Extruder, cylinder for extruder, monitoring device, monitoring method, and program

Abstract

In an extruder (10), a cylinder (100) is configured such that end surfaces of a plurality of unit blocks (101) each having a hole into which a spiral portion can be inserted are connected to each other by a connection portion (130). The extruder (10) has a closed space (133) formed by enclosing a first gasket (131) and a second gasket (132) at a connection part (130), the first gasket (131) and the second gasket (132) surrounding the hole. Furthermore, the extruder (10) is provided with: a pressure adjustment unit (160) which is a mechanism configured so as to be able to adjust the pressure of the closed space (133) when the predetermined fluid is supplied to a predetermined set pressure higher than the internal pressure of the hole when the extruder (10) is operated; the leak monitoring portion (170) has a sensor configured to detect a leak of fluid in the enclosed space (133).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an extruder, a barrel for an extruder, a monitoring device, a monitoring method, and a program. BACKGROUND

[0002] Various technologies have been disclosed for a barrel (barrel body) that constitutes an extruder.

[0003] For example, a technology is disclosed in which, in a double-screw extruder that forms a long barrel by connecting barrel units, a seal device is constituted by a hollow metal ring body, a portion of the ring body is provided with a through-hole, the ring body is communicated with a gas chamber, and the gas chamber is filled with an inert gas (Patent Document 1).

[0004] Further, a technology is disclosed in which a raw material in a pressurized state reaches a filler through a gap between a ring-shaped protrusion and a ring-shaped recess, and enters a ring-shaped groove, and presses the filler against an outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped protrusion and an inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped recess, to perform sealing by utilizing the pressure of the raw material (Patent Document 2).

[0005] LIST OF CITATIONS

[0006] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. JPH10-235712

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. JPH11-156919 SUMMARY

[0009] However, in the above-described configuration, the sealing effect can be lost due to variation in fastening force or sealing failure caused by repeated heating and cooling. In such a case, it is undesirable for the pressure inside the barrel to be higher than the atmospheric pressure, because gas generated inside the extruder leaks to the outside.

[0010] The present disclosure is achieved in order to solve such a problem, and aims to provide an extruder or the like that prevents gas inside a barrel from leaking to the outside.

[0011] An extruder according to the present disclosure has a barrel, a receiving port, a discharge port, and a screw. For the barrel, end faces of a plurality of unit blocks each having a hole into which the screw is inserted are connected to each other by a connection portion. The receiving port receives a processing object that has not been processed at one end portion of the barrel. The discharge port discharges a processed processing object downstream at the other end portion of the barrel. The screw is rotatably housed in the barrel and conveys the processing object from the receiving port to the discharge port. The extruder has a closed space that is enclosed at the connection portion by a first gasket that surrounds the hole and a second gasket that further surrounds the first gasket. Further, the extruder has a pressure adjusting portion that is a mechanism configured to be able to adjust the pressure of the closed space to a predetermined set pressure that is higher than the internal pressure of the hole when the extruder is operating, and a leakage monitoring portion that has a sensor configured to be able to detect leakage of the fluid in the closed space.

[0012] In an extruder barrel according to the present disclosure, a screw is housed by connecting a plurality of unit blocks to constitute an extruder. The extruder barrel has unit blocks, a first gasket, a second gasket, a pressure adjusting portion, and a leakage monitoring portion. Each of the unit blocks is a cylindrical member formed with a hole into which the screw is inserted. The first gasket is sandwiched between a pair of end faces that face each other at the connection portion of the connected unit blocks and surrounds the periphery of the hole. The second gasket is sandwiched between the pair of end faces and further surrounds the periphery of the first gasket, thereby forming a closed space at the periphery of the hole. The pressure adjusting portion is a mechanism configured to be able to adjust the pressure of the closed space to a predetermined set pressure that is higher than the internal pressure of the hole when the extruder is operating. The leakage monitoring portion has a sensor configured to be able to detect leakage of the fluid in the closed space.

[0013] A monitoring device according to the present disclosure is a monitoring device for an extruder barrel. The extruder barrel constitutes a barrel in which a plurality of unit blocks each formed with a hole into which a screw is inserted are connected to each other by two annular gaskets, thereby forming a closed space that surrounds the hole at the connection portion. The monitoring device has a barrel data receiving portion, a pressure setting portion, a leakage data receiving portion, and a notification portion. The barrel data receiving portion receives data related to the internal pressure at a predetermined position on the barrel of an extruder that is operating. The pressure setting portion sets the pressure of a fluid supplied to the closed space so that the pressure of the closed space is higher than the internal pressure. The leakage data receiving portion receives data related to leakage from a leakage monitoring portion configured to detect leakage of the fluid in the closed space. When leakage is detected, the notification portion notifies a user of information about the detection.

[0014] The monitoring method disclosed herein is for an extruder barrel. The barrel is configured such that multiple unit blocks, each having holes for insertion of a auger, are interconnected by two annular gaskets, thereby forming a closed space surrounding the holes at the connection point. The monitoring method includes: receiving data related to the internal pressure at a predetermined location on the barrel of an operating extruder; and setting a set pressure for the closed space such that the pressure in the closed space is higher than the internal pressure. Furthermore, the monitoring method includes: monitoring in a manner that detects leakage of fluid within the closed space; and notifying the user of the detection information when a fluid leakage is detected.

[0015] The procedure disclosed herein is a monitoring method procedure for a monitoring device used for an extruder barrel. The extruder barrel is configured such that multiple unit blocks, each having holes for insertion of a auger, are interconnected by two annular gaskets, thereby forming a closed space surrounding the holes at the connection point. The monitoring method includes: receiving data related to the internal pressure at a predetermined location on the barrel of the operating extruder; and setting the pressure of fluid supplied to the closed space such that the pressure in the closed space is higher than the internal pressure. Furthermore, the monitoring method includes: receiving leakage-related data from a leakage monitoring unit configured to detect leakage of fluid within the closed space; and notifying the user of information regarding the detection when a fluid leakage is detected.

