LAB COMPOUNDERS | MACHINERY
Mixing up in the lab
Laboratory-scale compounding equipment that can simulate production conditions is vital for successful development of performance compounds. Chris Saunders finds out more
Laboratory or pilot scale twin screw compounders provide a cost-effective means for development of new formulations and processes, freeing up time on production plant and keeping material usage to the minimum. Key features of a good lab com- pounder include the flexibility to mix and blend a broad range of additives and materials, as well as integration of an effective control system that allows precise control of temperatures, pressures and speeds so researchers can optimise process- ing and have confidence in scaling findings to production plant. Late last year, German equipment maker
Brabender launched its latest lab-scale twin-screw extruder – the B-TSE-S 30/40 Big Compounder which, contrary to its name, features a compact design combining drive and the processing unit making one of the smaller compounding systems in its category on the market.
www.compoundingworld.com
The machine is intended to be used as a link between laboratory and large-scale production. Direct scalability from laboratory to production plant is only possible to a limited extent, says Brabender. The Big Compounder is designed to take over as a pilot plant where process parameters can be optimised for subsequent production on large-scale equipment. Upscaling can be per- formed both at laboratory-to-pilot level and at the pilot-to-production level, it says. The Big Compounder offers a throughput of up to 100 kg/h and comparatively high torque. The ability to produce small sample quantities saves on material costs and is particularly advantageous when working with materials that are difficult to procure. Smaller batches also mean less energy is used and the cost of disposing of unused test materials is reduced . “Manufacturers of innovative products have yet
Main image: The growing interest in recycled
compounders means lab compounders may have to handle
challenging feedstocks such as shredded films
December 2023 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 37
IMAGE: THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC
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