The effect of the melt viscosity and operating conditions on processing parameters in a co-kneader with a discharge die was experimentally investigated. Filling ratio, pressure, temperature, and residence time distribution were measured. Experiments were performed with polypropylene resins. The viscosity of the melt was varied either by changing the regulation temperature of the kneader or the molecular weight of the polymer. The filling pattern in the co-kneader shows the conveying capability of the various elements without any effect of the melt viscosity. Experimental residence time distributions remain the same at a given feed rate and screw speed, regardless of the viscosity of the material. The global degree of filling in a zone combining conveying elements, kneading elements, and restriction ring was found to be nearly constant in the conditions of this study and therefore a simple relation exists between the mean residence time and the feed rate. Beside expected variations of the die pressure and melt temperature when the viscosity, screw speed or feed rates change, a model based on heat equation and experimental data demonstrate the high capability of the co-kneader for heat exchange and for the control of self-heating during mixing. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:133-141, 2018. (c) 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers