An apparatus for extruding a starch-inulin complex

By combining a twin-shaft paddle mixer with a segmented temperature-controlled screw extruder, the problems of uneven mixing and insufficient thermodynamic control in the production of starch and inulin complexes have been solved, achieving efficient and stable fully automated production and improving the uniformity and functional properties of the products.

CN224473955UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-10ZHEJIANG PHARMA COLLEGE

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZHEJIANG PHARMA COLLEGE
Filing Date
2025-06-12
Publication Date
2026-07-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the existing technology, the industrial production of starch-inulin complex has problems such as poor mixing uniformity, low thermodynamic control precision, and fragmented process flow, resulting in unstable product functional characteristics and poor production continuity.

Method used

By combining a twin-shaft paddle mixer with a segmented temperature-controlled screw extruder and a cooling and cutting device, the system achieves efficient mixing and directional gelation of starch and inulin. Through gradient temperature control and limiting ring shearing, a stable complex network structure is formed. Combined with intelligent feeding and precise cutting, a fully automated production system is constructed.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improves the extrusion molding efficiency and finished product uniformity of starch-inulin complex, enhances the functional characteristics and production efficiency of the product, and ensures product quality stability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This utility model discloses a starch and inulin complex extrusion processing equipment, belonging to the field of food processing machinery technology. The equipment consists of a twin-shaft paddle mixer, a hopper, a feeding mechanism, a screw extruder, a cooling chamber, a cutting device, and a vibrating screen. It achieves continuous production through a segmented temperature-controlled extrusion process. The screw extruder is divided into three zones: preheating, gelatinization, and gelation. Combined with gradient temperature control and a limiting ring to enhance shearing, it promotes full starch gelatinization and directional inulin gelation. Dynamic water replenishment in the gelatinization zone stabilizes the extrusion pressure, while the cooling chamber cools and locks in the porous structure. An adjustable blade cutting device adapts to different particle size requirements. This utility model solves the problems of uneven mixing, feeding blockage, and insufficient cooling rate and cutting accuracy in traditional equipment, achieving fully automated and efficient production from raw material mixing to finished product grading.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of food processing machinery technology, specifically relating to an extrusion processing device for starch and inulin complex. Background Technology

[0002] Starch-inulin complexes, as functional food bases, have garnered significant attention in the health food sector in recent years due to their unique effects in regulating glycemic response and improving gut health. However, the industrial production of these complexes still faces several technical bottlenecks, primarily manifested in insufficient systematic integration of raw material processing, thermoplastic molding, and post-processing stages. In the raw material pretreatment stage, traditional single-shaft mixers suffer from low shear strength and severe axial backmixing, resulting in insufficient uniform dispersion of starch and inulin, directly affecting the molecular interface bonding efficiency of subsequent extrusion reactions. In the extrusion molding process, conventional single-temperature zone extruders cannot adapt to the process contradiction between starch gelatinization (requiring 90-120℃) and the thermosensitive nature of inulin (decomposition temperature <120℃). Furthermore, traditional equipment relies on external humidification systems to regulate moisture content; uneven water molecule penetration easily leads to phase separation, often resulting in visible inulin crystal particles (particle size >200μm) on the extrudate cross-section. In the post-processing stage, the slow cooling rate (>30 minutes) of the air-cooled tunnel causes the high-temperature materials to undergo continuous retrogradation reactions, extending the product rehydration time to 8-10 minutes, which severely restricts the development of ready-to-eat foods. Meanwhile, mechanical cutting assemblies lack particle size adjustment mechanisms, resulting in a particle size variation coefficient of 25%-30% for the same batch of products. This necessitates additional screening processes in downstream applications, increasing energy consumption and production costs. Existing technologies have attempted to improve some of these problems through process optimization. For example, CN101331974B proposes introducing airflow into the cutting area for simultaneous drying of particles, using wind power to reduce particle adhesion. However, this solution requires high control over airflow temperature and velocity, and there is still room for optimization in terms of equipment energy consumption and operational complexity.

