Product Extrusion
The flat cooling die FKD-750 in combination with a twin-screw extruder is designed for the production of protein-based, wet-extruded (HME) extrudates. Protein powder and water are thermomechanically stressed inside the extruder and cooled in the downstream flat cooling die where fibrous, meat-like structures are formed.
The FKD-750 flat cooling die may only be used in conjunction with a twin screw extruder. It consists of two transfer segments, a cooling die segment and an associated contact protection. The cooling of the cooling die segment must be ensured by an external cooling unit with a cooling capacity of at least 5 kW to cool the hot product flow from the extruder.
Suitable raw materials are any flowable, fine-grained protein-powder-water mixtures which are heated and transported from the upstream product channel of the twin screw extruder into the cooling die segment. First the product enters the transfer segment 1A (Item No.1), which is connected to the extruder end plate. Then it passes the transfer segment 2A (Item No.2) and enters the cooling die segment (Item No.3). The product is cooled down to the desired temperature in the cooling die. A coolant (water or glycol/water mixture) is pumped through the double jacket of the cooling segment by an external cooling unit. Finally, the textured product leaves the cooling die segment and can be further processed, such as cutting, chopping or freezing.
The throughput in the flat cooling die FKD-750 is between 8 and 30 kg/h. This depends mainly on the parameters of the extruder, the product formulation, the material properties, the desired product structure and the temperature of the protein-water mixture. Typically, the inlet temperature at the cooling die segment should be around 110 °C to 130 °C. The product temperature at the outlet of the cooling die segment can be between 60 °C and 90 °C. Temperatures above 100 °C lead to expanded products and can be undesirable. Typical protein to water ratios are in the range of 1:2 to 1:1.
| Material frame and protective grille | 1.4301 |
|---|---|
| 4x coolant connection: | internal thread ¾” |
| Frames with height adjustable swivel castors | +/- 40 mm (4x) |
| Center height (distance floor-product channel center) | 1,100 mm |
| Product channel | 50 mm x 15 mm |
| Surfaces in contact with the product are electropolished | |
| Segments with hinged cover and quick clamping connection (8x) | |
| Removable protective grating (touch protection) | |
| Materials in contact with the product: | 1.4404 |
