Coperion: Twin screw side degassing

The ZS-EG twin screw degassing unit presented by Coperion (formerly Werner & Pfleiderer), at K 2010 is an example of the company’s degassing solutions for compounding and extrusion processes. These range from the degassing of polymer melts to the manufacture of practically odour free plastic for packaging or vehicle interiors.

Coperion’s ZS-EG unit

Compared to an open vent dome the twin screw side degassing unit offers many advantages. It can be fitted at low cost to a combi barrel segment of the ZSK twin screw extruder. By replacing an atmospheric venting barrel with a combi barrel it can be retro-fitted in order to make full use of the performance of ZSK technology. It delivers effective degassing, even with high air or moisture content of the bulk material, at acceptable residence times so that plant throughput can be raised by 10?–?15 %. It improves compound quality and consistency since no material can fall back into the processing unit from the vent. It lowers production costs through reduced cleaning and maintenance times as well as through lower wear. It simplifies machine control through simple operation and reduces accident risks, particularly during start-up. With quick release connections the ZS-EG is user-friendly and can be dismantled easily for cleaning and maintenance.

Besides the manufacture of TPEs typical applications for twin screw degassing units include for example glass-reinforced or highly filled compounds and wood plastic compounds.