[0003] In summary, existing technologies suffer from drawbacks such as poor mixing uniformity, low thermodynamic control precision, and fragmented process flow, leading to unstable product functional characteristics and poor production continuity. There is an urgent need to develop a continuous processing equipment that integrates efficient mixing, gradient extrusion, cooling, and precise grading. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve the problems of uneven mixing, feeding blockage, insufficient cooling rate and cutting accuracy of traditional equipment through a continuous automated process of efficient mixing, segmented temperature-controlled extrusion, rapid cooling and precise cutting. It significantly improves the extrusion molding efficiency and product uniformity of starch and inulin complex, and realizes standardized production throughout the entire process from raw material processing to finished product grading.

[0005] A starch-inulin complex extrusion processing device includes a twin-shaft paddle mixer. The bottom of the twin-shaft paddle mixer is connected to the top inlet of a hopper, and the side wall of the hopper is connected to a feeding mechanism. The bottom of the feeding mechanism has a feeding port, and the bottom of the feeding port is coaxially connected to the inlet port of a screw extruder through a sealing sleeve. The outlet of the screw extruder is connected to a cooling chamber. The side outlet of the cooling chamber faces the inlet of a cutting device, and the side outlet of the cutting device is connected to the side inlet of a vibrating screen device through a guide chute. This device achieves efficient mixing of starch and inulin through the connection between the twin-shaft paddle mixer and the hopper. The sealed connection between the feeding mechanism and the screw extruder ensures continuous and stable feeding. Combined with the continuous process of the cooling chamber, cutting device, and vibrating screen device, it significantly improves the extrusion molding efficiency and product uniformity of the starch-inulin complex. It constructs a complete and continuous extrusion processing system, solving the problems of uneven mixing, feeding blockage, insufficient cooling rate, and insufficient cutting accuracy of traditional equipment, and realizing full-process automation from raw material processing to finished product grading.

[0006] A starch-inulin complex extrusion processing device is disclosed, comprising a screw extruder with a preheating zone, a gelatinization zone, and a gelation zone coaxially connected along the extrusion direction. The segmented screw extruder promotes the full gelatinization of starch and the directional gelation reaction of inulin through gradient temperature control in the preheating, gelatinization, and gelation zones, forming a stable complex network structure. This optimizes the thermodynamic change path of the materials during extrusion, avoids phase separation caused by abrupt temperature changes, and enhances the functional properties of the complex.

[0007] An extrusion processing device for starch and inulin complexes includes independent spiral electric heating tubes embedded in the inner walls of the preheating zone, gelatinization zone, and gelation zone. The temperature of the preheating zone is controlled at 50-70℃, the gelatinization zone at 90-100℃, and the gelation zone at 105-108℃. The preheating zone temperature of 50-70℃ is used to homogenize and initially soften the materials, preheating the starch to its gelatinization initiation temperature to promote water absorption and expansion, but preventing premature gelatinization. The inulin remains solid, not yet fully converted to a glassy state, preventing softening and adhesion that could lead to uneven mixing. The gelatinization zone temperature is set at 90-100℃ to ensure complete starch gelatinization and partial inulin dissolution. Starch gelatinization under extrusion shear requires a temperature above 90℃ (the gelatinization temperature decreases under high pressure); the inulin temperature is controlled below the thermal decomposition threshold (120℃) to avoid degradation; partial dissolution enhances the hydrogen bonding with starch. The temperature of the gelation zone is controlled at 105~108℃. In order to promote the formation of starch-inulin complex gel network, starch is subjected to high temperature and high pressure to promote the rearrangement of amylose and form a stable gel. Inulin is sheared and dispersed into microfiber structure through the limiting ring, which interpenetrates with starch chain to avoid thermal decomposition caused by temperature >110℃.

[0008] An extrusion processing device for starch and inulin complex is provided, in which independent thermocouple sensors are installed on the inner walls of the preheating zone, gelatinization zone, and gelation zone for real-time monitoring of temperature changes within the barrel. The thermocouple sensors collect real-time temperature data of the barrel's inner wall, and, combined with a PID algorithm, automatically adjust the heating power to achieve a temperature fluctuation range of ≤±0.5℃.

[0009] An extrusion processing device for starch and inulin complexes includes a screw extruder with an elongated cylindrical screw. The screw pitch in the preheating zone is 0.3 to 0.5 times the screw diameter. This small pitch design allows the screw to generate significant shear force during rotation. As the screw rotates, the small-pitch tip contacts the material more frequently and applies shear force, subjecting the material to intense shearing within the barrel. This facilitates the rapid crushing of lumpy or granular materials, increases friction between the material and the barrel wall, and promotes material transport and mixing. The shear force generated by the small-pitch tip ensures thorough crushing and uniform dispersion of starch and inulin within the barrel, guaranteeing thorough mixing of the two components during extrusion and improving product uniformity and stability.

[0010] An extrusion processing device for starch and inulin complexes is disclosed. The screw pitch in the gelatinization and gelation zones is 0.8–1.2 times the screw diameter. At least three limiting rings are provided on the inner walls of each zone, positioned between adjacent threads. Increasing the screw pitch in both zones to 0.8–1.2 times the screw diameter improves material conveying speed. The limiting rings (3–5 mm in height) increase local reverse pressure, enhancing shearing and promoting the breakage and recombination of starch-inulin molecular chains. The limiting rings force the material to undergo multiple turbulent mixing processes, extending the reaction time and increasing the gel strength of the complex by 20%–30%. Through the synergistic design of the screw pitch and limiting rings, conveying efficiency and mechanical energy input are balanced, avoiding insufficient gelatinization or excessive degradation caused by the single-pitch design of traditional screws. Directional shearing induces inulin and starch to form a co-crystallized structure, improving the slow digestibility of the complex (reducing in vitro digestibility by 15%–20%).

[0011] An extrusion processing device for starch and inulin complex has a water inlet at the top of the gelatinization zone, which connects the inside and outside of the barrel. A trace amount of water (0.5~1.5L / min) is injected through the inlet (orifice diameter 2~3mm) to compensate for moisture loss due to evaporation in the preheating zone, maintaining a moisture content within a process window of 25%±2%. This water replenishment reduces the friction coefficient between the material and the barrel, stabilizing the extrusion pressure within the range of 8~10MPa. For fluctuations in the initial moisture content of different raw materials (e.g., 15%~20%), dynamic water replenishment standardizes the process parameters.

[0012] A starch and inulin compound extrusion processing device includes an open water tank cooling chamber filled with circulating cooling water. The bottom of the tank has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connected to an external refrigeration unit via a pipe, and the outlet is connected to the return water end of the refrigeration unit via a circulating pump. Multiple sets of guide wheels are arranged at equal intervals along the material's direction of travel within the tank. A double-helix cooling pipe is installed in the tank, with cooling holes evenly spaced and connected to the water supply pipe of the refrigeration unit. The material passes through the center of the cooling pipe to achieve uniform cooling.

[0013] A starch and inulin compound extrusion processing device includes a rotating blade assembly coaxially mounted on the side center of the cutting device via a bearing. The blade assembly comprises radially distributed rectangular blades, with the spacing between adjacent blades adjustable and fixed on a central rotating shaft. The radial blade spacing can be adjusted within the range of 2-10 mm via adjusting bolts on the central rotating shaft to meet diverse particle size requirements, from coarse particles (>5 mm) to fine powder (<1 mm). Product specifications can be quickly switched without changing the blade assembly, adapting to downstream applications (such as fine powder for instant beverages and granules for baking ingredients). The rectangular blade edges are titanium-plated to reduce surface energy and prevent adhesion and loss of sugary materials (inulin) during the cutting process.

[0014] A starch-inulin complex extrusion processing device includes a screw feeder as the feeding mechanism. The upper part of the inner wall of the cylinder integrates a pre-humidification device consisting of atomizing nozzles, which are connected to an external water source via pipelines. The atomizing nozzles (particle size 50-100μm) spray water at a pressure of 0.1-0.3MPa, increasing the material moisture content from 12%-15% to 18%-20%. The even distribution of the nozzles prevents localized over-wetting, and the combined effect of the screw feeder's stirring action ensures the material's looseness meets the requirements for stable feeding.

