Expert: J. Peter Clark - 8/24/2001

Question
Gentlemen;

We receive a information request from Peruvian Officials asking how can find a really cheap INSTA-PRO MODEL 600 extruder that can cook, expanding, sterilizing, dehydrating and texturizing a wide range of products.

We search the web for used extruders and the prices impossible to afford for Peru due economic crisis. Then ask us who can tell them the PIPE and the inside Part drawings to try to make the extruders. We search the web and not find anything.
They want to make 3 extruders to implement a food program for the poor childrens (Cookies, etc)

Then we appreciate all the information that you can send us regarding with the matter.

We are an export-import and our role here is only as English translators.

Thanks in Advance
Best Regards

Answer
Insta-Pro is one model or brand of extruder; there are others, such as Wenger, Anderson, and Buhler. An extruder is relatively difficult to build from scratch. The inside part or screw must be carefully machined and then hardened and the barrel is also usually hardened. The drive and thrust bearing is also sophisticated. Extruders are used to make pet foods, cereals and snacks. There often are used ones available, but they are not cheap. Another way to make food for children from cereal is drum drying. It uses more energy but the equipment is cheaper and more durable. I was involved in a project for Haiti where we compared extruders and drum dryers to make a nutritious food from corn and oil seed, such as soy or cottonseed. I favored drum drying then because it was simpler. A drum dryer might be built but it would be simpler to buy one. They have rotating seals to provide steam to the inside of a steel cylinder. The cereal mix is spread on the surface and scraped off when it is dry. Hope these ideas help.