RESIDENCE TIME DISTRIBUTION (RTD) AND GOODNESS OF MIXING (GM) DURING CO2‐INJECTION IN TWIN‐SCREW EXTRUSION PART II: GM STUDIES

Abstract

ABSTRACTExperimental residence‐time distribution (RTD) characteristics of an extrusion process may be used to estimate the extent of mixing experienced in the extruder. Using earlier theories of laminar mixing and striation thickness reduction, a new approach to estimate efficacy of mixing of two phases in the mixing zone of the extruder is proposed. Predicting the time required to achieve complete mixing and comparing it with the minimum time (plug flow time) that the extrudate spends in the mixing zone gives a ratio that can be used to evaluate the adequacy of extruder operating conditions for good mixing of gas/fluid injection and extrudate. Twin‐screw extrusion of cornmeal with carbon dioxide injection were used to investigate the effect of CO2 injection pressure and extruder screw speeds on mixing. Lower CO2 injection pressures (25 bars) and lower screw speeds (150 rpm) were theoretically shown to enhance mixing. Scanning electron micrographs (SEMs) of experimental samples taken showed smaller and more uniform cell structures for those conditions which were predicted to favor better mixing.