--- title: 4 Processing Tips for Speedier Shutdowns description: Discover four tips for improving key variables in your shutdowns to ensure you can get your process up and running quicker. image: https://www.asaclean.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/This%20image%20depicts%20someone%20making%20checkmarks%20on%20a%20checklist-4.jpeg --- [ Order Online ](https://asaclean.my.site.com/b2bstore) [ Free Sample ](https://offers.asaclean.com/free-sample) ## [ Asaclean Blog ](https://www.asaclean.com/blog) Browse by Topic " aerospace asaclean asaclean news Asaclean® benefits asahi kasei automotive Best Practices black specks blisters blow molding blown-film extrusion buyers caps and closures carbon contamination cast-film extrusion Chemical Purging Compounds clear applications Color Changeovers Company News compounding consumer products contamination Cost savings custom molders Customer Success Story decreasing scrap defects electronics Energy Efficiency EX Grade extruder cleaning Extrusion fillament glass filled Glitter Grade Selection HDPE High and Low Temp Changeovers hold a bubble Hot Runners Injection Molding Injection Molding Tips LDPE Lightweight automotive components LLDPE low residue maintenance Material Changeovers Mechanical Purging Compounds medical Melt Flow Index NPE 24 nylons on the fly packaging PCR PEEK Polypropylene Post Consumer Resins preventative preventative purging processing tips profile extrusion Purge Program purge programs Purge Training Purge Trial purging purging compounds purging concentrates purging procedures Purging Tips quality recycled resins residue issues scrap reduction Screw Pulls sheet extrusion shutdown and sealing start-up super engineering resins Sustainability Tech Day technical support training trials Troubleshooting Twin Screw twin screw extrusion two step purging U Grade ULTEM venting Viscosity webinars wire extrusion - 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[Twin Screw](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/twin-screw) - [twin screw extrusion](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/twin-screw-extrusion) - [two step purging](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/two-step-purging) - [U Grade](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/u-grade) - [ULTEM](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/ultem) - [venting](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/venting) - [Viscosity](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/viscosity) - [webinars](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/webinars) - [wire extrusion](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/wire-extrusion) [ Subscribe ](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/4-tips-for-speedier-shutdowns#subscribe-modal) ### Suscribirse Troubleshooting / 3 min read / November 29, 2017 # 4 Processing Tips for Speedier Shutdowns - [Facebook Share ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asaclean.com%2Fblog%2F4-tips-for-speedier-shutdowns) - [Twitter Tweet ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asaclean.com%2Fblog%2F4-tips-for-speedier-shutdowns&text=4+Processing+Tips+for+Speedier+Shutdowns) - [LinkedIn Share ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asaclean.com%2Fblog%2F4-tips-for-speedier-shutdowns&title=4%20Processing%20Tips%20for%20Speedier%20Shutdowns&summary=Discover+four+tips+for+improving+key+variables+in+your+shutdowns+to+ensure+you+can+get+your+process+up+and+running+quicker.&source=) - [Pinterest Pin ](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asaclean.com%2Fblog%2F4-tips-for-speedier-shutdowns) - [Email Email ](mailto:?subject=4%20Processing%20Tips%20for%20Speedier%20Shutdowns&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asaclean.com%2Fblog%2F4-tips-for-speedier-shutdowns) ![4 Processing Tips for Speedier Shutdowns](https://www.asaclean.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/This%20image%20depicts%20someone%20making%20checkmarks%20on%20a%20checklist-4.jpeg?width=640&height=500&name=This%20image%20depicts%20someone%20making%20checkmarks%20on%20a%20checklist-4.jpeg) ![improve-purging-process.jpg](https://www.asaclean.com/hs-fs/hubfs/purging-process-1.jpg?width=307&name=purging-process-1.jpg "improve-purging-process.jpg") A manufacturing engineer from an extrusion blow molding plant reached out to me to help him work on a project. His goal was to speed up their [shutdown](https://www.asaclean.com/purging-procedures/injection-molding/sealing-shutdown-startups/) process on a specific machine. He felt it was taking way too long for how frequent this line was shutdown. He told me they had experimented with commercial purge compounds over the years. Unfortunately, these compounds were unproductive and delivered no benefit. Based on these past experiences, there was a lot of skepticism regarding purging compounds at this particular plant. They decided that the most fruitful and useful method was to use a cheap, thermally stable resin.  This was not the best choice. To obtain a clearer understanding as to why their shutdown process was drawn-out and how to make them swifter, we collaborated with each other in depth over numerous months and thoroughly investigated what their processing, purging, and shutdown conditions were. We considered factors such as production/purge material melt indices and normal processing/purge temperatures for both the barrel/screw and accumulator head, just to mention a couple. To help this engineer facilitate faster shutdowns, I recommended four simple, yet effective, steps: - **1.) Use a heat-activated, [chemical purge compound](https://www.asaclean.com/purging-products/asaclean-chemical-purging-grades/) to displace the production material from the machine faster.** - **2.) Elevate the processing temperatures to between 500Fº to 550Fº in all heat profiles zones, to optimize the chemical and foaming activity of the purge.** - **3.) Contain the purge in the entire system (barrel/screw and accumulator head) with the screw turning at slow RPM for a heat soak of 30 minutes, so that growth of it would occur and enable it to get into low-pressure areas.