Extruder for elastomeric material

Abstract

A screw extruder of the elastomeric material type includes a feed section with a power driven feed roll in a feed box running adjacent and counter the rotation of the screw. The roll is journaled for rotation on a frame which may easily be moved to and from an operative and an open position to facilitate service or cleaning. A quick release mechanism secures and releases the feed roll in the operative position. The roll frame is mounted for easy movement on horizontally extending guide rods which may extend and be journaled for sliding movement over or under the feed section. The feed box includes an insert which is adjustable and incorporates roll end lip seals and also a separately adjustable roll face scraper or seal thereby to reduce clearances as wear occurs without disturbing the proper relationship of such seals. The roll and insert may readily be replaced so that the roll size and relationship to the screw may be changed without changing the main body of the feed section or the alignment of the extruder. The feed roll is preferably driven by a hydraulic motor driven from a variable displacement pump with a load sensing control so that the pump delivers the flow at the pressure required by the load in the feed box, thus speeding up or slowing down as required and eliminating the need for a feed box sensor while nonetheless properly and uniformly filling the feed screw.