Abstract: In order to prevent solidification of melt in the openings in an orifice plate of an underwater granulator during start-up, the water discharged from the housing of the granulator is diverted to a low pressure outlet so that during start-up a ring of water is formed on the inner surface of the housing. Thereby, melt strands from the orifice plate are cut in air and after the throughout of the melt becomes sufficiently high, the water discharged from the granulator is no longer diverted but is supplied to a post-treatment station and the housing becomes filled with water due to higher back pressure whereupon underwater granulation takes place.

Abstract: A dough portioning machine includes a plurality of dough feeders for feeding dough under pressure from a hopper to a plurality of orifices. The dough blossoms through an open mouth of the orifice and is cut by a rotating wire moving in a circular path across the orifice mouth.

Abstract: Biodegradable free fill expanded polyurethane foam packing materials are formed by pumping liquid starch or sugar, diisocyanate, polyols and a catalyst into a mixing head. The mixture is released from an exit port in the mixing chamber as a sticky material. At predetermied intervals air blasts chop the sticky material mass from the exit port. The material beings expanding as it drops through a curing chamber against upward warm air currents. When the materials expand to full size and dry to a non-tacky surface, the materials are released from the chamber and collected for use as packing materials. The materials have a bionutrient starch or sugar content of about 40% or more, making them readily biodegradable by microbes. The polyurethane components are broken down into very small sizes and convert to urea, making the products highly suitable for disposal in landfills and as soil amendment and fertilizers.

Abstract: A process for producing thermoplastic resin products where granulated or particulate vulcanized rubber is sprayed by a heated heavy paraffin distillate composition to form a first intermediate mixture composition. The first intermediate mixture composition is passed through a heating chamber on a conveyor and combined with particulate thermoplastic scrap material in an approximating weight percentage of 30% thermoplastic material to 70% first intermediate mixture material. The combination forms a second intermediate mixture composition which is masticated in a masticator and extruded through a single screw feed mechanism for pelletizing and producing thermoplastic resin products which are useful for molding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a synthetic resin feeding apparatus including an extruder having an extrusion plate with an extrusion opening formed therein and a cutting tool for cutting molten synthetic resin extruded from the extrusion opening. The extrusion plate is formed to have a tapered portion. The extrusion opening opens to the front end surface of the tapered portion.

Abstract: The method for maintaining a constant, predetermined contact pressure on elements for cutting under water in granulator machines or applying to the blades of the cutters a force in the opposite direction to a hydrodynamic thrust force, and the apparatus adapted to utilize a control of a constant pressure by actuator means for applying axial thrusts to the drive shaft carriage and the cutters within a slidable bushing and detecting the hydrodynamic thrust force acting on the cutters and regulating the force supplied to the actuators.

Abstract: A rotating blade is passed beneath an extruder nozzle and employed to cut tails of viscous materials which have been extruded.

Abstract: A process for coating wet rubber pellets including coating the pellets with an inorganic partitioning agent, a thickener and binder, and an anionic water soluble dispersant, air conveying the pellets to a dryer, and compressing the pellets to form a bale. By virtue of the coating, the bales are rendered more friable.

Abstract: In pelletizing apparatus, an orifice plate forms plastic strands, the orifice plate having a distributor channel at its inlet side in the form of a grooved annular inlet. A cutting plate is provided with outlet openings which are connected to the distributor channel by inlet channels arranged around the distributor channel in successive adjoining relation. In order to improve the melt flow in the inlet region, the distributor channel has a cross-sectional width in the radial direction that is less than the radial extent of the inlet channels where they are joined to the outlet openings. The longitudinal axes of adjacent inlet channels are arranged at an angle of inclination relative to each other.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of dry polymer, wherein a polymer material containing water and/or volatile hydrocarbons is extruded through a die sleeve, cut into particles by means of a cutter mounted at the die discharge, and carried away from the cutter by an air stream. The die sleeve is provided with a plurality of die holes possessing a non-circular derived shape, which allow the material to be dried at lower temperatures and pressures. The cutter is a cage-type cylinder presenting large open areas for the flow of conveying air, thereby significantly reducing the local air velocity through the cutter and tearing of the particles. A bypass is provided to insure sufficient air being present after the cutter region to prevent condensation and to provide crumb transportation through the transport conduit. The invention reduces the generation of fines and results in an increase in the average particle size.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling and granulating extrusions of thermoplastic issuing from extrusion dies is provided with a pair of mirror image symmetric channels formed of guide plates arranged back to back. The upper ends of the channels are exposed to a cooling medium and the lower ends are directed to the entrance of a granulator having draw-in rollers. The guide plates are laterally separable from one another to provide increased tension in the extrusion being fed to the granulator.

