Washing and separating method and apparatus for plastics materials

An apparatus for washing and separating pieces of plastics material, from contaminating material, comprising:

• a washing container configured for receiving said pieces of plastics material with contaminating material and a washing fluid,
• a first supplying device configured for supplying an entering flow of said washing fluid in said washing container,
• a second supplying device configured for supplying said pieces of plastics material with contaminating material into said washing container,
• a stirring device arranged vertically in said washing container for generating in an entire volume of said container containing said washing fluid a turbulent stirring action for separating through mechanical action the contaminating material from said pieces of plastics material,
• an outlet port for evacuating by overflow said pieces of plastics material and an outlet flow of said washing fluid with contaminating material,
• a controlled-conveying and retaining device for said pieces of plastics material and a control unit configured for driving said controlled-conveying and retaining device to retain said pieces of plastics material in said washing container and advance in a controlled manner said pieces of plastics material to said outlet port independently of the advancement of said outlet flow of washing fluid, and
• a bulkhead arranged upstream of said outlet port, extending vertically and adjustable in height to vary its immersion length in the washing fluid with respect to a surface thereof, said bulkhead having a vertical first edge zone arranged substantially in contact with or in proximity of an inner surface of said washing container, and a vertical second edge zone arranged at a distance from said inner surface, said bulkhead being configured as a barrier for diverting to said stirring device said pieces of plastics material placed on or near the surface of the washing fluid.