TUBE NEWS 2016 November 2016 | Page 12

Revised compact version of the ZSK Mc18 twin screw extruder The new compact version of the twin screw extruder is equipped with quick-release clamps for the simple, quick replacement of the feed hopper as well as the userfriendly CSpro control system. Coperion will be showcasing the ZSK Mc18 compact extruder with a screw diameter of 58 mm at its booth at K 2016 (booth B19 in Hall 14). The extruder will be fitted with the tried and tested ZSK die head and a high-precision S60 gravimetric feeder from Coperion K-Tron above the feed barrel. In addition to a ZS-B side feeder with patented feed enhancement technology (FET) and a KT-20 feeder from Coperion K-Tron on a practical swivel arm, the design of a new ZS-EG side devolatilization will be on display. At this year’s K 2016 trade fair (October 19 - 26, 2016, Düsseldorf, Germany), Coperion GmbH, Stuttgart will be presenting a revised compact version of its successful ZSK Mc18 series. Six years after the initial launch of the series, which is characterized by its specific torque of 18 Nm/ cm³, it has undergone a range of improvements designed to further simplify handling. New ZS-EG side devolatilization unit for improved handling Coperion has completely overhauled its ZSEG side devolatilization. It now offers clearly improved features for fast and neat assembly and disassembly. The new design of the ZSK’s connection barrel has been optimized for quick changing and allows all four mounting bolts to be simultaneously undone in a circular movement. What’s more, the screw shafts can be completely loosened, cleaned, or changed in only a few moves. Cleaning and maintenance times are sharply reduced as a result. The compact series offers many advantages. First, it can be swiftly put into operation – meaning a quick start to production and no costly start-up times – as the control cabinet is fully prewired upon delivery. In addition to a lower construction height and a more clearly arranged control cabinet design, one way that the compact version stands out is through the improved accessibility of its process section. The cable ducts are arranged under the process section, and the control cabinets are located at motor and gearbox-height. The separately mounted drive cabinet results in a reduction in installation space as well as in the weight of the machine. The machine and the control system can be quickly and easily connected using a small number of clearly identified cable connections. All of these benefits result in a quicker return on investment than with conventional machines. TN November 2016 The new ZS-EG is fitted with radial shaft sealing rings. As a result, the lantern area remains visible. They additionally permit nitrogen purging in an explosive environment. Thanks to the new seals, there is no longer a vacuum in the gear lanterns, and the service life of the gear-side shaft seal is considerably greater. With the new gearbox, the ZS-EG side devolatilization can be quickly and easily converted into a ZS-B side feeder. Of course, the same applies in the opposite direction: a ZS-B side feeder can be transformed into a ZS-EG side devolatilization in just a few movements. 12