Start purging at a low speed. When Dyna-Purge starts coming out, increase the screw speed to the maximum safe level. This increases the level of agitation and allows for the Dyna-Purge to plasticize sooner. The combination of producing more thermal heat and agitation may enhance the purging process. Remember always to work within resident resin temperature profile to minimize possible degradation of the resin.

The temperature of the feed throat coolant should be maintained at 80-120°F (27-49°C). It is best to control the feed throat temperature as close to 100°F (38°C) as possible. In humid weather, the temperature should be just warmer than the dew point to avoid condensation. Also, in some cases, keeping the screw turning at a low RPM will help to prevent bridging.

Raise the barrel temperature approximately 50°F (28°C) above the normal operating temperature, so that the pigmented resin will dissolve better in the purging compound. Always work within resident resin temperature profile to minimize possible degradation of the resin. Soaking Dyna-Purge at either the standard temperature or higher temperatures may also help. In this case, begin purging until only Dyna-Purge is exiting the machine, then allow to soak for 5 to 10 minutes before continuing to purge. Purge until machine is clean and free of contamination.

Decreasing the barrel temperature approximately 25°F (14°C) will increase the viscosity of Dyna-Purge. Raising the temperature of the nozzle 50-100°F (28-56°C) will reduce the viscosity of the resident resin. This makes it easier for the high viscosity purge to push out the low viscosity resin. Remember always to work within resident resin temperature profile to minimize possible degradation of the resin.

Running several short, high velocity shots will help to dislodge and remove contamination around the check ring.

By reducing the agitation and thermal heat, Dyna-Purge’s unique scrubbing granule will maintain its rigidity longer and travel further downstream before completely softening (does not apply to all grades – contact your representative for additional information).

This is true of Dyna-Purge, because it is a mechanical purge, needing no chemical component to do its job. Be sure to use enough material to fill the barrel, so Dyna-Purge can scrub and push through contamination, including carbon build up. Increasing the back pressure between 50% and 100% will usually improve the purging experience. As with any purging application, extra caution should be taken not to exceed any of the manufacturer’s operating requirements.

Oxidation is a primary source of degradation.  During shutdown, filling the barrel with Dyna-Purge, a thermally stable compound, will minimize this risk.

This phenomenon is due to poor solids conveying.  Solids conveying occurs when the plastic material “sticks” to the barrel and “slips” on the screw.  This is necessary for the material to be moved forward. Normally you can solve this problem by adjusting your barrel temperature profile. Try switching from the commonly used “flat” profile to a reverse temperature profile, where the barrel temperatures are higher in the rear and lower at the discharge end of the barrel.  For example, if your current profile, starting in the feed zone, is 450F, 450F, 450F, and 450F, adjust that to 500F, 480F, 460F, and 440F. Some molders believe that higher settings in the rear zones will increase their melt temperature.  Not so – the plastic is still in pellet form in the feed section of the screw; increasing the heat there will improve the coefficient of friction at the barrel wall between the pellets and barrel, and, therefore, improve the solids conveying and eliminate “windmilling.” –  Timothy Womer, TWWomer and Associates, LLC Mr. Womer has been a recognized authority in plastics technology and machinery for over 35 years and is a member of the Plastics Hall of Fame.

Short bursts of agitation at higher screw speed loosens the carbon or pigment. Subsequently slowing the screw speed down allows the purge to expand and push the loosened contamination out.