A thermoplastic-based cleaning compound used in cleaning extruders and a method for its production.

TR202506754A3Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-22MİMA MALZEME İNOVASYON MÜHENDİSLİK ARAŞTIRMALARI SANAYİ & TİCARET LİMİTED ŞİRKETİ
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Patent Information

Application Number
TR202506754
Authority / Receiving Office
TR · TR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-05-26
Publication Date
2026-06-22
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermoplastic-based cleaning composition, harmless to the environment and human health, for use in cleaning extruders used in the production of thermoset-based electrostatic powder coatings, and a method for the production of this thermoplastic-based cleaning composition.
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Description

A device used for cleaning extruders. THERMOPLASTIC-BASED CLEANING COMPOSITION AND ITS EFFECTS A METHOD FOR ITS PRODUCTION TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to extruders used in the production of thermoset-based electrostatic powder coatings. for use in cleaning, a product that is harmless to the environment and human health. thermoplastic-based cleaning composition and this thermoplastic-based cleaner It relates to a method for producing the composition. PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Thermoset electrostatic powder coatings are known for their durability, solvent-free nature, and high performance. Due to their coating qualities, they are widely used in many industries. Extruder equipment used in paint production, different resins and pigments Because they work with formulations, the devices can be used effectively between production transitions. Cleaning is of great importance. Among the equipment found in these devices... Screw / barrel systems are available. The extruder screw and cylinder surfaces used in powder coating production are subjected to wear and tear during the process. The resins, pigments, fillers, and additives in the formulation must be subjected to high temperatures. These are the areas where there is intense contact under pressure. As a result of this contact, the processed powder Paint components partially adhere to equipment surfaces, and in some cases this It forms a thin film or layer of chips in these areas, especially on the production line. When paint formulations with multiple colors and properties are processed sequentially, the previous These residues left over from production affect the purity of the next formulation. The mixing of residues into the new formulation can lead to color tone differences and gloss degradation. surface defects (e.g., particle or point defects) and deviations in mechanical properties This opens the door. This situation not only lowers product quality, but also harms the customer. Dissatisfaction can lead to costly consequences such as returns and remanufacturing. This Therefore, before each new formulation is produced, critical components such as the extruder screw and cylinder are inspected. physical (mechanical scraping, brushing) and / or chemical (cleaning) cleaning of equipment surfaces. Thorough cleaning using solvents and surface treatment methods is essential. In current technology, solvent-based fluids used for extruder cleaning are generally methylene. substances like chloride (dichloromethane - DCM) that are harmful to human health and have negative environmental effects. It contains chemicals. Health problems have been experienced during the use of these chemicals. It is known that cases such as operator fainting have been observed. Also, these liquid solvents... It causes corrosion in production equipment and cannot be removed adequately. In these situations, it negatively affects product quality. Also, the liquid used in the relevant technique... These cleaners have a low flash point and are not heat resistant, which is a minor issue. flame or flashover (fire) hazard at temperatures such as 60-70 °C It leaves. Patent publication US6530382B2 describes a lactone solvent with a high boiling point. (specifically N-methylpyrrolidone) and a thermoplastic resin thickening agent between 5-50%. Extruder cleaning using gel spray formulations containing (preferably polystyrene). It is related to the method. Patent publication number CN103555471B describes microfiber powder for cleaning screw extruders. It involves a cleaning agent that activates and absorbs carbon deposits. Its features ensure effective cleaning. In conclusion, all the problems mentioned above necessitate an innovation in the relevant technical field. It has made it mandatory. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In electrostatic powder coating production, especially in processes working with thermoset-based resins. Resin residue accumulates on the extruder screw and barrel surfaces after production. This If residues are not cleaned up with each transition to a new formulation, color contamination can occur. This leads to surface defects and a decrease in product quality. Current cleaning methods... The liquid solvents used in these applications are generally volatile, flammable, and such as methylene chloride. They contain toxic chemicals, which threaten both operator health and production. This creates interruptions in the pipeline, the need for rinsing, and a risk of corrosion. Furthermore, these three... The fact that solvents require the extruder to be stopped during production results in a loss of time, and It leads to energy waste and negatively affects production efficiency. Accordingly, one purpose of the invention is to use thermoset-based electrostatic powder coatings in production. resin residues encountered on screw and barrel surfaces in extruder systems It can solve the problem of ineffective cleaning, is harmless to human health, and environmentally friendly. The goal is to create a cleaning composition. Another objective of the invention is to clean the extruder without stopping the production line, during the process. plasticizer and solvent properties that allow it to be produced at certain temperatures The aim is to provide a cleaning composition in granular form. Another aim of the invention is to reduce production interruptions caused by traditional liquid cleaners. such as the need for rinsing, equipment corrosion, toxic vapor release, and loss of efficiency. a sustainable and effective way to improve occupational health and safety by eliminating disadvantages It aims to provide a cleaning solution. In another aspect, the invention is suitable for use in cleaning extruders. The aim is to present a method for producing a cleaning composition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In this detailed description, the subject of the invention is the production of thermoset-based electrostatic powder coatings. a thermoplastic-based product for use in cleaning extruders This relates to cleaning composition and is solely for the purpose of better understanding the subject. This is explained with examples that will not create any limiting effects. The cleaning composition described in the invention is used in the production of thermoset electrostatic powder coatings. to effectively clean the residues that accumulate on the inner surfaces of the extruders used It has been developed as a cleaning composition that can replace harmful solvents, thus protecting the environment. It contains environmentally friendly materials and offers a cleaning method that does not harm health. Efficient cleaning of extruders improves workplace safety in production processes. It also reduces environmental impact. 4 The term "cleaning composition" used in the invention refers to a mixture of multiple components in specific ratios and conditions. It refers to a homogeneous mixture formed by mixing using various methods. The cleaning composition that is the subject of the invention contains at least one matrix and at least one reinforcing compound. It includes the component. The matrix within the cleaning composition, which is the subject of the invention, constitutes the carrier phase of the composition. It is the basic structural component that forms and holds the other components together. The matrix also determines the shaping properties of the cleaning composition and the final product. It plays a role in determining its characteristics. The cleaning composition that is the subject of this invention is intended to have thermoplastic properties. For example, in the production of thermoset-based electrostatic powder coatings, during extruder cleaning... Since the system needs to continue operating in a hot environment, the cleaning composition It is of great importance that it has thermoplastic properties. The thermoplastic structure is suitable for specific temperatures. resin residues that soften and adhere to the screw and barrel surfaces in the gaps, as well as physical and can chemically interact, allowing the cleaning process to be carried out without stopping the production line. This can be achieved. Furthermore, thermoplastic materials can be melted and reshaped. Because of their structure, they allow for the multiple use of the same cleaning granules. It offers advantages both economically and environmentally. Accordingly, the matrix that determines the final properties of the cleaning composition is thermoplastic. It is expected to have the following properties. A preferred cleaning composition in an application. It contains at least one polyolefin as its matrix. In the most preferred applications, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and / or polyolefins are used. It contains at least one component from the polyethylene group. The cleaning composition subject to the invention contains between 46% and 64% by weight. It contains a matrix of values. As previously mentioned, the cleansing composition contains at least one additive. It contains a reinforcing component. This reinforcing component increases the mechanical strength of the cleaning composition. to increase, maintain shape stability at high temperatures and 5 applied during the process Reinforcement is also necessary to prevent the structure from collapsing under shear forces. The component controls the viscoelastic behavior of the matrix, thus controlling the screw and barrel of the cleaner. It ensures effective contact with the surfaces. Thus, it facilitates the removal of residues. This makes it easier. In addition, the cleaning composition is in granular form. structural integrity in terms of durability, portability and reusability A