We discuss steam events at every Steele stiff extrusion seminar, to emphasize the potential danger of steam and pressure. A buildup of compacted or dry material in the barrel and/or die increases operating temperature, which creates steam and builds pressure with no escape.
Pressure builds suddenly and where the pressurized region occurs is unpredictable. Volatiles in your raw material can result in an explosive event under the same heat conditions.
This video shows what can happen during a steam event.
Steam events happen fast
Steam events can cause serious injuries, equipment damage, downtime and a change in your EMR. Here’s what can happen:
- Extruder hinged door swings open violently
- Rapid shear pin failure results in pin fragments
- Die holder studs fail, resulting in release of die assembly
- Core pin failure results in projectile fragments
- Failure of other die assembly components
Protect your people and productivity
This presentation gives you an overview on preventing steam events, plus safety tips on dealing with dry, hard material in the die.
Quarterly Seminars
The best way to learn about steam events is to join us in Statesville, NC for one of our quarterly extrusion seminars. Check our blog and news regularly for upcoming 2018 seminars and events.