Single-screw or twin-screw extruder? When the need to produce a homogeneous polymer melt occurs in the industrial environment, both product attributes and equipment cost must be evaluated. For many applications both the single and twin-screw extruder will produce the desired homogeneous melt needed to form the product through an extrusion die. Some applications such as dispersive mixing of solids in a polymer matrix are best accomplished in a twin-screw extruder. On the other hand, applications involving chemical reactions, color concentrate distributive mixing, and in line polymer-polymer distributive mixing can be accomplished with either device. However, for the same production rate, twin-screw extruders are generally more expensive than single-screw extruders with a diameter less than 200 mm. Therefore, a thorough understanding is needed for the concepts of solids conveying, melting, and mixing for the two types of extruders to make appropriate process acquisition decisions. This book covers engineering and technology concepts that should aid the practitioner in comparing these two types of extrusion equipment relative to process requirements.

Single-screw or twin-screw extruder? How to choose the right equipment for a given task Consideration of the key criteria for both product attributes and overall costs, including production rate Comparison of the capabilities and costs of the equipment Valuable insights to ensure successful processing and minimization of costs Written by leading experts in the field of extrusion

Autorentext
Gregory A. Campbell, Ph.D., is Chief Technical Officer at Castle Associates, Jonesport, ME. He was previously professor and departmental chair of chemical engineeering at Clarkson University, NY. He formerly directed a research group at GM Research and managed polymer fabrication at Mobil Chemical Research. He is a Fellow and former Extrusion Board Member of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE).