AbstractAn analysis of fluid transport in a polymer processor consisting of a hollow vertical cylinder with rotating blades is presented. The action of the rotating blades causes a thin film to be deposited on the inner surface of the processor and a bow wave to form in front of the blade. Fluid transport through the processor depends upon flow within the bow wave. Three types of flows are identified as contributing to the fluid transport: flow under the influence of a pressure gradient, flow due to gravitational force, and drag flow due to the action of the rotating blades. Equations describing these flows are derived as well as an equation for the bow wave profile. Experimental data in good agreement with the theoretical development are presented.