DE102006041874A1 - Device for continuous modification of polymers in fluid condition by electron radiation, comprises device component for transforming the polymers into fluid condition, radiation screen for electron irradiation and cooling mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for continuous modification of polymers in fluid condition by electron radiation, comprises a device component for transforming the polymers into fluid condition, a radiation screen (2) for electron irradiation, and cooling mechanisms. An irradiation mechanism for electron radiation (6), inlet- and discharge lines (4) and shaping device (5) are present in the radiation screen. The device component is an extrusion or an interior mixer or synthesis reactor and is arranged exterior to the radiation screen. The device for continuous modification of polymers in fluid condition by electron radiation, comprises a device component for transforming the polymers into fluid condition, a radiation screen (2) for electron irradiation, and cooling mechanisms. An irradiation mechanism for electron radiation (6), inlet- and discharge lines (4) and shaping device (5) are present in the radiation screen. The device component is an extrusion or interior mixer or synthesis reactor and is arranged exterior to the radiation screen. The radiation screen is composed of a material from elements with high atomic number, such as iron, lead, tungsten, or from concrete. The fluid polymers are present freely floating within the irradiation region after the shaping device. An irradiation device is arranged above, below and/or laterally to the irradiation region. Discharge and cooling devices are present within the radiation screen in which a radiation window is present above, below or adjacent to the irradiation region. Rollers are available as discharge and cooling devices. The devices for granulating, rolling, separation and/or transportation are present within or outside the radiation screen. Pipings are present for the transportation of the liquid polymers. The inlet- and discharge lines are heatable. A gear pump (3) is arranged after the device component for transformation of the polymers into the fluid condition. The arrangement of the openings in the radiation screen for the inlet- and discharge lines disallow a direct optical view of the irradiation region. The irradiation mechanism is an irradiation chamber within which the modification of the fluid polymers takes place. The irradiation chamber contains transportation and/or mixing devices and produces a melt profile of the fluid polymers in the irradiation chamber. The irradiation chamber exhibits a rectangular cross section and the fluid polymers within the irradiation region exhibit a foil-like form. The radiation screen with the inlet- and discharge lines is integrated into the continuous production process for polymers.

Description

The The invention relates to the fields of polymer chemistry and the Polymer processing and relates to a device for continuous Modification of polymers in the flowable state by means of electron radiation, the before, while and processable after the modification into moldings or semi-finished products are.

The Electron irradiation is one today both on a laboratory scale also in industrial application very powerful method for the structural and property modification of polymers and plastics [IAEA-TECDOC-1386: Emerging Applications of Radiation Processing. Proceedings of a Technical Meeting Held in Vienna, April 28-30 2003; A. Heger: Technology of the radiation chemistry of polymers. Hanser, Munich, Vienna 1990; M. Dole: The Radiation Chemistry of Macromolecules. Academic Press, Inc., New York, 1972]. The polymeric materials to be modified are present while, while and after electron irradiation in the solid state.

Laboratory studies have since shown that the electron irradiation of the polymers in the flowable state, ie in the melt and thus at elevated temperatures, can lead to novel modification effects [T. Sakai: Radiation and Physics and Chemistry 57 (2000) 367-371; A. Oshima et. al .: IRaP2004-6 ^th , International Symposium on Ionizing Radiation and Polymers. September 25-30, 2004, Houffalize, Belgium; G. Wu et. al .: Journal of Polymer Science: Part A: Polymer Chemistry, Vol. 37, 1541-1548 (1999); G. Takashika et. al .: Radiation Physics and Chemistry 55 (1999) 399-408; U. Lappan et. al .: Nuclear Instuments and Methods in Physics Research B: 185 (2001) 178-183, M. Stephan et. al .: MODEST2004, ^3rd Internation Conference o Polymer Modification, Degradation and Stabilization, August / September 2004, Lyon, France; M. Stephan et. al .: 11th International Conference on Polymeric Materials 2004, 29.09.-01.10.2004, Halle / Saale, Germany 4-10].

Special irradiation vessels were built for the laboratory realization of such melt irradiation [ DE 199 30 742 A1 ; DE 101 51 823 A1 ], with which a discontinuous procedure is possible. That is, the melting of the polymers takes place before and separately from the electron irradiation. In this case, after the complete melting of the polymer sample, it is irradiated within an irradiation vessel by the latter being transported once or several times under the electron beam until the desired irradiation dose has been reached. Subsequently, the electron accelerator is turned off and the now re-solidified polymer sample can be removed from the irradiation vessel. For the industrial realization of a melt irradiation, this discontinuous procedure is unsuitable.

