T400 Torque Rheometer is a measuring system for studying the flow, plastcizing, heat and shear stability of polymers. This system consists of a platform and some function units, such as the mixer and extruder. The platform connected with a function unit can measure flow and compounding behaviors, critical processing parameters of temperature, pressure, torque and viscosity of polymers in the laboratory-requiring only small sample volume. This instrument, which is designed to a excellent system with high measuring precision, handling flexibility and testing reproducibility, has been widely applicate in science research, quality control and process experiment. The whole system is as follows:

 

 1. Platform

 

The platform, linked with a external PC through industrial bus, provide all functionality for driving and controlling the function units and data record. It has mechanical and electrical interface matching with the mixer or extruder. We have two kinds of structures to match the function units with the platform. One is a simplified structure and another is a units’ movable structure which makes the function unit on a handcart to exchange it more easily. You can select a assembly to carry out testing tasks. The platform and its technical parameters are shown as Fig.1 and Tab.1.

 

Parameters
Motor	Schneider imported servo system, 4.08kw
Reducer	Imported from Germany Neugart, 1:15 or 1:20
Speed range	0.1~200rpm
Speed accuracy	0.05%F.S.
Torque	0~230Nm
Torque accuracy	0.1%F.S.
Melt pressure range	0.1~100MPa
Melt pressure accuracy	0.5%F.S.
Temperature range	0~400℃
Temperature accuracy	±1℃
Temperature channel	5 (4 channels for controlling temperature)
Power supply	3phase, AC380V, 50Hz, 30A

 

2. Mixer

 

The mixer is applied for testing of thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers and other similar materials under the influence of temperature and shear. Some important information, such as fusion time, heat & shear stability of PVC, melt viscosity and cross linking property of polymers, can be obtained by this unit. It is equipped with 3-pieces composed electrical heating chambers and two exchangeable rotors. The chambers and rotors are made of 1Cr18Ni9Ti and 3Cr13 stainless steel respectively, and the rotors axle seal are made of Cu-C alloy to ensure perfect sealing. The Mixer, rotors and its parameters are shown as Fig.2 and Tab.2.

 

  

Parameters
Capacity	60ml	200ml	300ml
Material	304L, imported
Max. temperature	350℃
Max. torque	150Nm	250Nm	250Nm
Rotors	Roller (Banbury, Cam or Delta optional)
Speed ratio of rotors	3:2
Heating zone	3 channels
Heating mode	Electirc heating with imported heating tube
Total heating power	1800w	3600w	4800w

 

3. Single screw plastic extruder and dies

The extruder connected with a die is used for testing of rheological characteristics and process ability of thermoplastics especially polyolefins, for producing test samples in the laboratory. There are 5 types of dies can be attached to the extruder. They are Rod capillary, Flat film, Rod, Pipe and Coated wire. These dies create Profiles of a defined geometry. Temperatures and melt pressure measurements along the extruder barrel and die enable the accurate definition of melt condition. A appropriate processing condition can be selected during the extrusion. Particularly, a powerful extrusion capillary rheometer can be constructed by using the extruder together with capillary dies. Rheological data, such as shear rate, shear stress and viscosity can be evaluated with Rabinowitsch and Bagley corrections. The screw, barrel and dies are made of 38CrMoAlA and 3Cr13 alloy steel. The extruder and dies and their parameters are shown as Tab.3.

 

Parameters
L:D	25:1 or 28:1 or 30:1
Screw diameter	20
Compression ratio	2.1:1 for pellets,2.4:1 for powder
Max. temperature	350~400℃
Heating power	800w/channel
Heating channel	4
Temperature measuring channel	1
Dies
Rod capillary	Dia.: 1.0, 1.27, 2.0 L:D: 20:1, 30:1, 40:1
Pipe	Inner dia.: 10, external dia.: 12.5
Rod	5
Coated wire	Core: 1.5, die: 4.0
Flat film	50×1.8 (L×W)

 

4. Software and data sheet

A set of software for the instrument is follows:

(1) Platform software.

(2) Mixer software.

(3) Extruder software.

(4) Viscosity software.