Abstract: An improved polymer solution concentrator and accompanying devolatilization process enable concentration of polymer solutions to higher concentrations and viscosities than prior art equipment, overcome the viscosity limits and metering difficulties of the prior art, reduce the overall size of the devolatilization system, and reduce the energy, resources and cost required to finish polymer formulations. The concentrator replaces a conventional flash tank and includes a generally solid conically-shaped twin barrel. A pair of counter-rotating intermeshing screws is disposed in the barrel, and includes a portion with a vapor removal geometry and a portion with a positive displacement geometry. A vapor discharge port is formed in the barrel, and upon rotation of the screws in the barrel, a polymer formulation is concentrated from a value below about 40 weight percent to a value of up to about 98 weight percent.

Abstract: A dewatering machine for reducing moisture of a polymer or an elastomer includes a generally solid barrel and a pair of screws disposed in the barrel. At least a portion of the screws are intermeshing, and drive means are coupled to the screws. At least one mechanical filter is connected to the barrel. The machine includes means that enable particles of the polymer or the elastomer to fuse, which reduces the amount of fines that escape from the machine. In addition, the machine reduces the moisture of the polymer from up to about 20 percent water by weight to less than about 0.5 percent water by weight, and the moisture of the elastomer from up to about 50 percent water by weight to less than about 3.0 percent water by weight. A method of dewatering for reducing the moisture of a polymer or an elastomer is also provided.

Abstract: A dewatering machine for reducing moisture of a polymer or an elastomer includes a generally solid barrel and a pair of screws disposed in the barrel. At least a portion of the screws are intermeshing, and drive means are coupled to the screws. At least one mechanical filter is connected to the barrel. The machine includes means that enable particles of the polymer or the elastomer to fuse, which reduces the amount of fines that escape from the machine. In addition, the machine reduces the moisture of the polymer from up to about 20 percent water by weight to less than about 0.5 percent water by weight, and the moisture of the elastomer from up to about 50 percent water by weight to less than about 3.0 percent water by weight. A method of dewatering for reducing the moisture of a polymer or an elastomer is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making products from polymer wood fiber composite is described. The method includes the steps of providing a extruder having two counter-rotating non-intermeshing screws, supplying to the extruder fiber material and polymer material, mixing and heating the fiber material and polymer material in the extruder for form a mixture, removing the mixture from the extruder and placing the mixture in a press, and compression molding the mixture in the press to form the product.