Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning and/or decontaminating polyester, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The apparatus has an at least partially heated rotary tubular furnace to be fed with a mixture of polyester and an alkaline material and is for carrying out a saponification reaction in the mixture. The invention is distinguished in that within the rotary tubular furnace a weir is disposed which at least partly closes the interior of the rotary tubular furnace, and an orifice is formed in the shell of the rotary tubular furnace adjacent the weir for separating undersize grain from the PET.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning and/or decontaminating polyester, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The apparatus has an at least partially heated rotary tubular furnace to be fed with a mixture of polyester and an alkaline material and is for carrying out a saponification reaction in the mixture. The invention is distinguished in that within the rotary tubular furnace a weir is disposed which at least partly closes the interior of the rotary tubular furnace.