Mathematical modeling and predictive control of hot-melt extrusion processes

Hot melt extrusion is a process combining heat and pressure to melt a polymer and forcing it through an orifice in a continuous process.

This process is one of the most popular technology for processing plastic, rubber, and food and has more recently been applied to the healthcare industry where it is used to manufacture mix active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with polymers.

We have conducted research in the latter application area:

mathematical modeling, parameter identification from residence time distributions and screw torque evolution, and numerical simulation

Model predictive control of the API concentration

Further reading