ALTERNATIVE COMPOUNDERS | MACHINERY
right alternative Finding the
Companies offering alternative compounding technologies are continuing to broaden the scope of their machines. Chris Saunders reports on new developments
Driven by commercial and environmental concerns, as well as a growing need to work with advanced materials where other equipment may be better suited than the traditional twin-screw extruder, in recent years demand for alternative plastic com- pounding technology has grown. Some backers argue that such equipment is now at the forefront of innovation within the polymer industry, address- ing critical challenges related not only to efficiency and material performance, but also wider issues like sustainability and regulatory compliance. Paul Erdmenger of Bayer is credited with
revolutionising plastic extrusion when he devel- oped the original three-lobe co-rotating twin screw design in the 1950s, paving the way for modern compounding technology. Seen as being advanta- geous over the single screw extruders prevalent at the time due to its flexibility and efficiency, in the ensuing decades the design geometry was honed and enhanced. According to Niche Polymer, a 45 mm latest-generation twin screw extruder can achieve the same throughput as a 160 mm twin screw extruder from the 1970s. The twin screw is a workhorse but as with anything else it has its limitations, and technological progress means compounders are no longer bound by them. “Advancements in machine design, scientific
www.compoundingworld.com
understanding, and simulation tools have enhanced the efficiency and flexibility of the compounding process,” the company says. “However, the artistry and expertise of process engineers continue to play a crucial role in achieving optimal results.” The company, based in West Virginia, US, offers custom compounding as one of its main services and specialises in tailoring compounds to meet specific requirements and performance criteria, often using unconventional hardware. For Niche Polymer, screw configuration plays a crucial part in its decision-making. “Our custom-tailored screw configuration
program provides cost-effective versatility,” the company said. “Computer visualisation depicts the relationship of the screw elements to the extruder barrel, permitting engineers to place the screw elements strategically to maximise control over the process. The program allows Niche’s technical staff to quickly and accurately specify a screw that meets the unique mixing requirements of specific projects at the highest possible throughput rate.” This versatile approach has been adopted as compounders revise ways of delivering what their clients require. At the NPE 2024 exhibition in Florida in May, Farrel Pomini displayed a new solution for both mechanical and chemical recycling applications
October 2024 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 65
Main image: CPM’s ring extruder
technology is considered to have great potential in recycling uses, and other areas such as bio-based polymers
IMAGE: CPM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
