Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for extruding gelled product by conveying a liquid mixture of chemically reacting components into and through a conveyance channel wherein the components chemically react to form a gel while being conveyed through the conveyance channel. The conveyance channel includes internal surfaces that form flow surfaces for conveyance of the product through the channel. The conveyance channel further includes a fluid flow path communicating with the internal surfaces so as to continuously apply a film of fluid over the internal surfaces as the liquid mixture is conveyed through the channel so that the liquid mixture is conveyed as a first phase within the channel surrounded by the film acting as a second phase to separate the first phase from the internal surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for conveying a product. In accordance with the method aspects of the present invention, the steps comprise providing a flow channel having internal surfaces and introducing the product into the channel and causing the product to move through the channel for flow as a first phase through the channel. Pursuant to a feature of the present invention, a step of simultaneously applying a film of fluid over the internal surfaces is carried out during movement of the product through the channel to provide a second phase to surround the first phase and separate the first phase from the internal surfaces during conveyance of the product through the channel so that the first phase moves as a plug of material through the channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for conveying a product. In accordance with the method aspects of the present invention, the steps comprise providing a flow channel having internal surfaces and introducing the product into the channel and causing the product to move through the channel for flow as a first phase through the channel. Pursuant to a feature of the present invention, a step of simultaneously applying a film of fluid over the internal surfaces is carried out during movement of the product through the channel to provide a second phase to surround the first phase and separate the first phase from the internal surfaces during conveyance of the product through the channel so that the first phase moves as a plug of material through the channel.