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Black Masterbatch Line: Up to 40% Carbon Black

Carbon black at 40% costs 20–25% of the output of a general colour masterbatch on the same machine — dispersion eats throughput, and that difference is what the price is really made of. A reference black masterbatch line page from Kerke.

Black Masterbatch Line — workshop photo 1, Kerke workshop, NanjingBlack Masterbatch Line — workshop photo 1, Kerke workshop, Nanjing
Black Masterbatch Line — workshop photo 2, Kerke workshop, NanjingBlack Masterbatch Line — workshop photo 2, Kerke workshop, Nanjing
Black Masterbatch Line — workshop photo 3, Kerke workshop, NanjingBlack Masterbatch Line — workshop photo 3, Kerke workshop, Nanjing
Black Masterbatch Line — workshop photo 4, Kerke workshop, NanjingBlack Masterbatch Line — workshop photo 4, Kerke workshop, Nanjing
Black Masterbatch Line — workshop photo 5, Kerke workshop, NanjingBlack Masterbatch Line — workshop photo 5, Kerke workshop, Nanjing
Black Masterbatch Line — workshop photo 6, Kerke workshop, NanjingBlack Masterbatch Line — workshop photo 6, Kerke workshop, Nanjing
Running video — Black Masterbatch Line, Kerke workshop
Running video — Black Masterbatch Line, Kerke workshop

Quick answer

Black masterbatch runs carbon black up to 40% on a two-stage KTE/SE line or a triple-screw KTE-T, with L/D 48 and water ring pelletizing. Output 300–1,500 kg/h; carbon black handling and dust control matter as much as the extruder.

up to 40%carbon black
400–600 kg/hKTE-95, 40% CB
32–40L/D, triple screw

Workshop photos and a running video — shot on our own lines, not stock images.

What sets the limit

Carbon black is fed through a side stuffer or a crammer feeder to avoid dusting, dispersed under high shear, devolatilized, and pelletized by water ring. A two-stage line keeps die pressure stable when carbon black content varies between batches.

Table 1. Key parameters for black masterbatch extruder line. Reference values — confirm on a material trial.
ParameterValue / range
Carbon black20–40% (N330 / N550 / acetylene)
ConfigurationTwo-stage KTE/SE or triple screw KTE-T
L/D48
PelletizingWater ring hot die-face
Output (reference)300–1,500 kg/h
ModelKTE/SE-75/180, KTE-T-75D

Output figures are measured on the reference material stated above. Filler grade, bulk density and moisture move output by ±15% — that is why every quotation we issue is tied to a trial report.

Process flow, step by step

  1. FeedingLoss-in-weight dosing of polymer and filler; side feeder or liquid injection where the formulation needs it.
  2. Melting and dispersingScrew geometry with 45°/90° kneading blocks; barrel profile set by the polymer.
  3. DevolatilizationVacuum vent at −0.06 to −0.09 MPa removes moisture and volatiles before the die.
  4. Pressure build-upThrottle or discharge section stabilises die pressure; a melt pump where gauge control matters.
  5. Pelletizing and packingWater ring hot die-face; then centrifugal dryer, vibrating screen and bagging.

Equipment configuration

Table 2. What the line is made of, and why each part is specified that way.
StageEquipmentWhy this choice
Main machineTwo-Stage Extruder KTE/SEArchitecture follows the filling level and the mixing duty, not the required tonnage.
Screw geometryBuilding-block elements, W6Mo5Cr4V2, bimetallic linerWear package for abrasive filler; mixing blocks only where dispersion demands them.
FeedingLoss-in-weight feeder, side feeder where neededRecipe accuracy: ±0.5% short term on the weighed component.
PelletizingPelletizing systemChosen by polymer and filler ceiling — water contact is the deciding column.
DownstreamCentrifugal dryer, vibrating screen, baggingFines below 2% and moisture below the specification of your downstream process.

Output by model

Table 3. Two-stage KTE/SE — reference output. Full range on the machine page.
ConfigurationStage 1 (twin screw)Stage 2 (single screw)Output (kg/h)Typical product
KTE-50B / SE-12050.5 mm120 mm300–500Colour / filler masterbatch
KTE-65B / SE-15062.4 mm150 mm500–800Filler masterbatch 85%, PVC
KTE-75B / SE-18071 mm180 mm700–1,200High filler 88–90%, HFFR
KTE-95B / SE-20093 mm200 mm1,000–2,000High filler, cable compound

Three mistakes that cost the most

1. Dust explosion risk

Dust explosion risk — the feeding area needs an extraction hood and grounding, not just a vacuum cleaner.

2. Water ring water turns black within hours: specify a filter and a settling tank, or pellet

Water ring water turns black within hours: specify a filter and a settling tank, or pellets carry black water into the dryer.

3. Quoting output from a generic colour-masterbatch table

Quoting output from a generic colour-masterbatch table — carbon black dispersion eats capacity; the same machine that does 750 kg/h of colour tops out near 600 kg/h on black.

FAQ

Two-stage or triple screw for black?

Both work. Triple screw gives better dispersion at 40% CB in a shorter L/D; two-stage gives cheaper spare parts and easier maintenance. We quote both for comparison.

What carbon black content is realistic?

30–40% for film and pipe grades. Above 40% the melt strength drops and pellet quality suffers regardless of machine.

What output can you guarantee for this application?

The reference band is 300–1,500 kg/h, measured on the stated material. We quote a guaranteed figure only after a trial on your own material, because filler grade, bulk density and moisture move output by ±15%.

Can we run our material before ordering?

Yes — send 25–50 kg. We return pellets, a running video and a report with temperatures, screw speed, feeder settings and output per hour. The trial is free; you cover the freight.

What is the delivery time?

30–45 working days for standard configurations, 45–70 for custom screw geometry and ODM work. Voltage and frequency are built for the destination country.

Where these numbers come from

Parameters are taken from the Kerke product parameter table and the product master data sheet, and cross-checked against commissioning records for lines in the same application. Formulations and temperature windows are typical industry values, not a recommendation for your specific compound — every figure marked reference must be confirmed on a material trial before it becomes a contractual number.

Reviewed by the Kerke process team, Nanjing. Page updated 6 November 2026.

Tell us your material — we will tell you the line

Send 25–50 kg and we run it on our lab extruder: pellets, running video and a capacity report back in 3–7 days.

Black masterbatch line — the short version

Note on black masterbatch line: the numbers above are reference ranges from Kerke's own trial runs, not catalogue promises. Screw geometry, wear package and pelletizing method are set on the trial bench first, so the output you compare is the output you get. If your grade is not in the tables, send it — the closest configuration is usually a change of screw set, not a different machine.

Related on this site: Machine range: KTE-50B to 135D · Pelletizing methods compared · quotation and free trial · Wikipedia: Masterbatch