Precise temperature control minimizes degradation, reduces processing costs and enhances profitability.
PVC is the third most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer following polyethylene and polypropylene. Due to its price, clarity, chemical and UV resistance, natural barrier properties, and low melting temperature, PVC is a good material for many applications.
PVC is used in a number of end products where the quality of the final compound is essential to overall product integrity, for example, as insulation for electrical cables, building products, and medical tubing. PVC is further segmented into soft (or flexible) and rigid classifications where multiple additives, modifiers and stabilizers are blended with the PVC resin to create the desired rigidity or flexibility.
Rigid PVC is found in construction materials, such as decking, rails and pipefitting. Soft or flexible PVC compounds are blended with plasticizers to achieve a "rubber‑like" state that is used in products such as electrical wiring and garden hose.
PVC compounding equipment and challenges
Compounding PVC presents a number of processing challenges, and the application requires significant consideration for temperature sensitivity, fill levels, volume and volatiles.
Efficient temperature control is a primary consideration when selecting compounding equipment for processing PVC because it degrades at higher mixing temperatures. FARREL POMINI Continuous Mixing Technology outperforms competitors at maintaining precise temperature control, resulting in lower temperature mixing and a wide processing window for both Rigid PVC and Flexible PVC. Precise temperature control also provides higher production rates and lower costs due to a reduced need for heat stabilizers.
Farrel Continuous Mixers are designed to address the many challenges of PVC processing including:
Multiple temperature control zones and rotor cooling allow for processing the PVC within its ideal temperature range and with less reliance on costly heat stabilizers
Energy-efficient atmospheric venting for removing air, volatiles and moisture from the mixer
Rigid machine construction capable of both high capacity operation and extended production runs
