EXTRUSION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EXTRUDING HIGH PROTEIN FOODSTUFFS

摘要

There is described a twin-screw extruder in which there are provided a pair of die hole sets which are aligned with the extrusion paths from each screw. This arrangement allows all the extrusion path lengths from a plane perpendicular to the screw ends to the outer ends of the die holes to be substantially the same. Preferably two sets of cutter blades cut extrudate at the die hole outlets of each set. The blades are arranged on a pair of rotary assemblies, the axes of rotation of which are substantially coaxial with the axes of rotation of the extruder screws. Optionally a pressure chamber, capable of sustaining a pressure of less than ambient, is in gas tight communication with the outlet of the extruder to receive extrudate to enhance expansion of the extrudate.