[0015] The advantages of this invention are as follows: it achieves efficient and uniform mixing and directional gelation reaction of starch and inulin through biaxial paddle mixing and segmented temperature-controlled extrusion process; it stabilizes the porous structure of the complex and improves rehydration properties by using cooling technology; it solves the clogging problem and adapts to diverse product needs by adopting an adjustable cutting and intelligent feeding system; it significantly improves production efficiency and product uniformity by combining fully automated design; and it effectively avoids phase separation and thermal degradation by using precise temperature control (±0.5℃), dynamic water replenishment and shear enhancement by limiting rings, ultimately obtaining a starch-inulin complex product with optimized functional properties (such as slow digestibility and gel strength) and stable quality. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall device of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the screw extruder of this utility model.

[0019] Figure descriptions: 1-Dual-shaft paddle mixer, 2-Hopper, 3-Feeding mechanism, 31-Feeding port, 4-Screw extruder, 41-Preheating zone, 42-Gelatinization zone, 43-Gel zone, 44-Screw, 45-Limiting ring, 46-Water inlet, 5-Cooling chamber, 6-Cutting device, 7-Vibrating screen device. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Example 1:

[0021] See attached document Figure 1 As shown, a starch and inulin complex extrusion processing device includes a twin-shaft paddle mixer 1. The bottom of the twin-shaft paddle mixer 1 is connected to the top inlet of a hopper 2. The side wall of the hopper 2 is connected to a feeding mechanism 3. The bottom of the feeding mechanism 3 has a feeding port 31. The bottom of the feeding port 31 is coaxially connected to the inlet port of a screw extruder 4 through a sealing sleeve. The outlet of the screw extruder 4 is connected to a cooling chamber 5. The side outlet of the cooling chamber 5 is directly opposite the inlet of a cutting device 6. The side outlet of the cutting device 6 is connected to the side inlet of a vibrating screen device 7 through a guide trough. This device achieves efficient mixing of starch and inulin through the connection design between the twin-shaft paddle mixer 1 and the hopper 2. The sealed connection between the feeding mechanism 3 and the screw extruder 4 ensures continuous and stable feeding. Combined with the continuous flow of the cooling chamber 5, the cutting device 6, and the vibrating screen device 7, it significantly improves the extrusion molding efficiency and product uniformity of the starch and inulin complex. A complete and continuous extrusion processing system is constructed to solve the problems of uneven mixing, feeding blockage, insufficient cooling rate and cutting accuracy of traditional equipment, and to realize full-process automation from raw material processing to finished product grading.

[0022] See attached document Figure 2As shown, a starch-inulin complex extrusion processing device is provided. The screw extruder 4 is sequentially equipped with a preheating zone 41, a gelatinization zone 42, and a gelation zone 43, all coaxially connected along the extrusion direction. The segmented screw extruder promotes the full gelatinization of starch and the directional gelation reaction of inulin through gradient temperature control in the preheating zone 41, gelatinization zone 42, and gelation zone 43, forming a stable complex network structure. This optimizes the thermodynamic change path of the materials during extrusion, avoids phase separation caused by sudden temperature changes, and enhances the functional properties of the complex.

[0023] See attached document Figure 2 As shown, a starch-inulin complex extrusion processing device has independent spiral electric heating tubes embedded in the inner walls of the preheating zone 41, gelatinization zone 42, and gelation zone 43. The temperature of the preheating zone 41 is controlled at 50~70℃, the temperature of the gelatinization zone 42 is controlled at 90~100℃, and the temperature of the gelation zone 43 is controlled at 105~108℃. The temperature of the preheating zone 41 is controlled at 50~70℃ to homogenize and initially soften the material. The starch is preheated to the gelatinization initiation temperature to promote water absorption and expansion, but premature gelatinization is avoided. The inulin remains solid, not yet fully converted to a glassy state, preventing softening and adhesion that could lead to uneven mixing. The temperature of the gelatinization zone 42 is set at 90-100℃ to ensure complete starch gelatinization and partial inulin dissolution. Starch gelatinization under extrusion shear requires a temperature above 90℃ (the gelatinization temperature decreases under high pressure); the inulin temperature is controlled below the thermal decomposition threshold (120℃) to avoid degradation; partial dissolution enhances the hydrogen bonding with starch. The temperature of gelation zone 43 is controlled at 105~108℃. In order to promote the formation of starch-inulin complex gel network, starch is subjected to high temperature and high pressure to promote the rearrangement of amylose and form a stable gel. Inulin is sheared and dispersed into microfiber structure through the limiting ring 45, which interpenetrates with starch chain to avoid thermal decomposition caused by temperature >110℃.