Furthermore, in JP 53143796 a method for the continuous sheathing of electrical cables with cross-linked polyethylene has been described. Thereafter, a metallic conductor is passed as a core of a capstan down and wrapped by a polyethylene melt produced in an extruder. From there, the sheathed conductor is led down in a separate container in which electron irradiation is carried out under a nitrogen atmosphere. Due to the process control and device arrangement, the polyethylene sheath of the metallic conductor is no longer in a flowable state at the time of electron irradiation. Also, a transfer of this technology to other applications and manufacturing processes is not possible.

in the US 4,525,257 a method for producing long-chain branched LLDPE is given by means of ionizing radiation, wherein the irradiation of the LLDPE also takes place as a polymer melt in the extruder or during the extrusion. The disadvantage is that devices for realizing this procedure are not specified.

From the EP 0 490 854 B1 For example, there is known a method for producing cross-linked polyethylene by irradiation with ultraviolet light and an irradiation apparatus therefor. The irradiation device consists of an extruder with a shaping means and a cover within which a UV lamp is located. The hot, not yet solidified polyethylene melt is passed on a conveyor belt inside the cover under the UV lamp and thereby crosslinked. This device is unsuitable in particular for radiation protection reasons for irradiation with accelerated electrons.

The The object of the invention is to provide a device for continuous modification of polymers in the flowable state by electron beam, in which the combination of melt production and modification is carried out in a continuous process and leads to improved properties of the polymers.

The The object is achieved by the invention specified in the claims. advantageous Embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The inventive device for the continuous modification of polymers in the flowable state by electron radiation consists of a device component for transferring the polymers in the flowable state, a radiation shield for an electron beam and cooling devices, and below Further processing or further processing devices available could be, wherein within the radiation shield at least one irradiation device for electron radiation as well as inlets and outlets are present, which is a continuous Transport of flowable polymers at least through the radiation shield into the area the radiation and at least within the radiation shield remaining fluid and modified or solid transformed and modified polymers Realize in the field of radiation, in the case the production of solid transformed and modified polymers at least one shaping device within the radiation shield is present within the radiation shield and the flowable polymers free after the shaping device in the field of irradiation floating in the room.

advantageously, is the device component for transferring the polymers to the flowable state an extruder or an internal mixer or a synthesis reactor.

Farther Advantageously, the device component for transferring the Polymers in the flowable state outside the radiation shield arranged.

Also Advantageously, the radiation shield is made of a material made of elements with a high atomic number, such as iron, lead, tungsten, or concrete.

Advantageous it is also when an irradiation device above and / or arranged below and / or laterally of the irradiation area is.

And it is also advantageous if, within the radiation shield a beam window over, under or next to the irradiation area.

Farther It is advantageous if extraction and cooling devices within the Radiation shield are present.

Also It is advantageous if rolls exist as withdrawal and cooling devices are.

From It is also an advantage if inside or outside the radiation shield Devices for granulating, winding, separating and / or further transporting available.

Farther it is advantageous if for the transport of flowable polymers piping available.

Also It is advantageous if the supply and discharge lines are heated.

It is also advantageous if after the device component for transferring the Polymers in the flowable state a gear pump is arranged.

Advantageous It is also when the arrangement of the openings in the radiation shield for the and discharges no direct optical view of the irradiation area allowed.

Farther It is advantageous if the irradiation device in the case of at least within the radiation shield remaining flowable and modified polymers have an irradiation chamber with a radiation window within the radiation shield is within the modification the flowable polymers takes place, wherein still advantageously the irradiation chamber transport- and / or mixing means and / or the irradiation chamber due to its geometric dimensions, a melt profile of the flowable polymers generated in the irradiation chamber, which advantageously one has rectangular cross-section and the flowable polymers in the field of Irradiation a foil-like Have shape.

Also It is advantageous if the radiation shield with the supply and Derivatives in the continuous production process for polymers is integrated.

With the solution according to the invention are the known technologies of processing and processing of polymers combined with the electron beam technology, being the subprocesses "Generation of the flowable state "and" electron irradiation the polymers "according to the invention to a continuous direct process are brought together in a device.

The advantage of this solution according to the invention is in particular that it eliminates the hitherto customary spatio-temporal separation of the processing and processing of polymers associated with high costs from the electron irradiation. A further advantage is that leading to extraordinary material properties melt irradiation without an additional Aufschmelzpro zess in the electron beam, as is required in the process of the prior art.

