Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlled cooling of thermoplastic strands between the time that they are extruded from a melt of thermoplastic material until they are cut into pellets by a pelletizer that pulls the strands into it. A first tray inclined downwardly from the extruder receives the strands which are sprayed with cooling liquid while in the tray. A second tray inclined upwardly from the bottom of the first tray toward the pelletizer receives the strands which are also sprayed while in the second tray. Cooling liquid is also introduced at the inlet end of the first tray. A gravity liquid removal screen is positioned at the low point of each tray to remove the cooling liquid from the trays. A vacuum system for removing cooling liquid from the strands may also be positioned between the higher end of the second tray and the pelletizer.

Abstract: I provide the quick release cutting hub assembly for a pelletizer with a cutting plane formed between a cutter and a die plate comprising a pelletizer shaft having a bore, a cutter assembly supporting the cutter and a support means mounted on one end of the pelletizer shaft and supporting the cutter assembly and having a spring means in compression urging the cutter assembly toward the cutting plane and also having a quick release means mounted within the support means for releasing the cutter assembly from the shaft. The quick release means when actuated bears against the cutter assembly and is held in place due to the pressure exerted by the compression of the spring located in the support means.