DE10339352A1 - Process to regulate specific mechanical energy input to food ingredients for human or animal consumption e.g. hydrolised starch, fat or protein has mid-point construction - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembly processes food ingredients for human or animal consumption e.g. hydrolised starch, fat or protein. The process regulates the specific mechanical energy inputs and piled density of the product pellets. The assembly has a first process chamber (2) that is separated from a second process zone (4) by a barrier (3) with variable cross-sectional aperture. The second process zone increases pressure on the food mass that is then discharged to a third zone (6) via a mass shaping station (5). The pressure in the third process zone is greater or less than the vapour saturation pressure of the water within the food mass. The food is transported from the first process zone to the second via a pre-conditioning unit (1) by a contra-rotating twin-helical shaft extruder (7) or a gear pump. The barrier (3) is located at roughly the extruder mid-point. Also claimed is a commensurate operating process.

Description

The This invention relates to a plant and a method of manufacture Strength-, fat or protein based food or feed or technical Intermediates from a starch, fat or protein-based water-containing mass according to the preamble of claim 1 or claim 18.

at the production of starch, fat or protein based food or feed or technical Intermediates from a starch, fat or protein-based water mass are substantially two parameters for the product quality of great importance. On the one hand, these are the ones in the product during specific mechanical energy (SME) registered in the process and on the other hand, the bulk density or the pellet density of the product produced.

Known Use process for the preparation of the products mentioned above therefor e.g. one or more extruders. The SME becomes the product in the process room of the extruder over itself rotating worm shafts supplied by shear forces. The extruders used here usually have a catchment area, a process area and a shaping area.

• – Rohmaterialeigenschaften (Rezeptur)
• – Feuchtigkeit (Produktfeuchte)
• – Konfiguration der Extruderschnecken
• – Schneckendrehzahl
• – Füllgrad.

The SME is influenced by the following process and system parameters (process variables):

• - Raw material properties (recipe)
• - Moisture (product moisture)
• - Configuration of extruder screws
• - Screw speed
• - Filling level.

In As a rule, the raw material properties or the recipe are predetermined and therefore can in principle not affected.

The Influencing the SME over the moisture (product moisture) is expensive because the product additionally added Water in a subsequent drying under additional Energy must be removed again.

A Adaptation of the screw configuration is at least with alterations connected to the worm shafts and is very expensive.

A change the screw speed leads to a change of throughput. Usually, however, the speed maximum is used to to achieve maximum throughput. A reduction in the speed would therefore lead to loss of sales.

Consequently remains only the influence of the degree of filling. In the previously known extruder-based method is, however, an influence on the degree of filling without a change the other process variables not possible.

A Adjustment or adjustment of the SME without changing the mentioned other process variables have to, is thus practically impossible.

Of the Invention is therefore the object of the aforementioned Annex or the method mentioned above an adaptation or Setting the SME without change other process variables to enable.

These Task is by the plant and the method according to claim 1 or claim 18 according to the invention solved.

• – einen ersten Bereich mit einem ersten Prozessraum, in welchem eine Durchmischung der Masse erfolgt und in die Masse mechanische und/oder thermische Energie eingetragen wird;
• – einen zweiten Bereich mit einem zweiten Prozessraum, in welchem ein Druckaufbau in der Masse erfolgt; und
• – einen dritten Bereich zur Aufnahme der aus dem zweiten Bereich ausgestossenen Masse;

The plant according to the invention has the following successive areas along which the mass can be conveyed:

• - A first area with a first process space in which a thorough mixing of the mass takes place and in the mass of mechanical and / or thermal energy is entered;
• - A second area with a second process space in which a pressure build-up in the mass takes place; and
• A third area for receiving the mass ejected from the second area;

in which between the second region and the third region, a forming unit is arranged, with which the pressurized mass before her Ejection into the third area to form a specific shape is; characterized in that the plant between the first Area and the second area a mass inhibiting promotion having adjustable barrier.

These adjustable barrier between the first area and the second Area makes it possible the degree of filling and thus the SME in the first area, independent of all other process variables influence. It is even an online influence on the degree of filling and the SMW during of the method possible.

you thus wins over the known conventional Procedures and plants additional Freedom in setting or controlling the process to a to ensure consistently high product quality.