Abstract: A method for producing particles of polymeric material by extruding hot, sticky material in a plastic state through orifices in a die plate. The extruded plastic material is cut into crumb upon exit from the orifices by a high velocity gas stream, suitably air, and the particles conveyed away from the die face. The air supply is coupled to a cutting chamber for providing the stream of air across the face of the die plate to cut and convey the crumb away from the orifices. The cutting chamber is arranged to include a restricted throat having an exit area in close proximity to the orifices and a further portion for providing an accumulation zone adjacent the orifices, the accumulation zone having a cross-sectional area which increases from the exit area of the throat to a product discharge zone remote from the orifices in a downstream direction.

Abstract: An underwater pelletizer driven from a standard foot mounted electric motor having a standard C-flange attachment in which a pelletizer shaft having a hub is keyed to the motor shaft and held in place by a set screw with the key being welded in a slot in the pelletizer shaft hub to facilitate its manufacture. The pelletizer shaft includes a spring loaded cutter hub enabling automatic blade attachment and compensating for misalignment with the spring loaded cutter hub being keyed to the pelletizer shaft by a key that is welded in a slot in the spring loaded cutter hub to simplify its manufacture and provide a positive and dependable drive connection to enable movement of the portion of the spring loaded cutter hub connected with the blade assembly. The die plate is provided with carbide tiles and the blade assembly includes tungsten carbide blades to provide extended die ware and extended blade ware.

Abstract: A pellet production apparatus to be incorporated with an extruder for mass-producing pellets of plastics or the like. The apparatus includes a multi-perforated hollow cylindrical sheath acting as nozzles and a cylindrical rotor provided on its cylindrical surface with some lengthwise tapered-grooves and corresponding lengthwise ridge portions. The ridge portions act as cutters with the rotor rotatably inserted in the sheath. The rotor is further provided with an air blower for blowing compressed air radially and rotated by a driver exclusive to the rotor. A pellet material extruded from the extruder into the present apparatus is made to proceed along the grooves of the rotor, pushed out from the perforations of the sheath and then cut out into pellets by the ridge portions of the rotor as it rotates further. The thus produced pellets, which are apt to stick to the perforations, are blown off by the compressed air.

Abstract: Pourable particles of normally soft and tacky plastic materials are formed by extruding the molten plastic material into contact with a cooling fluid containing a non-sticky material that is compatible with the plastic material, cutting the plastic material into particles, separating these particles from the cooling fluid, and contacting these particles with a second compatible non-sticky material.

Abstract: The agglomerator includes a disk-shaped annular chamber which is confined on its periphery by an annular perforated die, the outside of which is swept by knives. The annular chamber narrows towards its periphery, and at least one pressing blade rotates in the chamber. The blade has an active flank which forms, with the perforated inside wall of the perforated die, a revolving plasticizing chamber which narrows in the direction opposite to that of revolution. Plastics wastes in the form of chips, flakes or a fleece, resulting from precomminution, are fed axially into the annular chamber and are precompacted by the pressing blade in the revolving plasticizing chamber. The wastes are degassed and plasticized by autogenously controlled pressure and temperature conditions and are forced through the perforated die. The narrowing of the chamber toward the periphery results in increased throughput capacity without causing thermal damage to the material.

Abstract: A pressure roller for cooperative drive relation with an inner annular surface of an annular rotative extrusion die of a pellet mill is provided. The pressure roller includes a substantially circular ring having a substantially circular cross-section, a circumferential outer surface and a longitudinal axis. The circular ring includes air relief mechanism, including an air relief channel, in the outer surface for channeling air escaping from particulate feed material compressed between the roller and the inner surface of the extrusion die. The channel extends at an angle with respect to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of mixing filled thermoplastic resins containing particles of resin and filler. The method comprises preheating to about 150 degrees to 250 degrees F., at least the resin particles, and thereafter mixing until plasticized. The filler may also be preheated between 150 degrees and 350 degrees F. This method reduces the mixing time and improves the characteristics of the product.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in producing pellets including a pelletizer having an annular chamber partially defined by a pellet plate against which spring loaded knives are urged. Pellets produced by moving the knives relative to the plate to repeatedly cut plastics extruded through apertures in the plate are carried by a water stream out of the chamber. This stream enters the chamber via an inlet and performs one cycle round the chamber before exiting the chamber with the pellets via exit which is in the same plane as inlet. With this arrangement the axial extent of the pelletizer is reduced and the relatively short travel of the pellets promotes efficiency.

