METHOD FOR PRODUCING EXTRUDED PELLET PRODUCTS WITH MINIMAL TEMPERING TIME

摘要

The method for producing extruded, farinaceous pellets includes extruding a mixture so that it expands upon exiting an extruder. This prepuffed ribbon i s then subjected to stretching and cutting steps to produce pellets. The prepuffing reduces the moisture content of the ribbon so that cut pellets ma de from the ribbon can be immediately processed without the need for a moisture conditioning and/or dehydration step. In stretching, the extrudate ribbon is passed through a set of rollers to increase the extrudate ribbon's velocity thereby causing the ribbon to stretch. Stretching the extrudate ribbon cause s a reduction in thickness along with an increase in density. After cutting, t he pellets can then be expanded in a puffing stage to produce a product that ha s a desirable light and crunchy texture.