Theoretical model for intermeshing twin screw extruders: Axial velocity profile for shallow channels

Positive displacement intermeshing twin screw extruders have been analyzed by a simple model for flow in the channel formed by the screw root and screw flights. The model considers the down channel flow to be a combination of drage flow resulting from the relative motion of the barrel and screw and pressure flow resulting from the positive displacement action of the device. The pressure flow in this situation is distinguished from pressure flow in a single screw extruder in that the pressure forces induce flow toward the die for the twin screw model rather than away from the die as in a single screw extruder. Comparison of the down channel shear rate profile of apositive displacement twin screw extruder with that of a single screw extruder with no net flow reveals that they are identical but inverted with respect to channel depth. The model presented does not consider leakage between the twin screws or the rotational motion of the second screw.