Abstract: In a case of a process for producing pourable spherical-segment-shaped packing material particles made of a plastic material which have an external convex and an internal concave surface, the plastic material is fed in by means of a feeding funnel through an opening in a bush surrounding the extrusion screw. The plastic material is plasticized and, because of the difference in speed existing over the cross section of the mass, comes out of an opening in the die with a bent surface. The extruded plastic material is cut off directly at the opening of the die and before any considerable expansion has taken place. In this case, the plastic material is pulled into a space between the extrusion screw and a bush (28) provided with longitudinal grooves (35) in the material pull-in zone (13). The result is a possibility for some of the plastic granules to escape into the longitudinal grooves (35) and an increased and steadier transport of material through the extruder (FIG. 1).

Abstract: In an apparatus for producing particles of thermoplastic material by extruding material in a plastic state through orifices in a die plate and thereafter cutting the extruded plastic material into crumb upon exit from the orifices, an air supply is coupled to a cutting chamber for providing a stream of air across the face of the die plate to cut and convey the crumb away from the orifices. The cutting chamber is arranged to include a restricted throat having an exit area in close proximity to the orifices and a further portion for providing an accumulation zone adjacent the orifices, the accumulation zone having a cross-sectional area which increases from the exit area of the throat to a product discharge zone remote from the orifices in a downstream direction.

Abstract: A perforated granulating plate construction in which conically tapering inlet channels are connected to several outlet channels, the collective cross-sectional area of the outlet channels being substantially equal to the cross-sectional area at the outlet of the associated inlet channel. The outlet channels form an angle of inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis of the associated inlet channel and the discharge outlets of the outlet channels are arranged in a plane about an axis of symmetry which is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the inlet channel.

Abstract: Polyolefin foams which have a density of from 30 to 300 g/l, do not exhibit after-shrinkage and possess taut cells are prepared by letting down a polyolefin/blowing agent gel, the latter first being let down to 0.1-10 bar gage pressure and the foam being kept at this pressure until it has cooled to at least 20.degree. C. below the expansion temperature.

Abstract: A continuous granulator of the double-screw type includes a mechanism by which the degree of kneading can be controlled, and prevents lateral communication between the screw ends. A gear pump connected after the screw cylinders delivers the material to the cutting unit.

Abstract: An automatic control for an extruder has a temperature sensor which monitors the exit temperature of the extrudate and several pressure transducers which monitor the pressure within the extruder to control the cooking of the mash inside the extruder to ensure production of high quality extrudate. The controller monitors and controls the temperature and moisture content of the mash in the extruder by controlling the input of various ingredients and also the cooling or heating of the mash near the exit of the extruder through a heat exchanger.

Abstract: Cutting device for the high-temperature granulation of thermoplastic polymers, which includes a rotor rigidly keyed on a drive shaft, a blade-carrier disc on which a thrust bearing is applied, blades integral with said disc, and an articulated coupling inserted between the rotor and the blade-carrier disc.

Abstract: Attached to the eccentric studs (25) for supporting and positioning press rollers (20) relative to an inner surface of the die (21) of a pellet mill are levers (30). Linked to the levers (30) is an adjusting means (31) that is provided with a position controller (47) whose position measuring means is constructed as part of the adjusting means (31) for the position of the press rollers (20). In this fashion, the gaps between press rollers (20) and die (21) can be regulated very exactly from the outside.

Abstract: A die assembly for plastic pelletizing apparatus of the type including a cooling bath into which the plastic is extruded. The die assembly includes a heated main body having first and second oppositely disposed exterior faces connected by a plurality of relatively small extrusion passageways. A layer of thermal insulation material overlies the second face, and a cover member having an outer surface adapted to be exposed to the cooling bath is positioned over the thermal insulation material and joined to the main body. Wear resistant insert members formed from a material having a higher coefficient of thermal conductivity than the material from which the cover member is made extend from the outer surface of the cover member through the layer of insulation into the main body. Extrusion outlet orifices are formed through the insert members and define continuations of the extrusion passageways of the main body.

