Methods for extrusion of polyolefins (112 ) that control specific energy input to the extruder (102 ) for gel reduction. Disclosed herein is an example method for forming plastic products (120, 208 ) with reduced gels, comprising: melting a polyolefin resin (112 ) in extruder (102 ) to form a melt; adjusting specific energy input in the extruder (102 ) to reduce gels in the melt; and forming the melt into a polyolefin product (120, 208 ). Disclosed herein is also an example method for forming plastic products (120, 20 ) with reduced gels, comprising: melting a polyolefin resin in extruder (102 ) to form a melt; selecting a throttle valve (104 ) position for gel reduction; setting the throttle valve (104 ) at the selected throttle valve (104 ) position to restrict flow of the melt out of the extruder (102 ); and forming the melt into a polyolefin product (120, 208 ).

Methods for extrusion of polyolefins (110) that utilize melt temperature to control molecular weight and also reduce gels. Disclosed herein is an example method for controlling polymer chain scission in an extrusion system (100), comprising: melting a polyolefin resin (110) in extruder (102) at a first melt temperature to form a first melt (112); passing the first melt (112) through a screen pack (106); forming the first melt 112) into a first polyolefin product (116, 118); melting additional polyolefin resin (110) of the same grade in the extruder (102) at a second melt temperature to form a second melt (112), wherein the second melt temperature differs from the first melt temperature by 5° C. or more to control chain scission in the extruder (102); passing the second melt (112) through the screen pack (106); and forming the second melt (112) into a second polyolefin product (116, 118).

A method for controlling polymer viscosity quality in a compounding process of polymers (110) using at least one extruder (111) is disclosed. The method comprises: a) at least one measurement step (112), wherein at least one influence variable affecting viscosity of the compound is determined by using at least one sensor (114); b) at least one prediction step (116), wherein an expected viscosity (117) of the compound is determined considering the influence variable by using at least one prediction unit (118), wherein the prediction unit (118) comprises at least one analysis tool comprising at least one trained model; c) at least one evaluation step (120), wherein the expected viscosity (117) of the compound is compared to at least one pre-defined and/or pre-determined threshold value, wherein at least one item of output information is generated depending on said comparison; and d) at least one control step (122), wherein the item of output information is displayed using at least one display device (124), wherein the output information comprises at least one handling recommendation (126) for at least one setting of the extruder (111). Further disclosed are a computer program, specifically an application, and a controlling system (138) for controlling polymer viscosity quality in a compounding process of polymers (110).

An extrusion apparatus includes a diagnostic system with a material processing section and an extruder screw disposed for rotation in a barrel and surrounded by a shroud assembly. The apparatus includes a temperature control system with heater sand cooler. The apparatus includes a speed control apparatus that has a drive unit and a speed variation device that is coupled to the extruder screw. The apparatus includes a diagnostic system in communication with the material processing section and/or the speed control apparatus. The diagnostic system includes a sensor system in communication with the material processing section and/or the speed control apparatus; and a computer processor in communication with the sensor system and a computer. The computer processor includes a computer readable medium that employs one or more algorithms and that are executable by the computer to generate signals characterizing performance of the material processing section and/or the speed control apparatus.

A handheld portable electrostatic device for electrostatically applying a treatment solution to a treatment site of a patient, including a housing and a cartridge removably disposed in the housing. The cartridge includes a cartridge housing and a nozzle for applying the treatment solution. An electrostatic module is provided to electrostatically charge and ionize molecules of the treatment solution of the cartridge. The treatment solution is configured to flow toward the nozzle whereby at least one electrode electrically connected to the electrostatic module physically contacts the treatment solution as it flows therethrough and applies an electrical charge to the treatment solution.

A method for measuring a degree of cross-linking of a component of elastomeric material obtained as a result of a hot-forming process, includes a preliminary calibration step in which a plurality of samples are provided, made of the same material as the component. The samples have different degrees of cross-linking following respective hot-forming processes conducted for different periods of time. The preliminary calibration step includes providing a measuring device having an electrical circuit, in which a voltage generator is arranged in series with metal contacts configured to selectively receive a sample, and an ammeter, positioning a sample between said metal contacts, providing a predetermined voltage value, and detecting the corresponding current value by means of said ammeter. The aforesaid steps are repeated for each sample so as to obtain a calibration map that associates a given degree of cross-linking of the material constituting said component with each determined value of electrical conductivity.

A method for control of a plastic filament extruder includes the steps of providing a plastic filament extruder; introducing a quantity of plastic chips to the extruder; activating a heater to heat a mold body of the extruder to a target temperature; activating an electric motor in response to the mold body reaching the target temperature, thereby causing an auger to drive plastic chips the mold body and out of an extrudate sizing die; monitoring the electric current draw of the electric motor; and upwardly adjusting the target temperature of the mold body in response to a threshold increase in the electric current draw of the electric motor. Steps may also include maintaining the mold body within a temperature range about the target temperature and of deactivating the electric motor in response to the target temperature exceeding a threshold deviation above the temperature of the mold body.

An extrusion apparatus includes a diagnostic system with a material processing section and an extruder screw disposed for rotation in a barrel and surrounded by a shroud assembly. The apparatus includes a temperature control system with heater sand cooler. The apparatus includes a speed control apparatus that has a drive unit and a speed variation device that is coupled to the extruder screw. The apparatus includes a diagnostic system in communication with the material processing section and/or the speed control apparatus. The diagnostic system includes a sensor system in communication with the material processing section and/or the speed control apparatus; and a computer processor in communication with the sensor system and a computer. The computer processor includes a computer readable medium that employs one or more algorithms and that are executable by the computer to generate signals characterizing performance of the material processing section and/or the speed control apparatus

An applicator is disclosed for applying a treatment solution to a treatment site of a patient. The applicator can include an applicator housing comprising a treatment solution reservoir. A cartridge can be removably disposed in the housing. The cartridge when arranged in the housing can be in fluid communication with the treatment solution reservoir. The cartridge can include an electrostatic module for electrostatically charging the treatment solution in the treatment solution reservoir; and a nozzle for applying the treatment solution.

An extruder for polymeric materials, includes: a hollow extrusion cylinder, having an inlet for receiving pellets of polymeric material, and an outlet for expelling molten polymeric material; an extruder screw connected to a motor to rotate inside the extrusion cylinder and to move the polymeric material from the inlet to the outlet; heaters coupled to the extrusion cylinder; a sensor system configured to measure values of a recipe parameter and of a monitoring parameter; a processing unit, programmed to store a target value for the recipe parameter and to perform a feedback control to bring the recipe parameter to the target value and to keep it at the target value.