With the solution according to the invention are only the absolutely necessary device components within the complex Radiation shield for positioned an electron beam and so the process of manufacture modified polymers are not interrupted, but only apart drawn. For example, you can the device components for the transfer of the polymers in the molten state and processing and further processing devices without problem outside the Radiation shield are arranged. But then are accordingly complex Inlet and outlet for a still flowable polymer melt required, which are guided by the radiation shield have to, without losing their function. Furthermore, in case of pulling apart the process also the transport of the polymers in the flowable and / or be secured solid state. These are advantageously gear pumps can be used, for example, the flowable polymers from an extruder Press to the irradiation area through the supply lines and / or the still flowable modified Polymers also from the irradiation area to the outside Press the radiation shield for further processing.

One particular advantage of the solution according to the invention is that in Case of modification of polymers after shaping the irradiation is carried out in the irradiation area while the still flowable reshaped Polymers after the deformation tool and up to another Float tool freely in space. Thus, the irradiation can be done evenly and a separation of the modified polymers from a carrier unnecessary.

Also is the irradiation of the flowable polymers possible from different spatial directions, depending on where and how many irradiation facilities within the radiation shield available. These are in particular polymers in larger thicknesses sufficiently uniformly modifiable or it may also modify only in desired regions of the polymers will be realized.

With the device according to the invention are modified polymers as finished products or as semi-finished products produced. Is it the polymer modification to the Generation of a high beam cross-linking needs the shaping of the melt mandatory for the finished product before irradiation, since at Such crosslinking of the polymers is a subsequent shaping not possible anymore is. The electron irradiation gives modification effects without molecular crosslinking or only branching or low partial crosslinking, can the shaping of the melt even after irradiation respectively. In the case of the production of semi-finished products is a modification the polymer reaches the irradiation, which is a subsequent End formation or further processing possible. Usually are used as semi-finished products from the modified polymers obtained with the device according to the invention can be produced Granules produced, which are then processed.

The to uncrosslinked, branched or only partially crosslinked modification products leading irradiations can take place in a special irradiation chamber in the electron beam, in the pouring Polymer melt by means of rotating screw elements different Defines geometries axially transported and additionally preferably radially mixed and homogenized.

The to uncrosslinked, branched or only partially crosslinked modification products leading irradiations can also in a special irradiation chamber in the electron beam take place, in which the flowing Polymer melt as a defined melt profile the radiation field flows through.

following The invention is explained in more detail in several embodiments.

there demonstrate

1 the continuous production and electron irradiation process of melt films,

2 the continuous production and electron irradiation process of melt filaments,

3 the continuous production and electron irradiation process of melt tubes,

4 the continuous production and electron irradiation process of granules with mixing during the irradiation,

5 the continuous production and electron beam irradiation process of granules,

Example 1 (see 1 )

Granules or powders of thermoplastics are used in a single-screw extruder ( 1 ) and outside a local radiation shield ( 2 ), which was directly integrated into a conventional production process for flat film production, in übli cher way melted. Through the rotating extruder screw, the polymer melt within the single-screw extruder downstream of the inlet opening of a gear-type melt pump ( 3 ). This geared-melt pump builds up the required melt pressure, which is required for transporting the hot polymer melt through into the local radiation shield (FIG. 2 ) integrated heated melt line ( 4 ) to the slot nozzle of a conventional flat film forming tool ( 5 ) within the local radiation shield ( 2 ) is required. This gear pump ( 3 ) also guarantees a constant melt throughput. The flowing thermoplastic melt is then in the flat film die in the forming tool ( 5 ) is profiled to a 0.3 mm thick melt film, which immediately after its exit from the die gap in the still molten state with accelerated electrons from an electron accelerator ( 6 ) is irradiated. The electron energy is a maximum of 300 keV and the radiation dose up to 150 kGy. The now melt-crosslinked polyethylene film is then removed from the rolls of a flat film roll mill ( 7 ) and defined cooled. The then solidified polyethylene film is replaced by the local radiation shield ( 2 ) led out of the irradiation room and wound there in a conventional manner ( 8th ).