The adjustable barrier is preferably an adjustable cross-sectional ver narrowing.

In the third area can have a pressure that is less than or greater than the saturation vapor pressure of the water contained in the mass. This can be the Initially described products in expanded or non-expanded form produce.

According to one preferred embodiment are the first area and the second area through the process space a multi-shaft extruder, in particular a co-rotating twin-screw extruder educated. This execution characterized by the compactness of the system.

According to one another preferred embodiment are the first area through the process space of a multi-shaft extruder, especially a contrary one Twin-screw extruder, formed and the second area through the process room a single-screw extruder, an opposite one Two-shaft extruder or a gear pump formed. This version allows one hand a strong shear action and thus a high SME entry into the Product in the first area and on the other hand a strong pumping action and thus a strong build-up of pressure in the product in the second area.

Conveniently, the multi-shaft extruder is preceded by a preconditioner. The preconditioner and the multi-shaft extruder then form together the first region of the inventive system. The preconditioner preferably has two chambers connected in series. In the first Chamber finds while a relatively short residence time of the product wetting the Starting materials take place while in the second chamber the water during a relatively long Residence time can act on the starting materials.

Preferably is the adjustable barrier within a length of the multi-shaft extruder or the twin-screw extruder arranged at a location that is between 1/5 and 4/5, especially between 2/5 and 3/5, of the total length of the multi-shaft extruder or the twin-screw extruder is located. This will ensure that upstream from the adjustable barrier enough process space for through the barrier-adjustable SME entry is present in the product and downstream of the adjustable barrier enough process space for the pressure build-up in the product is present.

The adjustable barrier can also be at the downstream end of formed the multi-shaft extruder or the twin-screw extruder can be arranged first range, or it can be on the upstream side End of the single-screw extruder, the counter-rotating twin-screw extruder or the gear pump formed second region may be arranged. Thus, one has upside conveyor from the barrier the possibility to adjust the SME at a relatively high level and possibly to control while one förderabseitig from the barrier has a strong pumping action, which builds up a pressure over a large Pressure range allows.

at Another preferred embodiment the adjustable barrier through a respective snail-free, rotationally symmetric section of the worm shaft or worm shafts of the extruder and by at least one relative to the respective one rotationally symmetric section movable locking member with a to the respective rotationally symmetric section complementary recess is formed, leaving a gap with adjustable gap width between the respective rotationally symmetric section and the complementary recess the locking member is present. By the movement of the locking member relative to its associated rotationally symmetric section can be the Barrier effect of the barrier in the extruder from outside the extruder adjust easily.

Conveniently, the equipment in the second area has pressure adjustment means for adjusting the pressure prevailing in the mass. The pressure adjustment means may be a means of changing the amount of water present in the mass, in particular a Optional feeder or discharge of water vapor in and out of the second region. Thereby let yourself adjust the pressure in the product. This is especially important when one would like to produce expanded extrudates whose bulk density determined by the content of water vapor and the pressure in the product becomes.

By this series connection of the adjustable barrier (SME control module) and the pressure adjustment means (density control module) becomes a independent Influencing the degree of cooking due to product processing (SME) on the one hand and the density or bulk density of the products on the other allows. Both modules can e.g. within a single extruder (co-rotating twin-screw extruder) or distributed to two different extruders (SME control module at the end of a correspondence Two-shaft extruder and density control module at the beginning of a opposing Twin-screw extruder, a single-screw extruder or a gear pump) be arranged.

Preferably, the pressure adjusting means comprises a supply pipe and a discharge pipe for supplying or discharging water vapor into and out of the water. second area, wherein the Zufuhrlei tion and the discharge line can be either enabled or disabled. By selectively blocking or releasing the respective lines, the bulk density of expanded extrudates can thus be adjusted or prevented that an expansion of the extrudates takes place.

at a particularly preferred embodiment The pressure adjusting means comprises a supply line containing the connecting the second area to a steam generating system, a first discharge line connecting the second area with a vacuum system connects, and a second discharge line connecting the second area connects to the first area, with the supply line as well the first and the second discharge line either released or can be locked. The connection of the second area to the first area allows e.g. a return of the from the second area for pressure adjustment withdrawn water vapor in the first area, especially in the preconditioner. Thereby On the one hand energy is saved and on the other hand the emission odorous steam in the ambient air largely avoided.

