An Analysis of Residence Time Distribution Patterns in A Twin Screw Cooking Extruder

Abstract The influence of a co‐rotating twin screw extruder's controlling variables on its residence time distribution (RTD) patterns were measured and analyzed. Variables studied included: screw profile, throughput, screw speed, moisture content and die diameter. Throughput, screw speed and screw profile had strong influence on the mean residence time. Water content, die size and temperature did not. A combination plug flow—perfect mixing model was shown to adequately describe the dimensionless RTD data.