A global computer software for polymer flows in corotating twin screw extruders

A global computation model for self-wiping corotating twin screw extruders is proposed. Based on a 1D approximated approach, it has been validated by comparison with experimentation and more sophisticated numerical models. It allows one to obtain, for any screw profile including left-and right-hande d screw elements and kneading discs, the profile along the screws of the ma in flow variables, such as pressure, mean temperature, residence time, and filling ratio. Owing to the approximations made, this model can be easily a nd rapidly run on a personal computer or a workstation. Important applicati ons may be found in screw profile design, scaleup, compounding or reactive extrusion.