KraussMaffei Extrusion has introduced the ZE Petrochemical (ZE-PC) series, a line of co-rotating twin-screw extruders developed for raw polymer production in the petrochemical industry. The new platform marks the company’s entry into this market segment and builds on its BluePower technology, targeting energy efficiency, processing capacity and product quality. Initial configurations span screw diameters from 260 to 330 mm, with scalability potentially up to 400 mm for large-volume polymer processes. "Petrochemicals is one of the fastest-growing markets worldwide," explains Ralf Benack, CEO KraussMaffei Extrusion GmbH. "Our many years of experience with large-scale single-screw extruders – especially in the diameter range from 400 to 800 mm – and the successful ZE BluePower series have laid the foundation for us to now also enter the raw polymer production market with our own twin-screw solution." The series features a variable-speed drive for flexible, process-optimized operation and is positioned for demanding degassing tasks and high-output melt handling.
Design and performance
The ZE-PC extruder combines an unusually high Da/Di ratio of 1.65 with torque density up to 16 Nm/cm³. This pairing of large free volume and high torque is aimed at processing stability and throughput in polymerization downstream and pelletizing steps. The variable-speed drive allows operators to adapt screw speed to material requirements and process targets.
More output, less energy: With a Da/Di of 1.65 and high torque density, the new ZE-PC series from KraussMaffei Extrusion offers lower melt temperatures, higher throughputs, and better product quality while consuming less energy.
Process benefits and quality outcomes
According to KraussMaffei Extrusion, the combination of large free volume and high torque enables lower screw speeds, which reduces the risk of thermal degradation. Reduced melt temperatures support higher throughput and a wider process window at lower energy input. The larger diameter ratio also enhances degassing efficiency. In practice, this translates into improved product quality, particularly with respect to viscosity stability and color values. "All in all, our customers benefit from more sustainable production while reducing operating costs (OPEX)," says Dr. Thomas Unger, Vice President Technologies at KraussMaffei Extrusion.
Applications and manufacturing
The ZE-PC series targets demanding raw polymer production, with a focus on degassing processes in melt-to-pellet operations. It is also designed for powder-to-pellet applications with optional degassing, and is suitable for large-scale industrial chemical or solvent-based recycling processes. Production of the ZE-PC line takes place at the new Laatzen, Germany site, where state-of-the-art manufacturing technology is coupled with development and system expertise in cooperation with international teams.
Market rollout and trade fair presence
The first deliveries are underway, with three ZE-PC 330 machines shipping to a leading petrochemical group in China. The company will present the ZE-PC series at K 2025 in Düsseldorf, offering insights into technology, applications and customer benefits through live presentations, animations and discussions with experts from sales and process engineering.
KraussMaffei at K 2025
Hall 15, Booth C24
