Battenfeld-cincinnati shows its most powerful cross-linked PE extrusion line

Battenfeld-cincinnati (Vienna) reports that it recently held a very successful demonstration of the capabilities of its PE-Xa extrusion line for cross-linked polyethylene (PE). Forty customers from EMEA countries were on hand to observe the system's throughput, which far exceeds conventional lines or RAM extruders, according to the company, and its short, low-maintenance cross-linking station. The inline process enables high-rate production of peroxide cross-linked pipes at an extremely low cost, says battenfeld-cincinnati. Cross-linked PE is used extensively for heating systems and hot and cold water transport.

A specially designed screw geometry for this application ensures homogeneous melt processing at low melt temperatures. Thermal stress and flow stagnation are eliminated, and optimal dwell time is achieved. The RK32PEX pipe head used in the line has been specially adapted in terms of pipe head volume and streamlined flow channels to prevent material deposits and cross-linking inside the die.

The pipes pass directly into the infrared (IR) oven via an elbow adapter. Eight IR heating elements inside the vertical, space-saving oven ensure a high cross-linking rate at line speeds up to 30 m/min. This design, in combination with matching downstream equipment for pipe calibration, cooling, haul-off and cutting, ensures consistent high-quality pipe production.