Importance

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Abstract

Flow restriction assemblies (10,10a,10b) adapted to be mounted on single or twin screw extruders (16,16b,32) in order to allow selective adjustment of material flow through the extruders (16,16b,32), with consequent alteration in back pressure, shear and mechanical energy imparted to the material being processed. The assemblies (10,10a,10b) each have shearlock(s) (12,12a,12b) mounted on the extruder drive shaft(s) (30,30a,30b), together with restriction units (14,14a,14b). The units (14,14a,14b) have opposed flow restriction components (48,50,48a,50a,48b,50b) supported on opposite sides of the corresponding shearlocks (12,12a,12b) and mounted for a substantially aligned and rectilinear back and forth sliding movement. In this fashion, the clearance between the inner surfaces (54,54a,54b) of the components (48,50,48a,50a,48b,50b) and the shearlocks (12,12a,12h) can be selectively adjusted. The assemblies (10,10a,10b) are small in size and can be located at various points along the length of extruders (16,32). Preferably, the restriction components (48,50,48a,50a,48b,50b) are moveable such that the inner surfaces (54,54a,54b) thereof may be located inboard of the outer surfaces (29,29a,29b) of the screw flighting.

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