Industrial Plastics: New continuous flow screen changer
Industrial Plastics,UK, has recently launched a new continuous flow screen changer. The IPL continuous, double slide plate screen changer is suitable for all thermoplastic resins — except PVC — and can be fitted to all types of single or twin screw extruders and melt pumps. Its’ screening area is twice as large as that of conventional models, which means that screening time is considerably extended, with a resultant saving in labour and increased output. The new model is currently available in sizes from 50 to 210 mm and the company is working on projects for units with diameters up to 600 mm. The system uses the double breaker plate principle, as the melt reaches the screen changer, it is divided and flows through two different slide plates, each of which is drilled with a series of holes, and has provision for a filter screen or screen pack. During normal operation, the two slide plates are moved into the screen changer so that the melt flows simultaneously through both. When it is necessary to change screens, one of the two slide plates is moved out using the hydraulic cylinder, the contaminated screen is replaced with a clean one and the slide plate is moved back into the melt. This process is then repeated with the second slide plate. Several variations of this model are available to suit different customer requirements.