Abstract: The invention relates to an impregnation device for trickle impregnation of a stator of an electric machine with a synthetic resin which cures under an increase in temperature, the stator having a hollow cylindrical stator core and at least one winding, a drive shaft being arranged coaxially inside the stator and being drivable by a drive motor, at least one holding device being arranged on the drive shaft, by means of which holding device the stator can be detachably connected to the drive shaft.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide systems, devices and methods for the fabrication of three-dimensional polymeric fibers having micron, submicron and nanometer dimensions, as well as methods of use of the polymeric fibers.

Abstract: This method for producing a compound uses a continuous tank reactor which is provided with two or more reaction tanks for producing the compound and with a reaction liquid feeding pipe that feeds a reaction liquid from an upstream reaction tank to a downstream reaction tank, said method being characterized in that the Reynold's number of the reaction liquid that flows in the reaction liquid feeding pipe is configured to be 1800-22000. Furthermore, this compound production system is used in said method for producing a compound, and is formed by housing at least one of the reaction tanks in a portable container.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide systems, devices and methods for the fabrication of three-dimensional polymeric fibers having micron, submicron and nanometer dimensions, as well as methods of use of the polymeric fibers.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing carbon fibers, includes a first spinning step of a fiber of PAN precursor and a second oxidation/carbonization step of the fiber and the plant thereof. The spinning and oxidation/carbonization steps are performed directly in line and continuously, and hence without any stocking buffer area of a PAN precursor between the two steps. The spinning step is performed at low speed, so that the output speed from the spinning step, downstream of the stretching operations, is a speed falling within the range of the suitable processing speeds in the subsequent oxidation/carbonization step. Moreover, the spinning step is performed in a modular way on a plurality of spinning modules aligned in one or more rows, each spinning module having a productivity not above 10% of the overall productivity of the spinning step. In any individual spinning module, the fibers downstream of the spinning area follow zig-zag, rectilinear paths.

Abstract: A cutter blade driving and positioning control structure formed of a rotary drive, a transmission unit, a sliding unit, a linear motor and a cutter unit and used in a plastic pelletizing machine for making plastic pellets is disclosed. The rotary drive provides a rotary driving force for driving the transmission unit to rotate the cutter unit. The linear motor is adapted to reciprocate the transmission unit, moving the cutter unit back and forth rapidly with minimized energy consumption.

Abstract: A granulating device for producing pellets from a plastic material can have a die plate, a cutting chamber housing adjoining the die plate, and a cutting device with a cutter. The cutting device can be driven via a cutter shaft by a cutter drive device located in a cutter drive housing. The cutting chamber housing can have a cutting chamber housing flange section connected with a cutter drive housing flange section of the cutter drive housing by a connecting element. The connecting element can have a clamping collar arranged to enclose at least one section of the flange sections, and an eccentric closure element. The eccentric closure element can be connected to the clamping collar, and can have an index opening. In a closure position, the index opening can be located in alignment with a locating pin that passes through the index opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for granulating plastic is described, comprising a granulating head (1) with nozzle bodies (2) which are inserted in the granulating head (1) and protrude axially beyond its face, and a perforated plate (5) placed axially in front of the granulating head (1), the pass-through holes (6) of which receive the protruding nozzle bodies (2) by interposing a ring seal (10) with play. In order to provide advantageous cutting conditions it is proposed that the nozzle bodies (2) are flush with the perforated plate (5), and that the ring seals (10) are held in a pretensioned manner in the radial direction between the walls of the pass-through holes (6) and the nozzle bodies (2).

Abstract: In a wet spinning spinneret comprising a housing which, together with a spinneret plate mounted to the underside thereof, forms a chamber adapted to be supplied with a spinning solution, the spinneret plate having nozzle openings in at least an annular region, and a displacing member arranged inside the chamber above the spinneret plate, which member directs the spinning solution towards the annular zone, it is provided that the displacing member (VK) is attached at a support (TP) arranged upstream of the spinneret plate (SP), seen in the flow direction of the spinning liquid.

