This technology is available from Temarex Corporation.

EXTRUSION MODELING SOFTWARE

Title: CO-ROTATING TWIN SCREW EXTRUDER MODELING PROGRAM

Author: J. White, S. Montes, W. Szydlowski, Z. Chen, S. Bawiskar

Disclosure 152 Copyright registered

A computer model, personal computer (PC) based, that relates to a co-rotating twin screw extrusion and can be used to model the flow of thermoplastic materials in such an extruder. By modeling the interaction of modular components in such an extruder, the blending characteristics of particular thermoplastics may be determined.

Twin screw extruders play a major role in modular polymer processing technology and are used for blending, compounding, devolatilization and reactive processing.

The University of Akron's Institute of Polymer Engineering under the direction of Dr. James L. White is pleased to announce the release of a series of new user-friendly simulation software packages for owners and operators of twin screw extruder systems.

VERSION 1 of the AKRO-CO-TWIN SCREW(R) Modeling Program

First released in 1990 computes pressure and fill factor profiles for modular screw/barrel systems of designed configuration when throughput, screw speed and non-Newtonian viscosity characteristics are known.

VERSION 2 of the AKRO-CO-TWIN SCREW(R) Modeling Program

First released in 1994 is a non-isothermal, non-Newtonian simulation package. It computes temperature profiles while retaining all features of Version 1.0, and can also handle multiple feed ports/streams (i.e. addition of fillers & additives through different ports can easily be accommodated).

VERSION 3 of the AKRO-CO-TWIN SCREW(R) Modeling Program

First released in 1998 includes such enhancements as integrated modeling of solids conveying, melting and melt flow in modular screw configurations. Computes and graphs solid conveying, melting and average residence times, so the user does not have to specify melting locality; graphing of screw torque and power consumption profiles in addition to pressure, temperature and fill factor profiles. Version 3 retains all other features of Version 1 and Version 2 such as multiple feed ports/streams. License cost $12,995 for first copy and then $3,995 for each additional copy.

To download version 3.x: Click on the file below to begin the download. The file will download to an empty directory that you have created on your hard disk (a floppy disk won't be able to hold the entire expanded file). If you have problems downloading, hold the shift key while clicking on the download command. When the download is complete, change to that directory/folder and at the command prompt type (be sure to leave a space between exe and -d) demo3.exe -d

Download Version 3.x

License Agreement downloadable (Ver. 3.x)

VERSION 3A (WINDOWS) of the AKRO-CO-TWIN SCREW(R) Modeling Program

First released in 2001 includes all of the features of Versions 1, 2 and 3 listed above, additional features are highlighted below. Compatible with all IBM PC, Pentium 200 and higher systems with minimum 32MB RAM and Microsoft (MS) Windows 95/98/ME. License cost $17,995 for first copy and then $5,995 for each additional copy.

Additional Features:

1. Easy installation and easy operation

2. More User-friendly menu structure

3. Well organized new category system

4. Faster modification and re-simulation

5. Open multi windows to view extruder, screw and barrel design plus predicted

performances

6. Newly designed superior window viewer

7. Compatible will all data of Version 3

8. More comfortable work environment

To download version 3A: Click on the file below to begin the download. The file will download to an empty directory that you have created on your hard disk (a floppy disk won't be able to hold the entire expanded file). If you have problems downloading, hold the shift key while clicking on the download command. When the download is complete, change to that directory/folder and at the command prompt type (be sure to leave a space between exe and -d) demo3A.exe -d

Download Version 3A.x

License Agreement downloadable (Ver. 3A.x)

DATABASE:

Extruder models currently included in the licensed version database are Coperion Werner and Pfleiderer ZSK 30, ZSK 40, ZSK 53, ZSK 57, ZSK 58, ZSK 70, ZSK 83, ZSK 90, ZSK 92, ZSK 130, ZSK 133, ZSK 160, ZSK 300; Japan Steel Works TEX 30CT, TEX 30HCT, TEX 44, TEX 65; Berstorff ZE 60 and ZE 130A; Clextral BC 21 and BC 105; Baker Perkins MP 2019, MP 2050, MP 2065, and MP 2100; Comacplast EBC 40; Kobe Steel KTX 30. Others models recently added include Macross NRII 46 and Windsor KCE 60, and others can be added as data becomes available.

 

UNIQUENESS:

This software gives the user unique capabilities to scale-up processes from one extruder system to any another system, regardless of manufacturer or brand name of equipment (i.e. W&P ZSK 30 (most popular) -> Berstorff ZE 60 -> JSW TEX 65 -> Clextral BC 105-> W&P ZSK 300) as long as extruder model is in the database.

The demonstration software only has the Werner and Pfleiderer ZSK 30 included in the database for a FREE 90 day trial period.

