Return Stream On-Line Rheometry Through a Process Sensor Port for Process and Production Applications

摘要

On-line rheometers have been around for over 30 years. They have been used in many different applications in R&D, polymerization processes, product development, and compounding. However, their major application has been in large volume resin production, mainly in the polyolefins industry. Applications in the processing and compounding industries have been almost non-existent because of the large size of the rheometers and the need to modify the extruders or compounders in order to use them. This paper discusses applications of a new rheometer, developed to address these problems, in the monitoring of a PET sheet extrusion line. The "real time " measurement of viscosity and resin IV and its application to the monitoring of the resin moisture level and the consistency of extruded product is discussed.