FLUID DISTRIBUTOR FOR USE IN EXTRUDING FOAMED POLYMERIC MATERIALS

• US 3,724,976 A
• Filed: 12/01/1970
• Issued: 04/03/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 12/01/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: ARCO Chemical Technology, Inc. (Lyondellbasell Industries NV)
• Original Assignee: Rode D. John
• Inventors: Rode, D. John
• Primary Examiner(s): Overholser, J. Spencer
• Assistant Examiner(s): Safran, David S.
• Application Number:
  US05/094,000
• Time in Patent Office: 854 Days
• Field of Search: 18/14A,14S,14H,14R,14G,12TT,1FZ,8QM 264/48,95,237,348 239/505,515,521 425/4,72,378,404,467,DIG.817
• US Class Current: 425/72.1
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 44/507 extruding the compound through an annular die in general B29C48/03
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/10 flexible, e.g. blown foils
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/9115 of hollow articles

Abstract

A distributor for directing a fluid onto the inside surface of a tubular extrudate of foamed polymeric material as the extrudate emerges from an annular die orifice of a conventional extruder to form a skin of unfoamed polymeric material thereon comprises a first member that is adjacent to and in coaxial alignment with the annular die orifice and a second member that is adjustably connected to the first member for axial movement therealong. Portions of the first and second members define an opening through which the fluid passes onto the inside surface of the tubular extrudate. Means for introducing the fluid from a source of supply to the opening is provided. The opening has impeding means disposed therein to create a fluid back pressure whereby an even pressure and an even flow of fluid is directed against the inside surface of the tubular extrudate.

Claims

1. In an apparatus for forming tubular extrudate of foamed polymeric material having a skin of unfoamed polymeric material on the inside surface, the combination comprising:

a. a die defining an annular orifice from which an extrudate emerges; and

b. a fluid distributor for directing a fluid onto the inside surface of the extrudate comprising;

1. first and second members, coaxially spaced apart and defining a frusto-conical opening through which said fluid passes and said members being adjustably connected to each other for axial movement in respect to each other to change the width of said opening;

2. means for introducing said fluid into said opening; and

3. impeding means in said opening for creating a back pressure on said fluid;

said first member comprising;

a. a first body portion secured to the die in axial alignment with and adjacent said annular orifice and having an external frusto-conical surface starting at a diameter that is substantially equal to the diameter of said die orifice and terminating at a smaller diameter; and

b. a sleeve portion integral with said first body portion that extends axially away from said first body portion at the smaller diameter of said frusto-conical surface; and

said second member comprising;

a. a second body portion having an internal frusto-conical surface matching the frusto-conical surface of said first body portion; and

b. a collar mounting said second member to said sleeve portion of said first member.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said sleeve has an axial bore extending therethrough and a plurality of apertures extending through the wall of said sleeve near the first body portion of said first member so that the bore of said sleeve communicates with said opening.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein a first axial bore extends completely through said sleeve portion and into said first body portion of said first member, and at least one second bore, substantially perpendicular to said first bore, passing through said first body portion and intersecting said first bore so that said first bore communicates with said frusto-conical opening.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said sleeve has external threads and said collar has internal threads so that said members may be coaxially adjusted in respect of each other to alter the width of said frusto-conical opening.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein the fluid distributor comprises a. one member comprising: