Single-Screw Extrusion Granulation Line
| Brand | EUROTECH |
|---|---|
| Origin | Italy |
| Model | XTR Series (with Vacuum Pump & Air-Cooled Strand Pelletizer) |
| Screw Diameter Options | 20 / 25 / 30 / 35 mm |
| Gearbox Design | Rear-Removable for Rapid Screw Extraction |
| Barrel | Bimetallic Construction |
| Screw | Special Surface-Coated Hardened Steel |
| Venting Configuration | Atmospheric or Vacuum-Connected (XTR-D Variant) |
| Application Focus | Polymer Processing, Recycled Material Compounding, Mineral-Filled Compound Extrusion |
Overview
The EUROTECH XTR Single-Screw Extrusion Granulation Line is an engineered solution for laboratory-scale and pilot-plant compounding of thermoplastic polymers, recycled resins, and mineral-filled compounds. Based on the fundamental principle of continuous melt conveying, plastication, homogenization, and strand pelletization, this system integrates a precision single-screw extruder with downstream air-cooled pelletizing and vacuum-assisted venting capability. Designed and manufactured in Italy, the XTR platform emphasizes mechanical accessibility, material compatibility, and process reproducibility—critical requirements for formulation development, quality control validation, and small-batch production in rubber and plastic R&D environments.
Key Features
- Rear-accessible gearbox architecture enables full screw extraction without disassembling the drive motor or feed throat—reducing downtime during cleaning, maintenance, or screw profile changes.
- Modular screw diameter options (20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, and 35 mm) support scalable process development across viscosity ranges and throughput demands—from low-volume formulation trials to mid-scale compound optimization.
- Bimetallic barrel construction provides enhanced thermal stability and wear resistance under abrasive conditions, particularly when processing reclaimed polyolefins or calcium carbonate–filled polypropylene.
- Hardened steel screws feature proprietary surface coating technology, significantly extending service life during extended runs with highly filled or regrind-rich formulations.
- Two extruder configurations available: XTR-WR (non-vented, optimized for high-wear applications) and XTR-D (equipped with vent port compatible with atmospheric or vacuum pump evacuation—enabling moisture removal, volatiles extraction, and improved melt homogeneity).
- Integrated air-cooled strand pelletizer ensures consistent pellet geometry and minimal thermal degradation for heat-sensitive polymers such as PVC, TPEs, and bio-based resins.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The XTR line accommodates a broad spectrum of thermoplastic materials including polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE), polypropylene (homopolymer and copolymer), ABS, PS, PET, PA6/66, and thermoplastic elastomers. It is routinely deployed in laboratories validating ASTM D792 (density), ISO 1133 (melt flow rate), and ISO 3451 (ash content) test sample preparation. The system’s mechanical design conforms to CE Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and complies with EN 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and EN 61000-6-4 (EMC emission) standards. While not certified for GMP manufacturing, its repeatable operation and documented process parameters support GLP-compliant data generation for regulatory submissions and internal QC protocols.
Software & Data Management
The XTR extrusion line operates via a programmable logic controller (PLC)-based HMI interface with real-time monitoring of barrel zone temperatures (±1 °C accuracy), screw speed (0–120 rpm, adjustable in 0.1 rpm increments), motor load (% torque), and main drive current. All operational parameters are timestamped and exportable in CSV format for traceability. Optional data logging modules enable integration with LIMS platforms and support audit-ready records aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles—particularly relevant for laboratories supporting pharmaceutical excipient or medical-grade polymer development.
Applications
- Development and optimization of masterbatch formulations containing pigments, flame retardants, or conductive fillers.
- Compounding trials for post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyolefin blends requiring volatile removal and melt filtration.
- Preparation of standardized test specimens for tensile, impact, and rheological characterization per ISO 527, ISO 179, and ISO 11443.
- Process window mapping for mineral-filled compounds (e.g., talc-, wollastonite-, or glass-fiber-reinforced systems) to assess dispersion quality and torque stability.
- Evaluation of thermal stability and degradation onset during extended extrusion cycles using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) sample prep protocols.
FAQ
What screw diameters are supported by the XTR series?
The XTR extrusion line is available in four standard screw diameters: 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, and 35 mm—each matched to corresponding barrel length-to-diameter (L/D) ratios optimized for lab-scale residence time control.
Can the system be used for moisture-sensitive polymers?
Yes—the XTR-D configuration supports vacuum venting down to ≤50 mbar absolute pressure, enabling effective removal of residual moisture and low-molecular-weight volatiles from hygroscopic resins such as PA6, PET, and PC prior to pelletization.
Is the pelletizer water-cooled or air-cooled?
The standard configuration includes an air-cooled strand pelletizer, minimizing contamination risk and eliminating water treatment infrastructure; optional water-cooled variants are available upon request for high-throughput applications.
Does the system include melt pressure or temperature sensors in the die head?
Melt pressure transducers and die-head thermocouples are available as factory-installed options and are recommended for rheological profiling and process validation studies.
What documentation is provided with the system?
Each unit ships with CE Declaration of Conformity, electrical schematics, mechanical assembly drawings, PLC ladder logic backup, and comprehensive operation & maintenance manuals in English.
