Modeling the solids conveying zone of a novel extruder

Abstract

AbstractOn the basis of the theory of relative motions, a novel nested screw extruder was invented in which one rotating outer screw acted as the barrel for an inner screw; the combination of the outer screw and outer barrel was the other extrusion system. It was realized that centrifugal force resulted in the difference between the forces acting on the solids by the screw and by the barrel, which further compacted the solid pellet or powder. These factors benefited the frictional drag of solids and the early melting. This was consistent with the fact that the solids conveying flow rate increased greatly when the barrel and screw rotated oppositely at the same time. Thus, centrifugal force and material compressibility were significant in the feeding zone. A mathematical model was developed to calculate the output, pressure, and velocity of the solids in the screw down‐channel with consideration of the centrifugal force and material compressibility. The predicted pressure distribution and output were better than those by previous models in fitting the experimental data. The simulations revealed that the maximum traction angle was close to 90° − the helix angle for maximum output in contrast to the maximum traction angle of 90° predicted by the Darnell–Mol theory. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008