CUSTOMER DIRECTIVE

The customer had a need for a very specific quench tank to fit into an existing polymer extrusion production line. The tank dimensions were determined by the equipment surrounding it, and available space for maintenance. As a replacement for a previous tank, the methods for directing and securing the extruded strands through the tank were examined for usefulness and found to be in need of updating and redesign. Working with the customer, Davron developed a better suited means of routing and securing the strands, while maintaining the existing dimensions and layout of the tank. This made the tank a direct-fit replacement with upgraded design and manufacturing, resulting in low downtime installation and integration, as well as improved production.

DESCRIPTION

Situated below the vertical extrusion heads, the quench tank cools and solidifies dozens of macro-synthetic fiber extrusions before they are further processed downstream. The extruder heads are in a fixed position so the entire tank raises and lowers on an integrated screw jack system to fine tune the distance from the head to the water surface. For easy maintenance the quench tank rides on rails perpendicular to the production line, and can be driven out of the process area with a mounted gear motor and drive componentry.

Inside the tank, custom turning bars were developed to maintain quench depth and duration. These bars are height adjustable for further flexibility of product development. An integral weir and filter screen was designed to maintain a perfectly smooth water surface at the point of entry for the extruded strands. At the tank exit a machined bar with over one hundred small dowel pins provides a comb-type separator and organization for the strands as they exit the tank. A second bar pivots up and applies pressure to keep the strands seated in the pin bar. The second bar is pinned in place using an array of holes, allowing the pressure applied to the strands to be adjustable. All tank component are stainless steel and fully TIG welded for complete watertight operation.

ALTERNATIVE CAPABILITIES

Davron Technologies, Inc. designs and manufactures ovens of this type to meet many unique process requirements, including but not limited to, the following:

• Airflow: NA
• Industries Served: Plastics, Concrete, Metals, Foam, Baked Goods,
• Materials Processed: Extruded plastic, foam, metal, polymers,
• Other Processes: Annealing, tempering, cooling, quenching, soaking
• Heating Systems: Electric, oil, steam