Mathematical modeling of melting of polymers in barrier‐screw extruders

Some of today's modern screws contain melt‐separating secondary (barrier) flights in the transition zone. With increasing utilization of barrier screws, the availability of proper and accurate design methods for the melting zone remains of paramount importance. A modified version of a mathematical model developed by the authors previously is applied to two most common types of barrier screws, viz. —The Mailefer screw (varying pitch and constant depth); —The Barr screw (constant pitch and varying depth). The present analysis provides valuable insight into the operating principles of these screws. A comparative study is presented demonstrating the possible advantages and disadvantages of the Maillefer and Barr screws in relation to conventional compression screws.