Assessing the process performance of ballistic separators in packaging waste sorting plants using sensor-based process monitoring

) and paddle types (45 mm, closed). All parameters showed significant effects on the process performance. In the material stream used, which contained a proportion of fine material, the 45 mm paddles demonstrated higher separation performance compared to the closed paddles. A specific rotational speed must be reached to achieve an effective separation efficiency. Beyond this, a further increase does not lead to measurable improvements. Two optimisation strategies were developed to determine process optima and enable the integration of the generated results into operational practice. Therefore, the results contribute to the optimisation and potential automation of ballistic separators and the overall improvement of packaging waste sorting plants.