Abstract: The invention relates generally to an extrusion process using at least one hygroscopic starting material. More specifically, the present invention relates to an extrusion process using at least one hygroscopic starting material wherein a vent stuffer is located down-stream of a feeding location and up-stream of a first kneading and melting section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-aerating valve (1) comprising a valve body (2) with an aperture (3), and a valve flap (4) swivel-mounted to the valve body (2). The valve flap (4) is particularly configured to swivel between a closing position for closing the aperture (3), and an opening position for opening the aperture (3). Further, the self-aerating valve (1) comprises an air-supply port (5) connectable to an air-supply (12). The valve flap (4) is designed to release air supplied to the air-supply port (5) into the aperture (3) of the valve body (2) in the closing position. Preferably, the valve flap (4) is designed to release the air through its whole surface area (6), wherein the surface area (6) comprise a porous membrane (7) fluidly connected to the air-supply port (5). The self-aerating valve 1 may be used in an aerating system (11) of the present invention, which includes also an air-supply (12) fluidly connected to the air-supply port (5).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-aerating valve (1) comprising a valve body (2) with an aperture (3), and a valve flap (4) swivel-mounted to the valve body (2). The valve flap (4) is particularly configured to swivel between a closing position for closing the aperture (3), and an opening position for opening the aperture (3). Further, the self-aerating valve (1) comprises an air-supply port (5) connectable to an air-supply (12). The valve flap (4) is designed to release air supplied to the air-supply port (5) into the aperture (3) of the valve body (2) in the closing position. Preferably, the valve flap (4) is designed to release the air through its whole surface area (6), wherein the surface area (6) comprise a porous membrane (7) fluidly connected to the air-supply port (5). The self-aerating valve 1 may be used in an aerating system (11) of the present invention, which includes also an air-supply (12) fluidly connected to the air-supply port (5).