulk materials into light and heavy fractions. At the heart of the machine is a cascade channel constructed in a zig-zag shape. The feed material enters the channel from the side in the upper third and passes through multiple air flow zones that counteract the direction of material flow. Light components such as film, paper or textile fibers are lifted upward and separated by the air stream, while heavier components such as glass or metals exit downward.
The special design and airflow configuration ensure an even distribution across the separation channel and a stable separation line. In contrast to many competitors, the JOEST Zig Zag Air Separator typically utilizes a vibrating feeder trough at the upper feed point instead of a rotary valve. This makes it particularly well-suited for abrasive, bulky, or coarse materials, reducing wear and avoiding blockages that could cause significant damage or even lead to unplanned downtime. The feeder troughs are engineered to prevent air leakage, and they evenly distribute and pre-classify the material across the full width of the separator, significantly improving separation efficiency compared to systems using rotary valves.
JOEST offers the system in various sizes and configurations – including patented hybrid designs for fine materials, lab-scale models for research purposes, and special solutions for demanding applications. Air routing, air volume, cascade geometry and separation thresholds can all be precisely tailored to the specific material. Optional features include food-grade configurations, vibration monitoring, process visualization, and ATEX-compliant versions.
Options
- Various numbers of sorting stages and channel sizes
- Individually adjustable air volumes and flow configurations
- Design with vibrating feeder trough at the separator inlet
- Versions for recirculation, partial recirculation or suction operation
- Patented hybrid separation channel for fine particle processing
- Laboratory version for research and product development
- Process visualization and sensor integration
- ATEX-compliant design
- Food-grade version
- Interfaces for integration into complete systems
Fields of Application
The JOEST Zig Zag Air Separator is ideally suited for the separation of dry, free-flowing bulk materials based on aerodynamic properties – especially for heterogeneous material streams, fibrous components or abrasive materials. Thanks to its robust design and flexible airflow configuration, it is used across a wide range of industries.
Shredder heavy fraction (SHF), shredder light fraction (SLF), shredder fine fraction, ASR, electronic waste (WEEE, e.g. shredded refrigerators), aluminum cans (UBC), batteries, non-ferrous metals (e.g. Zorba), stainless steel (e.g. Zurik)
Secondary fuels, lightweight packaging, plastic flakes (e.g. shredded PET bottles), regrind material
Spices, herbs, dried vegetables, nuts, larvae
Container glass, MRF glass, TV glass, construction debris, and mixed construction waste
Wood chips for fuel or for the particleboard industry
Equipment Options
To ensure that each Zig Zag Air Separator perfectly fits your process, JOEST offers a wide range of configuration options and special features – technically refined, proven in practice, and individually combinable.
Various channel sizes and cascade heights
Channel height, width, and number of separation stages are individually adapted to the material, throughput, and required separation precision.
Individually adjustable air volumes and flow
Air volume and flow configuration can be adjusted to the specific process – ensuring optimal separation conditions even with varying material behavior.
Vibrating feeder trough instead of rotary valve
At the separator inlet, a robust vibrating trough typically ensures clog-free feeding – making it especially suitable for abrasive or coarse materials. In addition, the vibrating feeder distributes the material evenly across the full width of the separator, significantly improving the separation result.
Operating modes: recirculation, partial recirculation or suction
Depending on process requirements, the separation air circuit can be designed as closed, semi-closed, or open – energy-efficient and flexible.
Patented hybrid separator for fine material
Advanced configurations also separate ultra-fine particles – for example, the removal of textile fibers from rubber powder.
Laboratory version for research and development
Compact design with adjustable separation parameters for test series, product development, or quality control in the test center.
Process visualization and sensor integration
Sensors for air volume control or level measurement, as well as visualization systems for live monitoring, can be optionally integrated.
ATEX-compliant version available
For hazardous areas, certified special versions in ATEX design are available.
Interfaces available for system integration
The Zig Zag Air Separator can be easily integrated into automated systems – with standardized controls and connection interfaces.
Advantages
The Zig Zag Air Separator combines a robust design with high separation precision. The system impresses with low maintenance requirements, versatility, and energy efficiency in continuous operation.
Your Material. Our Test Center.
In our technical center, we ensure that every solution meets the highest standards. There, we test your materials under practical conditions and develop concepts that prove themselves in real-world applications.