[0024] See attached document Figure 2 As shown, a starch-inulin complex extrusion processing device has independent thermocouple sensors installed on the inner walls of the preheating zone 41, gelatinization zone 42, and gelation zone 43 for real-time detection of temperature changes inside the barrel. The thermocouple sensors collect real-time temperature data of the inner wall of the barrel, and the heating power is automatically adjusted in combination with a PID algorithm to achieve a temperature fluctuation range of ≤±0.5℃.

[0025] See attached document Figure 2As shown, a starch and inulin compound extrusion processing device includes a screw extruder 4 with an elongated cylindrical screw 44 inside. The pitch of the screw 44 in the preheating zone 41 is 0.3 to 0.5 times the diameter of the screw 44. This small pitch design allows the screw 44 to generate a large shear force during rotation. When the screw rotates, the small-pitch tip can contact the material more frequently and apply shear force, causing the material to undergo strong shearing action within the barrel. This helps to quickly break up lumpy or granular materials, increases the friction between the material and the inner wall of the barrel, and between the materials themselves, thereby promoting material conveying and mixing. The shear force generated by the small-pitch tip design allows the starch and inulin to be fully broken down and evenly dispersed within the barrel, ensuring that the two components are fully mixed during extrusion, improving the uniformity and stability of the product.

[0026] See attached document Figure 2 As shown, a starch-inulin complex extrusion processing device is disclosed. The screw 44 has a pitch of 0.8 to 1.2 times its diameter in the gelatinization zone 41 and gelation zone 43. At least three limiting rings 45 are provided on the inner walls of both the gelatinization zone 42 and gelation zone 43, positioned between adjacent threads. Increasing the screw pitch in the gelatinization zone 41 and gelation zone 43 to 0.8 to 1.2 times the screw diameter increases the material conveying speed. The limiting rings 45 (3-5 mm in height) increase local reverse pressure, enhancing shearing action and promoting the breakage and recombination of starch-inulin molecular chains. The limiting rings 45 force the material to undergo multiple folding and mixing processes, extending the reaction time and increasing the gel strength of the complex by 20% to 30%. Through the synergistic design of the screw pitch and limiting rings 45, the conveying efficiency and mechanical energy input are balanced, avoiding insufficient gelatinization or excessive degradation caused by the single-pitch design of traditional screw 44. Directional shearing induces inulin and starch to form a co-crystallized structure, improving the slow digestibility of the complex (reducing in vitro digestibility by 15%~20%).

[0027] See attached document Figure 2 As shown, a starch-inulin complex extrusion processing device has a water inlet 46 at the top of the gelatinization zone 42, which extends through the inside and outside of the barrel. A small amount of water (0.5-1.5 L / min) is injected through the water inlet 46 (orifice diameter 2-3 mm) to compensate for moisture loss due to evaporation in the preheating zone 41, maintaining a moisture content within a process window of 25% ± 2%. This water replenishment reduces the friction coefficient between the material and the barrel, stabilizing the extrusion pressure within the range of 8-10 MPa. For fluctuations in the initial moisture content of different raw materials (e.g., 15%-20%), dynamic water replenishment standardizes the process parameters.

[0028] A starch and inulin compound extrusion processing device includes a cooling chamber 5 with an open water tank structure. The water tank is filled with circulating cooling water, and the bottom of the water tank has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connected to an external refrigeration unit through a pipe, and the outlet is connected to the return water end of the refrigeration unit through a circulating pump. Multiple sets of guide wheels are arranged at equal intervals along the material's direction of travel in the water tank, and a double-helix cooling pipe is installed in the water tank. The cooling pipe has cooling holes evenly distributed and is connected to the water supply pipe of the refrigeration unit, so that the material passes through the center of the cooling pipe to achieve uniform cooling.

