Extrusion mold and method of use
In one embodiment of the invention a mold system and method of use are provided such that aqueous starch-based compositions and baked goods articles that use the conversion of water to steam may be produced using an extruder that allows the venting of such gases and/or steam. The extruder is vented in such a way as to allow steam to escape, but retain the composition until the exit end.
1. An extrusion head comprising:
a multi-piece extrusion head comprising at least two pieces, wherein the at least two pieces define at least a portion of an inner cavity that extends the length of the multi-piece extrusion head;
an material inlet on a first side of the multi-piece extrusion head and a material outlet on a second side of the multi-piece extrusion head;
a first axial venting gap, wherein the first axial venting gap is dimensioned to allow for the venting of a gas but substantial retention of the material to be extruded during extrusion, the first axial venting gap comprising a first portion extending in a substantially continuous manner along the length of the multi-piece extrusion head and in fluid communication with the inner cavity, and a second portion in direct fluid communication with the first portion, wherein the second portion is wider than the first portion; and
wherein at least a portion of the first axial venting gap is formed at a first intersection of at least two pieces of the multi-piece extrusion head.
2. The extrusion head of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of axial venting gaps.
3. The extrusion head of claim 2 further comprising a radial venting gap.
4. The extrusion head of claim 2 wherein the plurality of axial venting gaps comprises the first axial venting gap and at least a second axial venting gap, the second axial venting gap comprising a first portion extending in a substantially continuous manner along the length of the extrusion head and in fluid communication with the inner cavity, and a second portion in direct fluid communication with the first portion, wherein the second portion is wider than the first portion.
5. The extrusion head of claim 4 wherein the at least a portion of the second axial venting gap is formed at a second intersection of at least two pieces of the multi-piece extrusion head.
6. An extrusion head comprising:
a multi-piece extrusion head comprising at least two pieces, wherein the at least two pieces define at least a portion of an inner cavity that extends the length of the multi-piece extrusion head;
a first radial venting gap, wherein the first radial venting gap is dimensioned to allow for the venting of a gas but substantial retention of the material to be extruded during extrusion, the first radial venting gap comprising a first portion extending in a substantially continuous manner along a circumference of the inner cavity of the multi-piece extrusion head and in direct fluid communication with the inner cavity, and a second portion in direct fluid communication with the first portion, wherein the second portion is wider than the first portion; and wherein at least a portion of the first radial venting gap is formed at a first intersection of at least two pieces of the multi-piece extrusion head.
7. The extrusion head of claim 6 further comprising a second radial venting gap.
8. The extrusion head of claim 7 wherein the second radial venting gap is dimensioned to allow for the venting of a gas but substantial retention of the material to be extruded during extrusion, the second radial venting gap comprising a first portion extending in a substantially continuous manner along a circumference of the inner cavity of the extrusion head and in direct fluid communication with the inner cavity, and a second portion in direct fluid communication with the first portion, wherein the second portion is wider than the first portion.
9. The extrusion head of claim 8 wherein at least a portion of the second radial venting gap is formed at a second intersection of at least two pieces of the multi-piece extrusion head.
10. An extrusion head comprising:
a multi-piece extrusion head comprising at least two pieces, wherein the at least two pieces define at least a portion of an inner cavity that extends the length of the multi-piece extrusion head;
a first axial venting gap, wherein the first axial venting gap is dimensioned to allow for the venting of a gas but substantial retention of the material to be extruded during extrusion, the first axial venting gap comprising a first portion extending in a substantially continuous manner along the length of the multi-piece extrusion head and in fluid communication with the inner cavity, and a second portion in direct fluid communication with the first portion, wherein the second portion is wider than the first portion; and
a first radial venting gap, wherein the first radial venting gap is dimensioned to allow for the venting of a gas but substantial retention of the material to be extruded during extrusion, the first radial venting gap comprising a first portion extending in a substantially continuous manner along a circumference of the inner cavity of the multi-piece extrusion head and in direct fluid communication with the inner cavity, and a second portion in direct fluid communication with the first portion, wherein the second portion is wider than the first portion, and
wherein at least a portion of the first axial or radial venting gap is formed at a first intersection of at least two pieces of the multi-piece extrusion head.
11. The extrusion head of claim 10 wherein the first axial venting gap is formed at a first intersection of at least two pieces of the multi-piece extrusion head and the first radial venting gap is formed at a second intersection of at least two pieces of the multi-piece extrusion head.
12. The extrusion head of claim 10 further comprising at least a second axial venting gap and at least a second radial venting gap.
13. The extrusion head of claim 11 further comprising at least a second axial venting gap and at least a second radial venting gap.