| Abstract: | In this paper, a model for the conveying of solid polymer in the feeding zone of intermeshing co-rotating twin screw extruders is proposed. The theoretical model uses an approach that is similar to that commonly used in single screw extruders; however, it takes into account the particular geometry of the screw channel, the partially filled channel, and the special configuration of the two self-wiping screws. The model thus considers two conveying mechanisms: the first one in the channel, which is analyzed in terms of polymer-metal friction, and the second one, which is mainly an axial transport in the intermeshing zone. The theoretical predictions of the model are compared with the experimental results obtained on a laboratory extruder with a polymer in powder form, and satisfactory agreement is observed. The model enables the prediction of the evolution of the filling of the screws towards the geometry and the operating conditions. This is an important key to analyzing the thermal aspects in this zone, which can lead to a prediction of the melting capacity of the extruder. Indeed, the filling of the feeding zone defines the heat transport that occurs between the hot barrel and the solid polymer. |
