Analysis and experimental evaluation of twin screw extruders

Abstract

AbstractTwin screw extruders can he classified according to their geometrical configuration. The main distinction is made between intermeshing and nonintermeshing extruders. Another distinguishing characteristic is the sense of rotation. The most important characteristics of the various twin screw extruders are examined, with particular emphasis on the effect of screw geometry on the conveying characteristics. A brief review is given of the state of the art in theoretical analysis of twin screw extruders. Experiments with two lab scale, intermeshing twin screw extruders are described, one co‐ and one counterrotating. Results are presented on power consumption, residence time distribution, and mixing characteristics of the two extruders. The counterrotating extruder exhibits a narrower residence time distribution and better dispersive mixing capability. The corotating extruder showed a better distributive mixing capability. These results can be explained in terms of the conveying and mixing mechanisms in both extruders. The overall extruder performance seems to be dominated by the effect of the intenneshing region. Any realistic, theoretical analysis of twin screw extruders should be centered around the flow behavior and mixing characteristics of the intermeshing region. The corotating extruder appears to be best suited for melt blending operations, while the counterrotating extruder seems to be preferred in operations where solid fillers have to be dispersed in a polymer matrix.