reinforcing component is needed for its preservation. The present invention, which deals with this, contains more than one cleaning composition. It may contain supplementary ingredients. The first innovative aspect of the invention is that the cleaning composition incorporates a reinforcing component within it. It contains fiber powders obtained from hemp stalks. Hemp stalk fiber is used in the invention only. Not only because it is a natural and environmentally friendly material, but also because of its versatile technical features. It is particularly preferred due to its advantages. Hemp stalk, methylene chloride (DCM) instead of toxic and carcinogenic chemicals used in traditional paint removers It is a natural and harmless alternative that can be used. Thanks to this feature, it offers health benefits to users. It does not pose a risk and does not harm the environment. Hemp stalk, by its natural structure... The plasticizer exhibits a solvent effect. This allows it to be applied to screws and cylinders in extruders. It can effectively remove adhering thermoset powder coating residues. This feature is beneficial for extruders. It is very important in providing the necessary chemical effects for cleaning. In one preferred application, hemp stalk fiber is used in powder form as a supplement. It is used. Grinding the hemp stalk / fiber into powder significantly increases its surface area. This increases the high surface area, preventing thermoset residues from adhering to the screw / barrel system. This allows for more contact, which in turn enables the effective dissolving (cleaning) process. Hemp powder contains natural components such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, and wax. It exhibits a plasticizer / solvent effect thanks to its components. This effect is maximized. For this to be possible, these components need to make more widespread contact with the surface, and this can only be achieved if... This is possible in the form of a fine powder. In this invention, the powder has been reduced to below 300 microns. The form increases fluidity under the temperature and pressure conditions in which the extruder operates, thus the cleaning composition moves along the screw and reaches all surfaces It is becoming easier. 6 In a preferred application, the cleaning composition contains 30% to 50% by weight. It contains hemp fiber, stalks, or dust in a range of values. In a preferred application, the cleaning composition, reinforcing component, and matrix ensuring compatibility between them and maintaining the stability of these components within the product. It contains at least one harmonizing component to provide reinforcement. The harmonizing component is the reinforcement. to ensure better bonding and homogeneous distribution between the component and the matrix It functions as an additive, particularly in physical or interphase transitions between different phases. When chemical incompatibility exists, these additives affect the overall mechanical, thermal, and surface properties of the system. It plays a critical role in improving its features. The cleaning composition subject to this invention contains maleic acid as a harmonizing component. anhydride-modified polymers, epoxy-containing copolymers, reactive silanes, Resinates or titanates contain at least one of the functional resins group. In the most preferred application, the cleansing composition includes a harmonizing component. It contains sodium resinate. Sodium resinate is the sodium salt of resins and generally natural resins (e.g., pine resin) react with sodium hydroxide It is obtained by insertion. Structurally, it reduces surface tension and provides bonding. Amphipathic agents have versatile functions such as improving delivery and dispersion properties. It is a compound. Sodium resinate is an intermediate between hemp and a polyolefin-based thermoplastic matrix. It acts as a surface binder. This ensures the structure is homogeneous and robust. It contributes to preventing phase separation that may occur during the preparation of the cleaning composition. This helps prevent problems such as distension disorders. This also... The cleaning composition increases the reusability and thermal resistance of the material. In a preferred application, the cleaning composition contains 30% to 50% by weight. It contains a reinforcing component with a value between [amount]. The thermoplastic-based cleaning composition produced from hemp stalks, which is the subject of the invention, has Thanks to its natural ingredients and special production method, it offers technical, environmental and application advantages. It is a material that offers multifaceted advantages in terms of its properties. The most important aspect of this cleaning composition is... Its defining characteristic is that hemp stalks are a natural, renewable, and biodegradable resource. The hemp stalk contains 7 natural components such as cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and lignin. The components enable the cleaning composition to acquire plasticizer and solvent properties. This feature makes it particularly useful in the production of epoxy-based thermoset resins. effectively removes residues accumulating on the extruder screw and barrel surfaces. This makes removal possible. Another technique for this cleaning composition... Its unique feature is that during production, the hemp stalks are treated with NaOH in an alkaline process to separate the fibers. The surface is activated. Furthermore, the sodium resinate additive used in the invention, It acts as a binding agent between the hemp fiber and the thermoplastic matrix, thus forming the structure. Homogeneity and mechanical strength are increased. All these properties improve the cleaner. Its composition includes not only electrostatic powder coating production, but also extrusion and injection molding. This makes it applicable as an effective cleaning agent in all systems. The cleaning composition obtained in this invention is resistant up to 220 °C. This, This makes it possible to clean the extruders without stopping them. In liquid form. This is not possible with traditional cleaners, and the extruder needs to be stopped. It needs to be cooled and then cleaned with water, which incurs additional costs. is giving birth. The invention is characterized by another aspect: the production of thermoset electrostatic powder coatings. Obtaining a cleaning composition used in cleaning extruders. It presents a method for this. This cleaning composition is for industrial hemp. It is obtained from the stem and through a special pre-processing and composition process. It is produced. The method includes the following technical steps. - Sourcing and Pre-processing Hemp Stalks As the first processing step, the hemp used in the production process comes from the industrial hemp plant. It is obtained by harvesting the stalks. The hemp stalks are washed, soil, It is purified from silica and other foreign substances. Next, a drying process is applied, usually using hot air circulation. This is carried out and at the specified dryness level (moisture content of 4%). Drying processes are carried out until (below) 8 - Grinding and Grain Sizing of Hemp Stalks The dried hemp stalks are ground into powder of less than 300 microns using grinders. This particle size is adjusted to reach the narrow spaces of the extruder and maximize This is critically important for obtaining surface area. - Chemical Modification (Alkali Treatment) Hemp stalks in powdered form are reacted with at least one basic solution. This The processing step involves releasing the cellulose and hemicellulose fibers within the hemp and This increases the reactive surface area. As a result of the chemical modification process. Cannabis-OH groups are converted into the cannabis-O⁻Na⁺ form, becoming more reactive and surfactant. This process also separates the fiber bundles and the surface of the fibers. This process increases the roughness. This modifies the fiber structure, that is, its processability and This is done to increase its reactivity. The alkali is provided by sodium hydroxide. the environment in which the fibers are embedded, binding substances such as lignin and hemicellulose This causes them to break down. In this way, long fiber bundles are reduced to shorter, more surface-active fibers. They are converted into fibrils. The roughness and surface area of ​​the fibers increase. This enhances the fiber's ability to interact with the thermoplastic matrix. In a preferred application, NaOH (sodium hydroxide) is used as a basic solution. It is used. The active sites in the hemp-O⁻Na⁺ structure are located within the plastic matrix of the fibers. It ensures better dispersion and enhances the plasticizing effect. It reveals the fiber structure. It removes, increases reactive areas and directly affects cleaning efficiency. It increases. In a preferred application, hemp fibers are 5 to 8 times their total weight. It is combined with a base solution that has a value of 1 / 2. The basic solution used is... The amount of NaOH in it is between 4% and 8% of the total basic solution weight. It is located. 9 - Fiber Extraction and Drying The powder obtained after alkali treatment of hemp plants has a reactive fiber structure. It is transformed. After this process, the resulting fiber is subjected to drying processes. This drying process takes place at a temperature between 70°C and 80°C. is being carried out. - Composition Production (Granulation) The hemp fiber obtained from the previous processing steps is a preferred thermoplastic matrix. It is added to the mixture and subjected to a mixing process to ensure a homogeneous blend. is kept in place. To the resulting homogeneous mixture, the previously mentioned hemp fiber and At least one compatibilizing component is required for the formation of a chemical and physical bond between the matrix. is being added. In the aforementioned homogeneous mixture, hemp fiber constitutes between 30% and 50% by weight. It is included in the value. The aforementioned homogenous mixture contains a compensator component ranging from 4% to 6% by weight. It is located at a certain value. The aforementioned blending processes are, in a preferred practice, two-stage. The first stage... At this stage, the blending process is preferred in a hot application. This is being carried out. The mixers used for the aforementioned hot blending processes... The temperature is between 80°C and 90°C. Then, as a second stage, it is between 30°C and... The blending process continues with cold mixers