[0016] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an extruder, an extruder barrel, a monitoring device, a monitoring method and procedure that can prevent gas from leaking out of the barrel. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the extruder according to the first embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the monitoring device according to the first embodiment;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a monitoring method performed by the monitoring device according to the first embodiment;

[0020] Figure 4 This is an overall structural diagram of the extruder according to the second embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5 This is an overall structural diagram of the extruder according to the third embodiment;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of the monitoring device according to the third embodiment;

[0023] Figure 7This is a flowchart of a monitoring method performed by the monitoring device according to the third embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 This is an overall structural diagram of the extruder;

[0025] Figure 9 It is a 3D diagram of the unit blocks; and

[0026] Figure 10 This is a partial sectional view of the barrel. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be described below through embodiments thereof. However, the invention is not limited to the following embodiments by means of the claims. Furthermore, not all components described in the embodiments are necessary to solve the problem. For clarity, the following description and drawings are partially omitted and simplified as appropriate. Note that in the drawings, the same elements are indicated by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted where necessary.

[0028] <First Implementation>

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the extruder 11 according to the first embodiment. For ease of understanding, the extruder 11 is shown below. Figure 1 The composition of the extruder 11 is schematically shown in the figure.

[0030] Note that, in order to explain the positional relationships between the components, Figure 1 The diagram shows a right-handed orthogonal coordinate system. The positive direction of the Z-axis coincides with the vertically upward direction. The XY plane coincides with the horizontal plane. Furthermore, Figure 2 In the accompanying figures, when an orthogonal coordinate system is shown, the directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in the orthogonal coordinate system are respectively perpendicular to... Figure 1 The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown in the figure have the same direction.

[0031] The main components of the extruder 11 according to this disclosure include a barrel 100, a receiving port 111, a discharge port 112, and a auger 110. In addition, the extruder 11 also includes a monitoring device 20, a drive device 120, a connecting part 130, a fluid supply part 150, a pressure regulating part 160, a leakage monitoring part 170, and a barrel data measuring part 180.

[0032] For the barrel 100, the end faces of multiple unit blocks 101 having holes into which the spiral part 110 can be inserted are connected to each other by the connecting part 130. Figure 1 The barrel 100 shown is formed by connecting unit blocks 101A and 101B to each other via a connecting part 130.

[0033] Note that in the following description, when multiple cell blocks 101 are indicated, the cell block shown by appending a letter character after the numeric symbol, such as "cell block 101A", is a single component. When collectively referred to as cell blocks, the numeric symbol is set without appending a letter character, such as "cell block 101".

[0034] The receiving port 111 is located at one end of the barrel 100. Figure 1 The unprocessed objects are received at the negative X-axis side.

[0035] The outlet 112 is at the other end of the barrel 100. Figure 1 The processed material is discharged downstream from the positive X-axis direction side. The extruder 11 discharges the processed material from the discharge port 112 and supplies it to the post-processing unit 200. The post-processing unit 200 further processes the processed material received from the discharge port 112.

[0036] The spiral section 110 is rotatably housed within the barrel 100, conveying the processed object from the receiving port 111 to the discharge port 112. Furthermore, the spiral section 110 is driven by a drive unit 120. The drive unit 120 includes a motor and a speed reducer, and rotates the spiral section 110 at a desired rotational speed.

[0037] The connecting part 130 is the part that connects unit block 101A and unit block 101B. The connecting part 130 has a first sealing gasket 131, a second sealing gasket 132 and a closed space 133.

[0038] The first sealing gasket 131 is an annular sealing gasket, fixed by surrounding the hole in which the screw portion 110 is inserted into the unit block 101. The first sealing gasket 131 is clamped between unit blocks 101A and 101B. With this configuration, the first sealing gasket 131 separates the atmosphere inside the first sealing gasket 131 from the atmosphere outside the first sealing gasket 131.

[0039] The second sealing gasket 132 is an annular sealing gasket, fixed in a manner that surrounds the first sealing gasket 131. Similar to the first sealing gasket 131, the second sealing gasket 132 is sandwiched between unit block 101A and unit block 101B. Through this configuration, the second sealing gasket 132 separates the atmosphere inside the second sealing gasket 132 from the atmosphere outside the second sealing gasket 132.

[0040] The enclosed space 133 is a space enclosed by unit block 101A, unit block 101B, first sealing gasket 131, and second sealing gasket 132. Specifically, the enclosed space 133 is the space between unit block 101A and unit block 101B, outside the first sealing gasket 131 and inside the second sealing gasket 132. The enclosed space 133 is separated from the internal space of the barrel 100 by the first sealing gasket 131. Furthermore, the enclosed space 133 is separated from the external space of the barrel 100 by the second sealing gasket 132.

[0041] The enclosed space 133 is filled with a predetermined fluid supplied from the fluid supply unit 150. The predetermined fluid is, for example, an inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon. The predetermined fluid can be any other gas or liquid, as long as it does not affect the reaction inside the barrel 100. Furthermore, the pressure of the fluid-filled enclosed space 133 is set to be higher than the internal pressure of the barrel 100 in the extruder 11 where the workpiece is processed. Therefore, in the extruder 11, when the sealing function of the first sealing gasket 131 deteriorates, the fluid filling the enclosed space 133 flows into the barrel 100.

[0042] The fluid supply unit 150 supplies compressed gas to the enclosed space 133, for example, via the pressure regulating unit 160. Alternatively, the fluid supply unit 150 pressurizes and delivers fluid stored in a tank to the enclosed space 133 via the pressure regulating unit 160. In this case, the fluid supply unit 150 may have a tank for storing fluid and a pump for pressurizing and delivering the stored fluid.

[0043] The pressure regulating unit 160 is a mechanism capable of regulating the pressure of the enclosed space 133 to a predetermined set pressure higher than the internal pressure of the orifice when the extruder 11 is running, when a predetermined fluid is supplied from the fluid supply unit 150. The pressure regulating unit 160 is, for example, a pressure regulating valve or pressure regulator. The pressure regulating unit 160 has the function of regulating the pressure of the enclosed space 133 to the predetermined set pressure.

[0044] The set pressure can be set to be approximately 0.1 MPa to 1 MPa higher than the internal pressure near the connection 130 of the barrel 100. The pressure regulating unit 160 adjusts the set pressure manually or automatically. When the pressure regulating unit 160 is configured to automatically adjust the set pressure, the pressure regulating unit 160 is connected to the monitoring device 20 so that they can communicate with each other, and the pressure regulating unit 160 receives data related to the set pressure calculated by the monitoring device 20.

[0045] The leakage monitoring unit 170 has a sensor that can detect leakage of fluid within the enclosed space 133. Fluid leakage occurs when the sealing function of the first sealing gasket 131 or the second sealing gasket 132 deteriorates.

[0046] The set pressure of the enclosed space 133 is higher than atmospheric pressure and higher than the internal pressure of the barrel 100. Therefore, when the sealing function of the first sealing gasket 131 or the second sealing gasket 132 deteriorates, the fluid retained in the enclosed space 133 will leak to the outside of the enclosed space 133. As a result, the internal pressure (set pressure) of the enclosed space 133 will at least temporarily decrease. Furthermore, in this case, after the pressure of the enclosed space 133 temporarily decreases, the pressure regulating unit 160 will pressurize and deliver fluid to the enclosed space 133 to maintain the set pressure. In this case, even if the pressure of the enclosed space 133 stabilizes, fluid leakage will continue. Moreover, in this case, the greater the fluid leakage, the greater the fluid flow rate in the enclosed space 133. Therefore, by monitoring changes in the fluid flow or pressure in the enclosed space 133, the extruder 11 can detect that the sealing function of the first sealing gasket 131 or the second sealing gasket 132 has deteriorated.

[0047] The leakage monitoring unit 170 may be, for example, a flow meter capable of detecting fluid flow within the enclosed space 133. When no leakage occurs within the enclosed space 133, the flow meter will not detect fluid flow. That is, in this case, the flow rate indicated by the flow meter is zero. On the other hand, when a leakage occurs within the enclosed space 133, the flow meter will detect fluid flow associated with the degree of leakage. That is, the larger the flow rate detected by the flow meter, the greater the amount of fluid leaking from the enclosed space 133. The leakage monitoring unit 170 may also be a pressure gauge capable of detecting pressure changes within the enclosed space 133. By providing the leakage monitoring unit 170, the extruder 11 can detect when the sealing function of the first sealing gasket 131 or the second sealing gasket 132 of the barrel 100 deteriorates. That is, the leakage monitoring unit 170 may be a flow sensor capable of detecting fluid flow caused by fluid leakage within the enclosed space. Furthermore, the leakage monitoring unit 170 may also be a pressure sensor capable of detecting changes in fluid pressure caused by fluid leakage within the enclosed space.

[0048] The leakage monitoring unit 170 is connected to the monitoring device 20 so that they can communicate with each other, and the leakage monitoring unit 170 supplies information related to fluid leakage within the enclosed space 133 to the monitoring device 20. Thus, the extruder 11 can appropriately provide the user of the monitoring device 20 with information about the monitoring of the barrel 100.

[0049] The barrel data measuring unit 180 measures barrel data. The barrel data, for example, is data related to the internal pressure of the barrel 100. In this case, the barrel data measuring unit 180 is a pressure gauge that measures the internal pressure of the barrel 100.

[0050] The barrel data measuring unit 180 is used to set the internal pressure of the enclosed space 133. That is, the user knows the internal pressure of the barrel 100 at the connection portion 130 based on the internal pressure of the barrel 100 measured by the barrel data measuring unit 180. In addition, the user sets the pressure of the enclosed space 133 to be higher than the internal pressure of the barrel 100 at the connection portion 130. That is, the barrel data measuring unit 180 measures the internal pressure of the barrel 100 so that the extruder 11 can appropriately set the set pressure of the fluid filling the enclosed space 133.

[0051] The barrel data measuring unit 180 is preferably installed near the connection portion 130. However, if the pressure distribution inside the barrel 100 is known, the installation location of the barrel data measuring unit 180 is not limited to the vicinity of the connection portion 130. For example, the barrel data measuring unit 180 can also acquire barrel data related to the internal pressure near the outlet 112.

[0052] The barrel data measuring unit 180 can be a pressure gauge that measures the internal pressure at multiple different measuring positions along the barrel extension direction. In this case, the pressure regulating unit 160 can set the fluid pressure filling the closed space 133 at a set pressure that is higher than the pressure near the closed space 133 estimated from the internal pressure measured at the multiple different measuring positions.

[0053] If the relationship between the temperature and internal pressure inside the barrel 100 is known in advance, the barrel data measuring unit 180 can be a thermometer rather than a pressure gauge. In this case, the barrel data is data related to the temperature inside the barrel 100.

[0054] Note that if the internal pressure of the barrel 100 can be measured without using the barrel data measuring unit 180, the extruder 11 may not have a barrel data measuring unit 180.

[0055] The post-processing unit 200 receives the processed material discharged from the extruder 11 and processes the received processed material. For example, the post-processing unit 200 may have the function of storing the material received from the discharge port 112 by being connected to the barrel 100 downstream of the discharge port 112. The post-processing unit 200 may also have the function of conveying the gas received from the discharge port 112 to other devices.

[0056] Next, refer to Figure 2 The monitoring device 20 will be described. Figure 2This is a block diagram of the monitoring device 20 according to the first embodiment. The monitoring device 20 is a device for monitoring gas leakage from the barrel 100 in the extruder 11. The monitoring device 20 may be, for example, a server, a personal computer, or a tablet terminal. The monitoring device 20 may also be a dedicated device that includes a computing unit, such as a central processing unit (CPU). The main components of the monitoring device 20 include a barrel data receiving unit 22, a pressure setting unit 23, a leakage data receiving unit 24, a notification unit 25, and a storage unit 29.

[0057] Note that, although not illustrated, the monitoring device 20 may have interfaces for inputting and outputting predetermined information. Information input methods in this case may include, for example, buttons, switches, or keyboards. Furthermore, information output methods in this case may include, for example, displays, speakers, or indicator lights.

[0058] The barrel data receiving unit 22 receives barrel data related to the internal pressure at a predetermined position on the barrel 100 of the operating extruder 11. The barrel data receiving unit 22 can receive barrel data via user-input operations. Furthermore, if the barrel data receiving unit 22 is connected to the barrel data measuring unit 180 so that they can communicate with each other, the barrel data receiving unit 22 can also directly receive barrel data from the barrel data measuring unit 180.

[0059] The pressure setting unit 23 calculates and sets the pressure based on the barrel data. The pressure setting unit 23 sets the fluid pressure supplied to the enclosed space 133 so that the pressure in the enclosed space 133 is higher than the internal pressure of the barrel 100. That is, the pressure setting unit 23 obtains the internal pressure of the barrel 100 from the received barrel data, and sets a value higher than the internal pressure of the barrel 100 as the internal pressure of the enclosed space 133 using a predetermined algorithm.

[0060] Furthermore, the pressure setting unit 23 controls the pressure regulating unit 160 to bring the enclosed space 133 to a set pressure. That is, the pressure setting unit 23 controls the adjustment of the regulating valve of the pressure regulating unit 160 based on the calculated set pressure.

[0061] Note that the pressure setting unit 23 can display to the user the pressure adjusted or the set pressure via the pressure regulating unit 160. In this case, the pressure setting unit 23 displays a pressure value that allows the user to manually adjust the pressure regulating unit 160.

[0062] The pressure setting unit 23 can set a set pressure based on data related to internal pressure at multiple time points within a predetermined period. More specifically, the pressure setting unit 23 can calculate the maximum value of the data related to internal pressure at multiple time points within the predetermined period and set the value higher than the maximum value by a predetermined value as the pressure of the enclosed space 133. The pressure setting unit 23 can also calculate the moving average value of the data related to internal pressure at multiple time points within the predetermined period and set the value higher than the calculated moving average value by a predetermined value as the pressure of the enclosed space 133. With this configuration, the extruder 11 can calculate the pressure of the enclosed space 133 more appropriately. In this case, the extruder 11 can dynamically set the pressure of the enclosed space 133. Therefore, for example, when the post-processing unit 200 intermittently or dynamically discharges internal gas, the extruder 11 can set a set pressure corresponding to the pressure of the post-processing unit 200.

[0063] Furthermore, if the barrel data measuring unit 180 is a pressure gauge that measures internal pressure at multiple different measuring positions along the direction extending from the barrel 100, the pressure setting unit 23 calculates the pressure of the enclosed space 133 based on the internal pressure measured at the multiple different measuring positions. In this case, the pressure setting unit 23 estimates the internal pressure near the connection 130 based on the internal pressure at the multiple different measuring positions, and sets the pressure higher than the estimated internal pressure as the pressure of the enclosed space 133.

[0064] The leakage data receiving unit 24 receives leakage-related data from the leakage monitoring unit 170, which detects leakage of fluid within the enclosed space 133. The leakage-related data indicates leakage of the fluid sealed within the enclosed space 133. The leakage-related data also indicates data related to the fluid flow within the enclosed space 133. The leakage-related data can indicate pressure changes within the enclosed space 133.

[0065] The notification unit 25 determines whether a fluid leak has occurred within the enclosed space 133 based on leakage-related data. Furthermore, when a fluid leak is detected, the notification unit 25 notifies the user that a fluid leak has been detected (detection information). The means of notifying the user of the detection information can be, for example, the means described above for outputting information. Alternatively, the means of notifying the user of the detection information can be a communication means. In this case, the notification unit 25 notifies the user of the detection information via a communication terminal.

[0066] Storage unit 29 includes non-volatile memory, such as flash memory. Storage unit 29 stores programs for implementing the functions according to this disclosure.

[0067] The monitoring device 20 has been described above. With the above configuration, the monitoring device 20 can prevent gas inside the barrel 100 from leaking outwards.

[0068] Next, refer to Figure 3The method performed by the monitoring device 20 is described. Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a monitoring method performed by the monitoring device 20 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 The monitoring method is a monitoring method for an extruder barrel, which is configured such that multiple unit blocks, each having holes for insertion of a auger, are interconnected by two annular sealing gaskets, thereby forming a closed space surrounding the holes at the connection.

[0069] First, the barrel data receiving unit 22 of the monitoring device 20 receives data (barrel data) related to the internal pressure at a predetermined position on the barrel 100 of the operating extruder 11 (step S11). The barrel data receiving unit 22 supplies the received barrel data to the pressure setting unit 23.

[0070] Next, the pressure setting unit 23 sets the pressure of the closed space 133 so that the pressure of the closed space 133 is higher than the internal pressure (step S12). When the pressure setting unit 23 sets the pressure of the closed space 133, the pressure regulating unit 160 regulates the pressure of the fluid supplied from the fluid supply unit 150.

[0071] Next, the leakage data receiving unit 24 begins to monitor the leakage of fluid within the enclosed space 133 (step S13).

[0072] Next, the notification unit 25 determines whether a fluid leak has been detected (step S14). If the notification unit 25 determines that no fluid leak has been detected (step S14: No), the notification unit 25 repeats step S14. If the notification unit 25 determines that a fluid leak has been detected (step S14: Yes), the notification unit 25 notifies the user of information related to the fluid leak (step S15). When the notification unit 25 notifies the user of information related to the fluid leak, the monitoring device 20 ends a series of processes.

[0073] Although the first embodiment has been described above, the construction of the extruder 11 according to the first embodiment is not limited to the above-described construction. For example, the extruder 11 may have a heater for heating the barrel 100.

[0074] The barrel data received by the barrel data receiving unit 22 can be a predicted value calculated through simulation. In this case, the predicted value can be calculated, for example, by inputting the type and temperature of the gas generated inside the extruder 11.

[0075] The fluid filling the enclosed space 133 is preferably nitrogen. However, the fluid can be an inert gas, such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, or argon. Alternatively, the fluid can be a liquid, such as oil. The leak monitoring unit 170 can monitor the pressure difference at multiple, mutually separated locations within the enclosed space 133.

[0076] As described above, according to this embodiment, an extruder, an extruder barrel, a monitoring device, a monitoring method, and a procedure for preventing gas leakage from the barrel can be provided.

[0077] <Second Implementation>

[0078] Figure 4 This is an overall structural diagram of the extruder 12 according to the second embodiment. Figure 4 The extruder 12 shown has unit blocks 101A to 101D as unit blocks 101 constituting the barrel 100. Due to this configuration, the extruder 12 has three connecting portions 130. Furthermore, the enclosed spaces 133 of the three connecting portions 130 of the extruder 12 are interconnected by relay portions 134. That is, the unit block 101 has enclosed spaces 133 extending across multiple connecting portions 130.

[0079] With the above configuration, the pressure regulating unit 160 supplies fluid to the enclosed space 133 extending across the three connecting parts 130. In addition, the leakage monitoring unit 170 detects fluid leakage within the enclosed space 133 extending across the three connecting parts 130.

[0080] With the above configuration, the extruder 12 can detect the deterioration of the sealing function of the first sealing gasket 131 and the second sealing gasket 132 within the enclosed space 133 extending across multiple unit blocks 101.

[0081] As described above, according to this embodiment, an extruder, an extruder barrel, a monitoring device, a monitoring method, and a procedure for preventing gas leakage inside the barrel can be provided.

[0082] <Third Implementation Method>

[0083] The third implementation method will now be described. Figure 5 This is an overall structural diagram of the extruder 13 according to the third embodiment. The extruder 13 has unit blocks 101A to 101D as unit blocks 101 constituting the barrel 100. Due to this structure, the extruder 13 has connecting portions 130A, 130B, and 130C.

[0084] Connecting portion 130A is located between unit block 101A and unit block 101B. Connecting portion 130B is located between unit block 101B and unit block 101C. Connecting portion 130C is located between unit block 101C and unit block 101D. Furthermore, connecting portion 130A has an enclosed space 133A. Connecting portion 130B has an enclosed space 133B. Connecting portion 130C has an enclosed space 133C. Enclosed spaces 133A, 133B, and 133C are independent spaces.

[0085] Enclosed space 133A is connected to pressure regulating unit 160A and leakage monitoring unit 170A. Similarly, enclosed space 133B is connected to pressure regulating unit 160B and leakage monitoring unit 170B. Enclosed space 133C is connected to pressure regulating unit 160C and leakage monitoring unit 170C. Fluid supply unit 150 supplies fluid to each of pressure regulating units 160A, 160B, and 160C.

[0086] In the monitoring device 20B according to this embodiment, pressure regulating units 160A, 160B, and 160C are interconnected, allowing them to be controlled independently. Furthermore, the monitoring device 20B receives leakage-related data from each of the leakage monitoring units 170A, 170B, and 170C. Specifically, the monitoring device 20B receives leakage-related data from leakage monitoring unit 170A concerning leakage in the enclosed space 133A, from leakage monitoring unit 170B concerning leakage in the enclosed space 133B, and from leakage monitoring unit 170C concerning leakage in the enclosed space 133C.

[0087] That is, the barrel 100 of the extruder 13 has a closed space 133 in each of a plurality of connecting portions 130 provided in the direction extending along the barrel 100. In addition, each of the plurality of closed spaces 133 has a pressure regulating portion 160 and a leakage monitoring portion 170.

[0088] Furthermore, the monitoring device 20B according to this embodiment is connected to the barrel data measuring unit 180, so that they can communicate with each other, and the monitoring device 20B directly acquires barrel data from the barrel data measuring unit 180. The monitoring device 20B according to this embodiment is also connected to the fluid supply unit 150, so that they can communicate with each other. With this configuration, the monitoring device 20B can control the operation of the fluid supply unit 150.

[0089] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of the monitoring device 20B according to the third embodiment. The difference between the monitoring device 20B and the monitoring device 20 is that it has a fluid control unit 21 and a status management unit 26.

[0090] The fluid control unit 21 controls the fluid supply unit 150. Thus, for example, the fluid supply unit 150 can start supplying fluid after the extruder 13 is started and running.

[0091] According to this embodiment, the pressure setting unit 23 can independently set the pressure of the multiple pressure regulating units 160.

[0092] The status management unit 26 manages the status of each of the multiple leak monitoring units 170. Specifically, the status management unit 26 can, for example, identify enclosed spaces 133 in which a pressure drop is detected, within the enclosed spaces 133 of the multiple connection units 130. More specifically, the status management unit 26 can receive leak-related data with accompanying identifiers from the leak monitoring units 170. Alternatively, the status management unit 26 may have separate interfaces for receiving leak-related data from leak monitoring units 170A, 170B, and 170C.

[0093] When one of the multiple leak monitoring units 170 detects a fluid leak, the notification unit 25 sends a notification to the user, allowing the user to identify the leaking connection 130. This facilitates the maintenance of the extruder 13's sealing function. Furthermore, the extruder 13 can provide users using the monitoring device 20B with monitoring data of the barrel 100 in a unified manner.

