Chemicals

A customised solution for any challenge

When it comes to successfully performing chemical extrusion processes with the Planetary Roller Extruder, there are several decisive factors: rapidly mixing the reactants, targeted and precise temperature control, and high-performance devolatilization/ degassing.

• Rapid mixing of reactants

  As material is fed into the process, the tempered toothing (with large energy-exchange surface areas) repeatedly rolls it out in thin layers in the process section of the Planetary Roller Extruder. This ensures the rapid and homogeneous mixing and mastication of all substances and reactants, allowing chemical reactions to be carried out quickly and effectively. It even makes it possible to reduce the quantity of reactants and/ or reduce or entirely eliminate the use of catalysts.

• Targeted and precise temperature control

  The key: full-surface fluid-based tempering of the PRE process section enables the creation of precisely regulated temperature-controlled zones – allowing chemical processes in particular to be regulated more easily than would be possible with electrically heated systems. For example, the reactants can be mixed at a temperature that is lower than the reaction temperature, so that the reaction is only initiated in the subsequent temperature-controlled zone. A chemical reaction can be extended across multiple process zones and terminated when desired.
  The heat energy required for endothermic reactions can be added quickly over a short distance. It is even possible to effectively remove the heat energy that is generated by exothermic reactions should this be required.

• Unique: The modular design of the ENTEX Planetary Roller Extruder

  By configuring the process section for the specific process, it is possible to control the duration of reactions. By adapting the number of different process zones – configured as desired with a single roller cylinder or couplings of multiple roller cylinders – and the inner diameters of the dispersion rings installed between the process zones, different process steps (mixing, reacting, degassing, cooling, etc.) can be separated from one another and the extrudate dwell time in the individual zones can be regulated.
  Chemical reactants and other substances can also be added at different points – and in different forms (solid material, liquid, gas) – along the process line.
  By varying the quantity, length and type of the planetary spindles used in each individual process zone, processes can also be regulated with regard to their rolling, material transport, free volumes, fill level, pressure build-up, etc.
  Our testing facilities in Bochum allow us to address your individual needs and collaborate to create intelligent solutions for your requirements. Thanks to their modularity and scalability, ENTEX Planetary Roller Extruders can perform all the process steps required for chemical extrusion processes. This ensures an attractive ROI.

• High-performance devolatilization/ degassing

  Unwanted substances such as gases, vapours, alcohol, volatile decomposition products, etc. that are generated during the reaction in the compounding process can be passively evacuated at various points during the process using atmospheric deaeration, or actively evacuated by applying a vacuum. Residual monomers and reactants or solvents can also be removed in this way.
  The utilisation of suitable vacuum pumps makes it possible to achieve degassing results of < 1,000 ppm in a vacuum of < 1 mbar. Effective degassing generally has a positive impact on product properties while decisively improving product quality.