In Ludovic, it is possible to run One shot Simulation (OSS). It means one data set up, one computation and the analysis of the different results for this configuration. The One Shot Simulation is usefull and reliable to get the main trends of a configuration of extrusion. But sometimes, it is necessary to have a more wide vision of the process (than one simulation)...

The Sequencer allows to draw real experience plans. It is a set of simulations used to cover a wide range of parameters based on a OSS. The Sequencer will cross the different parameters (chosen by the users) to explore all the functioning domain of the extruder, from the basis configuration.

• To Draw the functioning domain of an extruder configuration
• To test the sensitivity of a Product
• To test the sensitivity of some parameters
• To realize scale up steps
• To optimize a process Line
• To optimize the energy balance of a Line

Principle

A Sequence is based on a OSS (a configuration of a twin screw extrusion process). This OSS is the reference case from which the functioning domain will be designed by the Sequencer.

For this example, a simple Compounding Screw configuration is used.

Extruder Configuration used for the Sequence - Profile of the Screw

Parameters Changes

The Sequencer principle consits in the computation of the parameters variations. The parameters families are the following ones :

• Extruder (size, diameter...)
• Products (viscosity, thermal characteristics...)
• Process (screw rotation speed, flow rate...)
• Option (Slipping effect, Reactive extrusion...)

For this example, we decide to observe the impact of screw rotation speed and flow rate variations (see the pictures hereafter).

It is of course possible to select more than two parameters. Contact us for more information about the Sequencer

2. Definition of the Variation domain of the screw rotation Speed - The Current value of 200Rpm is the one used in the reference OSS.

1. Selection of the Parameters to be computed in the Sequence - here we select the Flow Rate and the Rotation Speed (in green).

Results Selection

Different results are computed by the Ludovic Sequencer. Among them :

• the Global Results : all information about the Global system state (energy consumption and balance, Residence Time,Torque, Power Engine...)
• the Standard Curve : all data about the thermo-mechanical behaviour of the material during the process

For this example, we choose results we think reliable to undertake the mixing efficiency of the system (see the picture hereafter).

3. Selection of the results to be displayed in the Sequencer - here we choose the results presented in the right part of the window.

Results Analysis

The different Results are presented on different kind of curves or tables. The results are displayed in different ways by the Ludovic Sequencer. Among them :

• the 3D Curves : to observe the impact of the evolution of two parameters on a third variable
• the classic graph

Hereafter, we propose two curves got by using the Ludovic Sequencer

4. Evolution of the Filling Ratio (Mean) taking into account the evolution of two other parameters : the material flow rate (red axis) and the screw rotation speed (blue axis).

5. Evolution of the Filling Ratio Mean (y axis) regarding to the screw rotation speed (x axis) - in this case, the value of the filling ratio has been fixed (20kg/h).

Criterions Selection

The Ludovic Sequencer can select values and simulations, regarding to specific criterions, fixed by the user.

As an example, we propose to select the results which present the following criterions :

• Mean Residence Time => 30s
• Maximum Temperature : <= 280°C 

The Ludovic Sequencer displays (in green for the graph, in blue for the table) the results and simulations matching to those criterions.

Hereafter, we propose two pictures coming from the Criterions Selection

6. 3D Curves of the Mean Residence Time (The green axis is the Mean Residence Time, the red axis is the Material Flow Rate and the blue axis is the screw rotation speed.)

5. Table of the Simulation Results.

Advantages of the Ludovic Sequencer

The Ludovic Sequencer allows to realize automatically a set of simulations to get the main trends of the process configuration and to select a functioning domain matching to specific criterions. In our case, we use the Sequencer to find the extrusion configurations for which :

• the product temperature will not reach the 280°C
• the Residence Time is higher than 30s

It is possible to select more criterions to get a more accurate analysis of the process configuration.

Ludovic is continuously developped by SCC in partnership with the CEMEF (MinesParis Tech) and the INRA

Sciences Computers Consultants - 8 rue de la Richelandière, Parc Giron - F-42000 Saint Etienne
Tel +33 4 77 49 75 80