[0094] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a monitoring method performed by the monitoring device 20B according to the third embodiment.

[0095] First, the barrel data receiving unit 22 of the monitoring device 20B receives barrel data related to the internal pressure at a predetermined position on the barrel 100 of the operating extruder 11 from the barrel data measuring unit 180 (step S21). The barrel data receiving unit 22 supplies the received barrel data to the pressure setting unit 23.

[0096] Next, the pressure setting unit 23 sets the pressure of the enclosed spaces 133A, 133B, and 133C, such that the pressure of the enclosed space 133 is higher than the internal pressure near its corresponding connection 130 (step S22). After the pressure setting unit 23 sets the pressure, the fluid control unit 21 causes the fluid supply unit 150 to start supplying fluid. In addition, the pressure regulating unit 160 regulates the pressure of the enclosed space 133.

[0097] Next, the leakage data receiving unit 24 begins to monitor the leakage of fluid in each of the enclosed spaces 133 (step S23).

[0098] Next, the notification unit 25 determines whether a fluid leak has been detected (step S24). If the notification unit 25 determines that no fluid leak has been detected (step S24: No), the notification unit 25 repeats step S24. If the notification unit 25 determines that a fluid leak has been detected (step S24: Yes), the notification unit 25 notifies the user of information related to the connection where the fluid leak was detected (step S25). Note that the notification unit 25 also notifies the user of information related to the connection 130 where the fluid leak has occurred as information related to the fluid leak. After the notification unit 25 notifies the user of information related to the connection where the fluid leak was detected, the monitoring device 20 ends a series of processes.

[0099] The third embodiment has been described above. According to this embodiment, an extruder, an extruder barrel, a monitoring device, a monitoring method, and a procedure can be provided that prevent gas leakage inside the barrel and facilitate maintenance of the barrel's sealing function.

[0100] (The structure of an extruder)

[0101] The following describes one aspect of the extruder to which this disclosure can be applied. Figure 8 This is an overall structural diagram of the extruder 10. For ease of understanding, the extruder 10 is shown below. Figure 8 A portion of the extruder 10 is shown in cross-sectional view. The extruder 10 is a device for chemical recycling and reuse of waste plastics through depolymerization. The main components of the extruder 10 include a barrel 100, a auger 110, a receiving port 111, a discharge port 112, a motor 121, a reducer 122, a temperature control unit 190, and a storage unit 210.

[0102] The barrel 100 is formed by connecting multiple unit blocks 101 along the direction in which the barrel 100 extends. The barrel 100 is formed from unit blocks 101A to unit blocks 101H. A receiving port 111 is provided on the upstream side of the barrel 100. A raw material feeder 300 is shown above the receiving port 111. The raw material feeder 300 supplies raw material M10 to the receiving port 111 in a predetermined amount.

[0103] The barrel 100 houses a helical section 110. The helical section 110 is driven to rotate by a motor 121 and a reducer 122. The helical section 110 conveys the raw material M10 received from the receiving port 111 downstream. Note that the helical section 110 generally has helical grooves. However, the helical section 110 may have irregular shapes, etc., in the region that promotes depolymerization, for mixing the raw material M10 and applying shear force.

[0104] A temperature control unit 190 is arranged near the barrel 100. The temperature control unit 190 is a heater that heats the barrel 100 from its outer periphery. While conveying the raw material M10 downstream, the extruder 10 depolymerizes the raw material M10 by heating and agitating it. A discharge port 112 is located on the downstream side of the barrel 100. The discharge port 112 is connected to the storage section 210.

[0105] Various types of substances generated during depolymerization, such as gases, liquids, and slurry residues, are supplied from outlet 112 to storage unit 210. By opening exhaust valve 211, storage unit 210 supplies gas to recovery unit 230 via pipeline 220. Recovery unit 230 liquefies the recovered gas using a condenser or similar device. Liquids and residues accumulated in storage unit 210 are periodically recovered.

[0106] With the above-described structure, the extruder 10 appropriately thermally decomposes or depolymerizes the raw material M10, which is to be processed. The extruder 10 discharges the gas, liquid, and residue generated during depolymerization to the storage section 210. In this process, the internal pressure of the barrel 100 is higher than atmospheric pressure. The unit blocks 101 constituting the barrel 100 are sealed by gaskets. However, with long-term use of the extruder 10, the fixed components between the unit blocks 101 may experience metal fatigue due to repeated heating and cooling. In addition, the sealing function of the gaskets may deteriorate or be lost due to the above-described effects. Therefore, by adopting the above-described structure for the extruder 10, the barrel 100 of the extruder 10 can prevent the gas generated inside the barrel 100 from leaking to the outside of the barrel 100.

[0107] (Construction of cell blocks)

[0108] The next step is to explain the unit blocks. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of unit block 101. Unit block 101 is a cylindrical block with a hole 102 extending parallel to the X-axis. Figure 9 The hole in the shown unit block 101 has the shape of two columns partially overlapping each other because the unit block 101 constitutes the barrel 100 of the twin-helix extruder. The unit block 101 has a flange 108 orthogonal to the hole 102 at the location where it connects with other adjacent unit blocks 101.

[0109] The flange portion 108 is provided with a plurality of holes 106 for inserting a fixing component. In addition, the flange portion 108 has a recess 103, a fluid inlet 104, and a fluid supply port 105. The recess 103 is a space for forming a closed space 133, in which a first sealing gasket 131 and a second sealing gasket 132 are installed.

[0110] Fluid inlet 104 is an opening through a hole in flange portion 108. Fluid supply port 105 is another opening connected to the hole in fluid inlet 104 and is provided in recess 103. Fluid inlet 104 is an inlet for receiving fluid supplied from pressure regulating unit 160. Fluid supply port 105 is an opening for filling closed space 133 with fluid supplied from pressure regulating unit 160.