Example 2 (see 2 )

One from a synthesis reactor ( 1 ) exiting polymer melt is to the inlet opening of a heated gear pump ( 2 ). This gear pump ( 2 ) builds up the required melt pressure, which is necessary for transporting the hot polymer melt through into the local radiation shield ( 3 ) integrated melt line ( 4 ) until entry into a conventional thread-spinning tool ( 5 ) is required. Another gear pump, which is usually integrated in thread-spinning tools, detects the incoming polymer melt and generates the pressure and throughput constancy required for thread spinning processes. The polymer melt is then injected within a spinneret in the thread-spinning tool ( 5 ) are profiled into melt filaments, which immediately after their exit from the nozzle holes in the still molten state from two sides with accelerated electrons ( 6 ) are irradiated. The electron energy amounts to a maximum of 1 MeV and the radiation dose up to 500 kGy. The thus melt-modified spun threads are then removed from the rolls of a conventional godet take-off ( 7 ) outside the irradiation zone, stretched, cooled and placed on a bobbin ( 8th ) wound up. The thread take-off shaft ( 9 ) is partially in the local radiation shield ( 3 ) integrated.

Example 3 (see 3 )

Polymer granules suitable for the production of plastic pipes are used in a single-screw extruder ( 1 ) melted in the usual way. Due to the rotating screw, the polymer melt inside the single-screw extruder is downstream of the inlet opening of a geared-melt pump ( 2 ). This geared-melt pump builds up the required melt pressure, which is required for transporting the hot polymer melt through into the radiation shield (FIG. 3 ) integrated heated melt line ( 4 ) to a tube forming tool ( 5 ) within the radiation shield ( 3 ) is required. The polymer melt is then placed in the annular die of the tube forming tool ( 5 ) is formed into a tube which, immediately after emerging from the annular nozzle slot in the still molten state from two sides with accelerated electrons ( 7 ) is irradiated. The electron energy is up to 10 MeV and the radiation dose up to 150 kGy. The melt-modified plastic pipe is then calibrated and cooled in the usual way ( 8th ). The then solidified plastic tube is then through the radiation shield ( 3 ) Out of the irradiation room out and wound up there, for example, to ring coils.

Example 4 (see 4 )

Granules or powders of different standard, construction and high-performance polymers (eg PP, PA, PET, PBT, PSU, PPS, PI, PEEK) are used in single or twin-screw extruders ( 1 ) melted in the usual way. By means of the rotating screws, first of all a polymer melt is produced, if necessary additives are mixed into it and then, within the extruder, downstream of the inlet opening of a geared-melt pump ( 2 ). This gear pump ( 2 ) builds up the required melt pressure which is required for the transport of the polymer melt through the radiation shield ( 3 ) integrated heated melt line ( 4 ) to the inlet opening of an irradiation chamber ( 5 ) is required. The irradiation chamber ( 5 ) is inside the radiation shield ( 3 ). In the irradiation chamber ( 5 ), the polymer melt is depressurized by means of sealing-combing, self-cleaning screw shafts of different screw element geometries, ie at fill levels below 100%, through the irradiation chamber ( 5 ). The polymer melt passes through the beam window ( 6 ) over its entire length, passing through it with accelerated electrons ( 7 ) from the electron accelerator ( 8th ) up to a certain total irradiation dose. The electron energy is up to 10 MeV. The rotating and close-meshed, self-cleaning extruder Screws force a plug flow, ie a narrow axial residence time distribution and an effective mixing / homogenization of different radiation-activated. Melt volumes in the polymer melt. The in the beam window ( 6 ) absorbed beam energy can be used for additive melt heating. The radiation-modified polymer melt radiated in this way is applied at the end of the irradiation chamber ( 5 ) of another geared-melt pump ( 9 ). This builds up the required melt pressure, which is required for the transport of the now radiation-modified polymer melt through a into the radiation shield ( 3 ) integrated heated melt line ( 4 ) to the stranding tool ( 10 ) outside the irradiation chamber ( 5 ) is required. In the following underwater granulator (UWG) ( 11 ) is carried out in the usual way, the granulation of the polymer strands. The granules flowing in the UWG granulation water are cooled and subsequently dewatered, dried, sieved and packed in the usual way and can subsequently be processed into plastic precast parts by the known methods.

