Abstract: An apparatus and process to maintain control of the temperature of low-melting compounds, high melt flow polymers, and thermally sensitive materials for the pelletization of such materials. The addition of a cooling extruder, and a second melt cooler if desired, in advance of the die plate provides for regulation of the thermal, shear, and rheological characteristics of narrow melting-range materials and polymeric mixtures, formulations, dispersions or solutions. The apparatus and process can then be highly regulated to produce consistent, uniform pellets of low moisture content for these otherwise difficult materials to pelletize.

Abstract: A continuous process for fractioning, combination, and recombination of asphalt sources into asphalt components for pelletization of asphalt and asphalt-containing products such that the pellets formed are generally uniform in dimension, freely flowing, free from agglomeration, and the pelletized asphalt is packaged, and preferably compatibly packaged, for additional processing and applications.

Abstract: A process for preparing low moisture content polymer biomaterial composites and expandable polymer biomaterial composites by extrusion through a die plate into a waterbox and pelletizing with cutter blades. Polyolefins or condensation polymers are melt blended with a solid or semi-solid biomaterial component, such as polysaccharides, including cellulosics and starches, or proteinaceious materials, including polypeptides, and are extruded, pelletized underwater, and processed with accelerated drying to achieve moisture levels as low as one percent or less.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of crystallizing polymers to crystallize the polymer pellets with out subsequent heating is shown in FIG. 5. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line (120) toward the dryer near the pelletizer exit (102) at a flow rate from about 100 to about 175 m3/hour, or more. Such high-speed air movement forms a vapor mist with the water and significantly increases th speed of the pellets into and out of the dryer such that the polymer pellets leave the dryer with sufficient latent heat to cause self-crystallization within the pellets. A valve mechanism in the slurry line (150) after the gas injection further regulates the pellet residence time and a vibrating conveyor after the dryer helps the pellets to achieve the desired level of crystallinity and to avoid agglomeration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of crystallizing polymers to crystallize the polymer pellets with out subsequent heating is shown in FIG. 5. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line (120) toward the dryer near the pelletizer exit (102) at a flow rate from about 100 to about 175 m3/hour, or more. Such high-speed air movement forms a vapor mist with the water and significantly increases th speed of the pellets into and out of the dryer such that the polymer pellets leave the dryer with sufficient latent heat to cause self-crystallization within the pellets. A valve mechanism in the slurry line (150) after the gas injection further regulates the pellet residence time and a vibrating conveyor after the dryer helps the pellets to achieve the desired level of crystallinity and to avoid agglomeration.

Abstract: An apparatus and process to maintain control of the temperature of low-melting compounds, high melt flow polymers, and thermally sensitive materials for the pelletization of such materials. The addition of a cooling extruder, and a second melt cooler if desired, in advance of the die plate provides for regulation of the thermal, shear, and rheological characteristics of narrow melting-range materials and polymeric mixtures, formulations, dispersions or solutions. The apparatus and process can then be highly regulated to produce consistent, uniform pellets of low moisture content for these otherwise difficult materials to pelletize.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of crystallizing polymers to crystallize the polymer pellets with out subsequent heating is shown in FIG. 5. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line (120) toward the dryer near the pelletizer exit (102) at a flow rate from about 100 to about 175 m3/hour, or more. Such high-speed air movement forms a vapor mist with the water and significantly increases th speed of the pellets into and out of the dryer such that the polymer pellets leave the dryer with sufficient latent heat to cause self-crystallization within the pellets. A valve mechanism in the slurry line (150) after the gas injection further regulates the pellet residence time and a vibrating conveyor after the dryer helps the pellets to achieve the desired level of crystallinity and to avoid agglomeration.

Abstract: An apparatus and process to maintain control of the temperature of low-melting compounds, high melt flow polymers, and thermally sensitive materials for the pelletization of such materials. The addition of a cooling extruder, and a second melt cooler if desired, in advance of the die plate provides for regulation of the thermal, shear, and rheological characteristics of narrow melting-range materials and polymeric mixtures, formulations, dispersions or solutions. The apparatus and process can then be highly regulated to produce consistent, uniform pellets of low moisture content for these otherwise difficult materials to pelletize.

Abstract: A continuous process for fractioning, combination, and recombination of asphalt sources into asphalt components for pelletization of asphalt and asphalt-containing products such that the pellets formed are generally uniform in dimension, freely flowing, free from agglomeration, and the pelletized asphalt is packaged, and preferably compatibly packaged, for additional processing and applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of crystallizing polymers to crystallize the polymer pellets without subsequent heating is shown in FIG. 5. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line (120) toward the dryer near the pelletizer exit (102) at a flow rate of from about 100 to about 175 m3/hour, or more. Such high-speed air movement forms a vapor mist with the water and significantly increases the speed of the pellets into and out of the dryer such that the polymer pellets leave the dryer with sufficient latent heat to cause self-crystallization within the pellets. A valve mechanism in the slurry line (150) after the gas injection further regulates the pellet residence time and a vibrating conveyor after the dryer helps the pellets to achieve the desired level of crystallinity and to avoid agglomeration.

Abstract: An apparatus and process maintain control of the temperature of low-melting compounds, high melt flow polymers, and thermally sensitive materials for the pelletization of such materials. The addition of a cooling extruder, and a second melt cooler if desired, in advance of the die plate provides for regulation of the thermal, shear, and rheological characteristics of narrow melting-range materials and polymeric mixtures, formulations, dispersions or solutions. The apparatus and process can then be highly regulated to produce consistent, uniform pellets of low moisture content for these otherwise difficult materials to pelletize.

Abstract: A process for preparing low moisture content polymer biomaterial composites and expandable polymer biomaterial composites by extrusion through a die plate into a waterbox and pelletizing with cutter blades. Polyolefins or condensation polymers are melt blended with a solid or semi-solid biomaterial component, such as polysaccharides, including cellulosics and starches, or proteinaceous materials, including polypeptides, and are extruded, pelletized underwater, and processed with accelerated drying to achieve moisture levels as low as one percent or less.

Abstract: An apparatus and process maintain control of the temperature of low-melting compounds, high melt flow polymers, and thermally sensitive materials for the pelletization of such materials. The addition of a cooling extruder, and a second melt cooler if desired, in advance of the die plate provides for regulation of the thermal, shear, and rheological characteristics of narrow melting-range materials and polymeric mixtures, formulations, dispersions or solutions. The apparatus and process can then be highly regulated to produce consistent, uniform pellets of low moisture content for these otherwise difficult materials to pelletize.

Abstract: A process for preparing low moisture content polymer biomaterial composites and expandable polymer biomaterial composites by extrusion through a die plate (18) into a waterbox (16) and pelletizing with cutter blades (14). Polyolefins or condensation polymers are melt blended with a solid or semi-solid biomaterial component (155), such as polysaccharides, including cellulosics and starches, or proteinaceous materials, including polypeptides, and are extruded, pelletized underwater, and processed with accelerated drying to achieve moisture levels as low as one percent (1%) or less.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of crystallizing polymers to crystallize the polymer pellets without subsequent heating is shown in FIG. 5. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line (120) toward the dryer near the pelletizer exit (102) at a flow rate of from about 100 to about 175 m3/hour, or more. Such high-speed air movement forms a vapor mist with the water and significantly increases the speed of the pellets into and out of the dryer such that the polymer pellets leave the dryer with sufficient latent heat to cause self-crystallization within the pellets. A valve mechanism in the slurry line (150) after the gas injection further regulates the pellet residence time and a vibrating conveyor after the dryer helps the pellets to achieve the desired level of crystallinity and to avoid agglomeration.

Abstract: A centrifugal pellet dryer screen (540) especially adapted for drying polymer pellets and micropellets includes an exterior or outer support screen (542), an inner screen (546) of an irregular or rough surface, and an optional middle screen(s) (544) sandwiched between the outer support screen and the inner screen. The screen layers are in intimate contact and the multi-layer screen assembly produces drier pellets and micropellets exiting the dryer. Plugging of the dryer screens and banding of the pellets or micropellets are significantly reduced.

Abstract: A self-cleaning centrifugal dryer system and method for removing surface moisture allow complete removal of plastic pellets, flakes and particles from the dryer and water-conveying or water processing system during or after each drying cycle. By eliminating plastic particulate retention in the dryer and throughout the water conveyance and processing systems whereby contamination of different type materials dried during a subsequent drying cycle is avoided. Air and water alone or in combination under pressure are discharged toward various accumulation or occlusion (“hang-up”) points in the dryer and throughout the water-conveying or processing system to remove retained plastic pellets, flakes and particles.

Abstract: A friction-reducing coating may be applied to a base material, for example the outer surface of a catheter, to provide a significant reduction in catheter friction, particularly when the friction-reducing coating is hydrated. The coating comprises an intimate mixture of a structural plastic material, for example polyurethane, and high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide).