Heat transfer to molten polymers flowing through tubes

A theoretical and experimental study of heat transfer to polymer melts flowing through circular tubes is presented. The mathematical model provides for shear heating and expansion cooling effects, and also heat of reaction during flow for various wall boundary conditions. Experimental results, obtained using low density polyethylene, show reproducible temperature and velocity profiles. The measured inlet melt temperature profile and the axial wall temperature profile provide the boundary conditions for the calculations. The experimental data confirm the predictions of the magnitude of the shear heating and expansion cooling effects during tube flow.