MEETING THE CRITICAL NEEDS OF THE MARKETPLACE:

The AKRO-CO-TWIN SCREW(R) Modeling Programs address several critical needs of the marketplace:

First, as a by product of the mergers & acquisitions activity that has taken place worldwide during the 1980's, 1990's, and 2000’s the operators of co-twin extrusion systems have found that they have a "mixed bag" of extruder equipment varying by manufacturer, brand name, and size. Companies are recognizing that current equipment are being under utilized and new equipment must be compatible or have the ability to easily be scaled-up\down from current equipment regardless of equipment manufacturer or brand name and this software provides the tools necessary to accommodate this type of dynamic environment.

Secondly, without the AKRO-CO-TWIN SCREW(R) Modeling Programs, co-twin extrusion systems are being designed and operated by intuition and empiricism at the polymer processing site. This software is a quick way to optimize screw design and throughput, a quick way to get on-stream, and a quick way to foresee processing problems and calculate energy consumption which is an important cost element in the operations of production runs.

Finally, this software tool is highly desirable for multinationals with processing sites at different geographical locations throughout the world in order to experience product reproducibility and consistency from processing plants at multiple locations.

AKRO-CO-TWIN SCREW(R) is a registered trademark of The University of Akron

SELECTED REFERENCES (volume, page, year):

A. Book/Review:

1. J.L. White, "Twin Screw Extrusion: Technology & Principles," Hanser, Munich, (1990)

B. Screw Elements:

1. W. Szydlowski & J.L. White, Adv Polymer Tech, 7, 177, (1987)

2. Y. Wang & J.L. White, Journal of Non-Newt Fluid Mech, 32, 19, (1989)

3. Z. Chen & J.L. White, Int. Polymer Process, 6, 304, (1991)

C. Kneading Disc Blocks: (also B.3 from above)

1. W. Szydlowski, R. Brzoskowski, & J.L. White, Int. Polymer Process, 1, 207, (1987)

2. W. Szydlowski & J.L. White, Int. Polymer Process, 2, 142, (1988)

3. W. Szydlowski & J.L. White, Journal of Non-Newt Fluid Mech, 28, 29, (1988)

4. Y. Wang, J.L. White, & W. Szydlowski, Int Polymer Process, 4, 262, (1989)

D. Isothermal Modular Machines: (also C.4 from above)

1. J.L. White & W. Szydlowski, Adv. Polym Tech, 7, 419, (1987)

2. J.L. White, S. Montes, & J.K. Kim, Kautschuk Gummi Kunstsoffe, 43, 20, (1990)

E. Non-isothermal Modular Machines:

1. J.L. White & Z. Chen, Polym Eng Sci, 34, 229, (1994)

2. Z. Chen & J.L. White, Int Polymer Process, 9, 310, (1994)

3. J.L. White, E.K. Kim, J.M. Keum & H.C. Jung, Polym Eng Sci, (in press 2001)

F. Solids Conveying/Melting in Modular Machines:

1. S. Bawiskar & J.L. White, Int Polymer Process, 10, 105, (1995)

2. S. Bawiskar & J.L. White, Int Polymer Process, 12, 331, (1997)

3. S. Bawiskar & J.L. White, Polymer Eng Sci 38, 727, (1998)

LICENSE TERMS (revised 2001):

Licensing of the copyrighted software will be on a personal computer (PC) basis. Licensing costs are based upon the number of licenses obtained and based upon the following price schedule which includes quantity breaks for Version 3 and 3A:

	Version 3	Version 3A (Windows)
# of Copies	Unit Cost, per copy, US $	Unit Cost, per copy, US $
1	$12,995.00	$17,995.00
2+	$3,995.00	$5,995.00

Licensee personnel may request a special one-half day training seminar at The University of Akron for a fee of $450.00 per person or a special customized seminar for a separate fee.

Licensee may upgrade from Version 3 to 3A for only the increase in unit cost i.e. unit copy #1 $5,000 ($17,995 less initial investment of $12,995). The total investment in the software is the same regardless if you license Version 3 and upgrade to 3A, or license Version 3A right away.

In addition, after 90 days of use, there is a annual maintenance fee of $1,950 and $2,700 for Versions 3 and 3A respectfully. This entitles the licensee to discounted upgrades and to eight (8) hours of FREE technical. We have found over the years that our licensees are taking advantage of these technical services to secure the additional technical expertise required to complete projects and maximize benefits of the software.

Traditionally, each January\February after receipt of annual maintenance fee, a new set of diskettes are provided which includes all changes, modifications and additions made throughout the year. Some of these additions you may or may not have paid for, but you gain benefit from UA's other licensees. For example during 1996, one of UA's licensees paid (at a deep discount rate) to have the Clextral BC 21 and BC 105 added to the database and another licensee wanted new screw and kneading disk elements added - but ALL current licensees also get these additions at a later date.

Additional Fees:

1. Bank Wire Transfer Fees: $50.00 USD

2. Add an extruder model to the database: $600.00 USD *

* This is only a small percentage of the actual cost to add an extruder to the database. However, since the other licensed users of the software eventually will get an updated database which includes this new addition, only a small fee is charged.

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This technology is available from Temarex Corporation.