[0029] A starch and inulin compound extrusion processing device includes a rotating blade assembly coaxially mounted on the center of the cutting device 6 via a bearing. The blade assembly comprises six radially distributed rectangular blades, with the spacing between adjacent blades adjustable and fixed to a central rotating shaft. The radial blade spacing can be adjusted from 2 to 10 mm via adjusting bolts on the central rotating shaft to meet diverse particle size requirements, ranging from coarse particles (>5 mm) to fine powder (<1 mm). Product specifications can be quickly switched without changing the blade assembly, adapting to downstream applications (such as fine powder for instant beverages or granules for baking ingredients). The rectangular blade edges are titanium-plated to reduce surface energy and prevent adhesion and loss of sugary materials (inulin) during the cutting process.

[0030] See attached document Figure 1 As shown, a starch-inulin complex extrusion processing device includes a screw feeder as the feeding mechanism 3. The upper part of the inner wall of the screw feeder integrates a pre-humidification device composed of atomizing nozzles, which are connected to an external water source via pipelines. The atomizing nozzles (particle size 50-100μm) spray water at a pressure of 0.1-0.3MPa, increasing the material moisture content from 12%-15% to 18%-20%. The even distribution of the nozzles avoids localized over-wetting, and the combined effect of the screw feeder's stirring action ensures the material's looseness meets the requirements for stable feeding.

[0031] Example 2:

[0032] 1. Equipment configuration and raw material preparation

[0033] Equipment: The equipment used is an extrusion processing device, including a twin-shaft paddle mixer 1, a screw feeder 3, a segmented temperature-controlled screw extruder 4 (preheating zone 41, gelation zone 42, gelation zone 43), a cooling chamber 5, an adjustable spacing cutting device 6, and a vibrating screen 7.

[0034] Raw materials: Starch and inulin are mixed in a mass ratio of 7:3.

[0035] 2. Operating Procedures and Parameter Settings

[0036] Step 1: Mixing and Pre-conditioning

[0037] Starch and inulin were added to a twin-shaft paddle mixer 1 (30 r / min) and mixed for 5 minutes. The mixed material was then conveyed by a screw feeder 3 and dynamically replenished with water through an atomizing nozzle (0.2 MPa water pressure, 80 μm droplet size) to increase the material moisture content to 18%.

[0038] Step 2: Segmented temperature-controlled extrusion

[0039] Preheating zone 41: temperature 60℃, screw 44 pitch 0.4 times diameter (screw diameter 50mm), shearing and crushing raw materials, material residence time 20 seconds.

[0040] Gelatinization zone 42: temperature 95℃, pitch 1.0 times diameter, water injection 0.8L / min, limiting ring 45 (height 4mm) to enhance shear, extrusion pressure stabilized at 9MPa.

[0041] Gel region 43: Temperature 108℃, pitch 1.0 times diameter, forming a uniform gel network.

[0042] Step 3: Water Tank Cooling and Cutting

[0043] The gel material enters an open circulating water tank from outlet 4 of the screw extruder. The tank is 3.5m long and divided into two temperature-controlled sections: the first section has a warm water temperature of 60±5℃ and a residence time of 8 seconds to eliminate sudden cooling stress; the second section has a cooling water temperature of 15-25℃, where enhanced convection through cooling pipes causes the material's core temperature to drop uniformly from 108℃ to 25℃. The tank is equipped with guide wheels to control the material's travel speed at 0.3m / s, preventing material entanglement and deviation. The cooling water is maintained at a constant temperature by an external refrigeration unit, and the flow rate is stabilized at 5m³ / h by a PID controller. After cooling, the material is scraped by a scraper (rubber blades, 0.5mm gap) to remove residual surface moisture, reducing the moisture content to below 12% before entering the cutting device. The cooled material is then cut into 3mm particles by rotating blades (blade spacing 3mm).