[0111] (Construction of enclosed spaces)

[0112] Next, refer to Figure 10 The enclosed space formed at the connection point will be explained. Figure 10 This is a partial sectional view of the barrel. Figure 10 The diagram shows a connection portion 130A that connects unit block 101A and unit block 101B to each other. The other connection portions have the same structure as the connection portion 130A.

[0113] In the connecting part 130A, adjacent unit blocks 101A and 101B are connected to each other through flanges. Unit blocks 101A and 101B are fixed by a plurality of bolts and nuts, which serve as connecting parts 107.

[0114] A first sealing gasket 131 and a second sealing gasket 132 are sandwiched between unit blocks 101A and 101B. The first sealing gasket 131 is sandwiched between a pair of opposing end faces at the connecting portion 130 of the connected unit blocks 101 to surround the periphery of the hole 102. The second sealing gasket 132 is sandwiched between the pair of end faces to further surround the periphery of the first sealing gasket 131, thereby forming a closed space 133 around the hole 102. That is, the space enclosed by the first sealing gasket 131 and the second sealing gasket 132 is the closed space 133. The closed space 133 is connected to the fluid inlet 104 through the fluid supply port 105.

[0115] Note that the first sealing gasket 131 and the second sealing gasket 132 are, for example, hollow metal O-rings. Alternatively, the first sealing gasket 131 and the second sealing gasket 132 can be perforated O-rings. The first sealing gasket 131 and the second sealing gasket 132 can be sealing components other than hollow metal O-rings.

[0116] With this configuration, the enclosed space 133 is filled with fluid through the fluid inlet 104. The fluid-filled enclosed space 133 is separated from the orifice 102 by a first sealing gasket 131. Furthermore, the enclosed space 133 is separated from the outside of the unit block 101 by a second sealing gasket 132.

[0117] As described above, in the barrel 100, multiple unit blocks 101 with holes 102 for insertion of the helical portion 110 are interconnected by a first sealing gasket 131 and a second sealing gasket 132, which are two annular sealing gaskets. With this configuration, the barrel 100 forms a closed space 133 surrounding the hole 102 at the connection portion 130. In this case, if the sealing function of the first sealing gasket 131 deteriorates, fluid flows from the closed space 133 into the hole 102. Furthermore, if the sealing function of the second sealing gasket 132 deteriorates, fluid flows from the closed space 133 to the outside of the barrel 100.

[0118] The structure of the connection part 130 has been described above. Note that, although not shown, the leakage monitoring part 170 and the pressure regulating part 160 may be configured to contact the fluid inlet 104. Furthermore, the leakage monitoring part 170 may be provided inside the unit block 101A along the hole in the enclosed space 133 constituting the unit block 101A.

[0119] Through the above construction, the barrel 100 prevents internal gas from leaking out. Furthermore, the barrel 100 allows the user to easily monitor the deterioration of the sealing function of the gaskets constituting the barrel. Additionally, the barrel 100 is designed for easy maintenance of the gaskets constituting the barrel.

[0120] Note that the program performing the above monitoring method has instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium. By way of example, and not limitation, a computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other types of storage technology, optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc (registered trademark) or other types of optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other types of magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted on a transient computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example, and not limitation, a transient computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic or other forms of propagated signals.

[0121] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The structure and details of the present invention can be modified in various ways within the scope of the present invention, and such modifications will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the extruder and barrel according to the present disclosure are not limited to twin-helix extruders and barrels. The extruder and barrel according to the present disclosure may also be single-helix extruders and barrels.

[0122] This application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application 2023-137865, filed on August 28, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0123] Industrial application

[0124] This disclosure can be applied, for example, to an extruder that simultaneously mixes and extrudes the received raw material, and then discharges it.

[0125] List of reference numerals

[0126] 10 Extruder

[0127] 11 Extruder

[0128] 12 Extruder

[0129] 13 Extruder

[0130] 20 Monitoring devices

[0131] 21 Fluid Control Department

[0132] 22. Data receiving unit for barrel

[0133] 23 Pressure Setting Section

[0134] 24 Leaked Data Receiving Department

[0135] 25 Notification Department

[0136] 26 Status Management Department

[0137] 29 Storage Department

[0138] 100 barrel

[0139] 101-cell block

[0140] 102 holes

[0141] 103 concavity

[0142] 104 Fluid inlet

[0143] 105 Fluid supply port

[0144] 106 Connecting holes

[0145] 107 Connecting components

[0146] 108 Flange section

[0147] 110 Spiral section

[0148] 111 Receiver Port

[0149] 112 Discharge Outlet

[0150] 120 drive unit

[0151] 121 motor

[0152] 122 speed reducer

[0153] 130 Connecting part

[0154] 131 First sealing gasket

[0155] 132 Second sealing gasket

[0156] 133 Enclosed Space

[0157] 134 Relay Unit

[0158] 150 Fluid Supply Department

[0159] 160 Pressure Regulation Section

[0160] 170 Leakage Monitoring Department

[0161] 180 Barrel Data Measurement Department

[0162] 190 Temperature Control Unit

[0163] Post-processing Department 200

[0164] 210 Storage Department

[0165] 211 Exhaust valve

[0166] 220 pipe

[0167] 230 Recycling Unit

[0168] 300 Raw Material Feeder

[0169] M10 raw materials

[0170] M11 Processing Object

Claims

1. An extruder, which has the following features: The end faces of multiple unit blocks, each having holes for insertion of a helical part, are connected to each other by a connecting part. A receiving port configured to receive unprocessed objects at one end of the barrel; A discharge port configured to discharge the processed object downstream at the other end of the barrel; A spiral section, rotatably housed within the barrel, is configured to convey the processed object from the receiving port to the discharging port. The extruder has the following features: A closed space is formed at the connection by a first sealing gasket surrounding the hole and a second sealing gasket further surrounding the first sealing gasket. A pressure regulating unit, wherein the pressure regulating unit is a mechanism configured to regulate the pressure of the enclosed space when a predetermined fluid is supplied to a predetermined set pressure higher than the internal pressure of the orifice during extruder operation; and A leakage monitoring unit having a sensor configured to detect leakage of fluid within the enclosed space.

