Page 52 - Plastics News June 2018

produCt news

New COMPEO compounder series from Buss

uss Kneding Technology has introduced the COMPEO
Ba major step forward for Buss AG's compounding
technology. Put together from standardized modules, the
series permits cost-effective configuration of specifically
optimized compounding lines for an extremely wide
range of processing tasks and temperatures. These
extend from traditional segments such as PVC and cable
compounds via highly filled polyolefins to engineering
polymers with processing temperatures of up to 400°C
(750°F). Even hybrid lines for processing very different
products are simple to configure, while fully retaining
the conventional features of BUSS Kneader technology previous series. As a result, throughput can be varied in a
such as high-intensity mixing, high filler contents and ratio of 1:6. This increases both line flexibility and ease of
precise temperature control. One key factor in the high operation, for example on startup or when producing small
flexibility of the COMPEO Compounder is the ability to sample batches.The great majority of pipes and lines is
combine conventional three- or four-flight kneading located within the machine behind easily cleaned casings.
elements with new elements comprising two or six A gearbox cover reduces operating noise and increases
flights and to use them at any desired position in the occupational safety. Thermal insulation of the process
process section. As a result, previously conflicting aims, section minimizes energy losses while standardized
such as a high specific throughput at a controlled energy modules mean that capital costs are up to 30% lower than
input, can be simultaneously achieved. All the flights are those for previous models.
generated as free-form surfaces which means that they
provide uniformly intense product shear, so preventing Pretium bags “Best of Show"
local overheating. The modular concept also means that
process length, the type and number of feeding units, retium Packaging LLC took home "Best of Show" honors
temperature control and degassing can all be optimally Pat the recent Institute of Packaging Professionals
tailored to the specific processing task. A vertical inlet Ameristar packaging awards. The company reports its
screw or side feeders can also be used instead of an inlet SureHandle PET bottle,
hopper. Further side feeders can be provided along the with an integrated
processing zone, while liquid additives can be injected handle, also won the
directly into the product at any desired position through non-alcoholic beverages
kneading teeth with a bore. The newly developed COMPEO and shelf stable foods
discharge unit, which is used for all processing tasks, is categories. "The Best
based on the principle of a slowly rotating conical twin of Show Award honors a
screw. Irrespective of compounder configuration, the package that surpasses
discharge unit reliably builds up pressure for downstream all judging criteria and
units such as screen changers and pelletizers and ensures that judges unanimously
constant throughput even at high back pressures. The rated 'outstanding' in every category," said Jane Chase,
housing of the discharge unit can be completely removed executive director of IoPP in a statement. Pretium used
for ease of maintenance and cleaning. The new screw technology from Practically Impossible Labs of Houston to
geometries and improved raw materials feed mean that develop SureHandle..Pretium said the SureHandle is the
the throughputs of earlier models can be achieved at 20% "first-of-its-kind" bottle. The SureHandle preform has an
lower screw speeds. In addition, BUSS has boosted torque injection molded handle integrated into its side wall, the
density by 15%. This permits longer mixing zones and thus company said. The preform is then blow molded. Pretium,
stabler process conditions without any additional increase based in Chesterfield makes more than 2 billion PET and
in energy input. All these improvements combine to make high density polyethylene containers at 16 locations in
the COMPEO series' processing window much larger than in the United States and Canada each year.

Plastics News June 2018 52