Analyzing and Troubleshooting Single-Screw Extruders

The book is aimed at teaching the reader the fundamentals of single-screw extrusion such that fast troubleshooting and process optimization and design are possible. The fundamental processes that are occurring in the machine are developed from the natural reference point of a rotating screw rather the traditional rotating barrel. These fundamentals are then combined with the chemistry of polymers and the physical properties related to processing to troubleshoot and optimize extrusion processes. Many industrial extrusion problem case studies will be presented. In each case study, the root cause of the problem will be identified along with the solution.§· A fundamental view of the processes that occur in a single-screw machine from the natural reference frame; i.e., screw rotation. The theory presented will be discussed and compared to experimental data and to a rotating barrel reference frame.§· Presentation of the polymerization chemistry and degradation mechanisms for polymers. These topics are a key to understanding desirable and undesirable reactions that occur in single-screw extruders.§· An in depth presentation of the physical properties related to processing. These properties include rheology, heat capacity, dynamic friction, bulk density and pellet compaction, melt density, and others. These topics are typically not fully discussed in other books since much of the data are not available in the open literature.§· Many case studies for troubleshooting extrusion problems will be presented. These case studies are not the typical problems that have been presented by others, but include the relationship between the problem, the fundamentals of the extrusion process, and the physical properties of the resin. A detailed description of the problem and the solution will be presented such that the reader can implement the solution on their own equipment. About 30 case studies have been assembled to date.