Kraken: the new Panizzolo pre-shredder

In a recycling sector increasingly characterized by complex flows and growing material volumes, it is essential to adopt solutions that guarantee reliable performance and operational continuity from the early stages of processing. It is precisely from this need that Kraken was developed, the series of industrial pre-shredders Panizzolo dedicated to the volumetric reduction of the most challenging scrap. The series debuts with the PSH 2300 model and will soon be expanded with other versions created for different production capacities and plant engineering requirements.

In this interview, Mauro Panizzolo, Owner and Sales Manager, gives us a closer look at the new project, exploring its strengths, challenges, and strategic objectives. But before getting into the heart of the article, here’s a short video in which Mattia Molena, Marketing Manager, introduces the Kraken series, illustrating its main advantages and application context.

Kraken represents an important innovation in your range. What are the design premises of this new series?

The Kraken series was born from a double need: on the one hand to complete our offer with a dedicated pre-shredding solution that can be integrated with Mega hammer mills and matched to their performance; on the other hand, we want to meet the increasing demand from our customers: robust technology that ensures effective volume reduction and consistent flow to the next stages of the line. With the introduction of the new series, we expand our capacity to follow the entire process, from pre-shredding to refining. It is a solution that further strengthens the value of our approach: offering not only machinery, but an integrated technological system, built on concrete challenges and needs.

What materials can the Kraken series handle?

The pre-shredder was developed for the processing of high-impact scrap metal. Its robust structure, the 630-kW motor and a total weight of 95 tons allow to manage a wide range of materials: vehicles and car bales also complete with engine and mechanical parts, aluminium profiles, mixed ferrous scrap and bulky material. It is designed for those who work in high-capacity plants, where there is no room for machine downtime.

One of the most interesting aspects are the gear shafts. What differentiates them?

Behind the performance of the Kraken series is very in-depth interior design work, starting right from the gear shafts. We studied a specific geometry and configuration to obtain precise and controlled tearing, capable of reducing the material in a single pass. This ensures a regular flow towards the mill, maximizing the energy efficiency and minimizing mechanical stress on downstream machines.

Now let’s talk about maintenance and durability. How did you address these aspects?

Durability and the simplicity of intervention. These were two key points in the design, in line with our construction philosophy. The pre-shredder is equipped with a shaft quick release system, which allows the replacement of components subject to wear in reduced times. The bearing supports are also designed to protect mechanical parts from dust and contaminants, ensuring continuity even in harsh environments.
Added to all this is a compact and functional configuration: the electrical panel and hydraulic power unit are placed in dedicated containers, a choice that simplifies transport, installation and start-up, with maximum logistical flexibility also for existing systems.

And in terms of security, how does the Kraken pre-shredder perform?

We developed the new series with particular attention to safety in real-world contexts of use. The pre-shredder is capable of processing potentially critical components, such as cylinders or tanks, opening them and removing any residual gas or flammable liquids. This is a fundamental function, especially when dealing with mixed scrap where the content of the input is not always predictable. In this way you reduce the risk of explosions, failures or damage to downstream machinery, helping to make the entire plant safer and more stable.

Construction quality has always been an essential aspect of the Panizzolo approach. How does this translate to the Kraken project?

In this case too we have rigorously applied our Quality Policy: certified metalwork, reinforced welding and selected components from internationally recognized Italian and Northern European suppliers.
A concrete example are the planetary gearboxes, a top-of-the-range solution chosen for their ability to withstand extreme loads and work continuously even in critical operating conditions. This approach, oriented towards maximum quality, translates into a reliable solution, durable and high-performance, with optimised operating costs and a return on investment that consolidates in the long term.

Control software plays an important role in managing manufacturing processes. How was it designed?

The Kraken series control system is intelligent and flexible. Operators can choose from preset recipes or create custom configurations depending on the material. This makes it possible to optimize consumption, reduce mechanical stress and better manage the production cycle, even in the most dynamic contexts.

The Kraken pre-shredder is part of a major project in the United Arab Emirates. What is this project about?

The new solution is one of the key elements of the system we are building for Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA), one of the world’s leading producers of aluminium. We are talking about a large-scale project: it will be the largest plant of its kind in the United Arab Emirates, with a processing capacity of up to 170,000 tons of scrap per year. It is a strategic stage in the roadmap of decarbonization by EGA, designed to produce high-quality, low-emission secondary aluminium. For us it is much more than a simple supply: it is a technological collaboration at the highest level which consolidates our role as strategic partner for the development of plants that meet global environmental challenges.