Abstract: A cooling device for plastic granulate which is formed by cutting plastic strands emerging from a nozzle plate of an extruder and is fed to a stream of cooling water which adjoins the nozzle plate in the region of a cutting device. A pipe conducts the stream of cooling water containing the granulate to a granulate-water separator. In order to obtain a well-defined, infinitely adjustable dwell time of the granulate in the stream of cooling water, the pipe is essentially developed as a vertically arranged riser having a larger cross section passage area than that of the pipe itself. The upper outlet end of the riser is connected to the suction side of a feed pump, which serves as a section pump, and to a suction pipe which has an end connected to ambient atmosphere. A regulating valve is connected in the suction pipe. The delivery side of the feed pump communicates with the granulate-water separator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a whirlpool type high speed cooler comprising a cooling cylinder having a bottom drain hole. An upper chamber, a circular channel and a cooling chamber are provided within the cooling cylinder by plurality of plates. The circular channel is capable of forming a column of cooling water about the inner walls of the cooling chamber and has holes and guide plates adjacent to the inner wall cooling cylinder for this purpose. A convex head drum extending laterally at upper portion of the cooling chamber is provided for guiding water into the circular channel through the holes and against the guides in the circular channel thereby creating a whirlpooling column of cooling water about the inner wall of the cooling chamber. A revolving plate located in the cooling cylinder has a plurality of inclined cutter blades at its circumference. A mold is arranged in the upper chamber of the cooling chamber and abuts the revolving plate.

Abstract: In accordance with the subject invention an apparatus is provided which is capable of directly pelletizing a nonparticularized material without substantially destroying the fibrous nature of the material during pellet formation. The apparatus comprises a pair of horizontally-extending cylindrical dies, mounted in parallel planar relation for rotation in opposite directions. The dies are spaced closely apart to form a finely spaced intermeshing nip therebetween, for compressively pelletizing the nonparticularized material. The dies are rotated at a predetermined rate of rotation. Each die includes a horizontally-extending hollow central interior chamber for receiving the compacted pellets. Passageways radially-extend from the hollow central interior chamber to the outer circumference of the dies.

Abstract: A process for preparing composite films comprising at least one layer of a first plastic polymer and a substrate of a second polymer/first plastic polymer composition by intimately mixing about 15 to about 90 wt. % of first plastic polymer and about 10 to 85 wt. % of the second polymer, extruding the mixture through a film die while cooling at least one surface of the die outlet at least about 10.degree. C. below the melting point of the plastic polymer and cooling the film. In a preferred embodiment the first plastic polymer has a semi-crystalline or crystalline melting point which is at least 10.degree. C. above the softening or melting point of the second polymer.A sandwich type laminate comprising two outer skins of first plastic polymer enclosing a core comprising a blend of first plastic polymer and second polymer can be prepared by cooling both die outlet surfaces. Where a blown film die is utilized the inner and outer die layers must be cooled to accomplish this end.

Abstract: On an extruder for extruding foodstuffs a cutting means consisting of rotatable blades (36, 38, 40, 41) is provided. With the aid of these blades an extruded strand emerging from the nozzle (12) can be cut off or structured at the surface. The cutting blades are driven synchronously.

Abstract: Vinyl chloride (VC) resins, particularly poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (CPVC) are reinforced with glass fibers which have been sized with a particular aminosilane coupling agent and a particularly characterized basic film former. At the processing temperature of VC resin, containing a stabilizer against degradation during thermoforming, for example in an extruder, or on a mixing mill used to blend the resin with sized glass fibers, a reaction occurs between an aminosilane coupling agent and the VC resin which reaction involves C.dbd.C bonds in the homopolymer, provided the polymer film former in the size is more basic than poly(vinyl acetate) ("PVA"). The film former catalyzes the thermal dehydrohalogenation of the VC homopolymer at the fiber-resin interface so as to generate allylic Cl moieties in chains of the homopolymer, which moieties react with the amine groups of the aminosilane.