that have a temperature range of 40 °C. The blending process is carried out using a hot mixer followed by a cold mixer. The main reason for carrying it out in two stages is that the components can be used effectively. to ensure dispersion and that the mixture has the appropriate temperature and physical properties for processing. The aim is to ensure their connection. Thanks to the high temperature applied in the hot mixer. Thermoplastic resin softens and becomes viscous with reinforcing agents and other additives. It mixes homogeneously; thus, the chemical and physical properties of the cleaning composition are balanced. The integrity is formed. Then, the mixture is mixed in a controlled manner during the cold mixer stage. by cooling, it has suitable fluidity for subsequent processes such as granulation and extrusion, and 10 Thermal equilibrium is ensured to be reached. This two-stage approach, the cleaner to ensure the structural stability of the composition and the continuity of the production process It is receiving. The mixture obtained after the blending processes is fed into the extruder and It is extruded. The extrusion process is carried out using an extruder with at least four heating zones. This is being carried out. In the first zone, which is double-walled and where the feed hopper is installed, the temperature is... While the cooling water from the chillers keeps the temperature at a maximum of 50°C, the second and third zones... The material is maintained at temperatures of 70-90 °C respectively. In the final zone, the material becomes molten at 90- The material is pushed to the extruder outlet at 120 °C. Granulation efficiency depends on the extruder screw diameter and Screw length values ​​are directly proportional to the screw speed. Screw speed ensures uninterrupted flow through the extruder. To ensure this, the speed is maintained at 40 to 50 revolutions per minute. At the extruder outlet... The granules exit the mold into the open atmosphere, without any calibration. It is not being implemented. A cleaning composition is obtained primarily after extrusion. The preference of the invention In one application, the molten composition obtained from the extruder outlet is primarily It undergoes a shaping (demolding) process, and then this continuous output material... It is cut and converted into granular form using a suitable system. A preferred method... In practice, this is done using methods such as cold cutting or water ring cutting. The cut The granules are then processed in a controlled manner using systems such as pellet coolers or water baths. It is brought to physical stability by cooling. Granular form extruder systems. It is a solid structure that can be fed directly into the extruder. This allows the cleaning composition to pass through the extruder. It can be used as a cleaner in hot environments without needing to be stopped. Liquid production line shutdown, system shutdown, and subsequent actions such as cleaning. No rinsing or similar processes are required. This results in both time and production efficiency. This is a significant advantage in this respect. The fact that liquid cleaners remain inside the extruder prevents further damage. It degrades product quality in production batches and also causes corrosion in metal components. Unlike liquid cleaners, this composition is in granular form and extruded. Even if it remains in the system, it does not cause any damage; on the contrary, it is a thermoplastic matrix. Its structure allows it to behave as a natural part of the system. The invention relates to the cleaning of extruders used in the production of electrostatic thermoset powder coatings. A cleaner developed for this purpose and produced from hemp stalks, with plasticizer and solvent effects. 11 It stands out with its composition. This cleansing composition is beneficial to human health. instead of highly harmful and environmentally insensitive liquid chemicals such as methylene chloride It can be used; eliminating serious problems such as toxic effects, corrosion and fire risk. It removes the cleaning composition even under the hot operating conditions of the extruder. It can be used without interrupting production, thanks to its recyclability. It offers economic sustainability and extends equipment life with its metal-friendly structure. extending the lifespan and eliminating quality problems caused by post-production residues. It removes [the harmful effects of] the plasticizing properties and alkalinity derived from the natural cellulosic structure of hemp. With its fiber structure modified in the environment, it is both environmentally friendly and industrially suitable. It creates a viable cleaning solution. In all these aspects, the invention is a technical field product. It surpasses existing solutions and offers an innovative, sustainable alternative to the sector. It is profitable. The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the claims attached hereto, and these details are strictly adhered to. The explanation cannot be limited to those given for illustrative purposes. Because a technically skilled person... the person, without deviating from the main theme of the invention, in light of what has been described above, similar It is clear that these structures can emerge.

