Polymer Flow visualisation

PEPT Flow

Innovative Polymer Flow Visualisation for Optimised Machine Design, Improved Mixing & Material Properties, Process Efficiency & Energy Reductions

The plastics industry represents a major contributor to European wealth, generating sales in excess of €160 billion. SMEs represent a significant proportion of the sector, employing over 1 million people (70% of the total) in more than 36,000 companies (98% of the total). Plastic extrusion is undoubtedly the most important processing technology, representing 36% of all plastics consumed. In particular, twin-screw extrusion is recognised as a key knowledge-based technology, due to its process design flexibility & high mixing efficiency. There exists, however, a fundamental lack of quantitative & qualitative knowledge with regard to the relationships between machine design, total process operation, polymer flow & mixing behaviour. This knowledge gap has been identified as a major barrier to the advancement of twin-screw extrusion for knowledge-based processes.

Using an innovative flow visualisation technique the PEPT-Flow project will significantly strengthen the knowledge-base available to SME industries, thus addressing this industrial barrier. Furthermore, the project will develop new knowledge-based machine design criteria & simulation software, thus contributing to the continued sustainability & competitiveness of the industry sectors.

The Core Project Strategic Objectives are:

Knowledge: To undertake detailed quantitative & qualitative investigation of twin-screw extrusion, with regard to the influence of machine design, total process operation & specific polymer / additive systems.
Design Criteria: To define knowledge-based twin-screw extruder design criteria & guidance.
Simulation Software: To develop & validate accurate flow simulation software for twin-screw extrusion.
Demonstration: To demonstrate the new design criteria, simulation software & processing know-how within 5 commercial twin-screw processes.
Transfer: to achieve effective technology & knowledge transfer throughout communities of European SMEs.

Start date: 01/09/2006
Completion date: 31/08/2009

For more information, please visit - www.peptflow.com