PRE-CONDITIONERS

Some processes require preliminary treatment of raw materials before they enter the twin screw extruder. Preconditioners are mainly used for the processing of food products: flakes or pellets for cereals and snacks. They are also used for the production of ingredients used in pet food and fish. The preconditioner is responsible for heating, hydrating and mixing the dry raw materials before proceeding with the extrusion, and automatically doses the pre-treated product in the extruder. In this way, it optimizes the capabilities and performance of the extruder, and improves the characteristics of the final product.

FUNCTIONS OF THE PRE-CONDITIONER IN THE DOUBLE SCREW EXTRUSION PROCESS Depending on the characteristics required for the final product, the preconditioner can carry out the following functions: Introduction of different liquids or dry ingredients in a homogeneous mixture Heating of raw materials at controlled temperature Flour pre-humidification before its introduction into the extruder Start of the pre-gelatinization process of starches.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A PRE-CONDITIONER

The preconditioner continuously mixes in the early stages, thereby optimizing product processing within the extruder Mixing is done using a co-rotating threaded device, which has rotors with adjustable blades, which allow the production of a more homogeneous mixture Variable blade profiles and adjustable speed, ideal for achieving optimum residence time Adjustment of various injection points, which makes it possible to add different types of liquids: water, steam, oils, etc.

ADVANTAGES OF CLEXTRAL PRE-CONDITIONERS

Selection of a complete range of preconditioners that adapt to the specifications of the lines or products to be processed Different production speeds, ranging from 50 to 20,000kg / h for volumes from 25L to 3,000L Easy to use and ergonomically safe, so that operators who use the machines both in the early stages and in the last stages are not in any kind of danger Preconditioners are expertly designed with customer needs in mind to optimize efficiency and improve the quality of final extruded products by: Ensure optimal conversion of starches Destroy certain enzymes and microorganisms and thus guarantee food safety and flavor characteristics Minimize wear and tear or production downtime, because preconditioned products are perfectly homogeneous and ensure recipe consistency