A comprehensive review on residence time distributions in co-rotating twin-screw extrusion

Abstract The concept of residence time distribution (RTD) is crucial in many chemical engineering applications. In the case of co-rotating twin-screw extrusion, it is an important process parameter, particularly when dealing with reactive systems, degradation issues, or scale-up problems. In this review paper, after introducing the basic notions concerning RTD, the various measurement methods are detailed. Then, experimental results on the influence of the main parameters of the extrusion process (screw speed, feed rate, barrel temperature, screw profile, etc.) are presented. Finally, the various theoretical approaches to describe and/or predict RTD are reviewed.