Abstract: Provided is a die plate assembly for an underwater pelletizing system, wherein molten plastic flows through a die plate and exits into a fluid bath for further processing. The assembly provides a seal against water leakage and effective insulation to prevent heat loss from a heated die plate. The assembly includes a die plate having a plurality of through holes for receiving fasteners for mounting the plate to another portion of the pelletizer system, and at least one insulation chamber for insulating the die plate from the fluid bath located on a downstream side of the die plate. The assembly further includes at least one gasket covering one or more of the through holes to seal one or more through holes from the fluid bath.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing an irrigation pipe comprises an extrusion unit, a calibrator unit, a cooling unit for cooling the irrigation pipe in a cooling liquid, and a traction unit for drawing the irrigation pipe in the cooling unit. The cooling unit comprises a device for detecting holes in the wall of the irrigation pipe and arranged for being immersed in the cooling liquid. The device for detecting holes comprises at least one optical transmitter and at least one optical receiver which define an optical barrier. The device is arranged so that the holes in the irrigation pipe located below the device produce gas bubbles which modify the optical barrier.

Abstract: A nozzle plate for a granulating device. The nozzle plate has a plurality of nozzles for the passage of melt, wherein the nozzles are arranged such that they lie on a circle about a center axis. Each nozzle has a nozzle channel and at least one nozzle opening. A recess for receiving a melt flow is formed on the surface of the nozzle plate opposite the surface comprising the nozzle opening. The recess can also be centered on the center axis. A plurality of flow channels in fluid communication with the recess and at least one flow channel are formed in the nozzle plate extending radially away from the center. A granulating device having such a nozzle plate.

Abstract: A granulating device for granulating thermoplastic materials. The device has a die head, a cutting chamber housing, and at least one insulating element comprising thermally insulating material. The insulating element is situated between a die head element and a cutting chamber housing element. At least one tempering device situated between the insulating element and cutting chamber housing element or adjacent to the insulating element is provided. The tempering device acts to remove unwanted heat introduced in its vicinity, or to replenish heat undesirably removed from its vicinity.

Abstract: An underwater cutting and pelletizing apparatus includes: a cutting device that cuts, with a cutter in a water chamber, molten resin, extruded from a die, into pellets; a separation device that separates, from carrier water, pellets sent from the water chamber of the cutting device to downstream with carrier water; a tank that is disposed below the separation device and stores carrier water discharged from the separation device; and a circulation path formed so as to circulate carrier water between the tank and the water chamber, wherein a hydroelectric power generator is provided on a return side of the circulation path formed on a downstream side of the water chamber, and generates electricity from the energy of the carrier water flowing downward in this path. According to such a configuration, the underwater cutting and pelletizing apparatus is made so as to achieve energy savings by recovering and reusing potential energy accompanying carrier water pumped up to a higher location.

Abstract: An Underwater pelletizer for cutting extruded plastic into a flow of liquid. The pelletizer includes a cutter hub (90) carrying at least one cutter blade (96), a cutter shaft (60) for rotationally driving the cutter hub, and a flexible torque converter (80) for connecting a motor to the cutter hub. In one embodiment, the torque converter has a first set of bushings (82) that is fastened to a face (98) of the cutter hub and a second set of bushings that is fastened to a face (64) of the cutter shaft. A shaft extension (20) can be configured to engage a motor shaft, the shaft extension having an Outer diameter having formed thereon a splined portion (38) and first (26) and second (28) sealing surfaces. A motor adapter (40) has a seal surface (44). A water chamber plate (50) may also have a seal surface (52).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the implementation of a method for the production of pellets of polyamide 6 or copolyamides. The method can include production of a melt of polyamide 6 or copolyamides by means of polymerization, production of pellets from the melt by means of underwater pelletization into a process fluid, removal of the pellets from a site of underwater pelletization in the process fluid, supply of the pellets in the process fluid to an extraction stage, extraction of low-molecular components as extract, and drying of the pellets after extraction, wherein the underwater pelletization stage and the extraction stage take place using the same process fluid.

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: An apparatus according to various embodiments can be configured to use a cryogen for cooling articles, particularly having applications for chilling extrusions. The apparatus removes thermal energy from an article by conductive and convective heat transfer. The apparatus allows for heat transfer from an outer surface of an article, and from an inner surface of the article.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for providing the controlled formation of planar homogeneous or heterogeneous materials using microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a planar array of microfluidic channels is employed to produce a flowing liquid sheet having heterogeneous structure by spatially and temporally controlling dispensing of polymer liquid from selected microchannels. The resulting liquid sheet is solidified to produce a planar heterogeneous material that may be continuously drawn and/or fed from the plurality of microfluidic channels. The polymer liquid may include a payload that may be selectively incorporated into the heterogeneous structure. In some embodiments, the local material composition is controllable, thereby allowing control over local and bulk material properties, such as the permeability and the elasticity, and of creating materials with directionally dependent properties.

Abstract: A cutter hub position control device for consistent blade adjustment in an underfluid pelletizer is provided in connection with a motion rod attached to the pelletizer cutter hub and extending through a hollow shaft of the pelletizer motor. The cutter hub position control device can be collinear, transaxial or in a plane parallel to the axis of the motion rod to which it is attached. Adjustment of the cutter hub position control device is automated through use of feedback control mechanisms.

Abstract: A cutter hub pin drive mechanism and a quick disconnect hub for a pelletizer and a pelletizer having a cutter hub pin drive mechanism are provided. The pelletizer has a cutter hub that includes a cutter hub holder which is engaged with the pelletizer shaft through a plurality of drive pins. The drive pins ride in drive pin channels formed by grooves cut into an inner surface of the cutter hub holder and aligned grooves formed in the outer surface of the forward end of the pelletizer shaft. By machining of grooves into the cutter hub holder and shaft to form channels that receive the drive pins, more precise engagement between the pelletizer shaft, cutter hub holder and drive pins is obtained, resulting in improved torque transmission from the shaft to the cutter hub. Also provided is a seal around the pelletizer shaft to prevent the egress of fines into the drive pin area which might otherwise interfere with the unobstructed movement of the cutter hub holder necessary to adjust blade position.

Abstract: Described herein are extrusion processes to produce hollow pellets. Also disclosed are pelletizer devices that can be used to produce the hollow pellets. The processes and devices make use of an extrusion die having a die orifice and an insert that is placed in the die orifice to produce the hollow pellets.

Abstract: A die for an underwater cutting type pelletizer, the die including a die orifice part in which a thermoplastic resin is inhibited from solidifying within the die orifices. The die can have a reduced difference in temperature between the die orifice part and an inner periphery-side fixing part for fixing the die orifice part to a mixer/extruder, and can thereby inhibit the generation of thermal stress. The die is characterized by being equipped with a heating jacket for heating the inner periphery-side fixing part, the heating jacket being disposed within the inner periphery-side fixing part along an inner annular passage formed within either the die orifice part or the inner periphery-side fixing part or both along the boundary between the die orifice part and the inner periphery-side fixing part.

Abstract: Provided is a process for making thermoplastic polymer pellets. The process has the following steps: (a) melting a thermoplastic polymer to form a polymer melt; (b) extruding the melt through a die to form a substantially continuous molten polymer extrudate wherein the die has a contact surface bearing a polymer coating having a surface energy of less than 25 mN/m at 20° C.; (c) cooling the extrudate to form a cooled extrudate; and (d) pelletizing the cooled extrudate to form a plurality of polymer pellets. Provided is also a polymer pellet shipping system and a stable thermoplastic polymer pellet.

Abstract: An insulated die plate assembly for use in underwater pelletizing and other granulation processes includes a thin, continuous air chamber formed across the plate assembly generally parallel to the die face such that the heated upstream portion of the die plate assembly is thermally insulated from the downstream portion. The air chamber is atmospherically equilibrated by venting the air chamber to the atmosphere. The plurality of extrusion orifices, either individually or in groups, are formed in extrusion orifice extensions that extend through the insulation chamber so that the process melt to be granulated can pass therethrough. The orifice extensions and the components forming the air chamber around the orifice extensions channel heat along said extensions to maintain the process melt therein at a desired temperature, to help rigidify the die plate assembly and to better seal the air chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous pelletization and crystallization of a polymer includes a unit for forming a polymer pellet material and cooling the pellet material in a liquid cooling medium. An after-connected drying unit has an exit opening for exporting gas and a crystallizer for crystallizing the pellet material. The crystallizer communicates via a connection line with the pre-connected unit for separating the liquid cooling medium from the pellet material and drying the pellet material. The crystallizer communicates with an inert gas tank, whereby the pressure in the crystallizer can be increased relative to the pressure in the drying unit. A related process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid face die plate for an underwater pelletizer includes a carrier or holding plate having a circular slot for holding a hard anti-wear element of highly wear-resistant material through which the extrusion orifices open for extruding polymer. The solid face die plate eliminates the need for insulation or plugging material in the center of the die plate and, by embedding the hard anti-wear element within the carrier, protects the edges of the hard anti-wear element for longer wear life.

Abstract: In a wet spinning spinneret comprising a housing which, together with a spinneret plate mounted to the underside thereof, forms a chamber adapted to be supplied with a spinning solution, the spinneret plate having nozzle openings in at least an annular region, and a displacing member arranged inside the chamber above the spinneret plate, which member directs the spinning solution towards the annular zone, it is provided that the displacing member (VK) is attached at a support (TP) arranged upstream of the spinneret plate (SP), seen in the flow direction of the spinning liquid.

Abstract: The methods and apparatuses for granulating thermoplastic material emerging from nozzles in a perforated plate are provided. The apparatus can have a motor-driven cutter arrangement having at least one blade located opposite the perforated plate. The at least one blade can pass over the nozzles in the perforated plate and cuts pellets of the emerging thermoplastic material.

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: In a resin granulating apparatus of the present invention, a bracket extending in the outward radial direction over an outer peripheral surface of a sleeve is provided for the sleeve for rotatably supporting a cutter shaft of a cutter for shearing a material extruded from a die. Stopper means cooperating with the bracket to regulate movement of the sleeve toward the die and moving a regulation position in the axial direction is provided on the radially outer side over an outer diameter of the sleeve. With such a configuration, installation space is compactified so as to additionally provide the stopper means in the existing facilities, and a position of the cutter relative to a die surface is precisely adjusted so as to stably produce a pellet of a best shape.

Abstract: A perforated plate of a granulating device for thermoplastic plastic material, having nozzle openings, and wherein at least one side of the perforated plate has a functional layer in at least one region. The functional layer is thermally insulating as compared to the base material of the perforated plate, and is more abrasion-resistant than the base material of the perforated plate, and consists of an enamel coating.

Abstract: A solid face die plate for an underwater pelletizer includes a carrier or holding plate having a circular slot for holding a hard anti-wear element of highly wear-resistant material through which the extrusion orifices open for extruding polymer. The solid face die plate eliminates the need for insulation or plugging material in the center of the die plate and, by embedding the hard anti-wear element within the carrier, protects the edges of the hard anti-wear element for longer wear life.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a granulation method and a granulation apparatus that can reduce the manufacturing costs of pellets. There is provided a granulation method which uses an underwater cutting (UWC) device 107 that cuts a medium to be processed extruded from holes of a die 106 by using cutter blades provided in a circulation box 109 and conveys the cut pellets from the circulation box 109 while cooling the cut pellets by pellet cooling/transport water (PCW). The granulation method includes circulating the PCW and stopping the circulation of the PCW after pushing the cutter blades against the die 106 while rotating the cutter blades, before the start of the granulation; storing a predetermined amount of PCW in the circulation box 109 by discharging the PCW; and heating the PCW, which is stored in the circulation box 109, up to 69° C. or more.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymers and other high temperature crystallizing polymeric materials to crystallize the polymer pellets without subsequent heating. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line to the dryer near the pelletizer exit. Air is injected into the slurry line at a velocity 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 PET polymer pellets leave the dryer at a temperature sufficient to self-initiate crystallization within the pellets. A valve mechanism in the slurry line 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 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 Underwater pelletizer for cutting extruded plastic into a flow of liquid. The pelletizer includes a cutter hub (90) carrying at least one cutter blade (96), a cutter shaft (60) for rotationally driving the cutter hub, and a flexible torque converter (80) for connecting a motor to the cutter hub. In one embodiment, the torque converter has a first set of bushings (82) that is fastened to a face (98) of the cutter hub and a second set of bushings that is fastened to a face (64) of the cutter shaft. A shaft extension (20) can be configured to engage a motor shaft, the shaft extension having an Outer diameter having formed thereon a splined portion (38) and first (26) and second (28) sealing surfaces. A motor adapter (40) has a seal surface (44). A water chamber plate (50) may also have a seal surface (52).

