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Blown-film extrusion line feels a backdraft
Air-cooled blown-film extrusion machines can allow energy loss through convection cooling when the dampers are closed, victims of the so-called 'chimney effect'. A new extruder design removes heat and air currents from the extrusion area, using dampers that are connected to a common air plenum integrated into the machine base, which is in turn connected to a single exhaust fan, either connected to the base or remote mounted.
PlasticsToday Staff
August 23, 2012
1 Min Read
.svg?width=850&auto=webp&quality=95&format=jpg&disable=upscale "Blown-film extrusion line feels a backdraft")
Air-cooled blown-film extrusion machines can allow energy loss through convection cooling when the dampers are closed, victims of the so-called 'chimney effect'. A new extruder design removes heat and air currents from the extrusion area, using dampers that are connected to a common air plenum integrated into the machine base, which is in turn connected to a single exhaust fan, either connected to the base or remote mounted. The single central exhaust blower removes the need for more traditional individual blowers on each zone.
American Kuhne backdraft extruder
With American Kuhne Inc.'s Backdraft extruder, when a damper opens, air is drawn down through the heater's cooling fins and through the exhaust system. The company says this reverse cooling arrangement eliminates the need for exhaust hoods, as well as any potentially damaging air currents near the bubble area.
Machine options for blown film include:
Convertible Extruders: Extruders that can change from smooth feed to grooved feed for "swing line" blown film applications.
Gearless Extruders: Extruders with either an AC motor and gearbox, or a gearless torque motor that eliminates the gearbox, gear oil and gear oil disposal. The gearless option represents a compact design that saves energy, is easier to maintain, and operates at a low noise level.
Ultra Series Low Boy Extruders: Low centerline extruders with Steward barrier screws for high output and low melt temperature, heavy duty double reduction gearbox (gearless is optional), AC motors, deep finned cast barrel heaters, smooth or grooved feed sections, and the new Backdraft cooling. Control panels can be provided mounted on the extruder base or remote mounted.
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