Single-screw cooking extruder
GEA xTru Cooker
The single-screw cooking-extruder that can transform any raw materials into high added value products
The great versatility of the extrusion-cooking process
After flour hydration and mixing, the forced feeder fills the cooking barrel, which can reach high temperatures thanks to the heaters surrounding the cylinder, as well as a conditioning unit that enables the right temperature profile required to cook specific kinds and blends of flours.
In a GEA xTru Cooker extruder, most of the energy required for cooking comes from a single fluid (super-heated water) that flows in jackets around the main barrel. This fluid is heated by electric resistance and its temperature is controlled with chilled water. Since it uses only one fluid, the system is more stable than technology with separate heating and cooling systems.
In addition, the specific kneading/shear profiles of the cooking screw enable a long residence time for perfect cooking.
Hygiene, safety and strength: the 3 key elements of GEA xTru extruders
Hygiene
Parts in contact with the product, such as the single-shaft premixer, mixing tank and shaft with orientable paddles are made of stainless steel and can be easily disassembled for cleaning and sanitisation.
Safety
The machines are equipped with safety probes to get immediate feedback on any malfunctions; the drive system for the extrusion screw is equipped with a thrust bearing dimensioned with a wide safety margin and corresponding protection casing; the electrical plant is manufactured in compliance with EN60204-1 standards, including sensors and safety microswitches.
Strength
The extrusion screws are made of induction-hardened stainless steel, which offers high yield strength and good corrosion resistance. The supporting structures are made of carbon-painted steel, including a service platform for easy access and maintenance.
FEATURED
Noodles processing technology
Downloads
Related Videos
Crafting the crunch
GEA Insights
Smart, stylish, circular: polycotton recycling with Circ
Resource-efficient fashion has been a long-sought ambition amid the fashion industry’s considerable contributions to global carbon emissions. The need to close the loop by recycling textile fibers into virgin-like materials is higher than ever but seemed like a distant dream until now: Circ, GEA’s American customer and pioneer in the field of textile recycling, might be rewriting the future of the fashion industry.
New food tipping point
Alternative proteins are promising – yet still expensive to produce. The usual response is that scaling up will solve this issue. But what if the solution was really about getting better, not just bigger? From more efficient, high-yield processes to upcycling waste heat, engineers are reshaping how we grow food.
A safer way to produce cancer treatments
As anti-cancer drugs become more powerful and complex, GEA is redefining how to safely freeze-dry these life-saving treatments.
