Next-Generation Laboratory Roller Extruders

At PTXPO, Germany’s Entex (represented in the U.S. by Triad Sales, Greer, S.C.) will show its new line of Laboratory Roller Extruders (LRE), which covers the entire range of compounding and reaction technology. With the modular design, the processing options are very diverse, especially for mechanically and thermally sensitive materials. Thanks to the multiple configuration variants, even very demanding compounding, mixing and degassing processes can reportedly be realized in a material-friendly way.

Due to their process-oriented adaptability, these systems can be ideally used as trial extruders for the development of new products and manufacturing processes. Economically and ecologically, however, the savings potential resulting from direct extrusion with the PRE is also a decisive factor.

The mechanical configurability enables a process-oriented material supply. Solids and liquids with different physical properties can be conveyed specifically into certain process zones of the ongoing compounding process. Due to the adaptable configuration of the kneading elements, sufficiently large free spaces can be created so that even large material volumes are drawn in well.

The enormous tempering spectrum and the precise temperature control as well as the short reaction times also allow gentle processing of thermally sensitive materials. This is achieved through the full-surface, liquid-based temperature control with large energy exchange surfaces and the separation of thermal and mechanical energy.

Gaseous extrudate inclusions like e.g. air, steam or volatile degradation products have a negative influence on product quality. Thanks to the effective degassing technology, volatile substances can be effectively removed from the extrudate, which significantly improves product quality.

The ratio of mechanical and thermal influencing parameters of LRE´s can be roughly compared with those of larger series. Therefore, many process engineering findings obtained on the basis of laboratory trials can also be transferred to large extruder sizes via a scale-up.