The Forming unit is conveniently a nozzle plate with a rotatable cutting knife. This can be the beginning produce described products in the form of pellets whose bulk density is adjustable by removing the product from the nozzle plate either not at all or expanding more or less strongly.

• a) Fördern der Masse durch einen ersten Bereich hindurch, welcher einen ersten Prozessraum aufweist, wobei die Masse unter Eintragung mechanischer und/oder thermischer Energie durchmischt und geknetet wird und das Wasser auf die Masse einwirkt;
• b) Fördern der Masse durch einen zweiten Bereich hindurch, welcher einen zweiten Prozessraum aufweist, wobei in der Masse Druck aufgebaut wird;
• c) Umformen der druckbeaufschlagten Masse mittels einer zwischen dem zweiten Bereich und einem dritten Bereich angeordneten Umformeinheit;
• d) Ausstossen der druckbeaufschlagten und geformten Masse in den dritten Bereich;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Einstellung des in dem ersten Bereich stattfindenden spezifischen mechanischen Energieeintrags in die Masse durch Einstellen einer die Förderung der Masse zwischen dem ersten Bereich und dem zweiten Bereich hemmenden Barriere erfolgt.The inventive method has the following successive steps in successive areas:

• a) conveying the mass through a first region, which has a first process space, wherein the mass is mixed and kneaded by recording mechanical and / or thermal energy and the water acts on the mass;
• b) conveying the mass through a second region, which has a second process space, wherein pressure is built up in the mass;
• c) forming the pressurized mass by means of a arranged between the second region and a third region forming unit;
• d) ejecting the pressurized and molded mass into the third region;

characterized in that the adjustment of the specific mechanical energy input occurring in the first region into the mass is effected by adjusting a barrier which inhibits the promotion of the mass between the first region and the second region.

Conveniently, in the second area, a setting of the in the mass prevailing pressure, the adjustment of the pressure preferably by feeding or discharge Water vapor in the second area is added to the water content or to change the product moisture of the mass.

Especially It is advantageous if you choose the second area of water vapor from a steam generating system or the second area Withdrawing water vapor to a vacuum system or from the second Area of water vapor in the first area leads back.

Further Advantages, features and applications of the invention result to be understood from the following description of a non-limiting Embodiment based the drawing, where

1 a purely schematic representation of the inventive system and the inventive method shows;

2 a schematic, partially cutaway view of a first embodiment of the inventive system shows;

3 a schematic, partially cutaway view of a second embodiment of the inventive system shows;

4 a schematic, partially cutaway side view of a first embodiment of the inventive adjustable barrier shows; and

5A . 5B . 5C and 5D are schematic perspective views of a second embodiment of the inventive adjustable barrier in different operating positions.

1 shows a purely schematic representation of the inventive system and the inventive method. The arrows represent the product flow of the mass through the system.

• – einen ersten Bereich 2, in welchem eine Durchmischung der Masse erfolgt und in die Masse mechanische und/oder thermische Energie eingetragen wird (Schritt a);
• – einen zweiten Bereich 4, in welchem ein Druckaufbau in der Masse erfolgt (Schritt b);
• – einen dritten Bereich 6 zur Aufnahme der aus dem zweiten Bereich 4 ausgestossenen Masse (Schritt d).

The plant has the following areas along the product flow:

• - a first area 2 in which a thorough mixing of the mass takes place and mechanical and / or thermal energy is introduced into the mass (step a);
• - a second area 4 , in which a pressure build-up in the mass takes place (step b);
• - a third area 6 to pick up the from the second area 4 ejected mass (Step d).

Between the second area 4 and the third area 6 there is a forming unit 5 with which the pressurized mass before its expulsion into the third area 6 is transformed into a certain shape (step c).

According to the invention, the plant between the first area 2 and the second area 4 an adjustable barrier that inhibits mass promotion 3 on.

The parenthesized reference numerals of 1 refer to the corresponding reference numbers in 2 and 3 out.

2 shows a schematic, partially cutaway view of a first embodiment of the inventive system.

