Extrusion International 5-2025

66 Extrusion International 5/2025 • UV/Vis: Color, additive levels, yellowing or degradation • NIR: Residual moisture, detec- tion and quanti cation of for - eign polymers • Raman: Formulation nger - print, polymer content, struc- tural properties (e.g., crystalline vs. amorphous) Two measurement modes can be implementedwith ber-optic probes: re ection for opaque and transmis - sion for transparent media. For in- melt color measurements, UV/Vis spectroscopy provides data in stan- dard CIE color values: L*, a*, b*, C*, h, dE*, as well as Industry Standard indi- ces like Yellowness Index (YI), White- ness Index (WI), and spectral features related to speci c additives. A unique optical con guration allows reliable measurements even in deep black melts, which are typically challenging for spectroscopic techniques. The system supports both batch and continuous mixing processes and can be used with a wide range of materials – liquid, paste, pow - dered, or molten – thanks to various available probe con gurations. Beyond real-time process and quality monitoring, inline spectros - copy offers further bene ts. Per - manent data streams immediately ag variations caused by dosing uctuations, lter changes, or raw material inconsistencies. This cre- ates a complete 24/7 digital record of both process and product qual - ity. The data collected can be ana- lyzed, reported, and shared with customers - serving as a traceable production log and preemptively eliminating the risk of product complaints. Real-time feedback from the spec- trometer not only allows immedi- ate quality control but also enables process optimization. Critical pa- rameters such as screw speed and throughput can be evaluated and adjusted on the y. Recipe adjust - ments and color changes are easily identi ed. The system includes ad - ditional tools like Residence Time Analysis (ReTA) and Residence Time Measurement (RTM) to support ad- vanced analysis. After automated measurement, just three clicks are needed to calculate and visualize the results. This makes it easy to pro le and optimize screw con gu - rations and de ne operating win - dows for throughput and speed – resulting in a reliably homogeneous and well-dispersed product. In short, the relationship between action and reaction becomes visible in real time, saving time, materials, and cost. The ColVisTec inline technology thus closes three critical data gaps: • Real-time product data • Insights into process dynamics • Action-reaction correlations This paves the way for full digital integration of the extrusion process. The modular design of the tech- nology allows for easy integration into new and existing extrusion lines (single, twin, multi-screw extruders, compounders, etc.). Only a standard ½"-20UNF port (typ. Dynisco) is need- ed to mount the probe. Distances of up to 328 ft (100 meters) between the spectrometer and the probe loca- tion are possible, enabling dual-point measurements or even parallel moni- toring of two extrusion lines with a single UV/Vis spectrometer. ColVisTec AG Max-Planck-Str. 3, 12489 Berlin, Germany www.colvistec.de K 2025: Hall 16, Stand A42 (ENTEX) and Hall 7, Level 0, Stand C02 (IKK) Twin Screw Extruder as Key Technology – Research on Use of Catalyzers in Chemical Plastics Recycling The University of Utrecht has chosen a Coperion STS 25 Mc 11 twin screw extruder for a chemical plastics recycling research project. A research group headed by Assistant Professor Dr. Ina Vollmer will undertake comprehensive investigations of the mechanical- chemical conversion of mixed plastic waste using catalysts. Thanks to its intensive mixing effect and ef cient energy intake, the Coperion STS twin screw extruder will assume a central function in this promising and relatively unexplored area. A t the K trade show (8-15 October 2025, Dussel- dorf, Germany) Coperion, together with Herbold Meckesheim, will present their entire repertoire of tech- nology for plastics recycling at Booth 9B34 in Hall 9 as well as in the Open Area in pavilion FGCE07. Ef cient conversion of plastic waste using catalysts Chemical Recycling