Gefran MD8 melt pressure transmitter and the need to monitor extrusion stability

Posted by Cadie Jhon on August 21st, 2017

The harsh and rugged environments of the extrusion and polymer processing industries calls for the need to make use of specific equipment that can easily carry out accurate measurements while taking care of safety and several product specifications. Melt pressure transmitters and several of Gefran’s other instruments are designed for the very purpose stated above. The transmitters in particular, along with a set of sensors are meant to be used in high temperature scenarios where the melt pressure can reach as high as 538 degrees C.

In general, pressure transmitters have a multitude of applications in industries as well as in the area of disaster management. Speaking of the Gefran MD8 melt pressure transmitter, the focus shifts to the relation between pressure instabilities and output variations for polymer melt. Various investigations have pointed out that output fluctuations can happen if there is measured pressure fluctuation.

So, what causes a pressure variation?

According to researchers and experts in this area, a pressure variation at the die entrance could be caused by either of the two following factors:

a. There is an actual variation in rate from the extruder

b. There is a variation in the temperature of the material that is made to pass through the die

These fluctuations directly lead to fluctuations in the end result as well. That is why it is important to be aware of the purpose of transmitters, sensors and other instruments that are designed for use in controlling these pressures and temperatures.

Understanding the extrusion process in brief

Extrusion is a manufacturing process where a material is pushed through a die in order to create a desired object of a fixed cross sectional profile. When compared to other manufacturing processes, this one has the ability to create very complex cross sections. That, further contributes to the strength of the objects created. Considering the advanced nature of the process, it is important to continuously monitor the pressure fluctuations that take place with the material. This monitoring is also important to detect the presence of any defects or deficiencies during the very initial stages of the extrusion process.

Using the right kind of equipment to carry out the monitoring is the key to the success and the smooth operation of the process. In fact, pressure monitoring near the downstream or the screw tips also makes it easier to diagnose any extruder stability problems at fairly early stages.

Author’s bio: The author is a blogger. This article is about Gefran MD8 melt pressure transmitter and the need to monitor extrusion stability. Visit www.gefranonline.net