Enhanced Monitoring of Polymer Processing Operations via Infrared Pyrometry

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9313318 Rietveld The accurate and precise measurement of process stream temperatures during polymer processing operations is generally a problematic procedure. Current techniques to measure process stream temperatures during a typical manufacturing operation (in both industrial and academic settings) are either ignored, misused, or highly deficient, and there is a great need to advance the science and technology behind the in situ measurement of an important process stream variable such as the polymer temperature. In terms of the manufacturing process, temperature is the most important process parameter as it directly influences the processability, properties, and performance of the plastic product. A primary objective of the research work is to develop a reliable methodology for applying infrared pyrometers to the measurement of polymer temperature during the manufacture of plastics resins and plastic articles, whereby such a measurement could then be used to optimize the manufacturing operation. The methodology will provide for an non-invasive procedure to obtain bulk temperature information as well as detailed temperature information about the process stream. Several key advantages that IR pyrometers have over conventional thermometry techniques are: response times on the order of milliseconds, capacity for in situ real-time measurements, and potential for detecting subsurface temperatures in a non-invasive fashion. The research plan will utilize commercially available instrumentation installed on an injection molding machine, an extruder, and in a calibration apparatus so that data will be collected and analyzed data from both complex and controlled temperature environments. Collaborations with industrial partners will provide a forum for where and how the findings can be applied to the optimization of plastics processing and manufacturing. The research project may lead to improved control of polymer processes, such as injection molding and extrusion, which will allow high quality, faster processing and more predictable properties for the products of these processes.