TWIN SCREW EXTRUDERS | MACHINERY
The latest technical developments in twin
screw compounding aim to improve precision, and productivity while reducing waste and energy use. Chris
Saunders learns more
Performance gains in twin screw extruders
The latest advances in twin screw extruder technol- ogy are focused on improving precision, productiv- ity and sustainability through design features such as optimised processing elements, advanced sensors, and dynamic monitoring of parameters such as screw speed, temperature, and pressure. Energy efficiency has also become a key considera- tion with the latest machines including improved heat exchange systems and enhanced insulation to conserve energy while intelligent controls optimise power usage based on real-time processing conditions and adoption of machine learning algorithms. The trend in twin screw extruder design is
towards modular configurations, which allow for greater flexibility and customisation. This modular- ity facilitates more simple adaptation to different processing requirements, enabling manufacturers to configure equipment for specific compounding, reactive extrusion, and devolatilisation tasks. Furthermore, extruders are being integrated into Industry 4.0-based frameworks, which involves greater connectivity and data exchange between machines and supports tools such as remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and integra- tion into plant-wide smart manufacturing systems.
www.compoundingworld.com Germany’s Feddem, part of the Feddersen
Group, specialises in production of compounding machinery and turnkey systems. The company says to meet today’s need for sustainable and cost- effective production the compounding plant must be kept fully functional and unplanned production stops must be avoided. To this end, it offers a variety of service packages, ranging from wear condition surveys to customised predictive maintenance plans. Remote support via visual online communication (Augmented Reality) completes its continuous customer support service. The company’s flagship FED 43 MTS twin-screw
extruder has been further developed to improve performance and flexibility. The machine now offers a maximum drive power of 157 kW, which the company says opens new application possibilities for recipes that benefit from higher screw speeds. The standard process length remains unchanged at 32 L/D but modular extensions allow process length to be quickly adapted when required. Feddem has also recently upgraded its vacuum- assisted side feeding unit, the FSB-V, with the latest version now equipped with a viewing window. This simple but effective upgrade allows direct observa- tion of flow in the hopper during metered feeding
Main image: The latest twin screw com- pounders offer improved performance and reduced energy
consumption while new control
developments help increase uptime and cut waste
March 2024 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 25
IMAGE: COPERION
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