Abstract: A process for treating an impure thermoplastic polymer, including raw and recycled polymers, during extrusion to separate low molecular weight compounds therefrom, including: introducing a separating agent into plasticized impure thermoplastic polymer passing through a first high pressure zone, the low molecular weight compounds of the plasticized polymer being at least partially soluble in the separating agent; extracting at least a part of the low molecular weight compounds from the plasticized polymer into the separation agent during passage of the plasticized polymer through an extraction zone; removing the separating agent charged with low molecular weight compounds from the extruder as the plasticized polymer passes through a low pressure zone having a residual pressure, P, which is lower the introductory pressure, P.sub.e, and for which 1 bar.gtoreq.P.gtoreq.P.sub.