Resin distribution along axial and circumferential directions of self‐wiping co‐rotating parallel twin‐screw extruder. Issue 11 (25th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ohara, Masatoshi; Tanifuji, Shin‐ichiro; Sasai, Yuya; Sugiyama, Takemasa; Umemoto, Sho; Murata, Jun‐ichi; Tsujimura, Isao; Kihara, Shin‐ichi; Taki, Kentaro
• Is Part Of: AIChE journal. Volume 66:Issue 11(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-08-25
• Subjects: axial direction -- circumferential direction -- finite element method -- resin -- twin‐screw extruder; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; Génie chimique -- Périodiques; 660.28
• DOI: 10.1002/aic.17018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-1541

Abstract

Abstract: A self‐wiping co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder (TSE) is operated in a starved state in which the screws are partially filled with resin. Understanding the resin distribution on the screw surface of a TSE in this state is essential for the design, operation, and maintenance of the twin‐screw extrusion process. Accordingly, in this study, the circumferential and axial distribution of resin in a TSE were simulated using a novel method combining the mathematical formulation of Hele–Shaw flow, the finite element method, and a newly developed down‐wind pressure updating scheme. The results of the simulation were found to be in good agreement with experimental measurements. The proposed simulation method enables the detailed visualization of resin distribution in the entire axial and circumferential directions over the length of a TSE, improving the ability to determine both the devolatilization and fiber attrition during the extrusion process.