Finite element modeling of fluid flow, heat transfer, and melting of biomaterials in a single-screw extruder

• Published in: Journal of food science Vol. 69; no. 5; pp. E212 - E223
• Main Authors: Wang, L.J, Ganjyal, G.M, Jones, D.D, Weller, C.L, Hanna, M.A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.06.2004; Institute of Food Technologists; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: biodegradable; Biological and medical sciences; biomaterials; computer modeling; extruders; Extrusion; finite element analysis; flow; Food industries; food processing equipment; Food science; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Heat transfer; Mathematical models; Melting; single-screw extruder; starch; Starch and starchy product industries; starch granules; biodegradable; computer modeling; Melting; Starch; Modeling; Flow(fluid); Extrusion; Carbohydrate; Biomaterial; Single screw extruder; biomaterials; Polysaccharide; Heat transfer; Finite element
• ISSN: 0022-1147; 1750-3841
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2004.tb10712.x

A mathematical model was developed to simulate non-isothermal plug flow of granular starch in feed zone, melting in transition zone, and non-Newtonian melt flow in metering zone and die channel during single-screw extrusion processing. The maximum deviations between the predicted and experimental pressure at the die entrance, product temperature at the die entrance, and minimum residence time were about 20%, 2.5%, and 8%, respectively, of the measured values when the barrel temperatures were 50 degrees C in the feed zone and 120 degrees C in the rest zones. The deviations were within 40%, 4%, and 15%, respectively, of the measured values when the barrel temperatures were 50 degrees C in the feed zone and 140 degrees C in the rest zones. Simulations were carried out to investigate the operating characteristics of an extruder, the melting degree, and profiles of pressure and bulk temperature during extrusion.