Apparatus for automatically determining rate of plasticizer absorption of resin powder

An apparatus for automatically determining the rate of plasticizer absorption of a powdery resin, comprising:

• at least one inspection container for holding the powdery resin, said inspection container having a through hole in a bottom thereof;
• an electronic balance for weighing powdery resin contained in the inspection container;
• injection means for injecting plasticizer into the powdery resin contained in the inspection container;
• a centrifugal separator in which the inspection container is placed, for separating and collecting non-absorbed excess plasticizer from the powdery resin;
• a suction device comprising an aspiration port for aspirating the non-absorbed excess plasticizer separated and collected by the centrifugal separator;
• a reciprocating-drive unit for moving the aspiration port up and down within the centrifugal separator;
• a disposal chute for recovering the inspection container after determination of the rate of plasticizer absorption of the powdery resin contained therein;
• robot means for transporting the inspection container, and powdery resin contained therein, to and between the electronic balance, the injection means, the centrifugal separator, and the disposal chute;
• and
• means for calculating the rate of plasticizer absorption of the powdery resin based on the weight of the powdery resin before the plasticizer is injected into the inspection container and the weight of the powdery resin after non-absorbed excess plasticizer is removed therefrom by the centrifugal separator.