[0044] Step 4: Screening and Finished Product

[0045] Vibrating screen device 7 (amplitude 2mm, frequency 25Hz) removes debris and ultrafine powder (<0.5mm), with a finished product yield of 98% and a particle size distribution of 3±0.2mm.

[0046] The embodiments and / or implementation methods described above are merely preferred embodiments and / or implementation methods for implementing the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods of the present utility model in any way. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to other equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical means disclosed in the present utility model, but these should still be regarded as the same technology or embodiment as the present utility model.

[0047] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this application. The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that due to the limitations of written expression, while there are objectively infinite specific structures, those skilled in the art can make several improvements, modifications, or changes without departing from the principles of this application, and can also combine the above technical features in an appropriate manner. These improvements, modifications, changes, or combinations, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, should all be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A starch and inulin complex extrusion processing device, comprising a bi-shaft paddle mixer (1), characterized in that: The bottom of the dual-shaft paddle mixer (1) is connected to the top feed port of the hopper (2), the side wall of the hopper (2) is connected to the feeding mechanism (3), the bottom of the feeding mechanism (3) has a feeding port (31), the bottom of the feeding port (31) is coaxially connected to the feed port of the screw extruder (4) through a sealing sleeve, the outlet of the screw extruder (4) is connected to the cooling chamber (5), the side outlet of the cooling chamber (5) is directly opposite the feed port of the cutting device (6), and the side outlet of the cutting device (6) is connected to the side feed port of the vibrating screen device (7) through a guide groove.

2. The starch and inulin complex extrusion processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The screw extruder (4) is provided with a preheating zone (41), a gelling zone (42), and a gelling zone (43) connected coaxially along the extrusion direction.

3. The starch and inulin complex extrusion processing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the preheating zone (41), gelatinization zone (42), and gelation zone (43) has an independent spiral electric heating tube embedded in its inner wall. The temperature of the preheating zone (41) is controlled at 50~70℃, the temperature of the gelatinization zone (42) is controlled at 90~100℃, and the temperature of the gelation zone (43) is controlled at 105~108℃.

4. The starch and inulin complex extrusion processing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: Independent thermocouple sensors are installed on the inner walls of the preheating zone (41), gelation zone (42), and gelation zone (43) to detect temperature changes inside the barrel in real time.

5. The starch and inulin complex extrusion processing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The screw extruder (4) is equipped with a long cylindrical screw (44) inside. The screw (44) in the preheating zone (41) has a pitch of 0.3 to 0.5 times the screw diameter.

6. The starch and inulin complex extrusion processing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The screw (44) has a pitch of 0.8 to 1.2 times the screw diameter in the gelatinization zone (42) and the gelation zone (43). Each of the gelatinization zone (42) and the gelation zone (43) has at least three limiting rings (45) on its inner wall, and the limiting rings (45) are arranged between adjacent threads.

7. The starch and inulin complex extrusion processing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The gelatinization zone (42) is provided with a water inlet (46) at the top, and the water inlet (46) runs through the inside and outside of the barrel.

8. The starch and inulin complex extrusion processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling chamber (5) is an open water tank structure. The water tank is filled with circulating cooling water. The bottom of the water tank is provided with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connected to an external refrigeration unit through a pipe, and the outlet is connected to the return water end of the refrigeration unit through a circulating pump. Multiple sets of guide wheels are arranged at equal intervals along the material travel direction in the water tank. A double-helix cooling pipe is set in the water tank. The cooling pipe has cooling holes evenly opened and is connected to the water supply pipe of the refrigeration unit. The material passes through the center of the cooling pipe to achieve uniform cooling.

9. The starch and inulin complex extrusion processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cutting device (6) has a rotating blade assembly coaxially mounted on the side center position via a bearing. The blade assembly contains 6 sets of rectangular blades arranged radially, and the spacing between adjacent blades is adjustable and fixed on the central rotating shaft.

10. The starch and inulin complex extrusion processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding mechanism (3) is a screw feeder, and the upper part of its inner wall is integrated with a pre-humidification device consisting of atomizing nozzles. The nozzles are connected to an external water source through pipelines.