MACHINERY | LABORATORY COMPOUNDERS
Above: An Entek extruder installed in the Gala processing laboratory in the US
need for side feeders, which lead to increased energy expense and heat exposure to the poly- mer,” he says.
Sensitive materials Biopolymers and other shear sensitive materials are increasingly being used so the compounding industry needs laboratory extruders that can handle them properly, according to Entek. The company also reports an increase in companies buying laboratory compounders to bring R&D work in-house. Entek Process Engineer Megan Dyer identifies
some of the major requirements for a laboratory compounder as modularity in construction and the ability to reduce contamination, together with fast changeover features. She says these features allow a laboratory machine to be used to test many different compounds more efficiently. In addition, fast changeover features help overcome the widespread problem of keeping laboratories and equipment clean during trials, especially when running colours. Introduced to the Entek product portfolio earlier
Right: Thermo Scientific’s Process 16 Twin-screw Extruder is specifically designed for R&D, process development and small batch production
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this year, vacuum feed technology (VFT) can help with feeding of fluffy materials into compounders. “Entek has also released a new vent flow sensor that helps notify operators of vent flow upset conditions early on,” says Dyer. “We have already experienced both technologies adding value to customer trials in our labora- tory. VFT allows for higher specific throughputs in the cases of feeding fluffy materials into the extruder. The vent flow sensor monitors when material is coming up the vent towers for early detection and
COMPOUNDING WORLD | December 2021 IMAGE: THERMO SCIENTIFIC
easier cleaning. This is especially useful in laborato- ries where vent flow is more common due to constant changing conditions.” Launched this year, Thermo Fisher Scientific says it developed its Thermo Scientific Process 16 Twin-screw Extruder specifically to satisfy the easy handling and workflow efficiency requirements of R&D, process development and small batch production. Easy cleaning and access are provided by the housing and split barrel design while a removeable top cover ensures customer-specific application flexibility. The company says that the 16mm diameter extruder is a good solution for a variety of compounding workflows, while accesso- ries such as filament spooler, sheet take-off systems and pelletisers further extend its application potential. A hygienic version for food and health- care applications is also available. The Process 16 Twin-screw Extruder includes
user-friendly touch-screen operation, integrated feeder control, and easily removeable product contact parts. Its compact design minimises laboratory space and ensures easy cleaning. It supports throughputs of 0.4-20 kg/h, depending on the material and application. Machine features include a segmented screw
and removeable top half barrel. A screw length adjustment kit is available to support small quantity compounding while the fully ported barrel allows maximum flexibility for feeding and degassing. Contact parts can be selected from three steel grades. Accessories include dies, feeders, water bath, conveyor belt, strand or die face pelletisers, haul off and spooler. A granulation kit enables customers to switch between melt extrusion and wet/melt granulation.
Feeding flexibility The Process 16 Twin-screw Extruder’s fully ported barrel provides six top feeding ports and four side feeding locations for secondary feeding of sensitive or low bulk density materials. The com- pany says top feeding provides a straightforward handling solution for a broad range of materials and typically works well where process requirements are not too demanding. However, side feeding is recommended where a large volume of material is to be introduced or where the material has a low bulk density as side feeding can help prevent clogging of the feed funnel. Two side feeding locations can be
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IMAGE: ENTEK
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