posted August 16, 2005 09:34 PM            

We are running a extruder with 45mm screw and 28:1 L/D ratio, for maufcturing HDPE blown films. We seldom manufacture thicker gauge films with very large width. Generally we manufacture only thin gauge films with very small width. Thus generally our bubble diameter is very small, so even if the blower is opened to its full capacity the bubble cooling doesn't become sufficient to support any extra production from the extruder. We should only runnig the extruder at less than half of its running capacity as no more further cooling space is available.

We don't actually konw CFM of the blower used for cooling purpose, but let me tell that it uses a 2 HP motor and has a toatal diameter of about 16 inches.

I am now thinking whther to change the blower or add a air-chiller to our production plant.Please advise.

I understand that adding a chiller will lead to increased cooling,hus the bubble comes down and we are able to increase the production of the extruder. As well as the chiller will increase the colling rate of the bubble leading to increased strength of the film and hence increased quality. Also the air velocity is nnot incraesed very much leading to bubble stability. Thus i tjink the chiller would be a better idea.

Please advise me what should i do to use my extruder at it's full capacity.

I am very confused that whether i acn install a IBC(Internal Bubble cooling) on my machine, as i know generally it is installed only on machines with large bubble diameter only. Please advise.

Regards,

Krishna Agrawal