Example 5 (see 5 )

Granules or powders of thermoplastics are used in a single or twin-screw extruder ( 1 ) melted in the usual way. By means of the rotating screws, first of all a polymer melt is produced, if necessary, additives are mixed into these and these are then mixed within the extruder downstream of the inlet opening of a geared-melt pump ( 2 ). The gear-type melt pump ( 2 ) builds up the required melt pressure which is required for the transport of the polymer melt through the radiation shield ( 3 ) integrated heated melt line ( 4 ) to the inlet opening of an irradiation chamber ( 5 ) is required. The irradiation chamber ( 5 ) is located within the radiation shield ( 3 ). In the irradiation chamber ( 5 ), the polymer melt is converted into a channel with a rectangular profile into a defined melt geometry. This flowing profiled polymer melt then passes through the jet window ( 6 ) in the irradiation chamber ( 5 ) and is there with accelerated electrons ( 7 ) from the electron accelerator ( 8th ) irradiated. The electron energy is up to 10 MeV. In this case, the form-fitting flowing profiled polymer melt is radiation-modified. The in the ray windows ( 6 ) absorbed beam energy can be effectively used for additive melt heating. The radiation-modified polymer melt is at the end of the irradiation chamber ( 5 ) and a further gear-melt pump ( 9 ). This builds up the required melt pressure which, for the transport of the polymer melt through another into the radiation shield ( 3 ) integrated heated melt line ( 4 ) to a profiling tool ( 10 ) outside the irradiation chamber ( 5 ) is required. In the following knife roller granulator ( 11 ), the granulation of the plastic strand takes place. The dehydrated in the granules in the usual way, dried, sieved and packed and can now be processed with the known methods to plastic precast.

Example 6

A radiation-crosslinkable, but still uncrosslinked rubber compound produced on an internal mixer is melted on a conventional single-screw rubber press. The mixture usually consists of 100 parts by weight (phr) of rubbery polymers, 0 to 90 parts by weight of fillers, 0 to 50 parts by weight of plasticizer, 0 to 10 parts by weight of processing aid, 0 to 2 parts by weight of anti-aging agent and the usual levels of crosslinking chemicals (eg peroxide or sulfur, vulcanization aids such as zinc oxide and stearic acid [see, for example: W. Hofmann, Rubber Technology Handbook, Hanser Publishers, Munich, Vienna, New York, 1989]. preferably from 2 to 3 polymers), are conventional types (see, for example: W. Hofmann, Rubber Technology Handbook, Hanser Publishers, Munich, Vienna, New York, 1989] such as NBRs, H-NBRs, EPDMs, fluororubbers, NR, BR, SBR types, etc. The fillers are usually carbon black, filled silica in combination with silanizer ungeschemikalien (z. A tetrasulfane such as Si 69) or newer fillers such as unmodified or modified layered silicates. The rubber compound is a ready-mixed mixture, in addition to the radiation crosslinking still a conventional chemical crosslinking can be made. In this case, the melting and vulcanization temperature as well as the amount of crosslinking chemicals are matched to the application achievable with the respective radiation dose networking. The flowable rubber compound is then transported by a gear pump through a heated feed line for the melt integrated in the radiation shield to a profile forming tool within the radiation shield. The flowable rubber mixture is then formed in the profile die of a forming tool to a lip sealing profile (with the usual dimensions, for example, width 8 mm to 20 mm and height 7 mm to 50 mm), which immediately after exiting the profile nozzle slot in still flowable state is irradiated with accelerated electrons. The electron energy is 10 MeV and the radiation Do sis 500 kGy. The now radiation-crosslinked lip sealing profile is guided out of the irradiation space by the radiation shield and deposited or wound there in the usual way. The direct electron irradiation of the still flowable rubber compound leads to denser and more homogeneous network structures compared to solid-state irradiation and thus to a higher strength combined with a longer shelf life.

Example 7

A Radiation crosslinkable on an internal mixer, but still uncrosslinked rubber compound is melted on a conventional single-screw rubber press. The mixture usually exists from 100 parts by weight (phr) of rubbery polymers, 0 to 90 parts by weight fillers, 0 to 50 parts by weight of plasticizer, 0 to 10 parts by weight of processing aid, 0 to 2 parts by weight of anti-aging agent and the usual proportions of crosslinking chemicals (eg peroxide or sulfur, conventional accelerators like MBTS; Vulcanization aids such as zinc oxide and stearic acid [see z. B .: W. Hofmann, Rubber Technology Handbook, Hanser Publishers, Munich, Vienna, New York, 1989]. In the rubber polymers, the alone or in the form of blends (preferably from 2 to 3 polymers) are used, they are common types (see for example: W. Hofmann, Rubber Technology Handbook, Hanser Publishers, Munich, Vienna, New York, 1989] such as NBRs, H-NBRs, EPDMs, fluororubbers, NR, BR, SBR types etc. For the fillers they are usually around blacks (carbon black), filled silica (Silica) in combination with silanization chemicals (eg a tetrasulfane like Si 69), or newer fillers like unmodified or modified phyllosilicates. The now flowable rubber compound will follow from a gear pump through the integrated into the radiation shield heated supply line for the Melt down to a profile forming tool within the radiation shield transported. The flowable rubber compound will follow in the profile nozzle a shaping tool is formed into a hose or sealing profile, which immediately after the exit from the profile nozzle slot and in the still flowable state directly one after the other with different accelerated electrons is irradiated. The electron energy of the first irradiation is 10 MeV and the radiation dose 500 kGy. and generates as much as possible homogeneous basic networking over the entire profile cross section. The electron energy of oneself immediately subsequent second irradiation is 200 keV and generates an extra Networking exclusively in the pre-crosslinked profile surface. The gradient-linked in this way Hose or sealing profiles are protected by the radiation shield led out of the irradiation room and there in the usual Wrapped up or filed. The sequential gradient crosslinking in the flowable state the rubber compound leads to a significantly improved mechanical, especially tribological Behavior.

