Citris scans for wear in extruder barrels

Citris GL Control’s new extruder barrel-wear measurement technology precisely records the internal geometry of barrels and quantifies the differences between new and worn geometries. Using an optical measuring head, in combination with a feed system, it systematically scans the internal geometry along the entire length of the barrel, measuring its circumference, roundness and diameter. The system also can take measurements when the extruder is dismantled, such as during maintenance. The measuring system generates a complete 3D image of the internal contour with up to 50 million data points, and the information can be exported as either a .csv or an .stl file. Using the associated software, deviations from the reference state can be visualized — for example, wear can be displayed compared to the target state of the extruder barrel, or local breakouts can be displayed. 

What’s new? The technology, which is available for U.S. companies. 

Benefits Full 360-degree surface measurements, which can serve as the basis for repair decisions, replacement cycles and condition classification during extruder maintenance. With the Citris, users can quickly identify and address issues that could lead to such problems as leakage, improper homogenization and wasted energy. The technologies can analyze over 3,600 measurement points per measurement cut to spot extruder wear with high accuracy and reproducibility. This allows localized wear inside the extruder to be detected at any depth. All these capabilities allow for increased plant availability and transparency, as well as reduced unplanned downtime. 

GL Control GmbH, Bad Kreuznach, Germany, 49-671-88768-310, www.gl-control.de/extruder