• Rubber - The impact of carbon black on the cross-linking characteristics of a rubber compound and the dispersion, vulcanisation and flow properties of rubber are key to product quality in the rubber industry. Optimising the end product mixing times is important to ensure efficient use of production plants, and also to successfully launch competitive products into the market.

• Ceramics - Rheological measurement data relating to dispersability, ability to withstand injection moulding and flow characteristics of ceramic injection moulding compounds and pastes provide the ceramics industry with information to optimise products.

• Other application and industry areas include Food and Pharmaceutical.

The HAAKE PolyLab OS can be used to perform kneader measurements and extruder experiments on polymers, ceramic mixtures, rubber samples, pharmaceuticals or foods. After filling the mixer or extruder and starting the series of tests, the operator can leave the equipment and perform other tasks. The status of a test can be called up using a web browser or organiser regardless of location. The whole sequence of experiments is defined and executed step-by-step in a software procedure. Errors, alarms or messages requiring the attention of the operator are displayed on all monitors.

New PTW16 XL Parallel Twin Screw Extruder
• Horizontally split, with a lift off top for easy cleaning, removal of screws and visualisation of the melting process
• The segmented top barrel is built with 4D modules for easy reconfiguration by the operator
• Barrel segments are available for cooling, feeding solids, or liquids and venting
• Offer maximum flexibility for feed ports, length and screw design

PTW16 XL 25 + 15D Extendable Parallel Twin Screw Extruder
• Flexible length - not all applications require a long extruder as shear sensitive material can degrade and 25D is long enough for basic applications
• Optional 15D barrel extensions enhance residence time (for reactive extrusion) or multiple feed ports
• Extension is easy to attach and can be added in less than 15 minutes
• PolySoft software will recognise the extension unit when it is connected

Physical Test Methods
Extensional Viscosity Using patented die geometry with an extruder or melt pump allows for quantification of the shear viscosity and extensional viscosity and correlates well with die swell.

Mw, MWD
Based on the rheological spectra (G'G"=f(w)) and with a model theory calculation of the average Molecular Weight Mw and the Molecular Weight Distribution MWD can be determined online and direct in the melt.

G'G"=f(w)
The mechanical spectra are measured with an axial oscillating rheometer in the polymer melt. The sensor is mounted in a pressure port and uses the measurement principle of oscillating squeeze flow.

Colour
Measuring colour directly in the melt and controlling it without running samples in the laboratory is possible using a fibre optical probe in the melt which is connected to a UV/VIS spectrophotometer. Software allows correlation with the laboratory colour data.

PolyLab OS System
• Modular system for mixer, single screw extruder or twin screw extruder to be connected (one at a time) to a single drive unit via central coupling
• Open System to connect and integrate different components
• RheoDrive new drive concept with intelligent 2-4-16 kW motors ~ very smooth and silent running (RD2 is a synchronous motor) drive system specifically selected for improved mixer test results

Docking station
• New mechanical mechanism to lock the docked systems in place; easy to use and safe
• Only one central socket/connector to eliminate cables and wires
• Rigid and stable chassis on rollers to travel to different locations in a pilot plant

CAN Open Bus
• Intelligent CAN bus integrates all peripherals with self-identification and transfer of characteristic data like calibration data table
• Adaptation of all standard CAN open components (thermocouple, pressure sensor, additional sensors) without software modification
• Integration of downstream equipment with standardised interface

Connectivity
• Simple plug & play computer connection with USB or TCP/IP (option)
• Remote controller (cable based) to operate the drive manually
• Remote diagnosis and status info with Web browser or PDA

Rotors
• Roller Blades for the testing of viscous properties, cross linking reaction and the shear/thermal stress of thermoplastics and thermosets
• Cam Blades to test thermoplasts and elastomers in the medium shearing range
• Banbury Blades to test natural and synthetic rubber as well as rubber compounds
• Sigma Blades for the low shear range to test the adsorption behaviour of powders and flours

Technical Specifications
PC connection						USB Interface
Power connection						2 sockets for feeder power supply
Operation						Manual control unit
Measuring sensor connection						Connection via central docking station
Control and evaluation software						PolySoft supplied with the system
Measuring sensors						Wide variety of singlescrew, twin-screw and mixer sensors can be connected
Test monitoring						Using PC or PDA
Internal communication						Using CAN Open Bus - all connected sensors and ancillary units are automatically recognised