Patent ID: 9032641
Filing Date: 2015-05-19
Classification: F26B

Abstract:
1. A method for processing crystallizing polymers into pellets using an apparatus including an underwater pelletizer and a dryer, said method comprising: extruding strands of a crystallizing polymer through a die plate for cutting in said underwater pelletizer; cutting the polymer strands into pellets in a cutting chamber of said pelletizer; transporting said pellets out of said cutting chamber to said dryer as a water and pellet slurry, and injecting a high velocity gas into said water and pellet slurry to generate a water vapor mist and enhance the speed of the pellets into and out of said dryer, with said pellets retaining sufficient internal heat upon exiting said dryer for crystallization of said pellets, a speed of said high velocity gas being faster for smaller pellets than for larger pellets; and storing the hot pellets in a heat retaining or heat insulating container.