Abstract: High-capacity extrusion die assemblies (20, 90, 130, 140, 180, 252) each having a tubular sections (44, 146, 162, 268) and an elongated, axially rotatable, helically flighted screw section (56, 56a, 152, 168, 276, 278) which cooperatively define frustoconical, outwardly diverging material flow paths (75, 160, 291) at constant or differing divergence angles of from about 1-11°. The use of diverging tubular sections (44, 146, 162, 268) and screw sections (56, 56a, 152, 168, 276, 278) permits the use of larger die plates (76, 118, 292) with an increased number of die openings (80, 124, 296). This allows significant increases in extrusion production rates. The die assemblies (20, 90, 130, 140, 180, 252) can be used in the production of a wide number of human foods or animal feeds, and particularly aquatic feeds of the floating or sinking variety.

Abstract: High-capacity extrusion die assemblies (20, 90, 130, 140, 180, 252) each having a tubular sections (44, 146, 162, 268) and an elongated, axially rotatable, helically flighted screw section (56, 56a, 152, 168, 276, 278) which cooperatively define frustoconical, outwardly diverging material flow paths (75, 160, 291) at constant or differing divergence angles of from about 1-11°. The use of diverging tubular sections (44, 146, 162, 268) and screw sections (56, 56a, 152, 168, 276, 278) permits the use of larger die plates (76, 118, 292) with an increased number of die openings (80, 124, 296). This allows significant increases in extrusion production rates. The die assemblies (20, 90, 130, 140, 180, 252) can be used in the production of a wide number of human foods or animal feeds, and particularly aquatic feeds of the floating or sinking variety.

Abstract: Flow restriction assemblies (10,10a,10b) adapted to be mounted on single or twin screw extruders (16,16b,32) in order to allow selective adjustment of material flow through the extruders (16,16b,32), with consequent alteration in back pressure, shear and mechanical energy imparted to the material being processed. The assemblies (10,10a,10b) each have shearlock(s) (12,12a,12b) mounted on the extruder drive shaft(s) (30,30a,30b), together with restriction units (14,14a,14b). The units (14,14a,14b) have opposed flow restriction components (48,50,48a,50a,48b,50b) supported on opposite sides of the corresponding shearlocks (12,12a,12b) and mounted for a substantially aligned and rectilinear back and forth sliding movement. In this fashion, the clearance between the inner surfaces (54,54a,54b) of the components (48,50,48a,50a,48b,50b) and the shearlocks (12,12a,12h) can be selectively adjusted. The assemblies (10,10a,10b) are small in size and can be located at various points along the length of extruders (16,32).