1. Impact of the Four Seasons on the Storage of Polyethylene Wax
Polyethylene wax is typically stored in granular, powder, or block form.
· Summer / Hot Seasons:
· Risks: Caking, Oxidation.
· Analysis: If the warehouse temperature approaches or exceeds the softening point of the polyethylene wax (typically around 100°C, but low molecular weight waxes may soften below 90°C), the wax particles will stick together and form large clumps. This is especially detrimental for powdered wax, completely ruining its ease of use. Simultaneously, high temperatures accelerate the thermal oxidation process of the wax. Although slow, long-term exposure can affect its quality, such as causing slight discoloration.
· Countermeasures: Store in a cool, ventilated warehouse, avoiding direct sunlight. Do not stack pallets too high to prevent caking of bottom packages due to pressure.
· Winter / Cold Seasons:
· Risks: Brittleness.
· Analysis: Low temperatures make the wax harder and more brittle. This has little impact on block wax, but for granular wax that requires conveying, improper handling (like rough搬运) can increase the breakage rate, producing more fines. However, this usually does not affect its final performance.
· Countermeasures: Normal storage is sufficient, paying attention to moisture proof. Before being put into use, it needs to be moved to a warm workshop in advance for "temperature acclimatization" to prevent condensation and water absorption due to temperature differences.
2. Impact of the Four Seasons on the Use of Polyethylene Wax
This is a more direct and significant impact. Changes in ambient temperature across seasons directly dictate that your production process parameters need to be adjusted accordingly.
· Summer / Hot Seasons:
· Phenomenon: High ambient temperature means production equipment (e.g., extruders, reactors) and raw materials (e.g., resins, solvents) have a higher base temperature.
· Impact on Process:
1. Lower Required Processing Temperature: To achieve the same melt viscosity, you may need to lower the set temperature of the heating system because the ambient temperature and mechanical shear heat already provide most of the energy.
2. Easier Dispersion but Guard Against Overheating: The wax melts more easily, and dispersion resistance is lower. However, be vigilant about actual temperature becoming too high due to insufficient cooling system efficiency or excessive heating power, which can cause wax degradation.
3. Higher Cooling Demand: Products coming off the production line require stronger cooling capacity to solidify to the intended state.
· Winter / Cold Seasons:
· Phenomenon: Low ambient temperature means equipment and raw materials are "cold."
· Impact on Process:
1. Higher Required Processing Temperature: This is the most common adjustment. You need to increase the set temperature of the heating system and may require longer preheating times for the wax to reach its optimal melting and dispersion state.
2. Increased Energy Consumption: More energy is required to heat to the same process temperature.
3. Guard Against Uneven Dispersion: If production starts before the temperature is fully reached, the wax cannot melt and disperse completely, leading to product quality issues like grains, poor surface gloss, and reduced abrasion resistance.
4. Pipe Insulation: Transfer pipes connecting reactors or extruders require good insulation; otherwise, the wax liquid may solidify during transportation, causing blockages.
Summary and Practical Advice
For a more intuitive understanding, refer to the table below:
Season | Environmental Characteristics | Impact on Polyethylene Wax Storage | Impact on Polyethylene Wax Use (Process) | Coping Strategies
|
Summer | High Temp, High Humidity | Prone to caking, potential long-term oxidation | Need to lower processing temp, prevent overheating degradation, enhance cooling | Cool storage, monitor actual processing temp, optimize cooling system
|
Winter | Low Temp, Dry | Wax becomes brittle, prone to generating fines | Need to raise processing temp, prevent uneven dispersion, increased energy use | Material temperature acclimatization, increase set temps, ensure full preheat, insulate pipes |
Spring/Autumn | Moderate Temperature | Ideal storage conditions | Most stable process, easy to control | Maintain standard operating procedures
|
Core Conclusion:
Seasonal changes require manufacturers using polyethylene wax to have the awareness to dynamically adjust their processes. A formula and process parameters perfected in winter, if applied directly in summer, will likely cause problems. Strictly monitoring the actual temperature during the production process, rather than relying solely on set values, is the key to ensuring that polyethylene wax performs optimally in any season.