2. The extruder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extruder also includes a barrel data measuring unit configured to acquire barrel data related to the internal pressure at a predetermined position on the barrel, wherein the pressure regulating unit is capable of adjusting the set pressure to a pressure higher than the internal pressure based on the barrel data received when the extruder is running.

3. The extruder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The extruder also has: A fluid supply unit configured to supply fluid to the enclosed space via the pressure regulating unit; as well as The pressure setting unit is configured to calculate the set pressure based on the barrel data and control the pressure regulating unit so that the pressure in the enclosed space reaches the set pressure.

4. The extruder according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure regulating unit has a regulating valve configured to regulate the pressure of the enclosed space, and the pressure setting unit controls the regulation of the regulating valve based on the set pressure.

5. The extruder according to claim 4, characterized in that, The extruder also has a reservoir connected to the barrel on the downstream side of the outlet, the reservoir being configured to discharge gas received from the outlet to the outside, wherein the barrel or the reservoir has a barrel data measuring unit configured to acquire barrel data related to the internal pressure near the outlet.

6. The extruder according to claim 5, characterized in that, The barrel data measurement unit is a pressure gauge configured to measure the internal pressure, and the pressure setting unit receives data related to the internal pressure measured by the pressure gauge and sets the set pressure based on the data related to the internal pressure at multiple time points within a predetermined period.

7. The extruder according to claim 5, characterized in that, The barrel data measuring unit is a pressure gauge configured to measure the internal pressure at multiple different measuring positions along the extension direction of the barrel. Furthermore, the pressure setting unit controls the pressure regulating unit by setting a pressure based on the pressure near the enclosed space, which is estimated based on the internal pressure measured at the plurality of different measurement locations.

8. The extruder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extruder also has a notification unit configured to notify the user that a leak of the fluid has been detected when the leak monitoring unit detects a leak of the fluid.

9. The extruder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The barrel has a closed space at each of the plurality of connecting parts arranged along the direction of extension of the barrel, and each of the plurality of closed spaces has a pressure regulating part and a leakage monitoring part.

10. The extruder according to claim 9, characterized in that, The extruder also has: A status management unit, configured to manage the status of each of the plurality of leakage monitoring units; and The notification unit is configured to send a notification to a user when one of the plurality of leakage monitoring units detects a leak in the fluid, enabling the user to identify the connection where the fluid leak has been detected.

11. The extruder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leakage monitoring unit has a flow sensor configured to detect fluid flow caused by leakage of the fluid within the enclosed space.

12. The extruder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leakage monitoring unit has a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure changes in the fluid caused by leakage of the fluid within the enclosed space.

13. The extruder according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The extruder also has a temperature control unit configured to heat the periphery of the barrel, wherein the receiving port receives a processing object containing a predetermined plastic, the auger conveys the thermally decomposed processing object, and the discharge port discharges various substances generated by the thermal decomposition downstream.

14. An extruder barrel, comprising multiple interconnected unit blocks, wherein a helical section is housed within the barrel to form an extruder, the barrel having: The unit block, each unit block being a cylindrical component having a hole for inserting a spiral portion; A first sealing gasket is held between a pair of opposing end faces at the connection of the connected unit blocks and surrounds the periphery of the hole. The second sealing gasket is clamped between the pair of end faces and further surrounds the periphery of the first sealing gasket, thereby forming a closed space around the hole. A pressure regulating unit, which is a mechanism configured to regulate the pressure of the enclosed space to a predetermined set pressure higher than the internal pressure of the orifice when the extruder is running; as well as A leakage monitoring unit having a sensor configured to detect leakage of fluid within the enclosed space.

15. A monitoring device for an extruder barrel, the barrel being such that a plurality of unit blocks, each having holes for insertion of a auger, are interconnected by two annular gaskets, thereby forming a closed space surrounding the holes at the connection points, the monitoring device comprising: A barrel data receiving unit is configured to receive data related to the internal pressure at a predetermined position on the barrel of an operating extruder; A pressure setting unit is configured to set the pressure of the fluid supplied to the enclosed space such that the pressure in the enclosed space is higher than the internal pressure. A leakage data receiving unit configured to receive leakage-related data from a leakage monitoring unit configured to detect leakage of the fluid within the enclosed space; as well as The notification unit is configured to notify the user of information about the detection when a leak of the fluid is detected.

16. A method for monitoring an extruder barrel, the barrel being such that multiple unit blocks, each having holes for insertion of a auger, are interconnected by two annular gaskets, thereby forming a closed space surrounding the holes at the connection point, the method comprising: Receive data relating to the internal pressure at a predetermined location on the barrel of an operating extruder; Fluid is supplied to the enclosed space, causing the pressure in the enclosed space to be higher than the internal pressure; Monitoring is performed in a manner that can detect fluid leakage within the enclosed space; as well as When a leak of the fluid is detected, the user is notified of the detection information.

17. A monitoring method procedure executed by a monitoring device for an extruder barrel, wherein, Multiple unit blocks, each having holes for insertion of the spiral section, are interconnected by two annular sealing gaskets, thereby forming a closed space surrounding the holes at the connection point. The monitoring method includes: Receive data relating to the internal pressure at a predetermined location on the barrel of an operating extruder; The pressure of the fluid supplied to the enclosed space is set such that the pressure in the enclosed space is higher than the internal pressure; Data related to the leak is received from a leak monitoring unit configured to detect leaks of the fluid within the enclosed space; When a leak of the fluid is detected, the user is notified of the detection information.

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