Abstract: Methods and systems for pelletizing low molecular weight semi-crystalline polymers are provided herein. Polymer compositions comprising the semi-crystalline polymer and a solvent are provided to a devolatilizing device, where the solvent is at least partially evaporated under vacuum conditions, resulting in removal of heat from the polymer by evaporative cooling and crystallization of the polymer. Once the polymer has reached the desired temperature, the polymer exits the devolatilizer and is pelletized. Semi-crystalline polymers that may be used in the present invention include propylene-based copolymers, such as propylene-ethylene and propylene-hexene copolymers having a heat of fusion, Hf, from about 5 to about 75 J/g and a weight average molecular weight, Mw, from about 10,000 to about 200,000 g/mol.

Abstract: A device for granulating melt emerging from nozzles can have a perforated plate. A cutter arrangement with at least one cutter can be driven by a motor opposite the perforated plate, such that the at least one cutter passes over the nozzles in the perforated plate to sever pellets of the emerging melt material. The device can include a housing that connects to the perforated plate and surrounds at least one cutter. A coolant can flow through the housing. The device can include an inlet disposed in a lower half of the housing. The inlet can have an inlet opening connected to an inlet channel for allowing coolant to flow into the housing and an outlet can be in fluid communication with the housing.

Abstract: An insulated die plate assembly for use in underwater pelletizing and other granulation processes includes a thin, continuous air chamber formed across the plate assembly generally parallel to the die face such that the heated upstream portion of the die plate assembly is thermally insulated from the downstream portion. The air chamber is atmospherically equilibrated by venting the air chamber to the atmosphere. The plurality of extrusion orifices, either individually or in groups, are formed in extrusion orifice extensions that extend through the insulation chamber so that the process melt to be granulated can pass therethrough. The orifice extensions and the components forming the air chamber around the orifice extensions channel heat along said extensions to maintain the process melt therein at a desired temperature, to help rigidify the die plate assembly and to better seal the air chamber.

Abstract: A cutter head holder for blades of an underwater granulator for granulating pellets from a plastic melt that emerges from a perforated plate into a process chamber of a housing of an underwater granulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a die plate (1, 1a) for a pelletizer head (10) of an underwater pelletizer for pelletizing plastics. The die plate (1, 1a) has through openings (3) for the passage of plastic melt and nozzles (2) inserted in the through openings (3). At the exit-side ends of the through openings (3) there is provided respectively a shoulder (5) which projects into the respective through opening (3). The nozzles (2) are narrowed at their exit-side end regarding the outside cross-section and with the thus formed front surfaces (4) rest on the shoulders (5) of the through openings (3). The front surfaces (4) of the nozzles (2) can in particular be configured essentially spherically, so that the contact surface (7) and thereby a heat flow between the nozzles (2) and the die plate (1, 1a) is minimal.