Example 8

According to example 1 melt-crosslinked polyethylene films are immediately after their Melt irradiation in the still warm state of heated rolls recorded, subtracted, tempered and axially stretched. Chilled rolls finally for the Film strengthening. The then solidified and crosslinked polyethylene film is due to a local radiation shield from the irradiation room led out and there in usual Wrapped up way. By the immediate succession combination of crosslinking and axial stretching at elevated temperatures are discussed in produced a single process step various polyethylene shrink films.

Example 9

According to example 1 melt-crosslinked polyethylene films are used immediately after Melt irradiation while still warm from a tenter recorded and withdrawn per se known type, tempered in this and biaxially stretched, the latter being performed both simultaneously and sequentially can. The thus crosslinked and stretched polyethylene film becomes peeled off from the tenter by a local radiation shield led out of the irradiation room and there in the usual Wrapped up way. Due to the immediate succession of combination of Melt cross-linking and biaxial stretching at elevated temperatures are discussed in a single process step various polyethylene shrink films generated.

1

Device component for transferring the polymers in the flowable

Status

2

radiation shielding

3

gear pump

4

To- and derivatives

5

shaping tool

6

irradiation device for electron radiation

7

Weiterbehandlungs- or processing devices

8th

Weiterbehandlungs- or processing devices

9

Yarn withdrawal bay

10

shaping tool

11

granulator

Claims (18)

Apparatus for the continuous modification of Polymers in the flowable state by electron radiation consisting of a device component to transfer the Polymers in the flowable state, a radiation shield for an electron beam and cooling devices, and below Further processing or further processing devices that exist can, wherein within the radiation shield at least one irradiation device for electron radiation as well as inlets and outlets are present, which is a continuous Transport of flowable polymers at least through the radiation shield into the area the radiation and at least within the radiation shield remaining fluid and modified or solid transformed and modified polymers Realize in the field of radiation, in the case the production of solid transformed and modified polymers at least one shaping device within the radiation shield is present within the radiation shield and the flowable polymers free after the shaping device in the field of irradiation floating in the room. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device component to transfer the Polymers in the flowable state an extruder or an internal mixer or a synthesis reactor. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device component to transfer the Polymers in the flowable state outside the radiation shield is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the radiation shield made of a material of high atomic number elements, such as iron, Lead, tungsten, or concrete. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an irradiation device above and / or below and / or laterally of the irradiation area is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein inside the radiation shield a beam window above, below or next to the irradiation area located. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the trigger and cooling devices are present within the radiation shield. Device according to Claim 1, in which and cooling devices Rollers are available. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein within or outside the radiation shield granulating, winding, Disconnect and / or further transport are available. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which for transportation the flowable polymers Pipelines are available. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inlet and Derivatives are heatable. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the device component for transferring the polymers in the flowable state a gear pump is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement the openings in the radiation shield for the inlets and outlets no direct optical view of the irradiation area allowed. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation device in the case of at least within the radiation shield remaining flowable and modified polymers have an irradiation chamber with a radiation window within the radiation shield is within the modification the flowable polymers he follows. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the irradiation chamber Transport and / or Includes mixing devices. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the irradiation chamber due to its geometric dimensions, a melt profile of the flowable polymers generated in the irradiation chamber. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the irradiation chamber has a rectangular cross section and the flowable polymers have a film-like shape in the field of irradiation. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the radiation shield is connected to the inlets and outlets integrated into the continuous manufacturing process for polymers.