화학공학소재연구정보센터
Polymer Engineering and Science, Vol.35, No.11, 921-928, 1995
Wall Thickness Uniformity in Plastic Pipes - Computer-Simulations of the Effectiveness of Die Mandrel Offsetting and Pipe Rotation in Combating Sag
A computer simulation, based on a thermoviscous model of cooling and gravity induced flow (sag) in plastic pipe manufacture, which has previously been described in detail and validated against experimental results, is here used to investigate the effectiveness of die mandrel offsetting and pipe rotation in combatting sag. SDR11 MDPE pipes of 315, 560, 800, and 1000 mm diameter are considered. Results are examined in terms of a waste percentage, representing polymer used in excess of that corresponding to the minimum wall thickness. With a concentric mandrel, waste is predicted to be 4.3, 14.0, 17.9, and 18.7% for the four sizes, respectively. Optimum offsets and minimum waste percentages are found to be : 2 mm, 0.8%; 15 mm, 4.6%; 42 m, 9.8%; 63 mm, 12.7%, respectively. For the largest pipe this corresponds to a wall thickness variation of 19.6 mm. Simulations of rotation of the 800-mm pipe show waste falling rapidly to 5% at 1 revolution/4800s, then a slower decrease, reaching 1.6% at 1 revolution/600s. The simulation is equally applicable to all grades and sizes of pipe, and provides a valuable computer aid for the design and operation of pipe cooling lines.