PROCESS FOR DECONTAMINTAION OF RECYCLED POLYESTER (PET) FLAKES

A process for the removal of contaminants from clean PET flakes utilizing an atmosphere of dry air at 120-200°C/3-30m3h/dew point between -20 to 60C) for at least 15 minutes and inert gas at 200-250 C/0.1-30m3/h for at least 10 minutes, followed by the conventional extrusion step in extruder (5), granulation in a granulator (6) and crystallization. The polymer is processed in reactor (4) for obtaining a recycled resin having a purity and physical chemical features that make it suitable to be applied in monolayer food packages made of 100°/0 recycled PET. The variable time, temperature and flow of air or gas are important for the viscosity control, optical characteristics and decontamination degree of the polymer. Purity standards set forth for the protection of the consumer as well as of the organoleptic properties of the bottled product meet the requirements of FDA, ILSI and ANVISA. The use of the granulated product is also described.