Melt cooler and valving system for an underwater pelletizing process
US7771635B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF26B17/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A melt cooler and valving system for an underwater pelletizer has a diverter valve that facilitates multiple modes of melt processing. The cooler has a cooler inlet line that conveys the melt to the cooler, and a cooler outlet line that conveys the cooled melt from the cooler. The diverter valve is configured to convey the melt to and from the cooler during a cooling mode of operation, to convey the melt around the cooler during a bypass mode of operation, and to drain the melt from the cooler and the diverter valve during a drain mode of operation. The diverter valve is compact and therefore contains a minimum of product inventory. The valve is streamlined and direct in its bypass mode, and includes a drain capability to allow for faster, easier cleaning of the process line, which in turn provides a fast changeover time with less lost product.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.