Abstract: Free-flowing plural extrudates of a polar ethylene interpolymer, and method of preparing the same. The extrudates are essentially coated with about 0.001-2 percent, by weight of the composition, fumed silica, preferably about 0.025-0.05 weight percent. The fumed silica has an average primary particle size of about 5-25 millimicrons, a surface area of about 200-250 m.sup.2 /g, and is substantially amorphous and non-porous. The interpolymer has interpolymerized therein polar monomer, such as acrylic acid, n-butyl acrylate, vinyl acetate, or the like, in an amount so that the untreated extrudates have high block. The extrudates are treated by admixture with the silica or by contact with an aqueous dispersion of about 0.01-10 wt. % silica. When the interpolymer contains .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, the extrudates are optionally surface neutralized with a base.

Abstract: A perforated plate construction for the underwater granulating of plastic strands comprising a base member with a melt distribution channel and a plurality of inlet channels connected to the melt distribution channel and to extruder nozzles of a cutting plate. The base plate is heated in the region of the inlet channels. Between the base member and the cutting plate is an insulating layer through which the extruder nozzles extend. In order to permit compensation for thermal expansion in the cutting plate without damage to the cutting plate and the insulating layer, the latter is formed as an air gap which is substantially coextensive with the cutting plate in the transverse direction of the extruder nozzles. The cutting plate is supported on the base plate by a plurality of tubular support elements which are separate from each other and freely extended through the air gap.

Abstract: In a pelletizing operation in which a synthetic thermoplastic polymeric material is reduced to particulate form, automatic startup of the flow of cooling fluid to the cutting chamber associated with the pelletizing operation is provided so as to insure that the flow of the cooling fluid is started at the time required.

Abstract: A die assembly for plastic pelletizing apparatus of the type including a cooling bath into which the plastic is extruded. The die assembly includes a heated main body having first and second oppositely disposed exterior faces connected by a plurality of relatively small extrusion passageways. A layer of thermal insulation material overlies the second face, and a cover member having an outer surface adapted to be exposed to the cooling bath is positioned over the thermal insulation material and joined to the main body. Wear resistant insert members formed from a material having a higher coefficient of thermal conductivity than the material from which the cover member is made extend from the outer surface of the cover member through the layer of insulation into the main body. Extrusion outlet orifices are formed through the insert members and define continuations of the extrusion passageways of the main body.

Abstract: An apportioning apparatus, particularly for dispensing discrete metered quantities of comestible material, such as sausage meat, wherein a cutter is first moved parallel to a surface surrounding a nozzle outlet from which the comestible material is dispensed and wherein after cleanly cutting through the dispensed material emerging from the nozzle outlet, the cutter is advanced in a direction away from the nozzle outlet surface in order to effect a clean cutting process with the cutter then being returned to its initial position to commence a further cutting operation. The cutter is mounted to be driven and guided by an articulation mechanism which includes a power cylinder device and metering gear pumps operate to dispense the comestible material through one or a plurality of outlet nozzles at which the material is cut.

Abstract: An underwater pelletizer providing more efficient formation of uniform size pellets including the provision of a taper on the die holes so that polymer will freeze near the exit and form an insulated die hole and a resultant cylindrical die hole for smooth polymer flow, axially movable ball bearing assemblies to support the pelletizer shaft in a housing, a threaded assembly with a thrust bearing to axially adjust the pelletizer shaft for compensating for blade wear, radial clearance for the outer race of the thrust bearing to eliminate preloading of the axially movable ball bearings, a gear coupling between the shaft and driving motor to permit axial movement of the shaft for blade adjustment, and a spring support for the pelletizer, all of which cooperate to form an effective underwater pelletizer which will efficiently produce uniform plastic pellets.

Abstract: Multi-bladed disc cutter for cutting into pellets thermoplastic material extruded from a die plate of an underwater pelletizer, wherein the blades of the cutter are integrally formed on the periphery of a backplate and radially project therefrom, the sidewalls of the blades being integrally connected by shroud members to provide added strength against bending and twisting of the blades under load. Perforations are provided in the shroud members and backplate to permit passage of water to cool and flush away the cut pellets. Additionally, integrally formed blades may be arranged in concentric circles inwardly of the periphery of the backplate. The integral of the disc cutters avoids weakening and misalignment of the blades, saves space and permits a greater number of cutting edges than is possible in disc cutters wherein the blades are fastened to a hole by bolts. Casting the cutter integrally with its blades permits off-line grinding for final alignment purposes.

