Article

Hosokawa Alpine introduced a new granulate intake unit for extruders that enhances process reliability and product quality. This unit connects the dosing unit of a blown film line with the extruder's feed throat, featuring three integrated slide valves and a metal separator to minimize dust deposits.

The first slide valve, with a metal separator, empties residual granules, while the second facilitates resin drainage. The third valve, operable manually or pneumatically, helps empty the extruder screw quickly.

The unit's design eliminates the need for additional adapters, preventing contamination. Additionally, Hosokawa Alpine is developing a dedicated resin dedusting system to further improve film quality by removing dust before the granulate reaches the extruder.