pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S03 - Extrusion and Extrusion Processes
Oral Presentation
 
 

Numerical Investigation of Geometrical Changes in the Cooling Configuration for Improving the Output of High Capacity Blown Film Extrusion Lines

Neubert Benedikt Paul August (1)*, Wortberg Johannes Karl (1)

(1) University of Duisburg-Essen - Duisburg - Germany

One of the most important production processes for manufacturing plastic films is the blown film extrusion. The conventional way to improve the output of a production line can be achieved by a substitution or a modification of the limiting air cooling ring, respectively of the cooling configuration. In order to verify an output intensification, typically the trial and error method is being used. For reducing the experimental costs, a numerical procedure called Process Model has been developed for simulating the formation of the bubble with regard to changing process conditions and rheological behavior. The applicability of the Process Model has been proven for small production lines with a maximum output of approximately 100 kg/h (LDPE). According to industrial concerns the focus lies on improving the output rate of high capacity blown film extrusion lines. For accomplishing this strategical and economic goal, it is fundamental to take a closer look at the thermal and fluid mechanical phenomena that occur. By adapting the numerical simulation procedure as well as the material model, the Process Model is now capable in simulating the blown film process for industrial extrusion lines. In this paper, the simulation results of the application of the Process Model for an industrial blown film extrusion line including an internal bubble cooling system will be presented. Furthermore, the influences of small modifications and optimizations of the cooling configuration and the implementation of flow guiding elements are numerically analyzed in detail. The resulting thermal and fluid mechanical phenomena will be discussed.