| 摘要 |
An improved, dual-shaft preconditioner ( 10, 70, 102 ) is provided having independent drive mechanism ( 18, 20, 78, 80 ) operatively coupled with a corresponding preconditioner shaft ( 14, 16, 74, 76, 106, 108 ) and permitting selective rotation of the shafts ( 14, 16, 74, 76, 106, 108 ) at rotational speeds and directions independent of each other. Preferably, the speed differential between the shafts ( 14, 16, 74, 76, 106, 108 ) is at least about 5:1. The mechanisms ( 18, 20, 78, 80 ) are operatively coupled with a digital control device ( 60 ) to allow rotational speed and direction control. Preferably, the preconditioner ( 10, 70, 102 ) is supported on load cells ( 62, 100 ) also coupled with control device ( 6 0) to permit on-the-go changes in material retention time within the preconditioner ( 10, 70, 102 ). The preconditioner ( 10, 70, 102 ) is particularly useful for the preconditioning and partial gelatinization of starch-bearing feed or food materials, to an extent to achieve at least about 50% cook in the preconditioned feed or food materials.
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