Abstract: Process for processing expandable polymer particles e.g. polystyrene (EPS) that eliminates the maturing step between the pre-expander and molding steps. The expandable particles are first over pressurized with gas, e.g. air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and mixtures thereof, at a pressure between 500 and 8000 kPa and a temperature between ?20° C. and 130° C. for 15 to 7200 minutes to create a gas pressure in the particles. Using the gas pressure in the particles, pre-expanding the particles with a heating medium, e.g. steam at a temperature between 100° C. and 120° C. and at a pressure ranging above atmospheric pressure and below the gas pressure in said particles, i.e. 50 to 200 kPa for 5 to 120 seconds. The pre-expanded particles are air dried in the pre-expander while holding a positive pressure in the particles; are optionally transferred to a pressure silo; and then are transferred to a molding machine where the gas pressure in the particles is used to form a foam article.

Abstract: Process for processing expandable polymer particles e.g. polystyrene (EPS) that eliminates the maturing step between the pre-expander and molding steps. The expandable particles are first over pressurized with gas, e.g. air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and mixtures thereof, at a pressure between 500 and 8000 kPa and a temperature between ?20° C. and 130° C. for 15 to 7200 minutes to create a gas pressure in the particles. Using the gas pressure in the particles, pre-expanding the particles with a heating medium, e.g. steam at a temperature between 100° C. and 120° C. and at a pressure ranging above atmospheric pressure and below the gas pressure in said particles, i.e. 50 to 200 kPa for 5 to 120 seconds. The pre-expanded particles are air dried in the pre-expander while holding a positive pressure in the particles; are optionally transferred to a pressure silo; and then are transferred to a molding machine where the gas pressure in the particles is used to form a foam article.

Abstract: A method of filling a mold with resilient beads and transport apparatus for delivering the beads to the mold, wherein the beads are passed from a supply bunker to the mold via a transport line by a transport fluid, and wherein pressure in the transport line is equalized by feeding an additional fluid over the length of the line. The apparatus includes a bead-carrying pipeline or hose having sieve-like wall orifices which are connected to channels which run along the length of the pipe or hose. The orifices permit fluid exchange between the pipe or hose and the channels, which exchange serves to equalize the pressure within the pipe or tube and therefore prevent the pipe or tube from becoming blocked.