Mixing studies in the single screw extruder

Abstract

AbstractLaminar mixing in a single screw extruder between two miscible liquids is considered. Studies are presented which examine the mixing performance in single screw extruders with mixing sections, variable geometry screws, and multi‐viscosity mixtures. Model extruders, set up on engine lathes, were used to mix colored silicone rubber which eventually cured in the screw channel. The cured silicone was then removed and sliced to measure the mixing. Results show mixing as a function of both down channel location and total average strain. For the mixing section study, results support the theory of interfacial area reorientation as the key mechanism in mixing section performance. Increasing viscosity ratio for the multi‐viscosity study showed a decrease in mixing rate.