Control Methods in Polymer Processing

This book discusses the process theories and automation levels of the most important polymer processes which are necessary to achieve product quality and process economy. The book describes mixing, calendering, screw plastications, sheet and tube extrusion, film blowing, blow moulding and injection moulding. The control methods employed for each of these individual processes are presented in detail. The book is designed to provide information on static and dynamic processes and viable control systems.

1. Fundamentals of Control Engineering. The Definitions and Classifications of Controls. Features of the Closed Loop System. The Elements of the Control Chain. Process Control by Computer. Characteristics of the Polymer Processing Methods. Driving and Take-off Equipments Employed in Polymer Processing Machinery. 2. Controls in Mixing Processes. Introduction. Characteristics of the Mixes and the Mixing Process. Non-Continuously Operated Mixers. Continuous Mixers. 3. Calendering Process Control. Introduction. Deformation in the Sap. Characteristics of Calendering. General Construction of Calenders. Control Methods Employed in Calendering. 4. Operation and Control of Screw Plasticating Units. General Characterization of Screw Plasticating Units. Processes Occurring in a Single-Screw, Continuously Operating Plasticating Unit. Processes in a Single-Screw Reciprocating Plasticating Unit. Processes Taking Place in a Twin-Screw Plasticating Unit. Control Methods to Influence the Quality of the Melt. 5. Sheet and Film Extrusion Processes and Process Control. The Structural Lay-out of Sheet and Film Manufacturing Extruder Lines. Sheet and Film Extrusion Dies. Quality Aspects of the Sheet. Control of Sheet and Foil Production Lines. 6. Control of Tube and Profile Extrusion Processes. Equipments and Materials Employed in Tube Extrusion. Dies Employed in Tube Extrusion. Profile Producing Dies. Flow Through the Dies. Processes Following Shaping. The Cooling Section of the Plastic Tubes; the Development of Internal Stresses. Reduction of Tolerance in Tube Diameter and Tube Wall Thickness. Automatization of the Tube Manufacturing Production Lines. Control of Profile Producing Extruder Lines. 7. Film Blowing Processes and Controls. Equipment Used in Film Blowing. The Film Blowing Processes. The Dynamics of Film Blowing. Control Methods of the Film Blowing Processes. 8. Processes and Process Controls Applied in the Manufacture of Hollow Bodies. Blowing Processes. Dies Employed in Blow Mouldings. Parison Formation. The Parison Inflation. Control in Blow Moulding. 9. Control in Injection Moulding. The Injection Moulding Process and Characterization of Injection Moulding Machinery. Description of Injection Moulding Machines. The Characteristic Features of Injection Moulding Processes. Flow Through the Nozzle, Sprue and Runner System. The Mould Filling Process. The Processes of Packing and Hardening. Qualitative Characteristics of the Products Made by Injection Moulding and the Relationship to Technological Parameters. Control Application for Injection Moulding Processes. References. Subject Index.