TECHNOLOGY | CONTROLS AND MONITORING
residual moisture in the polymer melt, while the UV-VIS spectrometer shows the process stability and variation in the colour values, such as accord- ing to the well-known CIE-colour space with L*, a*, b*, C*, h, DE* and YI (Yellowing Index) as trend diagrams.”
He continues: “As part of the GiANT develop-
Above: The ‘2-in-1’ combined single probe with UV-VIS and NIR fibres developed by ColVisTec
inline spectroscopy allows operators and produc- tion managers to monitor exactly when purging and switchover is between production runs. As a result, every cycle is optimised without losing valuable time and material in-between to unneces- sary safety margins for cross contamination. All of these requirements also benefit from certified quality logs, which can be produced reliably when the quality is monitored continuously. Technical issues relating to new product and process devel- opments can be addressed through use of highly sensitive residence time distribution measurements and other complex/comprehensive data analyses. To meet these needs, ColVisTec has developed
the RTM (Residence Time Measurement) and ReTA (Residence Time Analysis) software tools for analysis and visualisation of spectral data. These tools can characterise the extruder in terms of screw configuration, for example, as well as process parameters such as the influence of speed on dispersion quality, and recipe/formulation development.
Right: Goettfert has developed the Mini Bypass Rheograph
“In addition to the now well-established UV-VIS inline spectroscopy ‘InSpectro X2’, we see addi- tional opportunities for our RAMAN and NIR inline spectroscopy for advanced applications,” says Fuat Eker, Director of Sales, Marketing and Customisation. “GiANT is a ‘3-in-1’ inline spectrometer platform with the three spectrometers – UV- VIS, NIR and RAMAN – as a complete solution in one unit. GiANT makes it possible to generate a comprehen- sive view of the extrudate. Two combinations of these spectrom- eters are also currently available and of particular interest for the polymer processing industry: UV-VIS + NIR and UV-VIS + RAMAN. For example, the inline NIR spectrometer detects the
40 PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD | November/December 2021
ment programme, we have in our product range a very advanced ‘2-in-1’ combined single probe. This allows for UV-VIS and NIR measurements to be taken while only using one probe. This combina- tion probe offers the advantage of recording UV-VIS and NIR information at the same measuring point in the extruder and it eliminates the need for location and time offset on the extruded product. In addition, there is no need for a second ½ inch-20UNF bore, where there is typically limited space available at the die plate. In cooperation with various plastic processors, ColVisTec has ad- dressed topics such as dispersion and distribution quality, homogenisation, as well as quantifying ‘carbon’ in black compounds and pigment concen- trations in the melt.” The probe has a ½ inch-20UNF thread design
and can operate at temperatures of up to 400° C and pressures of up to 250 bar. The self-cleaning effect of the sapphire window is achieved by the sheer force of the melt flow. ColVisTec adds that it is supplying a leading German recycler of post-consumer plastics with an InSpectro X2 that will monitor two recycling extrusion lines in 24/7 operation from January 2022. The customer’s goal is consistent end-prod- uct and safe production, as well as easy decision- making support for the operators. In addition, in early 2021 the company equipped a special recycling operation with an InSpectro X2. In this application, only black polypropylene from old battery cases is re-processed with the new black colour adjusted through the addition of carbon black – measur- ing black in black.
Rheological testing instruments
firm Goettfert has developed the Mini Bypass Rheograph (MBR), which it says is appealing to recyclers, where affordability and flexibility is important. The com- pany says that its open discharge system is a highly suitable instru- ment for applications that require easy access, which is particularly useful to meet FDA rules regard- ing cleaning and where you do not want to return the measured
www.plasticsrecyclingworld.com
IMAGE: COLVISTEC
IMAGE: GOETTFERT
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