• – einen Vorkonditionierer 1 mit einer ersten Kammer 1a und einer zweiten Kammer 1b, in denen (nicht gezeigte) Werkzeuge von den Motoren M1 bzw. M2 angetrieben werden, wobei die erste und die zweite Kammer in Serie zueinander geschaltet sind;
• – einen gleichläufigen Zweiwellen-Extruder 7 mit einem ersten Teil-Prozessraum 7a und einem zweiten Teil-Prozessraum 7b, zwischen denen eine einstellbare Barriere 3 angeordnet ist;
• – am förderabseitigen Ende des Extruders 7 eine Umformeinheit 5 z.B. in Form einer Düsenplatte und einem rotierenden Schneidmesser; und
• – schliesslich einen dritter Bereich 6, in dem das fertig geformte Produkt aufgenommen wird.

The plant has the following sections along the product flow:

• - a preconditioner 1 with a first chamber 1a and a second chamber 1b in which tools (not shown) are driven by the motors M1 and M2, respectively, the first and second chambers being connected in series with each other;
• - A co-rotating twin-screw extruder 7 with a first part process room 7a and a second part process space 7b between which an adjustable barrier 3 is arranged;
• - At the downstream end of the extruder 7 a forming unit 5 eg in the form of a nozzle plate and a rotating cutting blade; and
• - Finally, a third area 6 in which the finished molded product is taken up.

The driven by a motor M3 via a gear G twin-screw extruder 7 has along the product conveying direction a catchment area E, a cooking area SME (SME registration area), the adjustable barrier 3 , a density adjustment range D, and a pressure buildup range D. Within the density adjustment range is a pressure adjustment means 11 ,

The pressure adjustment means 11 is on the one hand with the density adjustment range D of the extruder 7 and on the other hand with a supply line 12 , a first discharge line 13 and a second discharge line 14 connected. The pressure adjusting means may include a retaining mechanism (screws returning to the extruder) to prevent product from the extruder, along with the steam drawn off 7 exit. Through a valve 12a in the supply line 12 , a valve 13a in the first discharge line 13 and a valve 14a in the second discharge line 14 can the second part process space 7b optionally supplied or withdrawn from the extruder water vapor, wherein preferably the extracted water vapor via the discharge line 14 in the preconditioner 1 is returned.

• – eine Zufuhrleitung 12, die den zweiten Teil-Prozessraum 7b mit einem (nicht-gezeigten) Wasserdampf-Erzeugungssystem verbindet;
• – eine erste Abfuhrleitung 13, die den zweiten Teil-Prozessraum 7b mit einem (nicht-gezeigten) Vakuumsystem verbindet; und
• – eine zweite Abfuhrleitung 14, die den zweiten Teil-Prozessraum 7b mit dem Vorkonditionierer 1 verbindet,

wobei die Zufuhrleitung 12 sowie die erste und die zweite Abfuhrleitung 13, 14 über die jeweiligen Ventile 12a, 13a und 14a wahlweise freigegeben oder gesperrt werden können.The pressure adjusting means 11 are assigned:

• - a supply line 12 that the second part process room 7b communicating with a steam generating system (not shown);
• - a first discharge line 13 that the second part process room 7b connects to a vacuum system (not shown); and
• - a second discharge line 14 that the second part process room 7b with the preconditioner 1 combines,

the supply line 12 as well as the first and the second discharge line 13 . 14 over the respective valves 12a . 13a and 14a can be either enabled or disabled.

The raw material (raw materials) for the production of the starch-, fat- or protein-based food or feed comprises starch, fat or protein-containing raw materials and water. These become the first area 2 (please refer 1 ) either all already in the preconditioner 1 supplied or gradually in the preconditioner and in the first part process space 7a of the extruder 7 fed.

In the preconditioner 1 is entered relatively little SME, and the product is not cooked in it yet. Only in the first part process room 7a of the extruder 7 the essential SME entry and the actual cooking process take place.

In the 2 On the one hand, the system shown enables adjustment of the SME entry in the extruder 7 by adjusting the degree of filling in the first part process space 7a of the extruder 7 by means of the adjustable barrier 3 and on the other hand, adjusting the density of the product by adjusting the water content in the product in the second part process space 7b of the extruder 7 by means of the pressure adjusting means 11 ,

The inventive arrangement of the adjustable barrier 3 between the first part process space 7a and the second part process space 7b of the extruder 7 enables decoupling of the SME entry setting and bulk density adjustment compared to conventional systems, ie SME entry and bulk density (product density) can be set independently of each other.

3 shows a schematic, partially cutaway view of a second Ausführungsbei game of the inventive system. All elements with the corresponding elements of 2 are identical, carry in 3 the same reference numerals as in 2 ,

The plant of 3 differs from the plant of 2 in that the pressure adjustment means 11 a steam jet pump 20 is associated with a steam jet inlet 20a , a steam jet outlet 20b and a suction inlet 20c having. The steam jet pump 20 allows the generation of a negative pressure at its suction inlet 20a when coming from a jet of steam from her inlet 20a to their outlet 20b is flowed through.

At the steam jet pump 20 is the steam jet inlet 20a with a steam generating system (not shown) via a first steam line 21 connected, the steam jet outlet 20b with the preconditioner 1 over a second steam line 22 connected and the suction inlet 20c with the second part process space 7b over a third steam line 23 connected, wherein the first, the second and the third steam line 21 . 22 . 23 each having a first (not shown), second and third valve with which each of them can be selectively released or blocked.

In addition, one is the first steam line 21 and the third steam line 23 connecting fourth steam line (not shown), which provides a bypass line (bypass line) to the steam jet pump 20 forms, wherein the fourth steam line has a fourth valve (not shown) with which it can optionally be blocked or released.

When the bypass line is blocked and the steam lines 21 . 22 and 23 are released, the steam jet pump is in suction mode and sucks out of the part process space 7b Water vapor. This leads to the later occurring expansion in the forming unit 5 to an increase in product density or bulk density.

If, however, the bypass line and the steam lines 21 and 23 are released and the steam line 22 is blocked, the steam jet pump is in pressure mode and pushes out of the steam generating system via the steam line 21 introduced water vapor in the part process space 7b , This leads to the later occurring expansion in the forming unit 5 to a reduction of the product density or the bulk density.

Depending on the desired bulk density, the density of the expanded extrudates (pellets) or the degree of expansion of the forming unit 5 (eg nozzle plate) can be adjusted steplessly and in a wide range.

4 shows a schematic, partially cutaway side view of a first embodiment of the inventive adjustable barrier.

• – einen jeweiligen schneckenfreien, rotationssymmetrischen Abschnitt 8a der Schneckenwelle bzw. Schneckenwellen 8 des Extruders 7; und
• – mindestens ein relativ zu dem jeweiligen rotationssymmetrischen Abschnitt 8a bewegbares Sperrglied 9 mit einer zu dem jeweiligen rotationssymmetrischen Abschnitt 8a komplementären Aussparung 9a.

The adjustable barrier 3 is formed by:

• A respective screw-free, rotationally symmetric section 8a the worm shaft or worm shafts 8th of the extruder 7 ; and
• - At least one relative to the respective rotationally symmetric section 8a movable locking member 9 with one to the respective rotationally symmetric section 8a complementary recess 9a ,

Thus there is a gap 10 with adjustable gap width between the respective rotationally symmetric section 8a and the complementary recess 9a of the locking member 9 in front.

In the in 4 Example shown are the rotationally symmetric section 8a and the complementary recess 9a cone-shaped.

An axial displacement of the locking member 9 to the left causes a reduction of the gap 10 and thus an increase in the degree of filling in the part process space 7a , which increases the registered SME.

An axial displacement of the locking member 9 to the right causes an enlargement of the gap 10 and thus a reduction of the degree of filling in the part process space 7a , which results in a reduction in the registered SME.

By the change of the gap 10 adjustable barrier 3 allows in this way a setting of the in the first part process space 7a registered SME independent of all other process variables and in particular regardless of the setting of the product density or the product bulk density in the second part process space 7b ,

5A . 5B . 5C and 5D show schematic perspective views of a second embodiment of the inventive adjustable barrier in different operating positions.

The SME control module shown here 3 consists essentially of two cylindrical locking members 9 , which are arranged side by side and with parallel cylinder axes. Each of the two locking members 9 has two recesses 9a that are complementary to a jewei ligen rotationally symmetric section 8a two parallel, intermeshing worm shafts 8th are. The lower of the two cylindrical locking members 9 is driven via a locking member motor M4. At the motor facing away from each of the two locking members 9 a gear 9b , The radius of the two gears (spur gears) and their teeth are formed so that they mesh with each other. As a result, the upper locking member 9 via the lower by the motor M4 driven locking member 9 driven. As a result, the actuated locking members move 9 . 9 in opposite directions, causing the gap 10 between the rotationally symmetric sections 8a and the complementary recesses 9a can be reduced or increased depending on the direction of rotation of the motor M4.

In the example shown here are the rotationally symmetric sections 8a and the complementary recesses 9a cylindrically shaped.

5A shows the SME control module 3 in a fully open position. The two locking members 9 . 9 are turned away from each other as far as possible. This position allows the snails 8th expand.

5B shows the SME control module 3 in a position pivoted by approx. 60 °. The two locking members 9 . 9 are here partly turned away from each other. These and other angular positions of the locking members 9 . 9 allow adjustment of a desired flow resistance in the module 3 and thus the degree of filling in the first part process space 7a (please refer 2 ).

5C shows the SME control module 3 in a position pivoted by 90 °. The two locking members 9 . 9 are turned on each other as far as possible. This angular position of the locking members 9 . 9 allows almost complete blockage and thus maximization of flow resistance in the module 3 and thus the degree of filling in the first part process space 7a (please refer 2 ). In this position, the gap is 10 between the cylindrical sections 8a the worm shafts 8th and the complementary recesses 9a the locking members 9 . 9 about 0.5mm.

5D shows the complete unit of the SME control module including the in the 5A . 5B and 5C Not shown locking member housing H.

1

preconditioner

1a

first chamber

1b

second chamber

2

first Area

3

adjustable barrier

4

second Area

5

Forming unit, nozzle plate

6

third Area

7

co-rotating multi-shaft extruder or twin-screw extruder

7a

first Part process room of MWE or ZWE

7b

second Part process room of MWE or ZWE

M1

first Engine of the preconditioner

M2

second Engine of the preconditioner

M3

extruder motor

F

Product conveying direction

G

extruder gears

e

catchment area

SME

SME-entry area (Boiling range)

D

Density Adjustment

P

Pressure buildup area

8th

worm shaft

8a

rotationally symmetrical section

9

locking member

9a

complementary recess

9b

gear

M4

Locking member Motor

H

Locking member housing

10

gap

11

Pressure setting means

12

supply line

12a

Valve

13

first discharge line

13a

Valve

14

second discharge line

14a

Valve

20

Steam ejector

20a

Steam inlet

20b

Steam jet outlet

20c

Suction inlet

21

first steam line

22

second steam line

23

third steam line

Claims (23)