Claims

1. The invention relates to extruders used especially in the production of thermoset powder coatings. It is a cleaning composition used for cleaning and its properties are; within, It must contain at least one matrix and at least one reinforcing component. The matrix in question must contain at least one thermoplastic-based polymer. The aforementioned supplement component is that it contains hemp stalk fiber, and strengthening the physical and chemical bond between the matrix and the reinforcing component It must contain at least one harmonizing component to ensure this.

2. A cleaning composition conforming to Claim 1, characterized by its thermoplastic base. It must contain at least one polyolefin as a polymer.

3. A cleaning composition conforming to Claim 2, whose characteristic is; the aforementioned polyolefin It contains polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene and / or polypropylene.

4. A cleaning composition that meets one of the previous requirements, and whose characteristic is: at least one matrix within its structure with a weighting between 46% and 64%. It includes.

5. A cleaning composition that meets one of the previous requirements, and whose characteristic is: containing at least one supplementary component in the range of 30% to 50% by weight. It includes.

6. A cleaning composition that conforms to one of the previous requirements, and its characteristic is; the word The harmonizing component used is sodium resinate.

7. A cleaning composition that meets one of the previous requirements, and whose characteristic is: It contains a harmonizing component in the range of 4% to 6% by weight. It includes.

8. A cleaning composition that conforms to one of the previous requirements, and whose characteristic is; solid. It is in granular form. 13 9. The invention relates, in particular, to extruders used in the production of thermoset powder coatings. a cleaning composition for the production of a cleaning compound to be used in cleaning This method is characterized by the following steps: - grinding hemp stalks into powder, - Hemp stalks in powder form subjected to alkaline treatments with at least one basic solution. holding and ensuring the extraction of hemp fibers, - the obtained hemp fibers are combined with at least one thermoplastic-based polymer. by mixing until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. - mixing by adding at least one harmonizing component to the resulting mixture. Continuing the process and obtaining a homogeneous mixture, - adding the resulting homogeneous mixture to the extruder and the extrusion processes Obtaining the cleaning composition through this process.

10. A method that complies with Claim 9, characterized by the fact that the hemp stalks are processed before grinding. This process involves washing and drying the product.

11. A method conforming to either Claim 9 or Claim 10, characterized by its grinding. the processing when the hemp stalks are less than 300 microns in size It is being carried out to that extent.

12. A method conforming to one of the claims 9-11, characterized by its basicity during the alkaline processing step. The solution being used is sodium hydroxide.

13. A method conforming to one of claims 9-12, characterized by being subjected to alkaline treatment. Hemp stalk powder by weight in solution: basic solution ratio 1:5 to 1:8 It is a value that falls within a certain range.

14. A method conforming to one of the claims 9-13, characterized by its alkaline treatment step after... The obtained hemp fibers are dried at a temperature between 70°C and 80°C. the fact that the procedures are being implemented. 14 15. A method that conforms to one of the claims 9-14, characterized by the production of a blended mixture. thermoplastic-based polymer with a value ranging from 46% to 64% by weight. It is being added.

16. A method that conforms to one of the claims 9-15, characterized by the production of a blended mixture. This means that between 30% and 50% by weight of hemp fiber is added.

17. A method that conforms to one of the claims 9-16, characterized by the production of a blended mixture. A harmonizing component is added in an amount ranging from 4% to 6% by weight. It is the fact that.

18. A method that conforms to one of the claims 9-17, characterized by the production of a blended mixture. For mixing, the mixer is first used at a temperature between 80°C and 90°C. and then with a cooling mixer at a temperature between 30 °C and 40 °C It is being implemented in stages.

19. A method according to any of claims 9-18, characterized by its ability to perform the extrusion process in the most efficient way. This is accomplished using an extruder with at least four heating zones, and this in the extruder: - the temperature of the double-walled first zone to which the feed funnel is attached, compared to the freckles Maintaining the temperature at a maximum of 50°C with the incoming cooling water. - setting the temperature of the second zone between 70 °C and 90 °C, - setting the temperature of the third zone between 70 °C and 90 °C, - In the final stage, the material is melted and heated to a temperature of 90°C to 120°C. It includes the steps of conveying the material to the extruder outlet within this range.

20. A method according to any of claims 9-19, characterized by its extrusion process. During this process, the extruder screw speed should be adjusted to between 40 and 50 revolutions per minute.