MODERNIZATION OF A TWO-CHAMBER VACUUM EXTRUDER

Abstract

Extruders, in the working process of which the thermal vacuum effect is used, in comparison with the traditional design and technological scheme of such machines, are characterized by higher energy efficiency and allow processing raw materials with high humidity. At the same time, the number of vacuum chambers, as well as their design solution and operating parameters have a dominant influence on the intensity of dehydration of the finished product. The paper presents information on the classification of vacuum chambers of extruders, and based on their critical analysis, measures are proposed to modernize a previously patented machine with a two-chamber vacuum system. It is established that the vacuum cylinder of the final dewatering chamber of the upgraded unit is an excess element and its exclusion will not negatively affect the quality of the working process of the vacuum extruder. Installation of a vacuum regulator at the entrance to the final dehydration chamber of the extruder in comparison with the prototype will increase the efficiency of the removal of the generated steam. The proposed technical solution of a two-chamber vacuum extruder will simplify its design and at the same time increase the efficiency of dehydration of the resulting product.