Plant for the production of starch-, fat- or protein-based foodstuffs or technical intermediates from a starch, fat or protein-based water-containing mass, the plant having the following successive areas along which the mass can be conveyed: a first area ( 2 ; 1 . 7a ) with a first process space ( 7a ), in which a mixing of the mass takes place and in the mass mechanical and / or thermal energy is entered; - a second area ( 4 ; 7b ) with a second process space ( 7b ), in which a pressure build-up in the mass takes place; and - a third area ( 6 ) for receiving the second area ( 4 ; 7b ) ejected mass; between the second area ( 4 ; 7b ) and the third area ( 6 ) a forming unit ( 5 ) is arranged, with which the pressurized mass before its ejection into the third area ( 6 ) is deformable to a specific shape; characterized in that the plant between the first area ( 2 ; 1 . 7a ) and the second area ( 4 ; 7b ) an adjustable mass inhibiting barrier ( 3 ) having. Plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustable barrier ( 3 ) is an adjustable cross-sectional constriction. Plant according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in the third area there is a pressure which is less than the saturation vapor pressure of is in the mass of water. Plant according to claim 1 or 2, characterized that in the third area there is a pressure greater than the saturation vapor pressure of is in the mass of water. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first area ( 2 ; 1 . 7a ) and the second area ( 4 ; 7b ) through the process space of a multi-shaft extruder, in particular a co-rotating twin-screw extruder ( 7 ) are formed. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized that the first area through the process space of a multi-shaft extruder, especially a contrary one Twin-screw extruder, is formed and the second area through the process room a single-screw extruder, a counter-rotating twin-screw extruder or a Gear pump is formed. Installation according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the multi-shaft extruder ( 7 ) a preconditioner ( 1 ) is connected upstream. Plant according to claim 5, characterized in that the adjustable barrier ( 3 ) within a length of the multi-shaft extruder or the twin-screw extruder ( 7 ) is arranged at a location which is between 1/5 and 4/5, in particular between 2/5 and 3/5, the total length of the multi-shaft extruder or the twin-screw extruder ( 7 ) is located. Plant according to claim 6, characterized in that the adjustable barrier on the downstream side End of the multi-shaft extruder or the twin-screw extruder is formed formed first area. Plant according to claim 6, characterized that the adjustable barrier at the upstream end of the through the single-screw extruder, the counter-rotating twin-screw extruder or the gear pump formed second region is arranged. Installation according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the adjustable barrier ( 3 ) by a respective screw-free, rotationally symmetric section ( 8a ) of the worm shaft or worm shafts ( 8th ) of the extruder ( 7 ) and at least one relative to the respective rotationally symmetric section ( 8a ) movable locking member ( 9 ) with one to the respective rotationally symmetric section ( 8a ) complementary recess ( 9a ) is formed, so that a gap ( 10 ) with adjustable gap width between the respective rotationally symmetrical section ( 8a ) and the complementary recess ( 9a ) of the locking member ( 9 ) is present. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plant in the second area ( 4 ) a pressure adjustment means ( 11 ) to adjust the pressure prevailing in the mass. Plant according to claim 12, characterized in that the pressure adjustment means ( 11 ) comprises means for varying the amount of water present in the bulk. Plant according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the pressure setting means ( 11 ) An institution ( 12 . 13 . 14 for selectively supplying or removing water vapor into and out of the second area ( 7b ) having. Plant according to claim 14, characterized in that the pressure adjustment means ( 11 ) a supply line ( 12 ) and a discharge line ( 13 . 14 ) for supplying or discharging water vapor into and out of the second area ( 7b ), wherein the supply line ( 12 ) and the discharge line ( 13 . 14 ) can be either enabled or disabled. Plant according to claim 15, characterized in that the pressure adjustment means ( 11 ) a supply line ( 12 ), which covers the second area ( 7b ) connects to a steam generating system, a first discharge line ( 13 ), which covers the second area ( 7b ) connects to a vacuum system, and a second discharge line ( 14 ), the second Be rich with the first area connects, wherein the supply line ( 12 ) and the first and the second discharge line ( 13 . 14 ) can be either enabled or disabled. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the forming unit is a nozzle plate with a rotatable cutting blade is. Process for the preparation of starch, fat or protein based Food or feed or technical intermediates a starch, using fat or protein based bulk water a plant according to one of the claims 1 to 17, the method being the following successive Steps in successive areas include: a) Promote the Mass through a first area, which a first Process room, wherein the mass under registration of mechanical and / or thermal energy is mixed and kneaded and the water acting on the mass; b) conveying the mass through a second area, which has a second process space, wherein pressure is built up in the mass; c) forming the pressurized Mass by means of a between the second area and a third Area arranged forming unit; d) expelling the pressurized and shaped mass in the third area; characterized, that the setting of the occurring in the first area specific mechanical energy input into the mass by adjusting a the promotion inhibiting the mass between the first area and the second area Barrier takes place. Method according to claim 18, characterized in the third area there is a pressure which is less than the saturation vapor pressure of water contained in the mass, so that the pressurized shaped mass expands upon its entry into the third area. Method according to claim 18, characterized that in the third area there is a pressure greater than the saturation vapor pressure of water contained in the mass, so that the pressurized shaped mass does not expand as it enters the third area. Method according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized that in the second area a setting of the prevailing in the mass Pressure takes place. Method according to claim 21, characterized that the adjustment of the pressure by feeding or discharging Water vapor in the second region takes place to the water content or to change the product moisture of the mass. Method according to claim 22, characterized in that optionally, the second portion of water vapor from a steam generating system supplied or the second area of water vapor to a vacuum system is withdrawn or from the second area water vapor in the first Area is returned.