** - **4.) Completely empty the purge from the system, kill the heats and then go home for the weekend.** The engineer reported that the shutdown process went well after the preliminary trial run. **These modest changed reduced shutdown time by 25%**. It seems as though their shutdown process advanced to some extent. I have high confidence, with a little more practice, overtime it will get even faster for him. **Learn more about improving your purging process with proper procedures.** **** ** [![](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/468726/interactive-161630774182.png) ](https://www.asaclean.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLddqzONM90r6O6t4D7yxxHo%2BjtW9S8EZRHHsY83aQ2vpbc9bJq8kpmnJmV%2FSo%2BOhP310E9KO%2BMv6gR7f9UeMp269UWV%2BZHkP7CmREgLM95JaH%2F7QREbWSeGcA4ryXCTBnJZItwo17%2BsOHD1m7LiEt8G7w%2FHDteuDeA2cxUUP4PA0Txj4%2B7ZD3oIp%2Bnib%2FSnatuLF2MP1Zoln63ZT8RB4qv3uaiMxaigffBPILRNX9y5vsNFqok95%2BU&webInteractiveContentId=161630774182&portalId=468726) ** ** ** ![Ben Moore](https://www.asaclean.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Head_Shots/Ben%20Moore%20Headshot%20LinkedIn.jpg?width=150&name=Ben%20Moore%20Headshot%20LinkedIn.jpg) #### [ Ben Moore ](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/author/ben-moore) Ben Moore brings over 20 years of experience as a Purging Expert at Asaclean Purging Compounds, a leading manufacturer and distributor of purging compounds. As part of Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, Inc. (APNA), Ben has personally assisted hundreds of customers, helping them achieve significant cost savings. Based in Parsippany, NJ, Ben specializes in optimizing operations for thermoplastic injection molding, extrusion, compounding, and blow molding processes. His expertise lies in maximizing production efficiency by minimizing downtime and reducing scrap. For those interested in trying Asaclean products or seeking expert guidance, feel free to contact Ben directly. You can contact him at 800-787-4348, extension 227, or via email at bmoore@asaclean.com. - [Share On LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-moore-84073131/) ## Related Posts [![3 Quick Tips for Faster Start-Ups](https://www.asaclean.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/This%20image%20depicts%20the%20words%20Start%20Up%20with%20a%20lightbulb-2.jpeg?width=450&height=250&name=This%20image%20depicts%20the%20words%20Start%20Up%20with%20a%20lightbulb-2.jpeg) 3 Quick Tips for Faster Start-Ups Troubleshooting / 2 min read / June 15, 2017 ](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/3-quick-tips-for-faster-start-ups) [![3 Easy Tips to Determine Your Cost Per Purge](https://www.asaclean.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/This%20image%20depicts%20someone%20stacking%20piles%20of%20gold%20coins-1.jpeg?width=450&height=250&name=This%20image%20depicts%20someone%20stacking%20piles%20of%20gold%20coins-1.jpeg) 3 Easy Tips to Determine Your Cost Per Purge Chemical... / 2 min read / April 25, 2017 ](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/3-easy-tips-to-determine-your-cost-per-purge) ## Comments Get Started ## Ready to start improving your efficiency and increasing your profitability? - [Request a Consultation](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/4-tips-for-speedier-shutdowns#) - [Contact Sales](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/4-tips-for-speedier-shutdowns#) ![](https://www.asaclean.com/hubfs/assets/images/icons/icon-layers.svg) #### Free Sample Request a free sample of Asaclean® Purging Compounds for your plant and start saving today. [Request your free sample](https://offers.asaclean.com/en/free-sample?hsLang=en) ![](https://www.asaclean.com/hubfs/assets/images/icons/icon-calculator.svg) #### Cost Savings Calculator Use our free calculator to see how much you could be saving with Asaclean® Purging Compounds. [See your savings](https://www.asaclean.com/cost-savings-calculator) [ Back to Top ](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/4-tips-for-speedier-shutdowns#top) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Ben Moore", "url" : "https://www.asaclean.com/blog/author/ben-moore" }, "dateModified" : "2025-07-08T17:14:03.069Z", "datePublished" : "2017-11-29T13:22:00.000Z", "headline" : "4 Processing Tips for Speedier Shutdowns", "image" : [ "https://www.asaclean.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/This%20image%20depicts%20someone%20making%20checkmarks%20on%20a%20checklist-4.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.asaclean.com/blog/4-tips-for-speedier-shutdowns", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.asaclean.com/hubfs/Asaclean%20Logo%20TM.jpg" }, "name" : "Asahi Kasei Plastics North America" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "articleBody" : "A manufacturing engineer from an extrusion blow molding plant reached out to me to help him work on a project. His goal was to speed up their shutdown process on a specific machine. He felt it was taking way too long for how frequent this line was shutdown. He told me they had experimented with commercial purge compounds over the years. Unfortunately, these compounds were unproductive and delivered no benefit. Based on these past experiences, there was a lot of skepticism regarding purging compounds at this particular plant. They decided that the most fruitful and useful method was to use a cheap, thermally stable resin. This was not the best choice.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Ben Moore" }, "datePublished" : "November 29, 2017", "headline" : "4 Processing Tips for Speedier Shutdowns", "image" : "https://468726.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/468726/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/This%20image%20depicts%20someone%20making%20checkmarks%20on%20a%20checklist-4.jpeg", "name" : "4 Processing Tips for Speedier Shutdowns", "url" : "https://www.asaclean.com/blog/4-tips-for-speedier-shutdowns" } ```