Abstract: In a strand forming machine wherein a polymeric strand in molten form is fed downward into and through an upright tube positioned below the surface of a liquid quenching medium in a container having a bottom and side walls, the improvement comprising a hollow element mounted in the container and surrounding the tube, the hollow element extending above the side wall of the container and having a channel extending outwardly over the wall of the container in such a manner that in the event the strand fails to pass through the tube the excess molten strand will accumulate in and flow outward through the channel to a location outside the container.