Flow Visualization of Intermeshing and Separated Counter-Rotating Rotor Internal Mixer

Abstract

Abstract A flow visualization investigation of material motions and compounding in an internal mixer with intermeshing rotors is described. Rotors based on the design of R. T. Cooke of Francis Shaw and Company are used. Compared with separated rotor designs developed by F. H. Banbury, the distinctive feature is the passage of the rubber and compounding ingredients through the calendering gap between the rotors during mixing. The intermeshing rotors were found to rapidly circulate the materials from rotor to rotor around the mixing chamber and to more rapidly incorporate carbon black and oil relative to double-flighted separated rotors.