Justification of the thermovacuum system of the unit for processing plant raw materials

The purpose of the research is to provide a theoretical basis for improving the efficiency of the thermovacuum system of the plant raw material extrusion unit. An innovative approach to upgrading the equipment used for thermoplastic processing of plant raw materials involves applying reduced pressure to the raw material as it exits the machine's die. This technology significantly alters the formation of the capillary-porous structure of the extrudates, as well as the intensity and depth of their dehydration, thereby addressing the inherent limitations of classical single-screw extrusion. The extrusion technology, known as thermovacuum extrusion, reduces energy consumption by lowering the temperature of the extruder process and partially regenerating the heat energy during the process. Based on modern ideas about the disadvantages and possible ways to improve single-screw extruders, a unit for energy-efficient thermovacuum processing of plant raw materials has been proposed. Its design and technological scheme include technical solutions that allow solving problems related to the processing of plant raw materials with high moisture content by pre-reducing the moisture content of the processed raw materials, as well as regulating the intensity of dehydration of the finished product. The article also discusses the conditions for regenerating the heat used in the machine's working process and improving the energy efficiency of the unit as a whole. The conducted research made it possible to obtain analytical expressions, with the help of which it is possible to determine the air flow rate, admitted into the chambers of the preliminary and final processing of raw materials of the unit and to determine the parameters of the system, providing the thermovacuum effect of the extrusion process. The results obtained can be useful and taken into account in the process of subsequent theoretical studies of thermovacuum extruders and will allow, on their basis, to increase the efficiency of machines, carrying out the extrusion of plant raw materials for fodder and food purposes.