Temperature-Controlled Barrel for Melt Flow Index Testers

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Temperature-Controlled Barrel

Definition

The Temperature-Controlled Barrel is a critical component of a Polymer Melt Flow Index (MFI) Tester. It is a cylindrical chamber, typically made of high-grade steel, designed to house and melt a precise quantity of polymer granules. Its primary function is to maintain the polymer sample at a specific, uniform temperature (as per testing standards like ASTM D1238 or ISO 1133) to ensure consistent melt viscosity before the material is extruded through a standardized die under a defined load for flow rate measurement.

Constructed from materials such as stainless steel (e.g., 316L) or high-temperature alloy steel, the barrel is engineered to withstand repeated thermal cycling and abrasive polymer melts. Key dimensional parameters include an inner diameter of 9.5–12.7 mm and a length of 150–200 mm, conforming to ISO 1133. The operating temperature range spans 50–400 °C, with a temperature accuracy of ±0.2 °C and uniformity of ±0.5 °C along the barrel length and circumference. Heating power is typically 300–600 W, sufficient for rapid heating and recovery. Temperature sensing is achieved via a PT100 Class A platinum resistance thermometer (IEC 60751).

Material specifications may include hot-work tool steel X40CrMoV5-1 (DIN 1.2344) with a surface hardness of 48–52 HRC (DIN EN ISO 6508) and a surface roughness of Ra 0.2–0.4 µm (ISO 4287) to reduce melt adhesion. The barrel is designed for an operating pressure of 1.0–1.6 MPa. Insulation resistance is ≥100 MΩ at 500 V DC (IEC 60243) for electrical safety. The weight ranges from 5–10 kg depending on size and heating elements.

These values serve as directory reference ranges; actual specifications must be confirmed with the legal manufacturer or supplier for the specific model and application. Standards listed are procurement references and do not imply certification or compliance of any particular product.

Working Principle

The barrel is heated by external heating elements (e.g., band heaters) and its temperature is precisely monitored and regulated by a PID controller via a thermocouple sensor embedded in or near the barrel wall. This creates a stable, uniform thermal environment to completely melt the polymer charge without degradation, ensuring the melt's rheological properties are consistent for accurate flow index determination.

Common Materials

Stainless Steel (e.g., 316L), High-Temperature Alloy Steel

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Barrel Inner Diameter	9.5–12.7 mm	Standard sizes for melt flow index testingISO 1133
Barrel Length	150–200 mm	Determines sample volume and residence timeISO 1133
Temperature Range	50–400 °C	Covers all common thermoplasticsISO 1133
Temperature Accuracy	±0.2 °C	Critical for reproducible melt flow indexISO 1133
Temperature Uniformity	±0.5 °C	Along barrel length and circumferenceISO 1133
Heating Power	300–600 W	Sufficient for rapid heating and recovery
Temperature Sensor	PT100 Ω	Class A platinum resistance thermometerIEC 60751
Material	X40CrMoV5-1	Hot-work tool steel with high wear resistanceDIN 1.2344
Surface Hardness	48–52 HRC	Ensures durability against abrasive polymersDIN EN ISO 6508
Surface Roughness	Ra 0.2–0.4 µm	Smooth bore reduces melt adhesionISO 4287
Insulation Resistance	≥100 MΩ	At 500 V DC, ensures electrical safetyIEC 60243
Weight	5–10 kg	Depends on barrel size and heating elements

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Barrel Body / Liner Part
Forms the main cylindrical chamber that contains the polymer melt. Provides structural integrity and thermal mass.

Material: Stainless Steel
Heating Band(s)
Electrical resistance heaters wrapped around the barrel exterior to provide the necessary thermal energy.

Material: Insulated Metal Sheath with Heating Element
Thermocouple Well Part
A port or embedded channel to house the temperature sensor for accurate feedback to the controller.

Material: Stainless Steel
Thermal Insulation Jacket
Minimizes heat loss to the environment, improves temperature stability and efficiency.

Material: Ceramic Fiber or High-Temperature Insulation

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical inner diameter range for this barrel?

According to ISO 1133, the inner diameter is typically 9.5–12.7 mm. However, always confirm the exact dimension for your specific model with the manufacturer.

What temperature accuracy can be expected?

The temperature accuracy is typically ±0.2 °C, with uniformity of ±0.5 °C along the barrel. These values are reference ranges; verify with the supplier for your application.

Which materials are commonly used for the barrel?

Common materials include stainless steel (e.g., 316L) and high-temperature alloy steel. Some barrels may use hot-work tool steel like X40CrMoV5-1 (DIN 1.2344) with a hardness of 48–52 HRC.

How is the temperature controlled?

The barrel is heated by external band heaters, and a PID controller regulates temperature using a PT100 sensor. This ensures stable and uniform heating for accurate melt flow index measurements.

Data Basis

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Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	Up to 50 bar (max operating pressure)
flow rate:	0.1-10 g/10 min (MFI test range)
temperature:	Ambient to 400°C (typical polymer processing range)
slurry concentration:	Not applicable - designed for dry polymer granules only

Temperature-Controlled Barrel

Product Specifications

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards