Methods of coloring resins with a quick change liquid metering device

A method of coloring a thermoplastic or thermoset utilizing a liquid transport and mixing apparatus comprising a manifold, a mixing vessel having an external surface and an internal surface, and at least one detachable liquid transport insert attached to a transport tube;

• wherein said mixing vessel comprises an opening therein to receive said at least one detachable liquid transport insert;
• wherein said apparatus also includes a locking mechanism to attach temporarily but securely said at least one detachable liquid transport insert directly to said mixing vessel, said mechanism comprising a locking pin within said mixing vessel and an indentation within said at least one detachable liquid transport insert, wherein said locking pin is shaped in relation to said indentation such that upon locking, said pin prevents said at least one detachable liquid transport insert from being removed without first removing said pin therefrom;
• wherein said at least one detachable liquid transport insert and said mixing vessel are configured in such a manner wherein said at least one detachable liquid transport insert is in contact with both the external and internal surfaces of said mixing vessel when said locking mechanism is engaged;
• wherein said at least one detachable liquid transport insert comprises integrally and internally a hollow portion, which is connected to but not integrally part of said transport tube, through which a liquid may be transported through said at least one detachable liquid transport insert into said mixing vessel when said at least one detachable liquid transport insert is attached to said mixing vessel;
• wherein said hollow portion has a first opening and a second opening, wherein at least one of said first and second openings is located within said mixing vessel and said second opening is located outside said mixing vessel;
• wherein said at least one detachable liquid transport insert and said mixing vessel opening are configured in such a manner as to permit receipt of said at least one detachable liquid transport insert within said mixing vessel opening upon insertion of said at least one detachable liquid transport insert within said mixing vessel opening and, upon activation of said locking means, to prevent escape of an appreciable amount of liquid outside of either of said mixing vessel or said at least one detachable liquid transport insert;
• and wherein at least one detachable liquid transport insert and mixing vessel are configured in such a manner when said locking means is in operation said at least one detachable liquid transport insert extends within said mixing vessel such that any liquid transported from said at least one detachable liquid transport insert into said mixing vessel is directed away from the internal walls of said mixing vessel;
• wherein said method comprises the steps of
• a) providing a molten resin within said manifold;
• b) providing a liquid coloring agent within said at least one detachable liquid transport insert;
• c) attaching said at least one detachable liquid transport to said manifold via said manifold opening;
• d) transporting a liquid coloring agent into said manifold, wherein said molten resin is mixed with said liquid coloring agent to form a resultant colored molten resin;
• and
• e) cooling said resultant colored molten resin into a desired shape.