MACHINERY | LAB COMPOUNDERS


Right: Coperion has added a number of new functions to its high perfor- mance ZSK 18 Megalab extruder


IMAGE: COPERION


Nm/cm³ and achieves a maximum screw speed of 1,200 min-1


. The company says its reliable scaling-up to larger The machine is described by Buss as a versatile


laboratory and pilot compounding line for devel- opment applications, which makes it useful for research and development, process optimisation, and small production runs. Its temperature-con- trolled screw shaft ensures reliable scale-up to production conditions while the ability to combine three and four-flight screw elements opens up further process engineering possibilities. Other machine features include precision temperature control and compact ergonomic design, while options include dosing units, side feeder, a melt pump or filter, and pelletisers. The ZSK 18 Megalab laboratory twin screw


extruder, based on ZSK technology from Coperion, has been developed specifically for processing small batch sizes. The machine offers a screw diameter of 18 mm with a specific torque of 11.3


ZSK twin screw extruders makes it a very good choice for formulation development. “Every single component of the ZSK twin screw extruder is an example of top-class high technology. With the know-how and experience of the pioneers in the development of the co-rotating twin screw extruder we design every single process step of the extrusion system to meet individual product requirements.” Coperion recently equipped the ZSK 18 Meg- alab with several new functions giving it significantly more flexibility and safety in handling. Pluggable, instead of hard-wired, heating cartridges now enable fast barrel modifications and uncomplicated heating cartridge replacement. An electrically-lock- able maintenance door on the gearbox lantern increases operating safety and at the same time enables quick access and therefore shorter down- times for screw changes and system maintenance.


Optimised feeding The company says its new, patent-pending opti- mised feeding rack makes it easier to add ingredi- ents. Connected to the extruder, it enables flexible positioning of up to four feeders on all barrel elements in the process section as well as on the ZS-B side feeders. The feeders are height-adjusta- ble and rotatable with the new feeding rack mounted at the side so feeding can be carried out at different points and in accordance with the


Continuous mixing in the laboratory


The CPeX from Farrel Pomini is a laboratory scale compact processor that uses the company’s continuous mixing technology. It is based on the use of two counter-rotating, non- intermeshing rotors and a large free volume mixing chamber, which allows for liberal material circulation and good distributive mixing while the special rotor geometry ensures efficient levels of shear. The machine features a


single large feed port that allows for high filler loadings and handling of irregularly sized materials. Mixing intensity can be adjusted by making changes to rotor speed, working volume, thermal conditions, and orifice


40 COMPOUNDING WORLD | December 2023


position. The company says the standard 6 L/D format provides a short residence time and a low heat


history while providing a high-quality homogeneous mixture. Continuous mixing technology is said to be well suited to processing biodegradable polymers, as well as recyclates, because both benefit from low processing temperatures, short residence times, and efficient shear mixing. Farrel Pomini has conducted extensive develop- ment work in processing of PHA biopolymers, both inde- pendently and with partners such as CJ BioMaterials. � www.farrel-pomini.com


Left: Farrel Pomini’s CPeX


continuous processor provides a versatile option for laboratory work


www.compoundingworld.com


IMAGE: FARREL POMINI


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