Wet Extrusion MP100
Custom Powders offers a wide range of processes in order to produce and process granules. Next to compaction (dry powders), the agglomeration technique (wet powders) and then size reduction technique we also offer two types of pelleting techniques. One of them is the pelleting press technique for the processing of dry to reasonably wet products (See Pelleting Press –UMT) and the other one is the technique for the extrusion of wet products varying from slurries to pastes. 
The latter one is the technique we will present here. The equipment we have in house is a machine from Baker-Perkins, the MP-100. This is a so called Co-extruder with two screws also sometimes referred to as Twin-extruder.
This machine is often used for applications in the detergent- or washing powder industry but also in the animal feed or food industry.
In all honesty, we do not have a great deal of practical experience with this specific technique but we are well capable of developing your enquiry in close relationship with you as well as with the supplier of the equipment.
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Producing Pellets|Wet Extrusion MP100
Custom Powders is proud to be able to offer 10 different ways to produce granules. In order to get there we have invested in a number of different technologies that enable us to produce all kinds of granules with specific characteristics.
This extrusion technique is a technique that we have had in house for a number of years but where we have still not gained a great deal of experience. We are not in the position to do any lab work for you and are not really set up to do the initial development work for you. What we do offer is our close working relationship with APV Baker-Perkins. Together with this supplier we can develop your product and the process and help you to up-scale to production level.
Extrusion is a technique whereby a substance is formed by pushing the (often warmed up product) with considerable force trough a perforated plate (die), a bit like toothpaste coming out of a tube or like spaghetti coming out of a pasta machine. The extrudate can vary in shape and form depending on your wishes. It can be for example in the shape of pellets, cylinders or sticks.
Our MP-100 (Co-extruder) is a rather specific type of extrusion machine with a short barrel. In this barrel one or more products can be blended together to one stream before it is pressed through the die. It is possible to feed a powder via a loss in weight system to the barrel and then a liquid to it. The two screws will then transform this mixture into a slurry or paste that under high shear will be forced through the die. The extrudate produced can be cut to a required size (12 mm – 120 mm) and if desired can be dried/cooled or milled.
The extrusion technique is often used for detergent or washing powder applications but also for plastic additives, animal feed or food applications. It is a flexible technique that offers the opportunity to develop new products and applications.
The advantages of extrusion lie in that it is an efficient continuous process that can handle dry, relatively viscous materials, offers a good control over the warming conditions, can improve the handling characteristics of the product and will deliver a uniform product. It is a rather complex technology that offers a lot of opportunities.
We are looking forward to discuss your specific interests with you and discuss the further possibilities of this technique in order to help you on your way.