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Colour measurement under pressure in the extruder

Sensor system for precise colour measurement under pressure in the extruder

During the production of solid or viscous masses such as gelatine, syrup and plastics, the mass is continuously compressed in the extruder and pressed out as a strand (extrudate).

When extruding, it is important that the material does not become too hot, as this will result in undesirable coloration (burning). Therefore, the colour is measured directly at various points in the extruder. This can be done in transmission for transparent masses such as gelatine or in reflection for opaque masses such as plastic.

The application is solved using a CFS4-T150-P200 reflex sensor or a CFS3-T150-P200 transmission sensor, which are installed directly in the extruder. The CFS4-S-E-T250 reflex sensor is also available in the M12 design. Here, the colour of the compound is measured directly on the inner wall of the extruder at up to < 200 bar pressure and < 250 °C. The measurement results are processed further for process control purposes.

The smart and precise colour sensors of the colorSENSOR series from Micro-Epsilon are characterized by their high colour accuracy and repeatability. They are intended for 100% inline monitoring, as they precisely detect even the smallest colour differences and allow for immediate intervention during operation. Up to 320 colors in 254 colour groups can be taught in. Operation is intuitive via the web-based interface. The attractive sensor system for precise colour measurement in the extruder (article number 10235604, 10235605 and 10235606) consists of the CFO200 controller and a CFS4-T150-P200, CFS3-T150-P200 or CFS4-S-E-T250 sensor. This combination impresses both by the high accuracy and the attractive price-performance ratio.

System design