Numerical Simulation of Extrusion Characteristics for Co-rotating Tri-Screw Extruder

The flow of polyethylene melt in new tri-screw extruder was simulated using the finite element method (FEM). A special study of flow in central region was performed by analysis of the velocity, pressure, and resident time distribution (RTD). The extrusion characteristics of tri-screw extruder, namely the abilities of material conveying, mixing, and power consumption, were compared with those of twin screw extruder. The results showed that there was circumfluence in central region but no stagnation in it. Tri-screw extruder had better operative abilities and high productivity ratio than twin screw extruder in the aspect of material conveying and mixing.