20100046317 | WORM EXTRUDER COMPRISING A COOLING DEVICE IN THE FEED ZONE - A worm extruder and/or an extruder for processing plastic materials and mixtures of plastic materials includes a worm cylinder and a worm shaft which is drivable for rotation therein, wherein an end region of the worm cylinder comprises an inlet opening for feeding plastic material or mixtures of several plastic materials and/or additives in the form of a bulk material via a feed throat. At least one cooling device is provided in a section of the worm cylinder adjoining the inlet opening. An active heat barrier is provided in the region of the feed throat and includes electrically controllable means for heat dissipation. This increases the efficiency of the cooling process, reduces the operating costs and increases the operational reliability of the worm extruder. | 02-25-2010 |