Abstract: An underwater pelletizer for cutting extruded plastic into a flow of liquid is disclosed. The pelletizer includes a cutter hub (90) carrying at least one cutter blade (96), a cutter shaft (60) for rotationally driving the cutter hub, and a flexible torque converter (80) for connecting a motor to the cutter hub. In one embodiment, the torque converter has a first set of bushings (82) that is fastened to a face (98) of the cutter hub and a second set of bushings that is fastened to a face (64) of the cutter shaft. The disclosed pelletizer has a shaft extension (20) configured to engage a motor shaft, the shaft extension having an outer diameter having formed thereon a splined portion (38) and first (26) and second (28) sealing surfaces. A disclosed motor adaptor (40) has a seal surface (44). A water chamber plate (50) may also have a seal surface (52).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for manufacturing filaments from an optically anisotropic spinning solution in which the spinning solution is extruded through a spinneret including a spinning field with a plurality of spinning orifices into a coagulation bath through a slot or diaphragm, the edges thereof being formed by plates with upper and lower sides. The upper sides of the plates are defined as the sides having the shortest distance to the spinning field, wherein the line through the center of the spinning field and perpendicular to the upper sides is located a distance (d) from a parallel line through the center of the slot or diaphragm. The projection of the slot or diaphragm has about the same size and shape as the projection of the spinning field. The plane of the upper side of one plate has a shorter distance to the center of the spinning field than the plane of the upper side of the other plate, and the line has a smaller distance to the edge of plate than to edge of plate.

Abstract: Described herein are extrusion processes to produce hollow pellets. Also disclosed are pelletizer devices that can be used to produce the hollow pellets. The processes and devices make use of an extrusion die having a die orifice and an insert that is placed in the die orifice to produce the hollow pellets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary cutter for the pelletization of plastic extrudates, said rotary cutter being provided with knives projecting axially away from its end surface, said knives being individually affixed to supporting surfaces of the rotary cutter by means of fastening elements. The supporting surfaces are formed by the side walls of radial grooves in the peripheral surface of the rotary cutter and by radial transverse walls in the radial grooves, said radial grooves being limited by the radial transverse walls, the knives each being inserted in hook-like manner with a projecting portion into said radial transverse walls, wherein one side of the projecting portion forms an abutment for the fastening element, said fastening element penetrating a radial transverse wall and pressing on the abutment.

Abstract: A method of crystallizing a plurality of crystallizable polymer pellets includes a step in which the pellets are contacted with a temperature adjusting fluid in a crystallizer. The fluid adjusts the temperature of the pellets by having a temperature sufficient to allow at least partial crystallization of the plurality of polymeric pellets while maintaining the average pellet temperature of the plurality of pellets below the melting temperature of the pellets. A crystallizer implementing the methods of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing pellets from a plastic melt by extrusion, comprising a perforated plate from which the plastic melt is extruded at a pressure above the ambient pressure; a process chamber into which the plastic melt is extruded; a chopping device for chopping strands of the plastic melt extruded from the perforated plate into individual granules, the process chamber being filled with a process fluid; and a pumping device which supplies the process fluid to the process chamber at a pressure above the ambient pressure, the pressure of the process fluid with the therein contained granules being reduced downstream of the process chamber.

Abstract: Problems with incipiently gelling alginate or low-methoxy pectate sols in a bath of an aqueous solution containing calcium ions are reduced by having in the bath a perforated support surface which can be oscillated. The surface is preferably oscillated horizontally and vertically and preferably these oscillations are synchronised. Transport means to remove the product from the bath can be provided at one end of the bath. It is advantageous to ensure that at the beginning of the vertical oscillation the horizontal oscillation is in the direction of such transport means. Portions of the sol can be formed by extrusion either below or above the surface of the bath. The process is particularly useful for sols which have a sugar content greater than 10%. The invention also provides equipment comprising such a perforated support surface.

Abstract: A melt cooler and valving system for an underwater pelletizer has a diverter valve that facilitates multiple modes of melt processing. The cooler has a cooler inlet line that conveys the melt to the cooler, and a cooler outlet line that conveys the cooled melt from the cooler. The diverter valve is configured to convey the melt to and from the cooler during a cooling mode of operation, to convey the melt around the cooler during a bypass mode of operation, and to drain the melt from the cooler and the diverter valve during a drain mode of operation. The diverter valve is compact and therefore contains a minimum of product inventory. The valve is streamlined and direct in its bypass mode, and includes a drain capability to allow for faster, easier cleaning of the process line, which in turn provides a fast changeover time with less lost product.