The Annular Gap Expander consists of a thick-walled mixing tube with replaceable liners and cantilevered shaft which is fitted with a feed worm and mixing and kneading segments.

By means of adjusting the cone, the pressure, the intensity of kneading, the product heating and the energy consumption can be controlled and programmed continuously and instantaneously.

The maximum pressure is abt. 40 bar, the operating temperatures at the expander outlet are between 90 and 140°C. At the outlet the pressure drops spontaneously, the material expands and part of the added water evaporates (flash evaporation). Subsequent drying is not required.

The particle size of the expanded product can be determined by means of the breaker device which is installed immediately after the expander.