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Process rheometers for molten plastics: A survey of existing technology
Author(s) -
Dealy John M.,
Broadhead Taras O.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.760332302
Subject(s) - rheometer , materials science , process engineering , process (computing) , composite material , rheology , engineering , computer science , operating system
There are many operations in the plastics industry where it is useful to be able to monitor the rheological properties of a melt as it is being processed. Such operations include polymerization, blending, compounding, and reactive extrusion. The design of such instruments poses major challenges, as there is a conflict between the need for rapid sample renewal and the desire for measurement accuracy. In‐line types, which are installed directly in the process flow, have a rapid response but must operate in an environment where temperature, pressure, and flow rate fluctuate in response to process upsets. On‐line types, which make use of a side stream and gear pump to feed the rheometer, allow for more freedom in the design of the rheometer but have an inherent signal delay due to the time required for melt to reach the rheometer. A variety of rheological sensors have been described in the patent and research literature, each with its unique advantages and disadvantages, and some of these are finding increased use in the plastics industry to improve product quality and process efficiency.