Abstract: An extrusion die assembly for a pelletizing apparatus including a die body, a die insert carried by the die body, the die insert having a die plate with a die plate face and a die plate back surface, there being a plurality of extrusion ports through the die plate face extending from the face to the back surface, the die insert further having a plurality of extrusion port formations such as tubes projecting from the die plate back surface and defining a plurality of extrusion passageways, each of said extrusion ports being in register with a respective one of said passageways, the tubes and the die plate comprising a monolithic structure formed from a unitary piece of material, and a heating jacket formed at least partially by the die body, at least a portion of the tubes being received in the heating jacket.

Abstract: An apparatus for granulating thermoplastics materials comprising a nozzle plate and a cutter device in which the spacing between these integers can be pre-set and accurately maintained. This is achieved by isolating the component parts of the granulation apparatus, particularly a housing for the cutter device, which is subjected to variable thermal expansion, from the components which locate the cutter device in front of the nozzle plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a matrix for the production of pellets from powdered, granular, fibrous or pre-compressed loose material, said matrix having a plurality of pressure canals passing therethrough through which the loose material is forced and having cutting means which divides up the pressed material emerging from the pressure canals into pellets of predetermined length, wherein, on the exit side of the matrix, there are present flanges running between the pressure canals with a constant distance from one another, between which flanges sections of the cutting means extend up to the exit ends of the pressure canals.

Abstract: Moldable foam beads comprising a silane-crosslinked polyolefin foam are produced by mixing a composition comprising a silane-modified polyolefin (such as a silane-grafted polyethylene) and a silanol condensation catalyst in an extruder to produce a melt, then injecting a blowing agent into the melt at a rate effective to produce a desired foam density in the extrudate; extruding and cutting the melt to form foam beads; and exposing the foam beads to moisture to produce silane crosslinking of the polyolefin foam.

Abstract: The die includes a body provided with a plurality of polymer flow channels and a plate fixed to the front surface of the body and bored at locations corresponding to each channel. An insulating layer is positioned between the body and the bored plate. The channels include a thermoregulating system for the die body. A plurality of nozzles is provided, with the nozzles being rooted inside the die body at locations corresponding to the channels. The nozzles protrude from the body itself to cross through the insulating layer and the bored plate. The nozzles are made of a metal having a thermal conductivity higher than 60 W/m.degree.K.

Abstract: A cutting device for the hot granulation of thermoplastic polymers comprising a blade-carrying disc rigidly keyed onto the driving shaft and blades not rigidly mounted onto said disc, each blade being provided with a system which pushes it against the cutting plate and being integral with a sliding block which slides on said plate with indirect friction.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of granulates by using a tabletting machine comprising at least one top punch and one bottom punch which co-operate with a die formed with a bore, the top punch being displaceable into the bore from outside to compress powder accommodated in the bore and the bottom punch displaceable in the bore being displaced within the bore for ejecting the powder compressed into a tablet, the tabletting machine additionally comprising a powder feed unit which introduces the powder into the bore when the top punch is in its raised position. According to the invention, a perforated plug in the bore of the die in conjunction with a granulate stripping, transporting and collecting system arranged beneath the lower end face of the perforated plug is used instead of the displaceable bottom punch for producing granulates.

Abstract: An extruder head 1 for molten material such as polymer has a die plate 6 orificed at 5, rotating blades 11 sweeping over the die plate to operate and fling outwards emerging short lengths 22 of molten material, and a surrounding freestanding wall or curtain of high-pressure water 14 around the blades to entrap and cool separate cut lengths without agglomeration. The wall of water can be formed of merging, or overlapping, flat jets from nozzle 13, and must be essentially uninterrupted viewed from the center of the die plate.

Abstract: The continuous production of electrode material consisting of pitch, coke dust and coke particles of variable sizes comprising the steps of mixing and kneading the components in a horizontally arranged mixing and kneading device. An extruder is provided at the output end of the mixing and kneading device and connected with the same by way of a vertically arranged chute. The rotation of the extruder is controlled by a sensoring device provided in the vertically arranged chute. A lateral ejector orifice provided in the chute is shut off by means of an ejector flap subject to the influence of a control device; this in turn also exerts its influence on the extruder drive. The forming operation is completely separated from the mixing and kneading process, so that no mutual influencing can take place.