Calendering Process:Introduction and Modeling

Calenders and two-roll mills as a tool for forming materials )mostly polymers( have a special role in the production lines of various industries, including rubber industry. Despite the apparent simplicity and not-so-difficult application, as will be shown in this study, the hydrodynamics behavior of the flow material through them is complex and subject to various factors. In the present study, first these type of equipments and important points of their design and operating conditions are introduced. In the following, the hydrodynamic modeling of the flow between the rolls is discussed and the Gaskell’s model is introduced as a basic model that is the basis of most other developed models. Finally, other types of models that have been developed to determine the hydrodynamic behavior of rolls along with their characteristics are introduced. These models predict the flow rate based on geometric parameters and material properties. They also determine velocity, pressure and stress profiles, and in some cases temperature in the flow between the rolls. The use of results of these models depends on the desired design and operational needs.