Resin distribution in axial and circumferential directions of
self-wiping co-rotating parallel twin-screw extruder
Abstract
A self-wiping co-rotating twin-screw extruder (TSE) is operated in a
starved state where the screws are partially filled with resin.
Understanding resin distribution on the screw surface is essential for
the design, operation, and maintenance of the twin-screw extrusion
process. In this study, the circumferential and axial distribution of
pressure, temperature, and resin in a TSE are calculated using a novel
method combining the mathematical formulation of Hele–Shaw flow, the
finite element method, and a newly developed down-wind pressure update
scheme. The experimental results were in good agreement with the
measured results. This calculation method enables us to visualize, in
detail, the resin distribution, pressure, and temperature for the entire
axial and circumferential direction over the TSE.