Multiple extruders systems
With this architecture,
the facility will
have multiple
extruders simultaneously feeding
a common dryer/coater/cooler
system, with the product finally
stored in a single blended
product bin.
To produce the product
defined on p. 4, here are the
steps:
1. Start mixing for each
component: red fish,
yellow triangle, brown
drumstick and green pea;

2. Start dryer;

3. Simultaneously start each
of the four extruders and
tune to acquire the specific
blend required;

4. Start coating and cooling.

With a multiple extruder system, multiple
extruders feed a common dryer/coater/cooler
system, with the final product stored in a single
blended bin.

This architecture is very complex and takes up an extensive amount of floor space, not to mention capital and maintenance time.

This system has considerable inherent complexity, especially when you
consider the task of starting up the extruders simultaneously to reduce waste
production. The pain points of this architecture are:

■ Extensive consumption of valuable plant floor space;

■ High capital cost:

• Four extrusion systems (live bin, preconditioner, extruder, knife drive)

with an approximate total equipment cost of US$1.2 million;

• High capacity ancillary equipment line (dryer, coater, cooler, etc.) with

an approximate total equipment cost of US$1.5 million;

■ High maintenance cost. ■