Melting Quality of Polymers in Internal Mixer Diagnosed by Ultrasound

Abstract Real-time, non-intrusive and non-destructive ultrasonic technology has been used to monitor the melting process in an internal mixer. Visual observation, mechanical torque measurement, and ultrasonic signatures, such as amplitude and time delay of transmission and reflection echoes were used for the diagnosis of the melting process of low density polyethylene (LDPE). Phenomena during the melting process, including phase change from solid to melt, partially melted pellets, air bubbles inside the melt, were successfully monitored by ultrasound. The ultrasonic signatures were able to determine when the polymer has melted completely. The method of moving standard deviation (MSD) was applied to establish the melting completion timing accurately. Higher temperature of mixing chamber and faster rotation speed of blades reduced melting completion period, indicated by MSD of ultrasonic signatures. The presented ultrasonic technique can be utilized to optimize the melting process.