Gas assisted co-extrussion apparatus and process for forming foods

摘要

A gas assisted co-extrusion apparatus (20) includes a co-extrusion die (22) in communication with an extruder (24). A nozzle (56) that is defined by a bore (58) in the co-extrusion die extends about a nozzle axis (AN) to a nozzle exit (60) of the co-extrusion die. An injector (50) extends through the bore of the co-extrusion die along the nozzle axis. The injector and nozzle together form a dough (26) into a rope (30) that is tubular with a wall portion (32) and an inner cavity (34) surrounded by the wall portion as the dough is extruded out of the nozzle exit and about the injector. A compressed gas source (62) provides a compressed gas out of an injector outlet (66) and into the inner cavity of the rope to radially stretch the wall portion of the rope. A delivery system (86) delivers an entrainable material to the compressed gas in a pipe (78) connected to an injector inlet.