Abstract
A challenge in polymer processing is the removal of debris, via filtration, from the polymer melt during the extrusion process. We propose measures of filter performance and an optimization strategy to identify parameters that maximize the lifetime of the filter while maintaining product quality. We analyze the benefits of using extrusion filters with more than one layer and evaluate the feasibility of combining competing objectives into a single functional. Our optimization uses a three-dimensional simulation tool for the filtration process as a black-box; thus, gradient information is unavailable and a derivative-free method, the implicit filtering algorithm, is used. We present numerical results that verify that multi-layered filters are more effective than single-layer filters, and that favorable designs have smaller pore diameters in the bottom layer than in the top layer. In addition, the results indicate that our single functional approach is reasonable.
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Fowler, K.R., Jenkins, E.W. & LaLonde, S.M. Understanding the effects of polymer extrusion filter layering configurations using simulation-based optimization. Optim Eng 11, 339–354 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11081-009-9096-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11081-009-9096-0