Abstract: Apparatus for devolatilizing materials such as solvent containing polymers includes a cylindrical housing having inlet and discharge ends and a screw member rotatably mounted in the housing, operative to work material so as to release contained vaporizable substances from the material. An inlet fitting at the inlet end of the chamber is located opposite a part of the screw member. The housing includes a venting section extending therefrom at the inlet end and the screw member has a screw vent control section extending within the venting section, arranged to convey material toward the discharge end of the housing.

Abstract: An interrupted flight screw press is provided, especially in regions of heavier wear, with one or more longitudinal split worm bodies. The bodies have axially extending end flanges which hook underneath flanges of adjacent collars to hold the worm in place. One or both of the worm bodies are keyed or otherwise fastened to the shaft for driving. Relatively slight longitudinal movement of one or both adjacent collars will release the parts of the worm body for repair and/or replacement without disassembling the entire worm-collar-shaft assembly.