Example of Screw design modelled with Ludovic
Influence of twin screw design on Mixing efficiency
The aim of the PEPTFlow project is to analyse the polymer flow and determine the mixing efficiency of each screw element : conveying elements, kneading disks and mixing elements. The results and impact of the project concern the whole plastic supply chain and can improve the competitiveness of European SMEs.
A real impact on the plastic and polymer production
Determining the influence of twin screw design on the polymer flow and material behaviour is useful to optimize the twin screw process. Indeed, optimizing the extrusion process leads to improve the material properties (improvement of the solidity of a plastic thanks to a controlled dispersive mixing of fillers as an example) and the production (higher throughput, energy reductions...)
Ludovic : analysing the extrusion trends before having the experiments measures
Ludovic has been used during the PEPTFlow project to model the twin screw extrusion configuration. Different screw designs have been modelled to get the profile of the Residence Time Distribution : « and therefore the Pept experiments and the Ludovic predictions verify each other » (PEPTFlow, Machine Design Handbook, 02/2010; p79). Ludovic allows to easily get the main trends of the extrusion process course and thus improve the material properties and the production conditions.
A master key to elaborate new product
The Ludovic simulations are mainly used to undertake new production and new materials : « Most compounding companies and extrusion operations are interested in obtaining a quick guide to what screw profile and conditions they should be using, when presented with a new polymer or process » (PEPTFlow, Final booklet, 02/2010, p69).
The Ludovic software is dedicated to co-rotating twin screws. Currently, the Ludovic V5.2 is available.
Ludovic is developed in partnership with the CEMEF, INRA and Sciences Computers Consultants. It is used in many European research projects. The last one is the PEPTFlow project (http://www.peptflow.com).
Associated Services
To reach always better the customers needs, the Sciences Computers Consultants company provides support and services: training, hot-line and support, studies, process optimization...
For more information:
Sciences Computers Consultants, 8 rue de la Richelandière – Parc Giron, F-42100 Saint Etienne
Tel: +33 4 77 49 75 80
Email : scc@scconsultants.com
http://www.scconsultants.com
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
