Soybean Extrusion Machine

Understanding the Process of Soybean Extrusion
Extrusion of soybeans is the process of using an extruder to enhance the quality and functionality of soybeans. The extruder comprises a hollow tube, a screw-drill, and a die, which is attached to one end. Soybeans are loaded into the extruder barrel and forced through a rotating screw, which exposes the beans to heat high pressure, and shear forces. This causes the protein to be primarily broken down, certain enzymes to be turned off, and anti-nutritional components to be destroyed in the untreated beans. The end product, in this case, is a protein product in a form that is easier to digest and is more nutritious, thus allowing its use in a variety of foods and feeds.

Basic Structures of a Soybean Extruder
Essentially, a soybean extruder has three main parts, including the barrel, screw, and die. Since soybean powder is the end product of the extrusion process, the barrel of the extruder is designed to allow both mechanical and thermal treatment of the soybeans inside it. A screw is the main rotating unit located inside the barrel of the exchanger that transports and compresses, and heat treats the grains. Together with the rotational motion provided by the screws, this mechanism is responsible for the pressure and shear, which are vital for the extrusion process. At the far end of the extruder's feeder, a die molds the shape of the extruded product when it leaves the barrel. It is one of the determining factors of the structure and shape of the extrudates so that the processed soybeans meet the specifications and are ready for food and feed applications.