The ZS-EG twin-screw degassing unit (photo) is just one of a comprehensive group of degassing solutions for compounding and extrusion processes. The company has made a number of improvements to its ZS-EG side degassing units: The screw set has been optimized; the standard models are designed for an absolute vacuum of up to 50 mbar (lower degassing pressure upon request); and the units come with a variable speed drive as standard. Compared to an open-vent dome, the twin-screw side-degassing unit offers many advantages, including: the ability to be fitted at low-cost to a combi-barrel segment of the ZSK twin-screw extruder; deliver effective degassing, even with high air or moisture content of the bulk material, at acceptable residence times, so plant throughput can be raised by 10–15%; and improve compound quality and consistency since no material can fall back into the processing unit through the vent. Hall 14, Stand B33 — Coperion GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany