SIGMA - Computer aided process simulation of intermeshing co-rotating twin-screw extruders

Within the framework of a joint project conducted by the University of Paderborn, Institute of Polymer Engineering, and 10 industrial companies, the simulation program SIGMA was developed for evaluation of the compounding process in intermeshing co-rotating twin-screw extruders. The program presented here permits calculation of the axial pressure and temperature profile, the local degree of filling, the melting behavior, the residence time behavior, the mixed substance characteristics derived therefrom and the power consumption of the machine. These results assist the designing process engineer in the optimization of existing or the design of new equipment.